Undergraduate Diploma in Genetics

What will I be studying?

The programme is arranged into three complementary units exploring key concepts in the field of genetics.

Unit 1: The regulation and control of gene expression

Discover how the information present in the DNA of eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells is turned into functional molecules, how this process is regulated, why regulation is important and what can happen when regulation goes wrong. Learn about the importance of recombinant DNA technology and how historical and modern day approaches compare. 

Unit 2: Model organisms

Learn about the essential biological and genetic experimental system, the model organism. Explore the historical importance and modern day relevance of key model organisms including Drosophila melanogaster, Caenorhabditis elegans, Mus musculus, and Arabidopsis thalania.

Unit 3: Plant and microbial genetics

In this unit you will study of the genetics of plant and microbial systems to see how comparative genomics helps deepen our understanding of core biological processes. A particular focus will be given to understanding how plant and microbial systems have influenced our understanding of human genetics and how genetic engineering of these systems is critical to scientific and societal advancement.

Who is this course for?

The course is open to anyone with an interest in Genetics, regardless of previous educational experience. It is not necessary to have studied our Certificate in Genetics, but an understanding of basic genetics or cell biology or molecular biology would be helpful.

What can I go on to do?

Undergraduate Advanced Diploma in Research Theory and Practice

After successfully completing the course you might be interested in progressing to our Advanced Diploma programme which offers the possibility of engaging in independent research.

Credit awarded by the Institute can also be transferred into the degree programmes of other higher education providers. However, the amount of credit which can be transferred into degree programmes varies from institution to institution and is always at the discretion of the receiving institution.

Entry requirements

Applicants for this course will normally have studied and passed a FHEQ level 4 qualification (or international equivalent) in this or a closely related field.

There is provision to accept non-standard applicants who do not satisfy the standard academic criterion. Such applicants must produce evidence of relevant and equivalent experience and their suitability for the course.

Your application should include full details of any educational and professional experience that supports your application to study the course. This might, for example, be evidence of level 4 study, details of other courses taken in a similar discipline, courses studied for continuing personal and professional development, or details of personal and professional experience relevant to the course. This information will be used to decide whether to accept you onto the course.

Please be aware that the course is taught at second year university level and you should be able to read, write and speak English fluently.

Technical requirements 

For the 2023-2024 Academic Year this course is being taught remotely. The course will be delivered, and the learning outcomes met, through the use of video-based teaching platforms and a dedicated course Virtual Learning Environment (VLE), along with your own self-directed study. There will be no face-to-face teaching and you will not need to be present in person in Cambridge. You should, however, aim to attend the synchronous teaching sessions.

You will therefore need to have access to: 

• the internet via a computer, laptop, tablet or other smart device.  
• speakers or headphones in order to hear any pre-recorded material 
• a webcam and microphone for any interactive sessions which may be available 

The tuition fee for the course is £2,750.

 You can pay in two ways:

• in full on enrolment by credit or debit card 
• in three equal instalments by credit/debit card: the first on enrolment, the second on 1 January and the third and final instalment on 1 April. The exact dates will be confirmed in the student’s individual booking details.

Please note, your place on the course is not secured until payment is received by the Institute of Continuing Education accompanied by any necessary documentation, i.e. proof of English language proficiency.

ICE Cancellations and Refunds policy 

Information on sources of funding, bursaries and Disabled Students' Allowances (DSAs) 

This course will require a minimum number of students in order to run. Applicants for this course will be notified one week after the application deadline if the course is not going to be running at which point students will be offered to transfer their application to another course or receive a refund of the fees they have paid so far (please see our ICE Cancellations and Refunds policy). 

Please apply via the link at the top of this page. Your application will be assessed and you will be notified of the outcome by email.

As part of the application process the Academic Director may require you to supply further information in support of your application.

If you are offered a place, you will receive instructions as to how to register and pay. Please note that places are limited and on a first-come first-served basis.

Closing date for applications

Applications for this course can be received until midday (12 noon) on Monday 4 September 2023. If you are offered a place on the course, we will ask you to complete your booking within a limited time and to pay the fees or if paying fees by instalments, the first instalment of fees to secure your place.

If you would like an informal discussion on academic matters before making your application, please contact the Academic Director, Dr Tom Monie: tpm22@cam.ac.uk