Masters Degrees (Genomic)

Based on the indicative curriculum of Health Education England, NHS England and Genomics England LTD, the Genomic Medicine course will equip research scientists and Health Care Professionals with; knowledge and skills to understand and interpret genomic data, an understanding of genetic and genomic techniques in a clinical setting, bioinformatic approaches required for analysis of genomic data, advanced knowledge and skills, preparing graduates to develop and deliver personalised health care. 

Key Features of the Genomic Medicine Programme

Genomic Medicine students will be introduced to:

• The fundamentals of human genetics and genomics
• Techniques required for DNA and RNA sequencing to study genomic variation observed in the clinical setting
• Bioinformatic approaches required for the analysis of genomic data

Subsequent study will build on these foundations. Specific modules on the Genomic Medicine course focus on:

• The application of genomics to Molecular Pathology of Cancer
• Application of Genomics in Infectious Disease
• Common and rare inherited diseases

Genomic Medicine Course Content

The Genomic Medicine course is primarily informed by the design developed to equip graduates, and a diverse range of healthcare professionals, with an appreciation and education in genomics and genomic technology. As an emerging field of expertise this knowledge and understanding of genomics will prepare Genomic Medicine graduates to translate their newfound knowledge of genomics into the clinical setting to inform patient care.

The Genomic Medicine course has been developed in line with Health Education England, NHS England and Genomics England Ltd.

Genomic Medicine students will be introduced to the fundamentals of human genetics and genomics along with techniques required for DNA and RNA sequencing to study genomic variation observed in the clinical setting. A third module entitled Data Analysis for Health and Medical Sciences, will introduce the bioinformatic approaches required for the analysis of genomic data.

Students will learn and be taught through a variety of methods including: lectures, workshops, tutorials, practical sessions, work-based learning and guest lectures by professionals, practitioners and respected academics. 

Employability is key to the Genomic Medicine programme. Our students will be able to enhance their employability skills through their education and training in genomic medicine, transforming both the specialist and general workforce within the NHS. Furthermore, for non-NHS funded students, the MSc in Genomic Medicine will prepare graduates for careers in the clinical setting for which a knowledge of genomics will improve service delivery to patients.   

The masters’ element of this programme will require students to complete a Research Project or in depth literature review. Genomic Medicine students will be encouraged to undertake their research project within the NHS, either within the students hosting NHS department or where they may expect to work following graduation.

Funding Opportunities for Genomic Medicine

Please note: fees of accepted, eligible NHS-based applicants will be paid by the Workforce Education and Development Services (WEDS).

Workforce Education and Development Services (WEDS) funding: WEDS is offering to pay the tuition fees for eligible staff working for the NHS in Wales, to study for the MSc, PG Dip or PG Cert in Genomic Medicine (part-time only).

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The overall aims of the programme are to:

- provide professionally relevant teaching and learning informed by research in an integrated clinical and research environment;
- develop and create a cohort of doctors and other professionals allied to medicine able to pursue and develop their roles in a rapidly-changing and challenging environment of genomic medicine;
- prepare healthcare professionals for the adoption of genomic technologies and the increasing use of genomic information as part of the diagnostic and treatment pathway;
- develop a cohort of doctors and other professionals allied to medicine with the confidence to lead service improvement for safe and high quality patient care, and with the required knowledge, skills and capability to have a positive personal impact on the work of others;
- develop a cohort of doctors and other professionals allied to medicine with an understanding of research methodologies and clinical opportunities relevant to genomic medicine;
- encourage a commitment to intellectual challenge and evidence-based clinical practice informed by the latest conceptual and theoretical knowledge of genomic medicine;
- develop students' intellectual, practical and transferable skills related to genomic medicine;
encourage critical thinking related to genomic medicine;
- conduct systematic research relevant to their professional practice.

See the website http://www.graduate.study.cam.ac.uk/courses/directory/cvmgmpgnm

Learning Outcomes

The over-arching learning outcomes are:

- Knowledge and understanding -

- To enhance the students’ knowledge and critical understanding of recent developments in genomic medicine relevant to their present and future roles.
- To develop students’ knowledge and understanding of genomic medicine informed by research in a rapidly-changing integrated clinical and research environment.
- To enable deployment of new knowledge in their clinical practice, and to have a positive personal impact on the work of others in their clinical team and wider service.
- To develop an understanding of genomic technologies and to be able to use genomic information as part of the diagnostic and treatment pathway.
- To develop students’ knowledge so that they have the confidence to lead service improvement for safe and high quality patient care.
- To update and extend students’ understanding of research methodologies and clinical opportunities.
- To demonstrate knowledge, abilities and skills to engage in focused, professionally-relevant, independent learning, and through the production of a dissertation.

