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Duration

One year full-time, two years part-time

Application Deadline

30 June

Location

St George's, University of London and King's College London

Start dates

9 September 2024

About this course

Genomic medicine is a rapidly evolving discipline that is already making an impact in the fields of oncology, pharmacology, cardiovascular disease, neuroscience, infectious disease and biomedical research. The science behind improvements to patients’ clinical care and health outcomes is supporting the development of personalised or precision medicine, ultimately saving lives.

This Master’s degree follows a curriculum designed by NHS England and is taught in partnership with King’s College London, giving you access to experts with different specialisms in, for example, bioinformatics and cardiovascular genomics. Both institutions are part of the South East Genomic Laboratory Hub, one of the largest providers of genomic testing in the UK and a national centre for specialist testing for cardiology, gastro-hepatology, haematology, neurology, respiratory and skin conditions.

As well as the MSc, the course is structured flexibly to provide options for PgCert and PgDip awards, which can be tailored to your career or interest. Since genomic medicine is becoming part of clinical practice, if you are an existing healthcare professional looking to upskill, you can also study on a modular basis towards your Continuous Personal and Professional Development (CPPD).

Funding update: If you work for the NHS then you may be eligible for funding from NHS England for up to four taught modules for 2023/24 and 2024/25. If you are interested in applying for NHSE funding, please liaise with our Course Admissions Tutor Dr Kate Everett-Korn before applying to the university. Visit the Genomics Education Programme website for more information.

New modules: From 2024/25 the Genomic Medicine MSc will offer two new optional and unique modules on Fetal Genomics and Genomics of Neurological Disorders. Visit the course structure tab for more information.  

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Course overview

Of all the life sciences, genomics is one of the most dynamic areas. The past 20 years have seen an explosion in our ability to explore the structure, function and evolution of the human genome, with mapping and editing of gene variants now possible due to technological advances, including next-generation sequencing.

In seeking to identify how alterations to our genomes directly affect disease and health, genomics is also leading a revolution in healthcare by giving a better understanding of how drugs affect people differently and thus allowing for focused, effective, treatment or ‘personalised medicine’.

Under the umbrella term of genomic medicine, there are many different areas that are covered. We look at the transcriptome – the total set of RNA molecules which represents the genes active in a given organism or particular cell type at a given point in time. Changes to the transcriptome can both reflect and cause diseases such as cancer.

We also consider the ‘epigenome’, heritable chemical modifications to DNA and DNA-associated proteins in the cell, which alter gene expression as a result of natural development and tissue differentiation or in response to disease or environmental exposures. In both instances, we seek to identify how these changes directly affect disease and ill health.

You will learn how recent technological advances have transformed how genomic data is generated, analyzed and presented; how bioinformatics is enabling us to handle and make sense of big data and its impact across healthcare. In doing so, you will consider its relevance to a range of clinical scenarios, such as the spread of specific infections across hospitals, the Covid-19 pandemic, and identification of biomarkers of response to targeted therapies.

This master’s degree, awarded by St George’s, University of London, is taught in partnership with King’s College London. You will benefit from the combined teaching and research expertise, and the comprehensive and specialist resources provided by these two institutions, as both specialist health universities, and two of the UK’s top research universities.

Studying genomic medicine can help inform day-to-day medical or clinical practice, giving you a better understanding of what causes illness and the effects of disease, which is of interest to a wide range of health professionals. You can choose to study either single modules, a PgCert, a PgDip or the full MSc, which can lead to a range of careers, including in the NHS, the pharmaceutical industry and bioinformatics, or provide preparation for a PhD.

Course highlights

  • Taught jointly by St George’s and King’s; institutions with world-class research, clinical and teaching expertise across the full spectrum of genomic medicine.
  • Specialist optional taught modules in cardiovascular genetics and genomics, genomics of neurological disorders, advanced bioinformatics and counselling skills reflect institutional expertise.
  • If you work in the NHS, our modules are available with or without assessment fully funded by NHSE (subject to available commissions).
  • You will have the opportunity to experience working within an internationally recognised research group when you do your research project.
  • Both institutions are NHS preferred providers and co-located with leading teaching hospitals.
  • Both have participated in the Genomics England 100,000 Genomes Project to sequence 100,000 whole genomes from around 85,000 NHS patients with rare diseases or cancer, now using expertise to understand critical illness in Covid-19.
  • Established in 1752, St George’s, University of London is the UK’s specialist health university, and we are the only UK university to share our campus with a major teaching hospital, St George’s University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, which is both on the clinical frontline for a diverse local community and a centre of excellence for specialist conditions.
  • You will be surrounded by like-minded individuals which helps to build your multidisciplinary understanding and context.

Want to know more?

Find out more about postgraduate study at St George’s, University of London by registering for our introductory email series.

“If you have a passion for genomics, this course is for you. It is extremely flexible and suits people of all professions, from doctors to pharmacists to newly graduated students looking to further their education.”

- Nicholas Bianchini

Genomic Medicine MSc student

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“I found there to be options for people with all types of interests to discover new methods, techniques, and fields of genomic medicine; and enrich those they already had.”

