Genomic Medicine

Entry requirements

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.

Months of entry

September

Course content

Learn how genomics can help understand and diagnose diseases, personalise treatment and improve health outcomes.

Every individual is unique – our genomes and the way they respond to disease and infection is different. By understanding what’s going on in our bodies, we can work towards a future where healthcare is personalised, and patients' needs are targeted more effectively. Genomics is evolving rapidly and making an impact across oncology, pharmacology, cardiovascular disease and neuroscience.

This course is jointly taught with King’s College London and follows a curriculum designed by NHS England. This means you’ll have access to extensive expertise in areas like bioinformatics and cardiovascular genomics. Both institutions are also part of the South East Genomic Laboratory Hub. This is one of the largest providers of genomic testing in the UK and a national centre for specialist testing for haematology, respiratory, skin conditions, and more.

Is this course right for you?

You might already work within the NHS – we have nurses, doctors, pharmacists, midwives and other healthcare professionals join the course. Other students have decided to retrain in a new area or are recent graduates in a related area like biotechnology or the biomedical sciences.

As well as the MSc, the course is structured flexibly to provide options for PgDip and PgCert awards. You can also study it on a modular basis towards your Professional Development (CPD). Both the MSc and PgDip have full-time and part-time options which will help you combine your studies with work or other extra-academic commitments.

Why St George's?

• Designed by NHSE - Our curriculum is designed by NHS England and jointly taught with King's College London, giving you access to experts across different specialisms.
• Specialist modules - Pick from optional modules in growing areas such as cardiovascular genetics and genomics, fetal genomics, genomics of neurological disorders and advanced bioinformatics.
• Build your research profile - Experience working within an internationally recognised research group when you do your final project.

Course content

We’ve designed this course to introduce the key areas of genomics. You’ll also gain an understanding of disease genetics and how genomic medicine can explain disease mechanisms and biology.

You’ll examine the range of ‘omic’ technologies, their interpretation and application in key areas such as cancer, rare inherited diseases and infectious diseases, as well as research.

Understanding data

Nowadays bioinformatics and data interpretation are playing a crucial role in genomics. In our programme, we’ll make sure that you learn the skills to critically interpret existing research, as well as collect, analyse and interpret your own data using different techniques.

If you’re completing the full MSc, you’ll have the choice of carrying out a 60-credit hands-on research project or a 30-credit extended literature review.

Many of our part-time students choose a project that links to their current role. Others have explored diverse topics such as genomics and epigenomics features of diseases, bioinformatics analysis of transcriptomics in different cancers, and how genomic experts can integrate minority ethnic groups. One recent student also explored how genomic education could benefit midwife training. You can also complete your research project abroad through the Turing Scheme.

Teaching

We share our site with one of the UK’s largest teaching hospitals giving you the chance to learn in a busy healthcare environment. Most of our teaching staff have previously worked in genomics across a range of specialist areas, so you will learn from academics, researchers and clinicians with real on-the-job experience.

Studying at a smaller, more specialist university means we’ll get to know you and help you reach your potential. You’ll be part of interactive group sessions, and our academics are always on hand if you need extra support.

We use a patient-centred approach in our education. We invite representatives from patient groups or someone who has been through a genetic process to share their experience and what it meant to them.

Expertise

St George’s has a global reputation in genomics, population health, infection and immunity, and molecular and clinical sciences. The Genomics Clinical Academic Group is a cross-institutional group that brings together scientists, clinicians, nurses and bioinformaticians all working collaboratively in both research and education.

One of the things students tell us they like most about the course is the experience of our lecturers. You’ll be taught by experts in drug discovery and genomic testing, as well as clinicians who were involved in the 100,000 Genomes Project.

Previous guest speakers have also included the Head of the South West London Pathology Service and the Head of Genome Analysis and Genomics England.

Careers

Genomics is an area of rapid change, with a particular skills shortage in bioinformatics. We’ve designed this course for recent graduates and healthcare professionals who want to specialise in this field and master genomic technologies for their role. You might be a researcher or work as a diagnostic and healthcare professional.

Our graduates have gone on to work in clinical diagnostics, clinical trials, the NHS Scientist Training Programme, bioinformatics, and laboratory research. Others have continued to study further postgraduate programmes or a PhD.

Here are just a few examples of graduate roles and organisations where you’ll find our alumni:

• Research assistant at Circadian Therapeutics and Anthony Nolan
• Clinical trials assistant at IQVIA
• Clinical research associate at First Cardiology Consultants
• Research assistant at the Scientist Training Programme (STP-NHS)
• Bioinformaticians at King’s College London
• Scientific data associate at Abcam PLC
• Genomic associate at St Mark’s Hospital
• Lab technicians at Cambridge CRUK

Information for international students

For information on how to apply, advice on visas and immigration and English language requirements please visit our international student support webpages.

Fees and funding

For information about tuition fees, funding and scholarships please visit our fees and funding webpages.