CK405 · Level 8 · 4 years

Genetics

University College Cork (NUI) · Munster

2026 Round 1 points

521

Up 12 points since 2023 (509).

How do your points compare?

Don't know your points? Use the CAO points calculator.

About this course

This degree teaches how genes work and how they are passed on, with a focus on the molecular side of genetics. Class sizes are small, at about 25 students.

How long
4 years
What you study
First year covers genetics, biochemistry, biotechnology, chemistry, maths and physics. Later years cover topics such as medical, evolutionary and population genetics, animal breeding and genetic modification of plants and animals. You spend a lot of time in labs, and Year 4 has a three-month lab project.
Placement and abroad
You can take optional work placement modules after second and third year, lasting at least four weeks, and some students spend part of third year abroad on Erasmus.
Where it can lead
Graduates can go into animal breeding, biotechnology, forensics, genetic counselling or medical genetics, or on to MSc and PhD study.
Who it suits
Suits students who enjoy biology and lab work and are curious about DNA and inheritance.

Summary written by FindMyCollegeCourse.ie from the college's own course information. Check the college website for full details.

About Biological and related sciences

Exploring biotechnology, genetics, and life sciences

Explore the science of living organisms and life processes. These degrees examine the structure, function, growth, evolution, and interaction of living organisms, including humans, animals, plants, and microorganisms. E.g. Biotechnology, Genetics, Biochemistry.

Points history

2023509202452120255212026521

Round 1 points by year

YearRound 1Final (end of season)Middle student
2026521Published after the final round
2025 521521532
2024 521500522
2023 509499532

Round 1 is the points needed for a first-round offer. Final is the lowest points offered a place after all rounds. Middle student is the points of the student in the middle of everyone who got a place. * means not everyone on those points got a place (random selection). Source: CAO points lists.

Subject requirements

  • English: Higher H7 or Ordinary O6
  • Irish: Higher H7 or Ordinary O6
  • Mathematics: Higher H7 or Ordinary O6
  • Biology: Higher H4

These are the course's own subject requirements. You also need to meet the college's general minimum entry requirements.

See the course on the University College Cork (NUI) website ↗

Is Genetics right for you?

Points tell you if you can get in. They don't tell you if you'll enjoy it. The CAO Interest Test matches your interests to more than 1,400 CAO courses, including courses in Biological and related sciences, and shows which ones fit your points.

Take the CAO Interest Test Try the free test first

Similar courses in Biological and related sciences

Level 8 courses with the closest 2026 Round 1 points.

Points and course details change every year. Always check cao.ie and the college website before you fill in your CAO form.