- Eleanor Tobelem

Genomic Medicine MSc alumna

Read more

Entry criteria

To be considered for this course, you will need to:

  • meet the entry criteria
  • write a personal statement
  • provide two suitable references

Undergraduate degree or equivalent

You should have or be expected to achieve, a minimum of a second class degree (2:2) in a relevant bioscience degree with sufficient genetics content. For healthcare graduates, a pass is required. All degrees must be awarded before 1 August on the year of entry.

We may invite you to interview if are unable to make a decision directly from your application.

Alternative professional qualifications, or previous related experience, may be considered and we encourage you to apply.

Intercalating students

Applicants who do not have an undergraduate degree but are current medical students who have successfully completed 360 credits (or equivalent) including at least 120 credits at Level 6 (or equivalent) of their medical degree are also eligible to apply.

International qualifications

We accept equivalent qualifications gained in other countries and use to UKNARIC to assess. Please see our International Student Support pages for more information.

If you have any questions, you can contact us at pgenquiries@sgul.ac.uk

English Language

This is a Group 1 course.

Full details can be found on our English Language requirements webpages.

Personal statement and references

You will be asked to outline your reasons for applying for the course in a brief personal statement on the application form. You will also need to provide two satisfactory references.

Go to the ‘Apply’ tab for more information.

Course structure

The MSc is designed to provide a solid introduction to the key areas of genomics, human genetics and genetic variation, including an understanding of disease genetics and how genomic medicine can illuminate disease mechanisms and biology. You will examine the range of ‘omic’ technologies: their interpretation and application in key areas of healthcare such as cancer, rare inherited diseases and infectious diseases, as well as research.

With the development of bioinformatics now playing such a crucial role, you will gain sufficient knowledge and understanding required to critically interpret existing genomic research and develop the skills to collect, analyse and interpret data using a range of statistical and bioinformatics techniques.

As a key part of the MSc course, you will get the opportunity to develop research skills by conducting a 60 credit laboratory/computer/counselling research project or a 30 credit literature review. Many of our part-time students choose a project which can be incorporated within their work, such as genetic analysis of particular patient samples. Others have studied diverse topics such as neurological genetic disease or patients with tuberculosis. One recent student conducted a project on how genomic education could be incorporated into and benefit midwife training.

MSc Genomic Medicine has been structured to provide options to study for PgCert and PgDip awards, as well as the MSc. At PgDip level, we offer two study routes (Option 1 and 2), which enable you to focus on different diseases. At PgCert level, we offer three different pathways:

  • Genomic Medicine (Standard): The majority of PgCert students follow this pathway as it includes the core elements of the MSc programme.
  • Genomic Medicine (Medical): If you already have significant knowledge of genomics, this pathway allows you to opt out of the Fundamentals of Human Genetics and Genomics module.
  • Genomic Medicine (Bioinformatics): This pathway is ideal for those with an interest in big data and data handling.

Our wide range of specialist modules can also be studied individually as part of Continuous Personal and Professional Development (CPPD). If you work in the NHS our modules are available with or without assessment, fully funded by NHSE as part of your ‘workforce development’ (subject to available commissions). In recent years, a broad range of health professionals have chosen to study with us, including GPs, surgeons, consultants, research nurses, genetic technologists, pharmacists and biomedical scientists.

Course start date

The course will start with enrolment and induction activities on 9 - 10 September 2024. Topics covered will include the virtual learning platform, library and careers service as well as course specific sessions. There will also be keynote speakers and a social event where students from a variety of postgraduate taught courses can get to know each other.

Genomic Medicine MSc example timetables

Modules required

The modules required for each award are detailed below:

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MSc (180 credits, 8 - 10 modules plus research project)

Compulsory modules:

  • Bioinformatics, Interpretation and Data Quality Assurance in Genome Analysis (15 credits)
  • Fundamentals of Human Genetics and Genomics (15 credits)
  • Omics Techniques and Technologies; Their Application to Genomic Medicine (15 credits)
  • Research Project (60 credits or 30 credits)

Plus at least three from:

  • Application of Genomics in Infectious Disease (15 credits)
  • Genomics of Common and Rare Inherited Diseases (15 credits)
  • Molecular Pathology of Cancer and Application in Cancer Diagnosis, Screening and Treatment (15 credits)
  • Pharmacogenomics and Stratified Healthcare (15 credits)

Plus between one and four from:

  • Advanced Bioinformatics (15 credits)
  • Cardiovascular Genetics and Genomics (15 credits)
  • Ethical, Legal and Social Issues in Applied Genomics (15 credits)
  • Fetal Genomics (15 credits)
  • Genomics of Neurological Disorders (15 credits)
  • Introduction to Counselling Skills in Genomics (15 credits)

PgDip (120 credits, 8 modules)

This award can be tailored to suit your career goals and interests.

If you would like to discuss the module options available, please contact the Course Director Dr Kate Everett-Korn for more information. 

