Genomic Healthcare

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.

Months of entry

September

Course content

Already work in healthcare? Study our PgCert to explore counselling skills, human genetics, disease and issues in genomics.

Every individual is unique – our genomes and the way they respond to disease 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 numerous disciplines.

St George’s is 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?

Our Genomic Healthcare PgCert is the perfect fit for professionals such as clinicians, nurses, pharmacists, and midwives. We’ll provide knowledge on subjects relevant to healthcare practice and patient care that can support what you do every day in your role.

You’ll study four mandatory modules that cover a range of key topics. We also offer these as standalone modules for healthcare professionals looking to upskill and study on a modular basis towards your Continuing Professional Development (CPD).

Why St George's?

• NHSE Preferred provider - As well as extensive links with healthcare providers across London, we are also contracted as an NHSE preferred provider for this course.
• Funding - If you work in the NHS, our modules are available with or without assessment fully funded by NHSE (subject to available commissions).
• Flexibility - Study standalone modules, complete four modules to achieve a PgCert or upgrade to Genomic Medicine MSc/PgDip in a second year of study.

Course content

We’ve designed this course based on feedback from our healthcare students. In recent years, a broad range of health professionals have chosen to study with us, including GPs, surgeons, consultants, research nurses, genetic technologists and biomedical scientists.

You’ll complete four mandatory modules:

1. An Introduction to Counselling Skills in Genomics
2. Ethical, Legal, and Social Issues in Applied Genomics
3. Fundamentals of Human Genetics and Genomics
4. Genomics of Common and Rare Disease

Build key skills

You’ll look at the role of genetics in disease and how genomic information can explain disease mechanisms and biology. We’ll also share examples of both common and rare diseases from across the entire healthcare spectrum to demonstrate how to interpret genomic data.

Considering the impact of genomic technologies on individual lives and public discourse will be key. As well as knowing how to communicate and provide support to individuals and their families. You’ll learn how to do this in practical sessions using role play scenarios.

Teaching

The Genomic Healthcare PgCert has been designed based on feedback from our healthcare students. In recent years, a broad range of health professionals have chosen to study with us, including GPs, surgeons, consultants, research nurses, genetic technologists and biomedical scientists.

Our wide range of specialist modules can also be studied individually as part of Continuous Professional Development (CPD). If you work in the NHS our modules are available with or without assessment, fully funded by NHS England as part of ‘workforce development’ (subject to available commissions).

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 together 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 involved in the 100,000 Genomes Project which sequenced 100,000 whole genomes from 85,000 NHS patients.

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 the area of bioinformatics. Because this course is designed for professionals already working in the healthcare field, most graduates typically return to their jobs. You’ll be able to show enhanced knowledge and the ability to apply this to your work.

You might decide to do more modules from our Genomic Medicine course as CPD. Many students upgrade to higher awards such as the PgDip (120 credits) or MSc (180 credits) Genomic Medicine which extends study by two or three years.

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.