- Skills and other attributes -

- The skills necessary to locate, read, interpret and analyse primary and secondary sources of material enabling the development of a conceptual and theoretical understanding of recent developments in genomic medicine.
- Skills to evaluate current scholarship and research critically and to place this knowledge within the context of their own situation and practice as clinical leaders.
- The ability to formulate a research topic relevant to their clinical context, to collect and analyse primary and/or secondary sources of data, and to undertake professionally relevant research.
- The facility to communicate the results of their ideas, research and its conclusions in a written form acceptable as a work of scholarship potentially publishable in a professional or academic journal.

Format

The MPhil comprises either:

- eight modules, plus a research project and associated dissertation of 10-12,000 words, or
- ten modules, plus a literature-based research project and associated dissertation of 5-6,000 words.

Students must complete seven Core Modules and one/three further modules chosen from a range of Option Modules, with additional between-module reflection, study and assignment work.

The modules are structured as follows:

- Core Module 1: An introduction to human genetics and genomics
- Core Module 2: Omics techniques and the application to genomic medicine
- Core Module 3: Genomics of common and rare disease
- Core Module 4: Molecular pathology of cancer and application in cancer diagnosis, screening, and treatment
- Core Module 5: Application of genomics to infectious disease
- Core Module 6: Pharmacogenetics and stratified healthcare
- Core Module 7: Bioinformatics, interpretation, and data quality assurance in genome analysis

Option modules will be selected from the following list. Not all options may be offered every year.

- Option Module 1: Ethical, Legal and Social Implications in applied genomics (ELSI) **
- Option Module 2: Counselling skills for genomics
- Option Module 3: Professional and research skills
- Option Module 4: Advanced Bioinformatics – from genomes to systems
- Option Module 5: Epigenetics and epigenomics
- Option Module 6: Expanding the content of the MPhil in genomic medicine with a workplace-based module

Each core module will involve around 30 hours of contact time, including lectures, group work and online teaching.

Placements

The research project element of the course may be undertaken in a number of scientific institutions, within and without the University. This may include the University's School of Clinical Medicine, the School of Biological Sciences, the European Bioinformatics Institute, Welcome Trust Sanger Institute and, subject to approval, other suitable research institutions.

Assessment

Students must submit a dissertation of 5-6,000 words or 10-12,000 words, depending on the options selected. This will be worth 1/6th or 1/3rd of the overall mark for the course, respectively.

For each of the taught modules, students must complete summative assignments of 2500-3500 words or equivalent (except where other methods of module assessment are indicated in individual module descriptions)

Each student is allocated a named supervisor, who will meet regularly with the student to discuss progress and provide feedback and support as required. Written supervision reports are accessed via the online supervision system. Students are given feedback on the assessments conducted at the end of each module.

All students will meet with the programme director on a termly basis to discuss progress and to provide their feedback on the course.

How to apply: http://www.graduate.study.cam.ac.uk/applying

Funding Opportunities

Funding is available from Health Education England to pay course fees for NHS employees wishing to apply for this course. Prospective students wishing to apply for HEE funding should refer to the application process published by HEE at http://www.genomicseducation.hee.nhs.uk/msc-funding-info/and ensure that access to this funding is approved before applying for the course.

General Funding Opportunities http://www.graduate.study.cam.ac.uk/finance/funding

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The MSt in Genomic Medicine is part of the suite of postgraduate courses in Genomic Medicine and designed to educate suitably qualified NHS healthcare professionals from across the multi-professional team to prepare for the future adoption of genomic technologies and the increasing use of genomic information as part of the diagnostic and treatment pathway.

The programme has been developed by the University of Cambridge Institute of Continuing Education and Cambridge University Hospitals in partnership with Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute and European Bioinformatics Institute.

See the website https://www.ice.cam.ac.uk/mst-genomic-medicine

Aims of the programme

- To provide professionally relevant teaching and learning informed by research in an integrated clinical and research environment;
- To develop and create a cohort of doctors and other professionals allied to medicine able to pursue and develop their roles in a rapidly-changing and challenging environment of genomic medicine;
- To prepare healthcare professionals for the adoption of genomic technologies and the increasing use of genomic information as part of the diagnostic and treatment pathway;
- To develop a cohort of doctors and other professionals allied to medicine with the confidence to lead service improvement for safe and high quality patient care, and with the required knowledge, skills and capability to have a positive personal impact on the work of others;
- To develop a cohort of doctors and other professionals allied to medicine with an understanding of research methodologies and clinical opportunities relevant to genomic medicine;
- To encourage a commitment to intellectual challenge and evidence-based clinical practice informed by the latest conceptual and theoretical knowledge of genomic medicine;
- To develop students' intellectual, practical and transferable skills related to genomic medicine;
- To encourage critical thinking related to genomic medicine;
- To conduct systematic research relevant to their professional practice.

Format

Eight modules, as described by the Postgraduate Diploma, plus a 60-credit research project and associated dissertation of 10,000-12,000 words on an agreed topic in genomic medicine;

or

Ten modules, comprising the eight modules as described by the Postgraduate Diploma plus two additional Option Modules, plus a 30 credit literature-based research project and associated dissertation of 5,000-6,000 words on an agreed topic in genomic medicine.