Option 1:

  • Bioinformatics, Interpretation and Data Quality Assurance in Genome Analysis 
  • Fundamentals of Human Genetics and Genomics 
  • Molecular Pathology of Cancer and Application in Cancer Diagnosis, Screening and Treatment
  • Omics Techniques and Technologies; Their Application to Genomic Medicine 
  • Pharmacogenomics and Stratified Healthcare

Plus 3 from:

  • Application of Genomics in Infectious Disease
  • Cardiovascular Genetics and Genomics
  • Fetal Genomics
  • Ethical, Legal and Social Perspectives on Genomics or An Introduction to Counselling Skills in Genomics
  • Genomics of Common and Rare Inherited Disease
  • Genomics of Neurological Disorders

Option 2:

  • Application of Genomics in Infectious Disease
  • Bioinformatics, Interpretation and Data Quality Assurance in Genome Analysis
  • Ethical, Legal and Social Perspectives on Genomics or Cardiovascular Genetics and Genomics or An Introduction to Counselling Skills in Genomics
  • Fundamentals of Human Genetics and Genomics
  • Genomics of Common and Rare Inherited Diseases 
  • Omics Techniques and Technologies; Their Application to Genomic Medicine
  • Pharmacogenomics and Stratified Healthcare or Molecular Pathology of Cancer and Application in Cancer Diagnosis, Screening and Treatment 
  • Plus any one other module (not excluding those already listed)

PgCert - Standard Pathway (60 credits, 4 modules)

Compulsory modules:

  • Fundamentals of Human Genetics and Genomics
  • Genomics of Common and Rare Inherited Disease

Plus two from:

  • Advanced Bioinformatics
  • An Introduction to Counselling Skills in Genomics or Ethical, Legal, and Social Issues in Applied Genomics
  • Application of Genomics in Infectious Disease
  • Bioinformatics, Interpretation and Data Quality Assurance in Genome Analysis
  • Cardiovascular Genetics and Genomics
  • Fetal Genomics
  • Genomics of Neurogoloical Disorders
  • Molecular Pathology of Cancer and Application in Cancer Diagnosis, Screening and Treatment
  • Omics Techniques and Technologies; Their Application to Genomic Medicine
  • Pharmacogenomics and Stratified Healthcare

Note that students must have completed the Bioinformatics, Interpretation and Data Quality Assurance in Genome Analysis module before starting the Advance Bioinformatics module. 

PgCert - Medical Pathway (60 credits, 4 modules)

Compulsory module:

  • Omics Techniques and Technologies

Plus one from:

  • Bioinformatics
  • Molecular Pathology of Cancer
  • Pharmacogenomics and Stratified Healthcare.

Plus two from:

  • An introduction to counselling skills in genomics or Ethical, Legal, and Social Issues in Applied Genomics
  • Application of Genomics to Infectious Disease
  • Cardiovascular Genetics and Genomics
  • Fetal Genomics
  • Genomics of Common and Rare Inherited Disease
  • Genomics of Neurological Disorders

PgCert - Bioinformatics Pathway (60 credits, 4 modules)

Compulsory modules:

  • Advanced Bioinformatics
  • Bioinformatics

Plus two from:

  • Application of Genomics to Infectious Disease
  • Cardiovascular Genetics and Genomics
  • Fetal Genomics
  • Genomics of Common and Rare Disease
  • Genomics of Neurological Disorders

Module information

The institution module leads have been indicated alongside each module below:

  • St George's, University of London - SGUL
  • King's College London - KCL
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Advanced Bioinformatics* (15 credits) - KCL

This module builds upon and extends the module “Bioinformatics, interpretation and data quality assurance in genome analysis ” and further explores state of the art bioinformatics pipelines for genetic data in a clinical context, suitable for studying genetic variants underlying Mendelian diseases, cancer genetics, and RNA expression data using Galaxy, and also introduces the student to basic Bioinformatic data skills using the command line, R/RStudio and Bioconductor. The student will learn about the landscape of tools for read mapping and variant calling and how they are suitable for different types of genetic data and analysis. Lectures will be combined with hands on computer workshops/tutorials, where students can practice designing their own bioinformatics pipelines in the Galaxy environment. They will work with real gene expression, rare disease and cancer genomics datasets. The course will also provide a primer for working with large genetic datasets using command line tools, scripting bioinformatics pipelines and using R/RStudio and Bioconductor to analyses and explore and visualise NGS and other ‘Omics data.

*Students aiming to do the Advanced Bioinformatics module will have to complete the Bioinformatics module first. No prior knowledge in programming is required for either module. You will learn R-coding in the Advanced Bioinformatics module and, although you might find it challenging at first, your module leads will provide you with plenty of support and guidance.

Students doing the Advanced Bioinformatics module will need to download free VPN software and set up a VPN connection to be able to access our cloud computing facilities in advance. You can find a guide about how to do this on macOS, Linux or Microsoft Windows and the VPN configuration file.

