Genetics (Immunology) with Industrial Placement

Genetics with a specialisation in immunology is a programme that develops deep understanding of two closely related areas of modern biology. Genetics studies how hereditary information is encoded in DNA, how it is expressed, replicated, and transmitted, and how variations in genetic sequences underlie differences between organisms and susceptibility to disease. Immunology examines the mechanisms by which organisms recognise and respond to pathogens and other foreign agents, a process governed in large part by the interplay between genetic variation and immune system function.

The two fields are increasingly inseparable in modern biomedical research, where understanding the genetic basis of immune function is central to developing new treatments for infectious disease, autoimmunity, and cancer.

At the University of Aberdeen, this five-year programme includes an industrial placement, giving you a sustained period of professional experience in a biomedical, pharmaceutical, or research environment, as well as a year abroad, providing the opportunity to study genetics or immunology in an international research context. Aberdeen has research strengths in infection and immunity that inform teaching throughout the programme, and the combination of a research-active environment with the extended degree structure gives you the depth and professional experience that postgraduate employers and research programmes look for. You will develop expertise in molecular genetics, genomics, immunological mechanisms, experimental techniques, and data analysis.

Graduates move into careers in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries in roles focused on drug discovery, vaccine development, and clinical research. Research positions in academic and government laboratories, NHS roles in clinical genetics and immunology services, and careers in regulatory affairs and science policy are other common destinations. The industrial placement often leads to graduate employment and strengthens your application for postgraduate programmes, whether a research degree, a clinical qualification, or a masters in a specialist biomedical field.