Assessment

- Students are assessed formatively throughout the taught modules of the programme using a variety of techniques and interrelated strategies including evidence of regular reflection, demonstration of active participation in the programme will also be required. There may also a requirement for the students to take part in peer review of other students.

- For each of the four taught modules comprising the Postgraduate Certificate, students must complete summative assignments of 2500-3500 words or equivalent.

- For the Postgraduate Diploma, students must complete assignments of 2500-3500 words for each of the taught modules (except where other methods of module assessment are indicated in individual module descriptions)

How to apply: http://www.graduate.study.cam.ac.uk/applying

Funding

Funding is available from Health Education England for NHS employees wishing to apply for this course. Prospective students wishing to apply for HEE funding should refer to the HEE website and ensure that access to this funding is approved before applying for the course. Apply for HEE funding: http://bit.ly/1rRqZA9

You may be interested to know that from 2016/17, Student Finance England (SFE) is introducing a postgraduate loans scheme for full-time and part-time Master’s courses. Information on eligibility, the amount of the loan and the level of repayment can be found in SFE’s The Student Room: http://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/content.php?r=5659-Student-Finance

Please note that SFE is planning to take applications via its main Student finance website, from summer 2016: https://www.gov.uk/student-finance

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Genomic Medicine and Healthcare Courses

The Genomic Medicine and Healthcare course has been developed for healthcare professionals including Specialist Medical Practitioners, General Medical Practitioners, Allied Health Professionals, Nurses and Midwives, Genetic Counsellors and those with related undergraduate degrees or equivalent professional qualifications and background experience. It will be of interest to health professionals in the UK and internationally and will provide a solid foundation in the core concepts of genetics and genomics applied to modern medicine and healthcare. Although there are other courses covering the subject area, none are completely online so they are difficult and costly for global healthcare professionals to get involved. This course will reach an international audience in a cost effective, flexible and inclusive way, helping to develop a worldwide network of genomic medical and healthcare leaders.

Our course is well timed given increasing public and professional interests in genetic and genome-level diagnostic and predictive testing for clinical management, disease risk evaluation, prevention of major complications and offering the prospect of improved prognosis. Personalised benefits include the option for reproductive choices and reducing lifetime medical or health risks by judicious use of new emerging preventive medicines and devices combined with lifestyle/behaviour modifications.

Diploma in Genomic Medicine and Healthcare Courses

Our online 1 year Postgraduate Diploma in Genomic Medicine & Healthcare is designed to be practical and clinically focused. The course will provide an integrated approach to Genomic Medicine and Healthcare and focus on applying scientific principles to direct patient care. The Genomics Diploma course is worth 120 credits and comprises 6 modules of 20 credits each.

The Diploma course aims to equip graduates with critical knowledge and understanding of genomics medicine. Graduates will be able to apply knowledge for direct clinical benefit and future study. Our Genomics Medicine Diploma course caters to the educational needs of a primary and secondary care audience and is the only one of its kind that is completely accessible online.

Our Genomic Medicine Diploma has been designed for General Medical Practitioners, Specialist Medical Practitioners (for example Paediatrics, General Medicine, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Medical Oncology), Allied Health Professionals (Clinical Psychologists, Occupational Therapists and Physiotherapists), Nurses (Cancer, Cardiac, Paediatric, Neurology etc.) and Midwives. In addition, the course would be of interest to those with related undergraduate degrees (e.g. Dietetics, Biomedical Science, Pharmacy) or equivalent professional qualifications and background experience

On completion you will demonstrate:

- a systematic understanding of genetics and genomic factors in human diseases

- a critical awareness of current issues affecting the management of inherited human diseases

- an advanced knowledge of clinical genomics that will facilitate decision-making in unpredictable and/or complex situations

- an ability to critically evaluate current research in applied and translational genetics and genomics

- an ability to deliver management strategies for the investigation and treatment of patients with inherited human diseases

- a basic understanding of the scope and effect of genomics on treatments including horizon scanning of potential new targeted treatments for wider population

Course Structure

The online course lasts one calendar year and is a part time distance learning course. It consists of 6 modules per year, each of 6 weeks duration.

Module 1 - Principles of Medical Genetics and Genomics

Module 2 - Genetic Counselling

Module 3 - Genomics and Society

Module 4 - Practice of Clinical Genomics

Module 5 - Reproductive Genomics

Module 6 - Genomic Healthcare

Assessment

Online Diploma in Genomic Medicine and Healthcare

The course puts assessment at the heart of learning by using clinical scenarios to facilitate problem-solving, critical analysis and evidence-based care. The scenarios act as both the focus for learning and assessment thus embedding assessment within the learning process.