Application of Genomics in Infectious Disease (15 credits) - SGUL

The teaching sessions of this module will cover the basics of pathogen genome biology, methods for whole genome sequencing (WGS) applied to pathogens and bioinformatic analysis of pathogen genomes. Numerous examples will demonstrate the relevance of infectious disease genomics to key topics such as antimicrobial resistance, diagnostics, vaccine design, disease surveillance, host susceptibility to infection, public health epidemiology and clinical management of patients.

The application of WGS and implications of pathogen genomics from a perspective of healthcare pathways and public health for its future impact will be the key focus for your study. The sessions will be interspersed with a series of case studies and research papers for self-directed study, taken from a limited reading list comprising exemplar organisms from the recent literature. The sessions explore and present multiple examples of pathogens and genomics: TB drug therapy; Pseudomonas aeruginosa and E. coli outbreaks; Staphylococcus aureus and MRSA; STI diagnostics and resistance; HIV, influenza and the COVID-19 pandemic; pneumococcal and meningococcal vaccine design and surveillance.

Together the sessions, self-directed learning and associated resources form the defined knowledge base for the module. The literature and other reading materials provide the students with the basis for extended self-study and as a foundation for the module’s summative assessments.

Bioinformatics, Interpretation and Data Quality Assurance in Genome Analysis* (15 credits) - KCL

The module will cover the fundamental principles of informatics and the impact of bioinformatics on clinical genomics. Students will be expected to be able to find and use major genomic and genetic data resources; use software packages and analysis tools for big data and undertake literature searches to critically assess, annotate and interpret findings from sequence data and genetic variants. Theoretical sessions will be coupled with practical exercises involving the analysis and annotation of predefined data sets.

This module will equip the student with the essential skills to analyse genomic data, applying professional best practice guidelines. Upon completion of this module students will be able to understand how bioinformatics is used to analyse, interpret and report genomic data in a clinical context. Students will also be equipped to utilise the 100,000 Genomes Project data set if relevant for their research project.

*No prior knowledge in programming is required for this module

Cardiovascular Genetics and Genomics (15 credits) - SGUL

This module explores the burden of cardiovascular disease and the underlying contribution of genetics to these diseases. Students will receive refresher sessions focused on cardiac function as well as being introduced to the key diagnostic tools used in cardiology. They will learn about the major arrhythmias and cardiomyopathies which can lead to premature and sudden death. By studying genetic causes of lipid disorders students will understand the impact of rare and common genetic variants on the risk of coronary heart disease. The contribution of "big data" and the development of gene panel tests will be discussed to demonstrate some of the benefits that genomic medicine can offer to this group of diseases. Students will hear about the role and challenges of genetic counselling in inherited cardiac conditions.

Ethical, Legal and Social Issues in Applied Genomics (15 credits) - SGUL

Students will be provided with a platform of ethical understanding from which to consider issues of confidentiality, privacy and disclosure, autonomy, welfare, informed consent and justice. Upon this platform, students will consider the impact of genomic technologies on individual lives and public discourse. The social implications of the availability of genetic testing and screening will be considered, especially in the context of reproductive technologies. Finally, students will be provided with a discussion of legal issues surrounding the use of genetic information as well as the use of genetic data for research, diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.

Fetal Genomics: Decoding the Blueprint of Human Development (15 credits) - KCL

There have been rapid advancements in genomics technologies and their increasing application in prenatal medicine. In today's modern age, where litigation rates in obstetrics and fetal medicine are increasingly high, the need for accurate diagnosis, interpretation, and transparent communication of genomic results has never been more pressing. This climate demands practitioners are adept in employing the latest technologies and conveying complex genetic information clearly and compassionately to patients.

The fetal genomics module aims to bridge this critical gap, providing the necessary training and insights to support precise diagnostics, risk assessments, and patient-centric communication, thereby reducing the potential for legal complications and enhancing trust within the patient-provider relationship. This module ensures that students are proficient with the latest techniques and are attuned to the societal, legal, and ethical aspects of prenatal genetic testing. The module reflects the need for a multidisciplinary approach in genomics medicine, paving the way for more informed decisions and personalised care in maternal and child health.

Fundamentals of Human Genetics and Genomics (15 credits) - SGUL

This module will cover the structure and variations in the human genomics, including fundamental principles of genetics and genomics. Students undertaking this module will review the architecture of the human genome and the functional units embedded in it. Students will also cover aspects of gene regulation and chromatin structure and consider the importance of the epigenome in these processes. In addition, this module will cover DNA sequence variation and structural variation; how this sort of variation is normal but that sometimes it can be associated with disease. Classic chromosomal abnormalities will be described and the mechanisms that lead to them explained. Students will learn about monogenic and multifactorial genetic disorders and how gene mapping and sequencing can be used to identify causal and contributory variants. In essence, this module covers what the genome is, what abnormalities can arise and how they arise, as well as how they can be detected.

Genomics of Common and Rare Inherited Diseases (15 credits) - SGUL

This module uses exemplars of both common and rare diseases from across the entire healthcare spectrum to demonstrate the clinical utility of genomic data in the healthcare setting.

