Studying Genetics at Cambridge - A Guide for Year 13 Students

What is Genetics?

Genetics is the science of heredity: why you resemble your parents and other members of the human race, but also why you are recognisably different from them in many respects. Genetics attempts to understand not only how like begets like within a species, but also how and why differences between individuals and between species arise.

The Scope of Genetics

Genes carry the information which largely determines what you are and how you function in the environment. As we learn more about how genes work in different organisms, we find that this knowledge and understanding is fundamental to each and every area of biological study. Our increasing knowledge of the organisation and function of the human genome is having profound effects on the understanding and treatment of disease. Genetics helps us to understand evolution and speciation, and genetically engineered micro-organisms have the potential to be the industrial units of the future. Finally, genetics underpins most programmes in animal and plant breeding for agriculture, even the production of the much-maligned genetically-manipulated plants!

Genetics at Cambridge

Genetics forms an integral part of many first and second year courses in the Natural Sciences Tripos in Cambridge. Genetics is taught in the first year as part of courses introducing you to the principles of genetics and biochemistry and/or to the processes of evolution. This is extended in the second year  by  courses taking a molecular view of cells, or looking at how cells underpin multicellular organisms, or at how evolutionary processes can explain the extraordinary diversity of plant, animal and microbial life.
The Department also contributes to the teaching of the Molecules in Medical Science and the Human Reproduction courses in the Medical Science Tripos.
In the third year, the Part II Genetics course gives a broad education in all aspects of genetics, and how these relate not only to biological problems but also to many areas of human experience.
What this means in practice is that in order to study for an Undergraduate Degree in Genetics at the University of Cambridge, you should apply to a College to undertake the Natural Sciences Tripos, and ideally study some or all of the topics  mentioned above in the first and second years, specialising in Genetics in your third year [Part II]. However, it is possible to approach the study of Genetics in Part II via other routes. Medical and Veterinary Sciences students can also elect to study Genetics in their third year.

Because applying to Cambridge is rather different than applying to most other universities, it is essential that you are well-informed about the procedures and deadline dates. More information can be found on the following web pages:

Part II Genetics

More detailed information about our third year course can be found on the Part II Genetics Overview webpage. 

What subjects do I need at A Level?

Minimum offer level: A level: A*A*A

To apply to any of our Colleges for Natural Sciences, you will need A levels/IB Higher Levels (or the equivalent) in:

    Mathematics

    2 other science or mathematics subjects

Please note, ‘science/mathematics subjects’ refers to Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics and Further Mathematics. If you’re studying a science not listed above as your third subject, please contact the College you wish to apply to for advice. Some Colleges have specific requirements beyond the minimum offer level and subject requirements. You should always check the Admissions Office website for up-to-date information NST entry requirements. This webpage should also help if you are studying for qualifications other than A Levels.

Page updated 31/07/2025