Each of the 6 modules have the same assessment format. Due to the online nature of the course, students are expected to login and participate in the course regularly throughout the module (ideally on a daily basis).

Students are split into groups of 10-15 students and are assigned a dedicated expert tutor who:

Facilitates clinical case discussions with the group.

Monitors, assesses and marks each student throughout the module.

Students use the skills gained during the lectures to engage with the different activities (see below).

Clinical case scenarios with case based discussion - 40%

Individual learning portfolio - 10%

Group/individual activity - 20%

Case based examination - 30%

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You will be given a thorough grounding in human genomics, genetics, genetic analysis and bioinformatics, in communication and counselling skills, and in the skills required for you to work as part of a multi-disciplinary team providing genetic and genomic counselling for families.

Overview

The primary aim of this course is to train graduates interested in the clinical application of advances in human genetics and genomics so that they can provide and critically evaluate genetic and genomic counselling services.

You will be given a thorough grounding in human genomics, genetics, genetic analysis and bioinformatics, in communication and counselling skills, and in the skills required for you to work as part of a multi-disciplinary team providing genetic and genomic counselling for families. 

The course is particularly suitable for students interested in pursuing a career as a genetic counsellor. It is designed to meet the UK Genetic Counsellor Registration Board (GCRB) Set ‘A’ educational requirement to submit a Notification of Intention to Register with the GCRB (see http://www.gcrb.org.uk/), as well as the European Board of Medical Genetics (EBMG Genetic Counsellors division) educational requirement to submit a Notification of Intention to Register with the EBMG.

Distinctive features

The MSc in Genetic and Genomic Counselling is an innovative part-time, largely distance learning course. Being a ‘blended learning’ course, this opens up our well established genetic counsellor training expertise to a European and international audience, as it removes the need for you to relocate to Cardiff for full time study to train as a genetic counsellor. Instead, you will attend short intensive teaching blocks in Wales (UK) and engage in the online learning components throughout the remainder of each year. Approved placement learning in your own location is also undertaken in year 2. 

We are committed to developing your practice in evidence-based genetic and genomic counselling, with a strong emphasis on preparing you to contribute to clinical and health services research in genetic and genomic counselling. The programme team includes world-class researchers in genetic and genomic counselling and counselling skills are taught by an expert counsellor.

Learning and assessment

How will I be taught?

You will be taught through a combination of face-to-face and online lectures, tutorials, seminars, self-directed study and experiential learning on placement.

Lectures take a range of forms but generally they aim to provide a broad structure for each subject, to introduce key concepts, and to convey relevant up-to-date information. In tutorials and seminars, you’ll have the opportunity to discuss particular genetic counselling and genomic counselling topics, to consolidate and receive feedback on your individual learning and to develop skills in oral presentation. Tutorials will enable you to make individual contributions to group study, for example by summarising a particular genetic condition or your dissertation project for the group.

You will have the opportunity to practise and develop counselling, intellectual, team-working and presentational skills by participating in diverse learning activities, such as solving clinical problems, small-group discussions, debates, oral presentations, independent research tasks and written assignments as well as your practical placement activities in year 2. 

Career prospects

This programme is particularly suitable for those interested in pursuing a career as a genetic counsellor in the UK, as it is designed to meet the UK Genetic Counsellor Registration Board (GCRB) Set A educational requirement to submit a Notification of Intention to Register with the GCRB. The programme is accredited by the GCRB, so that the MSc qualifies trainee genetic counsellors to apply for Assured Voluntary Registration with the GCRB, which enables a trainee genetic counsellor (paid on Agenda For Change (AFC) band 6) to move into an AFC band 7 NHS post in the UK NHS. 

It is also suitable for those interested in pursuing a career as a genetic counsellor in Europe and internationally, as it is designed to meet the European Board of Medical Genetics (EBMG Genetic Counsellors division) educational requirement to submit a Notification of Intention to Register with the EBMG. The accreditation from EBMG means that the MSc qualification qualifies trainee genetic counsellors to apply for EBMG registration. 

Over 90% of graduates from the Cardiff University genetic counsellor training programmes have obtained employment as genetic counsellors since the course began in 2000. 

In the UK and in the USA, the demand for genetic counsellors has increased in recent years. Graduates from existing UK MSc in Genetic (and Genomic) courses will be insufficient to meet the needs of the UK NHS over the next few years, as many UK genetic counsellors are approaching retirement. The Transnational Alliance of Genetic Counsellors (a partnership of genetic counsellor educators from eighteen countries) have strongly emphasized the need for training more genetic counsellors to practice internationally, specifically across the EU, Asia and South America.

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Our Genomics Medicine programme follows a curriculum designed by Health Education England and is aligned with the 100,000 genomes project, led by Genomics England and NHS England, which intends to transform the use of genomic medicine in the NHS. This course is jointly taught by both King’s and St George’s, University of London, allowing you to benefit from the breadth of expertise provided by both institutions including their membership of the South London NHS Genome Medicine Centre. The programme is suitable for healthcare professionals and other students with an interest in Genomic Medicine.