The module examples give an insight into how advances in genomic technologies and integration of genomic data into clinical pathways are impacting on the management of patients from the prenatal setting, through paediatrics and into adult medicine and cancer.

The module will explore the clinical presentation and genetic architecture of disease, as well as the diagnostic and therapeutic implications of genomic data for a myriad of common and rare inherited conditions using expertise from across SGH/GSTT/SGUL/KCL. We will explore traditional and current approaches used to identify genetic predisposition to common and rare inherited diseases, focusing on the latter, within the context of clinical diagnostics.

We will learn how to select patients with unmet diagnostic needs that will benefit from exome or whole genome sequencing, and some of the complexities involved in the interpretation of genomic data in the clinical context. We will also discuss the Genomics England, genomics medicine services and data infrastructure.

Genomics of Neurological Disorders (15 credits) - SGUL

This module explores the contribution of genomics to neurological disorders. Students will receive refresher sessions focussed on neuroanatomy and the development of the neurological system followed by an introduction to the key diagnostic tools used in neurology. They will learn about the major neurological disorder categories which have a high genetic contribution. The module will explore the value of the multidisciplinary team in phenotyping, interpretation of results, management and family communication.

Introduction to Counselling Skills in Genomics (15 credits) - SGUL

This module will provide students with an introduction to general communication skills and specific counselling skills used in genomic medicine. Students undertaking this module will be taught how to communicate and provide appropriate support to individuals and their families. Development of counselling skills will be achieved via theoretical and practical sessions through the use of role play within an academic setting. Students will understand the importance of a family history and communication of pathogenic and/or uncertain results.

Molecular Pathology of Cancer and Application in Cancer Diagnosis, Screening and Treatment (15 credits) - KCL

The module will guide the students from a basic introduction in cancer biology, to comparing molecular and pathological information applied in the diagnosis, classification, treatment of cancer. We will look at immuno-oncology, early detection, and predisposition of cancer, and the use of molecular data and diagnostics in clinical trials. In addition, we will introduce basic machine learning methodologies and different molecular technologies of tumour tissue in the context of target identification, and biomarker development to capture their clinical relevance.

Omics Techniques and Technologies; Their Application to Genomic Medicine (15 credits) - KCL

This module explores current genomics techniques used for DNA sequencing (e.g. targeted approaches, whole exome and whole genome sequencing) and RNA sequencing, using highly parallel methodologies, together with current technologies routinely used to investigate genomic variation in the clinical setting. This module will introduce the bioinformatics approaches required for the analysis of genomic data. The module will also cover the use of array-based methodologies and RNA sequencing in estimating levels of protein expression, micro RNAs and long non–coding RNAs. An introduction to metabolomics and proteomics, which are important for the functional interpretation of genomic data and discovery of disease biomarkers will also be included. Students will also learn about the strategies employed to evaluate pathogenicity of variants for clinical reporting.

Pharmacogenomics and Stratified Healthcare (15 credits) - KCL

The module will provide an overview of the techniques and analytical strategies used in pharmacogenetics and pharmacogenomics and explore some of the challenges and limitations in this field. Moreover, the module will use examples of known, validated pharmacogenetics and pharmacogenomic tests, relevant to the use of drug treatments.

Research Project (30 credit option)

This is an ideal option for students taking the MSc part-time and working at the same time.

Students will be undertaking original research and writing it up in the style of a journal review. They will need to use language, style and formatting of the scientific literature that they have read when it comes to writing up.

The project can be carried out in any appropriate research university or hospital department or industry environment with joint supervision, i.e., supervisors from both the hosting department and the course.

Research Project (60 credit option)

Students will use both the theoretical knowledge they will acquire throughout the taught part of the course and the analytical skills they will develop in order to tackle a research question by themselves. Undertaking of the research project will involve formulating the question, acquiring and analysing the data and finally presenting and discussing the results. The project can be carried out in the hosting NHS laboratory, research department and industry under joint supervision i.e. tutors from both the hosting department and the programme. Research projects should be presented in the format of a paper for publication (additional figures and tables can be presented as supplementary material).

Teaching and learning

Teaching will be delivered at both St George’s and King’s College London. Teaching methods combine a mixture of lectures, to provide key theory and concepts, and interactive tutorials and workshops, allowing you to apply your new knowledge and skills.

Unlike traditional degree programmes in which you might expect to attend teaching sessions most days of the week for the duration of each semester, teaching occurs in blocks of five consecutive working days for each module (see module dates). You are expected to attend all teaching sessions on those days and you should expect the timetable to run from 9am to 5pm each day.

Three Massive Online Open Courses (MOOCs) have been designed to support student learning outside of this face-to-face teaching time. One of these, The Genomics Era: the Future of Genetics in Medicine, usually runs in July to August and is expected as pre-course learning for all students, including those doing CPPD and PGCert. You will need to use your time between teaching blocks to embed your knowledge through recommended reading and to prepare assignments.

