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4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program
University of West LondonThe BSc (Hons) Bioinformatics & Genomics with Placement at the University of West London combines biology, data analysis, and computing to help you understand how genetic information drives health, disease, and biological processes. It’s ideal for students who enjoy science and problem-solving, want strong practical skills, and are keen to boost their employability through a paid or unpaid placement year in a real professional setting.
Curriculum structure:
This four-year undergraduate degree is designed to build your knowledge step by step, from scientific foundations to advanced genomic analysis, with a dedicated placement year that gives you valuable real-world experience.
Year 1:
You’ll start by developing a solid grounding in the life sciences through modules such as Cell and Microbiology and Chemistry, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, helping you understand how biological systems function at a molecular level. Alongside this, Essential Skills for Bioscientists introduces laboratory techniques, data handling, and scientific communication, preparing you for more advanced study.
Year 2:
In your second year, the focus shifts toward specialist bioinformatics and genomics skills. You’ll study modules that explore Genomics and Bioinformatics, where you learn how DNA sequence data is generated and analysed, and develop computational skills using tools and programming approaches relevant to biological data. This year strengthens your ability to interpret complex datasets and apply digital methods to real biological questions.
Placement year:
Your third year is spent on a professional placement, giving you the opportunity to work in industry, healthcare, research, or a laboratory environment. This year allows you to apply your academic learning in practice, develop professional confidence, and gain experience that significantly strengthens your CV and graduate prospects.
Final year:
In your final year, you’ll bring everything together through advanced modules and an independent research project, where you investigate a topic in bioinformatics or genomics that interests you. This project demonstrates your ability to work independently, analyse real data, and apply both laboratory and computational skills at graduate level.
Focus areas:
Genomics, bioinformatics, computational biology, molecular biology, biological data analysis, laboratory and research skills, professional placement.
Learning outcomes:
Graduates will be able to analyse and interpret genomic data, use bioinformatics tools and computational methods confidently, integrate laboratory and digital approaches, carry out independent research, and demonstrate workplace-ready professional skills gained through placement experience.
Professional alignment (accreditation):
The course is designed with strong industry relevance, combining laboratory science with digital and analytical skills that align with careers in genomics research, healthcare, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and data-driven life sciences.
Reputation (employability rankings):
The University of West London is known for its strong focus on employability and applied learning, and this degree reflects the growing demand for graduates with combined biological and data science expertise in one of the fastest-growing areas of modern science.
On the BSc (Hons) Bioinformatics & Genomics with Placement, learning is hands-on from the very beginning. You’ll gain practical experience in both laboratory and computational settings, developing the skills needed to analyse biological data, interpret genetic information, and solve real scientific problems. The course is designed to reflect how bioinformatics and genomics are used in research, healthcare, and industry, ensuring your learning feels relevant and applied.
Your experiential learning is supported through:
Laboratory-based teaching, where you develop core skills in molecular biology, microbiology, and genomics using modern scientific techniques.
Computational and data analysis work, where you learn to handle and interpret biological datasets using bioinformatics tools and analytical methods.
Integrated practical assessments, including lab reports, data analysis tasks, and scientific presentations that mirror professional scientific practice.
A dedicated professional placement year, giving you the opportunity to work in industry, research, healthcare, or laboratory environments and apply your skills in real workplace settings.
An independent final-year research project, where you investigate a bioinformatics or genomics topic in depth, working with real data and demonstrating graduate-level scientific thinking.
Access to specialist laboratories, computing facilities, and scientific software, supporting both experimental and data-driven learning.
Teaching from industry-experienced and research-active staff, ensuring your learning reflects current practice in genomics and bioinformatics.
Graduates develop expertise in genomics, computational biology, and bioinformatics tools, preparing them for careers in genomic research, pharmaceutical development, biotechnology, healthcare informatics, and clinical genetics. Common roles include Bioinformatics Scientist, Genomics Data Analyst, Computational Biologist, Clinical Genomics Specialist, and Biomedical Data Consultant.
Further Academic Progression
112 UCAS points required from level 3 qualificationsGCSE English, Maths, and two sciences or double science (grade 9 - 4 / A* - C) or Level 2 equivalent.IELTS: Overall score: 6.0 (with no component below 5.5)TOEFL: Overall score of 78+ (Reading 18, Writing 17, Listening 17, Speaking 20)India: Indian Standard 12/HSC (minimum average of 65% depending on exam board)USA HSD: Applicants with the following qualifications will be considered for entry on an undergraduate degree: High School Diploma with a minimum GPA of 2.8/4, in addition to one of the following: - SAT scores of minimum 550 in each one of the tests - ACT composite score of 23 - A minimum of 2 advanced placement exams with 3 or above in each. Our Admissions team will consider a Superscore for the SAT. Associate degree with a minimum GPA of 2.6/4. British/International A Levels (from a minimum 112 UCAS tariff points depending on course). IB Diploma (from a minimum 25 points depending on course). Second and final year entry of a bachelor's degree may be available for those with a Higher National Diploma (HND) from the UK with a merit profile. A recognised foundation courseChina: Chinese university / college entrance examination (Gaokao) with an overall average 65% or higher.Bioinformatics AnalystComputational BiologistGenomic Data ScientistClinical BioinformaticianBiostatisticianSystems BiologistResearch AssistantPharmaceutical Data AnalystProteomics SpecialistBiomedical Informatics Professional
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