Key Benefits

• Jointly taught by King’s and St George’s, University of London – institutions with world-class research, clinical and teaching expertise across the full spectrum of Genomic Medicine
• Integrated within the South London Genomic Medicine Centre
• King’s ranked 1st in the UK for Clinical Medicine (REF 2014, proportion of overall submission that was ranked 4* or 3*)
• King’s ranked 16th in the world for Clinical, Pre-Clinical and Health (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2016/17)
• Both campuses are co-located with leading teaching hospitals
• Institutional expertise in multi-professional education

Description

Our Genomic Medicine programme, taught jointly with St George’s, is an opportunity to explore how recent technological advances have transformed the way that genetic data is generated, analysed and presented, and its relevance to a range of clinical scenarios.

The Genomics Medicine programme is designed for healthcare professionals and other students who wish to train in genomic technologies and the interpretation of genomic data within a medical context.

The study programme is made up of optional and required modules. The MSc pathway requires modules totalling 180 credits to complete the programme, including either 60 or 30 credits from a research project and dissertation or literature review. The Postgraduate Diploma pathway requires modules totalling 120 credits, while the Postgraduate Certificate requires you to study modules totalling 60 credits to complete the course. If you are studying full-time, you will complete the course in one year, from September to September. If you are studying part-time, your programme will take two years to complete.

Course purpose

The Genomics Medicine programme is designed for healthcare professionals and other students who wish to acquire training in genomic technologies and the interpretation of their findings within a medical context.

Course format and assessment

Modules taught in one week blocks including face to face and on line teaching. Learning material delivered as lectures, tutorials and workshops. Each taught module assessed by two pieces of assessment that varies between modules and include multiple choice questions, extended essays, case studies or role play.

Locations

• King's College London, Guy's Campus
• St George's, University of London

Career prospects

An MSc in Genomic Medicine will provide career opportunities for a range of professions from laboratory based researchers to diagnostic and healthcare professionals.

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Our MSc in Genomic Medicine is accredited by Health Education England and designed to fulfil the aspirations of the 100,000 Genome Project to create a world-class NHS workforce that understands and applies genomics for patient care.

This course is ideal whether you are a member of NHS staff or a science graduate. NHS professionals will learn how genomics impact on their area of clinical practice, while science graduates will receive training to help them gain employment in the healthcare sector (eg as a biomedical scientist or in genomic counselling) or pursue a PhD in the field.

We emphasise the practice of genomics and bioinformatics in the NHS and academia as a partnership between multiple stakeholders, including clinical, academic and industrial involvement.

As such, you will learn from clinical experts from the Manchester Centre for Genomic Medicine , The University of Manchester, Liverpool University, Public Health England, AstraZeneca and Qiagen.

Our MSc consists of taught units and a literature review or a bioinformatics-based project. You will be encouraged to use your intellectual curiosity, creativity and critical thinking in the practical application of genomics and bioinformatics.

MRes students will write a literature review and a research proposal (project 1) before going on to complete a six-month practical research project.

Teaching and learning

We take a student-focused and patient-centred approach to teaching and learning.

The course content is delivered using a combination of online and face-to-face methods including lectures, problem and evidence-based learning, workshops and collaborative learning.

The face-to-face elements are designed to help you develop the deeper contextualised specialist knowledge and critical evaluative skills necessary for a questioning and innovative approach to your learning and clinical practice.

You will learn from healthcare professionals and industry partners who are working at the forefront of practice and clinical research and can draw on their scholarship and expertise to help you build your knowledge.

If you choose to study the MRes qualification, the 25-week lab-based research project will provide excellent practical training in a number of research methods and techniques.

Course unit details

The MSc is divided into 15-credit core and optional units. Full-time students will normally do a 60-credit research project, and part-time students a 30-credit literature review.

Course collaborators

We collaborate with the following organisations to deliver this MSc:

• Manchester Centre for Genomic Medicine
• University of Liverpool
• Public Health England
• Qiagen
• AstraZeneca .

What our students say

"So far, I have completed four modules on Bioinformatics, Human Genetics, Pharmacogenomics and Genetic Counselling. I can honestly say that I have thoroughly enjoyed each of these and they have opened my eyes to the potential transformation of healthcare in the NHS through genomic medicine."

Bradley Horn, Genetic Technologist

Disability support

Practical support and advice for current students and applicants is available from the Disability Advisory and Support Service .

CPD opportunities

Several units from this MSc can be taken as standalone courses for continuing professional development (CPD). Please visit the Genomic Medicine (CPD units) page for further information.

Career opportunities

Our course is designed to support and upskill healthcare professionals working in the NHS in areas where genomic medicine is becoming part of clinical practice.

Our science graduates have gone on to apply their new skills in service labs in their home countries, gained employment in the NHS, undertaken further study for genomic counselling, or have continued their research to pursue a PhD in the field.