St George’s adopts a patient-centred approach to its education. The optional ‘An Introduction to Counselling Skills in Genomics’ module supports the development of appropriate attitudes and behaviours towards the diagnosis and management of patients whose care will be influenced by genomic investigations. As such, where possible, we will invite representatives from patient groups or someone who has actually been through a genetic process to share their own experience and what it meant to them.

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Our expertise

One of the things students tell us they like most about the course is the passion, knowledge and experience of our lecturers. You’ll be taught by clinicians actively involved in the 100,000 Genomes Project and scientific experts in drug discovery, direct-to-consumer genomic testing and the genomics of Covid-19. Previous guest speakers have included the Head of the south-west Thames Pathology Service and the Head of Genome Analysis and Genomics England.

For over two centuries, St George’s has been at the forefront of developing new and innovative solutions to enhance the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of disease with a global reputation as experts in genomics, population health, infection and immunity, and molecular and clinical sciences. We enjoy a close relationship with the hospital as exemplified by the recent establishment of the Genomics Clinical Academic Group – a cross-institutional group comprised of scientists, clinicians, nurses and bioinformaticians all working together in both research and education.

Recently, clinicians and researchers from across the University and Hospital have been leading urgent public health studies and trials into Covid-19 and testing different treatments as part of the national recovery trial. St George’s is also leading on studies to develop rapid antibody tests for the disease and understand whether pregnant mothers can pass coronavirus on to their babies in the womb.

Assessment methods

Progress throughout the course will be assessed through a variety of methods, including single best answer questions, short answer questions, multidisciplinary group discussion, essays and oral presentations. As this is a modular course, there is no final exam. Instead, each module has two online assessments which must be passed for academic credit (15 credits per taught module).

Careers

This course is designed for students and healthcare professionals who wish to acquire training in genomic technologies and their interpretation within a medical context. Genomics is an area of rapid change, with a particular skills shortage in the area of bioinformatics, an area you can specialise in through this programme.

An MSc in Genomic Medicine will provide career opportunities for a range of professions, from laboratory-based researchers to diagnostic and healthcare professionals. Our graduates have gone on to work in clinical diagnostics, clinical trials, scientist training programme, bioinformatics, laboratory research assistant, and have continued on to study postgraduate medicine and PhDs.

Example career routes:

  • Bioinformatics
  • Clinical diagnostics
  • Clinical trials
  • Genomic counselling
  • Graduate entry medicine
  • Research in academia, industry or hospital (e.g. as a research assistant, scientific officer, clinical research associate, etc.)
  • NHS Scientist Training Programme (STP)
  • Pharmaceutical company
  • PhD study
  • Teaching/training
  • Further postgraduate studies

“I learned laboratory skills, basic bioinformatics, genetic counselling, and ethical reasoning skills; all of which helped boost my profile in medical genetics and made me more confident in applying to PhD positions and to the STP in genomics by the NHS.”

- Diana

PhD candidate at University of Aberdeen

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“I really enjoyed my time studying at St George's and I could not recommend it enough. The MSc prepared me very well for my role as a neurogenetics clinical nurse specialist. The clinicians, teachers and researchers have been a source of inspiration to pursue genomic medicine.”

- Mark Mencias

Neurogenetics Clinical Nurse Specialist at St George's Hospital

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“The course stands out to me because of the curriculum and the structure. It gave me a holistic experience of studying different aspects of biology and disease vertices. The research project component helped me develop skills that were necessary to apply for relevant roles in reputed companies and scientific institutes.”

- Aditi

Scientific data associate at Abcam PLC, Cambridge

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Facilities

Everything you need for success in the health and life sciences profession is here – from opportunities to learn from professionals working on the clinical frontline to cutting-edge laboratory facilities and bio-imaging technology.

We’re the UK’s only university dedicated to medical and health sciences education, training and research. We share our site with a major London teaching hospital. This means you’ll become part of a unique clinical and academic research community, mixing with the many different healthcare professionals you will go on to work alongside throughout your career.

Laboratories

Our teaching laboratories at St George's and King's are fully fitted with equipment for biological, chemistry, biomedical, molecular biology and pharmacy practicals. This includes:

  • Microscopes
  • Spectrophotometers
  • DNA amplifiers
  • Organ baths
  • Specialist glassware

We’ve installed audio-visual equipment so microscope images can be projected onto large screens. You’ll also be able to use our tissue culture facilities, flow cytometry, pathogen containment facilities.

Image Resource Facility (IRF)

The IRF is designed for Light Microscopy, Electron Microscopy, and sample preparation. Here you can image histology samples, cells and molecules of all varieties, and model organisms such as zebrafish using any of the light microscope, slide scanning, or electron microscope systems.

Pathology museum

Our on-site Museum of Human Diseases houses a collection of over 2,000 pathological specimens, including those donated by Sir Benjamin Collins Brodie in 1843. This space is used for small group tutorials exploring the mechanisms of disease.

Anatomy Suite

The Anatomy Suite is where present and future healthcare professionals and scientists in the hospital and University learn or expand on their anatomy knowledge directly from the human body.

