Home › Study › Postgraduate Programmes › MSc/PGDip/PGCert Genomic Medicine

MSc/PGDip/PGCert Genomic Medicine

The MSc Genomic Medicine Programme from University of Birmingham aims to equip students with a multi-disciplinary perspective on genomics and its applications to clinical practice and medical research. The Programme’s modular design offers full-time and part-time studies with Postgraduate Masters, Diploma and Certificate options.

Quick Facts

  
Duration: 1 year (Full-Time)
2 years (Part-Time)
Starting in: September
Tuition Fee: £21,960 per year
Location: Birmingham, United Kingdom

Advances in genomic technologies and understanding are transforming personalised medicine. As genomics increasingly becomes a part of mainstream NHS care, healthcare professionals and research scientists need to have a good understanding of its relevance to the diagnosis, treatment and management of patients, especially in areas such as inherited disorders, cancer and infectious disease. This programme is purpose-designed to follow a curriculum set by Health Education England for training NHS-based healthcare professionals and is also suitable for non-NHS students wishing to learn about the applications of genomics to medical research.

he course begins with a brief revision of DNA, genes and genetics and updates these concepts to the scale of contemporary, whole-genome information. It will introduce you to the technologies for generating genome-wide data, and the bioinformatic tools that are required for its analysis. You will learn how to interrogate genomic data to identify and investigate the pathogenicity of genetic variants, and relate these to real-life case-studies, providing meaningful information that can be useful for families affected by inherited conditions, or for patients with acquired diseases including cancer and infections.

Core modules such as ‘Genomics in Cancer Pathology’ and ‘Pharmacogenomics and Stratified Healthcare’ emphasise the increasing importance of genomics in stratified medicine – ‘the right treatment, for the right person, at the right time’. Additional optional modules include an ‘Introduction to Counselling Skills used in Genomic Medicine’, ‘Epigenetics’ and ‘Economic Models and Human Genomics’.

Courses included:

  • Human Genetics and Genomics
  • Omics Techniques and Technologies and their Application to Genomic Medicine
  • Bioinformatics, Interpretation and Data Quality Assurance in Genome Analysis
  • Research Project or Literature-Based Dissertation
  • Genomics of Common and Rare Inherited Diseases
  • Genomics in Cancer Pathology
  • Pharmacogenomics and Stratified Healthcare

“The transition from undergrad to postgrad can be a big step up in terms of workload and what is expected of you, but there is so much support available to you as a postgrad student, from academic writing support (if you’ve been out of education for a few years or just want a bit of extra help) to mental health and wellbeing services. The careers support is fantastic – the uni puts on employer fairs throughout the year and you have access to one on one support from the Careers Network team, who can help you develop your skills ready for your next step!”

Emma Sutton // PhD Psychology

Careers

Careers Network – We can help you get ahead in the job market and develop your career. We recognise that as a postgraduate student you are likely to have specific requirements when it comes to planning for your next career step. Employers expect postgraduates to have a range of skills that exceed their subject knowledge. Careers Network offers a range of events and support services that are designed for all students, including postgraduates looking to find their niche in the job market. The Careers Network also have subject specific careers consultants and advisers for each College so you can be assured the information you receive will be relevant to your subject area. 

Requirements

  • Applicants should have a minimum of a 2:1 honours degree (or equivalent) in a relevant subject e.g. biomedical science, genetics or medicine. However we will consider applicants with alternative academic qualifications on the basis of professional qualifications and relevant work experience within the NHS.
  • We also require evidence of English proficiency from all applicants whose first language is not English (e.g. IELTS Level 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band).

Learn more