Accrediting organisations

This course is accredited by Health Education England.

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Genomic Medicine MSc is suitable for doctors, healthcare professionals and other students with an interest in Genomic Medicine.

Overview

This course follows a curriculum designed by Health Education England and is suitable for healthcare professionals and other students with an interest in Genomic Medicine. As a jointly taught programme delivered by St George’s, University of London and King's College London, students will benefit from the breadth of expertise provided by both institutions.

Students will learn how recent technological advances have transformed how genetic data is generated, analysed and presented and its relevance to a range of clinical scenarios. This will be a flexible programme, structured to provide options for PGCert and PgDip awards as well as the MSc.

Funding is available from Health Education England (HEE) for NHS employees wishing to apply for the programme (and individual modules). Prospective students wishing to apply for this funding should do so before applying for the 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

- Integrated within the South London Genomic Medicine Centre

- Both campuses are co-located with leading teaching hospitals

- Institutional expertise in multi-professional education

- St George’s scored 92% overall student satisfaction in Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey 2014

- King’s clinical research ranked third in the UK, eleventh in the world

- St George’s clinical research ranked 4th for impact

- Both institutions are ranked among the top 200 universities in the world according to the recent Times Higher Education World University Rankings

Modules

This MSc award will consist of 8 core modules with a selection of optional modules.

Core modules:

- Fundamentals of human genetics and genomics (15 credits)

- Omics techniques and their application to genomic medicine (15 credits)

- Bioinformatics, interpretation, statistics and data quality assurance (15 credits)

- 60 Credit Research project or 30 Credit library-based dissertation

Core elective modules:

-Genomics of common and rare inherited diseases (15 credits)

-Application of genomics in infectious disease (15 credits)

-Pharmacogenomics and stratified healthcare (15 credits)

- Molecular pathology of cancer and application in diagnosis, screening and treatment (15 credits)

Optional modules

-Teaching, Learning, and Assessment in Healthcare and Science Education

- Counselling skills in genomics (15 credits)

- Cardiovascular genetics and genomics (15 credits)

-Ethical, legal and social issues in applied genomics (15 credits)

Careers

This course is designed for students who wish to acquire training in genomic technologies and the interpretation of their findings within a medical context. An MSc in Genomic Medicine will provide career opportunities for a range of professions from laboratory based researchers to diagnostic and healthcare professionals.

Studying

Teaching will be delivered at both St George’s and King's sites and will include a variety of methods including lectures, seminars, workshops and online formats.

Progress throughout the course will be assessed through a variety of methods, including MCQ, written and oral presentations.

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Our degrees in Genomic Medicine cover all aspects of genomic science and medicine, and will equip you with the knowledge and skills to be able to interpret and understand genomic data that increasingly impacts on service delivery to patients and the community.

The programme is aimed at students from a wide range of backgrounds, from basic scientists to all levels of healthcare professionals, and will provide a flexible, multi-disciplinary and multi-professional perspective in genomics, applied to clinical practice and medical research.

It is made up of three progressional levels (PG Cert, PG Dip and MSc), and you can apply to any level in the first instance. Read more about how this works under 'Choosing your course' in the how to apply section.

It is designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills to be able to interpret and understand genomic data that increasingly impacts on service delivery to patients and the community.

The training provided covers all aspects of genomic science and medicine (not merely DNA sequencing or detection of genetic variation), undertaken in one of the most cutting-edge scientific environments.

The course includes collaborations with:

• the Institute of Cancer Research (providing the core Cancer Genomics Module)
• Brunel University London (providing the optional Economic Evaluation in Human Genomics Module)

The Institute of Cancer Research and Brunel University London may also co-supervise research projects.

The programme is one of the preferred providers for Health Education England and upholds the values of the NHS Constitution.

Further information

For full information on this course, including how to apply, see: http://www.imperial.ac.uk/study/pg/medicine/genomic-medicine/

If you have any enquiries you can contact our team at: [email protected]

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About the course

Lead academics: Dr Janine Kirby and Dr Dennis Wang

This course draws on expertise from three University faculties – Medicine, Dentistry and Health, Science, and Social Sciences – and the Sheffield Genetics Diagnostic Service (Sheffield Children’s Hospital NHS Foundation Trust). It’s aimed at students as well as professionals from healthcare and science backgrounds.

The syllabus was developed in partnership with Health Education England (HEE), in order to educate the next generation of healthcare professionals. This covers the scope and application of genomics in medicine and biomedical research as well as the ethical, social and legal issues relating to this field.

The course is taught by academics, scientists and clinicians. Learning methods range from lectures and tutorials to interaction with patients and online activities. You’ll get first-hand experience of hypothesis-driven research by carrying out your own project in Genomic Medicine.

How we teach

Classes are kept small (15–20 students) to make sure you get the best possible experience in laboratories and in clinical settings.