We give students access to high-quality anatomy resources including:

  • Plastinated (preserved) specimens
  • Osteological materials
  • Anatomical models
  • Digital/imaging resources (such as Anatomage tables and Complete Anatomy)

Library and learning technology

Our library is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You’ll find silent, quiet and group learning spaces, as well as group discussion rooms.

We have a wide range of books, e-books, academic journals and other resources. You’ll also have access to online resources, such as the Canvas Virtual Learning Environment and our Hunter discovery service.

Need accessibility equipment? The library also loans noise-cancelling headphones, laptop stands, coloured overlays, desktop whiteboards, and more.

IT facilities

We have an extensive range of IT facilities, including:

  • 260 workstations in five computer suites, three of which are open 24 hours a day
  • 75 self-service laptops available
  • Free Wi-Fi covering the whole campus, including our halls of residence accommodation.

You can use these resources to access your course materials, discussion boards and feedback through Canvas.

Looking for a free space? Simply use our handy real-time computer locator.

Student support

From day one, you’ll become part of a community of staff and students of different ages, ethnicities, nationalities and backgrounds. Everyone you meet will have one thing in common – a passion for healthcare, science and medicine.

Whether you’re an existing healthcare professional, returning to education after a break or joining us after graduating from an undergraduate degree, we want to help you make the most of your time here. To do this, we offer a full range of academic support and student services.

Careers service

We offer 1:1 career guidance to undergraduate and postgraduate students at every stage of your professional development, from the start of your course through to graduation and beyond. As a student, you’ll also benefit from career development activities that are specifically tailored to your course.

What we offer:

  • Career guidance: We offer 30-minute 1:1 careers guidance sessions to support you in your career planning, build your confidence, and help you identify next steps on your career journey.
  • CV and application advice: We can review your applications with you, support you in presenting yourself to potential employers, tailor your applications to a particular role and help you stand out from your competition.
  • Practice interviews: Work on the content, structure, and delivery of your answers, whether that’s motivation questions, competency questions, role-specific questions or Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI).
  • Interactive workshops: Our career education workshops are tailored and delivered within courses. Topics may include understanding the graduate job market, learning through reflection on career decision-making, making successful applications and making an impact at interviews.
  • Careers fairs: These are opportunities to explore career paths in different areas and specialities, meet with employers, and have valuable conversations to inform your career thinking.
  • Online support: We offer specific information tailored to each course, plus general careers support and resources relevant to whatever your career choices and direction via our Canvas Virtual Learning Environment.

Cost of Living

We know that this may be a worrying time for our students and their families. Our Cost of Living Hub contains the latest information to our community affected by the rising cost of living. We provide students with various financial support, budgeting advice as well as employability options.

Disability support

If you require reasonable adjustments or disability services, you can find information on our disability information for students pages. For any further information please contact the disability adviser.

The Graduate School

Our Graduate School brings together postgraduate students from different disciplines, allowing you to support and learn from each other while expanding your professional networks.

The Graduate School works closely with our research institutes and provides opportunities for personal and professional development. You’ll also have access to a postgraduate common room where postgraduate students and early career researchers can study and socialise.

Induction programme

Our induction sets you up for your studies and helps you feel part of the University. As well as course-specific activities, we run an online ‘Get Started’ module which provides information about:

  • Social and enrichment activities
  • Student safety
  • Wellbeing and learning support
  • Study skills
  • Our library facilities
  • Careers and employability services

International student support

Our International Students Support service is part of the Student Life Centre and provides information on visas, settlement schemes, enrolment and more. To find out more, visit our EU and international support pages.

If you’re an international student, get in touch with the team as soon as you accept your offer via student.immigration@sgul.ac.uk.

Mental health support

St George’s has a confidential, free and impartial counselling service available to all students. You can also access services through our Student Life Centre and our online resources. This includes links to NHS resources, apps, podcasts and websites dedicated to mental health and wellbeing.

Personal academic tutor

When you start your course, we’ll allocate you a personal tutor. This is a member of the academic team who you’ll see regularly to monitor your progress and pick up any problems, both academic and personal. Even if they don’t have the answer, they’ll point you in the right direction towards the support you need.

Student Ambassador Scheme

Our Student Ambassadors support student recruitment events, widening participation activities such as Science Stars and schemes such as Unibuddy Reps. Our Student Ambassadors also help with one-off or less regular events and creating student generated content like blogs and videos.

Student Life Centre

Our Student Life Centre team can help you with every aspect of student life including:

  • Finances
  • Accommodation
  • Exams and assessment
  • Academic procedures
  • Admissions
  • International queries
  • Disability and wellbeing
  • Confidential counselling service

Your personal tutor can also signpost you to relevant support.

Students’ Union

St George's Students' Union (SU) is an independent organisation run by students for students. The SU runs a wide range of events and is home to the SU Bar and Shop, music room, dance studios and meeting rooms. The team also provides welfare support for all students, with an open-door policy.

Want to join a sports team? Eager to try something new? We encourage you to take part in the wide range of sports, social and cultural activities and events on offer. From fencing to hockey, yoga to hiking, we have over 100 clubs and societies so you can be sure to find something that will interest you.

