This pioneering discipline is at the core of the biological, agricultural, veterinary and medical sciences and has become essential in fields as diverse as virology and epidemiology, biodiversity conservation and sustainable agriculture. The advent of advanced technologies continues to enhance existing research strategies. This allows for dynamic interdisciplinary collaboration, not only within the life sciences, but also in fields such as informatics and mathematics. The genomes of numerous animals, plants and pathogens, as well as those of humans, have been decoded. This has led to new informative methods for studying gene interactions at various cellular levels. Computational modelling has proven invaluable to novel gene discovery and understanding the origins and spread of emerging viruses, such as the H1N1-virus.
The Division of Genetics is an active player on the international scientific stage and offers internationally recognised undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. These degrees are research oriented and place strong emphasis on developing analytical skills. The Division of Genetics offers both single- and dual-major options in its Genetics and Human Genetics programmes.
Students can therefore choose to either specialise in genetics as a single major, or combine their genetics subjects with a second multidisciplinary major, such as biochemistry, microbiology, plant science, zoology or human physiology in the Human Genetics programme. At the undergraduate level, students are provided with a thorough background in the principles of genetics, as well as the application of these principles in fields as diverse as genomics, plant and animal biotechnology, diagnostics and risk determination, bioethics, conservation ecology and population, behavioural and evolutionary studies.
Graduates of the This Genetics programme from University of Pretoria .generally choose to work as molecular biologists, medical or clinical geneticists, cytogeneticists, biotechnologists, agricultural scientists, molecular ecologists, forensic scientists, genetic counsellors, bioinformaticists and computational analysts, veterinary scientists, teachers or lecturers at various institutions and in bioscience-related industries.
If students combine genetics with additional qualifications such as law, they will be equipped for success in careers such as patent law, pharmaceutical sales and marketing, project management, computer programming (natural computation) and science journalism. Note that the level of training and qualification plays an important role in determining what type of work a qualified geneticist can become involved.
Starting in
Starting in
You can apply until:
Everyone
Always verify the dates on the programme website.
Application period starts on the 1st of May and ends on 31st of August
Courses include:
You need the following IELTS score:
Minimum required score:
The IELTS – or the International English Language Test System – tests your English-language abilities (writing, listening, speaking, and reading) on a scale of 1.00–9.00. The minimum IELTS score requirement refers to which Overall Band Score you received, which is your combined average score. Read more about IELTS.
Subjects passed on an exit-level
The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.
Check the programme website for information about funding options.
Studyportals Tip: Students can search online for independent or external scholarships that can help fund their studies. Check the scholarships to see whether you are eligible to apply. Many scholarships are either merit-based or needs-based.