Our resources

We have a state-of-the-art biorepository and a £30m stem cell laboratory. The Sheffield Institute of Translational Neuroscience (SITraN) opened in November 2010. We also have microarray, genetics, histology, flow cytometry and high-throughput screening technology, and the latest equipment for bone and oncology research.

At our Clinical Research Facility, you’ll be able to conduct studies with adult patients and volunteers. The Sheffield Children’s Hospital houses a complementary facility for paediatric experimental medical research.

Hepatitis B policy

If your course involves a significant risk of exposure to human blood or other body fluids and tissue, you’ll need to complete a course of Hepatitis B immunisation before starting. We conform to national guidelines that are in place to protect patients, health care workers and students.

Core modules

• Fundamentals in Human Genetics and Genomics
• Omics Techniques and Application to Genomic Medicine
• Genomics of Common and Rare Inherited Diseases
• Molecular Pathology of Cancer
• Introduction to Bioinformatics and Interpretation of Genomes
• Genomics Research Project

Examples of optional modules

• Advanced Bioinformatics and Genomic Data Analysis
• Introduction to Counselling Skills used in Genomic Medicine
• Application of Genomics in Infectious Disease
• Pharmacogenomics and Stratified Health Care
• Workplace-Based Genomic Medicine
• Professional and Research Skills
• Literature Review

Teaching and assessment

The MSc Genomic Medicine offers a wide range of delivery methods for providing theoretical knowledge, from lectures, laboratory sessions and tutorials to computer-based analysis workshops as well as the opportunity to gain input from internationally renowned experts in their fields. The inclusion of problem-based learning is embedded within the course and features in combinations of online and in-person interpretive class formats. Tutorials, seminars and individual meetings with staff provide opportunities for discussion and feedback. Each of the departments delivering the programme fosters an environment that provides many opportunities for individual and group learning.

PG Diploma, PG Certificate and Continuing Professional and Personal Development (CPPD) options are available as entry and exit options on both a full-time (over 1 year) or part-time basis (over 2 years).

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The practice of medicine, especially in the disciplines of Pathology and Genetics is increasingly reliant on Genomic technology. The aim of this programme is to increase the knowledge and capability of scientific and clinical staff using genetic data in their daily work allowing them to engage confidently with the scientific concepts of Molecular Pathology and Genomic Medicine, and to use their skills to improve patient care. The programme could also provide a foundation for those students interested in developing a clinical academic career.

The University of Edinburgh is at the forefront of Genomic Technology. To adequately realise the potential of these technologies in a diagnostic setting this programme will cover the scientific underpinning and clinical application of genomic technology to enable clinicians and scientists to provide maximum benefit to patients.

The programme will provide a structured environment for students wishing to develop cutting edge knowledge and practical skills in Clinical Genomics and Molecular Pathology. The programme structure is designed around three central themes: scientific foundation, diagnostics, and patient management and treatment.

Programme structure

The PG Cert is comprised of four compulsory courses, totalling 60 credits.

Students will learn via a mixture of guided online activities, in-person tutorials, and in course four, an extended project. In addition to structured learning, students are expected to conduct independent study and read around the subject area.

Students will develop their critical analysis skills through evaluation of primary research articles and reviews. Students will learn how to perform variant analysis and next generation sequencing data analysis using relevant bioinformatics tools. Students can also expect to develop the communication skills required for interacting with the major stakeholders of genomic information: clinical scientists, doctors and patients.

Teaching is performed by a variety of staff who are leaders in their field, as well as experienced educators. The core teaching team is comprised of staff from the NHS Lothian Clinical Genetics Service and Pathology departments. Additional teaching is performed by clinical and scientific staff from across Edinburgh University and the UK. In addition, the programme has a dedicated teaching teaching fellow, who will provide academic and pastoral support throughout all courses.

Postgraduate Professional Development (PPD)

Aimed at working professionals who want to advance their knowledge through a postgraduate-level course(s), without the time or financial commitment of a full Postgraduate Certificate.

You may take a maximum of 50 credits worth of courses over two years through our PPD scheme. These lead to a University of Edinburgh postgraduate award of academic credit. Alternatively, after one year of taking courses you can choose to transfer your credits and continue on to studying towards a higher award on the Postgraduate Certificate programme. Any time spent studying PPD will be deducted from the amount of time you will have left to complete a Postgraduate Certificate programme.

Learning outcomes

1. Explain how genetic variation is involved in human disease and the development of cancer
2. Critically evaluate molecular pathology diagnostics and select the appropriate diagnostic for disease stratification to determine patient treatment
3. Analyse next generation sequence data in the context of germline mutations that cause human genetic disease, and somatic mutations involved in cancer
4. Understand how genetic variation can be a major determinant of patient treatment and apply this knowledge to clinical scenarios in Genomic Medicine and Molecular Pathology

The programme will adopt a blended learning format, with teaching delivered via online as a eLectures and interviews, in-person tutorials, and online interactive content.