Our popular ‘Mums and Dads’ buddy scheme is organised by the Students’ Union. Every first year has the choice of being assigned a ‘parent’ from the year above in their respective course. The returning student acts as a go to for advice about courses and university life.

Students with children

Juggling study and parenthood can be difficult, particularly if you’re taking a demanding medical or healthcare degree. Our Student Parents and Carers Empowered (SPACE) society is a group run by studying parents that meets monthly to support each other and discuss how to balance family life with studying. For more information, email the SPACE society.

Study+

We’re here to help you develop the academic skills you need to succeed and make the most of our library collections.

  • Sessions and tutorials on literature searches, keyword searches and using databases
  • Training materials for academic planning, reading and writing to develop key transferable skills
  • 1:1 meetings for a tailored approach to your academic support needs

How to apply

Before beginning your application please check the entry criteria of the course you wish to study to ensure you meet the required standards.

If you work for the NHS and wish to be considered for NHSE funding, please make this clear on your application.

Access our online application system

Select the relevant application link and create an account:

  1. Once you have created your account, you will be able to complete an application form and upload any relevant documents. You can save a partly completed form and return to it later. Please make sure you complete all sections. Please make sure that the information you provide is accurate, including the options you select in menus.
  2. Add pgadmissions@sgul.ac.uk to your address book to ensure you do not miss any important emails from us.
  3. When you have checked that your application is complete and accurate, click ‘submit’.

You can track your application through your online account.

Applying for a module

Genomic Medicine Modules 2023/4 entry

Modules starting February – March 2024

If you are applying to study a module please note the following:

Current students: Students currently studying a Genomic Medicine standalone module at St George's should contact genomics@sgul.ac.uk to enquire into studying further modules. Please do not use the above links.

Please note applications for all modules close one week before the module start date.

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Guidance for completing your references

When completing your application, you will be asked to provide contact details of two referees. Please ensure these details are accurate. As soon as you have submitted your application, your referees will be contacted by the university asking them to upload a reference to your online application.

One must be a recent academic reference. The other should be either a second academic reference or a professional/employer reference. They should cover your suitability for the course and your academic ability.

Your referees should know you well enough, in an official capacity, to write about you and your suitability for higher education. We do not accept references from family, friends, partners, ex-partners or yourself.

We will send reminder emails to your referees but it is your responsibility to ensure that contact details are correct and referees are available to submit a reference. References should be uploaded within two weeks of making your application.

“My favourite part of the Genomic Medicine course was interacting with many different healthcare professionals from a variety of backgrounds such as GPs, nurses, and other allied healthcare workers. This resulted in an enhanced learning experience, which in combination with the number of modules available within the course, gave me a richer understanding of how genomics is being applied across the NHS.”

- Stephanie

Research Team Leader

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“Looking ahead, the MSc in Genomic medicine has helped me understand the advancements in omic technologies, provided direction in my research interests, and given a clear roadmap for integration of genomic techniques into my own medical practice.”

- Fran

Final year MBBS4 student at St George's, University of London

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“The module leads and lecturers were so knowledgeable and approachable; the passion for their subjects was obvious. The modules were very well structured with plenty of resources available; pre-session reading, and activities supported the learning and aided the embedding of knowledge and understanding.”

- Amanda

Paediatric Research Sister

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Fees and funding

In this tab you will find the financial information for this course of study, including details of financial support.

Tuition fees

2024 UK entry (home)

  • Full-time MSc: £15,250

  • Part-time MSc (2 years): £8,150 per annum

  • Full-time PgDip: £10,250
  • Part-time PgDip (2 years): £5,500 per annum

  • Part-time PgCert: £5,800

  • Genomic Medicine module: £1,450

2024 International (including EU)

  • Full-time MSc: £25,200

  • Part-time MSc (2 years): £13,400 per annum

  • Full-time PgDip: £18,650
  • Part-time PgDip (2 years): £10,000 per annum

  • Part-time PgCert: £10,000

  • Genomic Medicine module: £2,450

Additional costs

We do not expect students to incur any extra costs over and above those that we have advertised on the course page. To get the most from your studies, you will need your personal computer or laptop (Windows 10 or macOS) and an internet connection in your home. Find out more about technology requirements associated with online learning.

Students doing the Advanced Bioinformatics module will need to download free VPN software and set up a VPN connection to be able to access our cloud computing facilities in advance. You can find a guide about how to do this on macOS, Linux or Microsoft Windows here and the VPN configuration file here.

Personal protective equipment (PPE), if needed, will be provided for you by the University.

Funding your study

If you work for the NHS then you may be eligible for funding from NHS England (NHSE) for up to four taught modules. NHSE funding is limited so please liaise with our Admissions Tutor Dr Kate Everett-Korn as soon as possible. Then, if applicable, we will guide you through the application process and will forward your information to NHSEfor consideration. Visit Genomics England Education for more information.

We have a range of funding opportunities available for students. You may be eligible for the following.

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Duration

One year full-time, two years part-time

Application Deadline

30 June

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