Programme materials and resources will all be available in the virtual learning environment, Learn. Learn provides an interactive forum for students to engage with other learners and the programme teaching staff. Multiple feedback opportunities will be integrated within each course and will comprise of weekly interactive online quizzes, discussion boards and office hours. In-person tutorials will also represent an important feedback opportunity for students. Assessment will vary slightly with each course, common assessment modalities include structured written assignments, presentations and data analysis reports.

Career opportunities

The programme is aimed primarily at NHS laboratory and clinical staff. It is designed for anyone wishing to expand their understanding of molecular pathology and how it applies to clinical diagnostics. The PG Cert will be of use to a wide range of individuals as it can be used to support FRC Path, Clinical Scientist Development and Genetic Technologist Registration. It can be used as a component of STP and could potentially contribute the first 60 credits of MSc. It will also provide the scientific underpinning for Genetic Counselling.

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The course is especially designed for healthcare professionals from a range of backgrounds. It follows a syllabus specified by Health Education England (HEE) for training NHS staff in Genomic Medicine, and HEE has ring-fenced funding to allow NHS staff to study for the MSc (Genomic Medicine) at accredited provider institutions, including Birmingham.

Further information about HEE funding is now available. You can choose to study for the full Masters, the intermediate qualifications of Postgraduate Diploma or Postgraduate Certificate, or select individual modules as CPD.

The course is also suitable for other Home/EU or international students who wish to learn about the advances in genomics and bioinformatics particularly as relevant to medical applications, and the challenges of introducing the technology into a healthcare system.

Course details

The Programme aims to equip you with the knowledge, understanding and skills relating to genomics that will empower you to help lead the holistic integration of genomic technology into patient care within the National Health Service, including via the ambitious Genomics England Ltd (GeL) 100,000 Genomes Project which commenced in 2015.

The 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 to you the technologies for generating genome-wide data, and how the resulting vast quantities of data can be approached and interrogated to generate meaningful information that can be useful for families affected by inherited conditions, or for patients with acquired diseases including cancer and infections.

You will learn how to interrogate genomic data using bioinformatic tools to identify and investigate the pathogenicity of genetic variants, and relate these to real-life case-studies. The core modules also include consideration of the ethical, legal and social issues that surround genomic medicine, which can be further explored in an optional module. Other options include counselling skills and advanced bioinformatics.

Finally, you can choose either a 60-credit research project (which could be a computer-based bioinformatics project, a lab-based or clinically-based project, either in Birmingham or at your home institution), or a 30-credit dissertation (combined with additional taught modules), to hone your research skills while exploring a genomics-related project of your choice.

Learning and teaching

As a Birmingham student, you will be joining the academic elite and will have the privilege of learning from world-leading experts, as well as from your peers. From the outset you will be encouraged to become an independent and self-motivated learner. We want you to be challenged and will encourage you to think for yourself.

The course combines face-to-face teaching in lectures, tutorials, workshops, student presentations etc. with independent or group learning, which can be done remotely, using published papers or online resources. Following a 2-day Induction, the face-to-face teaching of most modules is delivered over 5 days, either consecutive (for the two introductory modules), or spread over 5 weeks for most others.

You will have access to a comprehensive support system that will assist and encourage you, including personal tutors and welfare tutors who can help with both academic and welfare issues.

Employability

The course is especially designed for healthcare professionals working within the National Health Service, to improve their capabilities and support career progression. It could be similarly beneficial for those working or aspiring to work in other healthcare systems.

Students who are not healthcare professionals would acquire knowledge, understanding and skills that should help them gain employment or PhD positions especially in the expanding fields of genomics, bioinformatics, or other medically-related research and development in either academia or the pharmaceutical industry.

We have gathered some profiles to give you an idea of the breadth of students we have on our programme.

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Genomic technologies and information will transform practice across the clinical professions over the next decade.

This MSc is a new programme developed by Health Education England and being offered by a network of centres across England. It includes study of the genomics and informatics of rare and common diseases, cancer and infectious diseases, which can be applied to clinical practice and medical research, and enhance knowledge and skills, in this rapidly evolving field.

What does our MSc provide?

This programme, delivered by the Faculty of Medicine, will provide a comprehensive perspective in genomics applied to clinical practice and medical research, with particular emphasis on the 100,000 Genomes Project. It will equip students to bring benefit to their patients through improved diagnosis and personalised treatment, and disseminate knowledge to peers, patients and the public.

Who should study?

This programme is particularly suitable for health professionals as well as students seeking to make the most of genomics as it applies to their current or future career.

Flexible learning:

Our modular structure and blended learning formats are delivered flexibly as a one year full-time or two year part-time option, or as individual or grouped modules, to facilitate access from as wide as possible a range of healthcare professionals.

Introducing your course

Genomic technologies and information will transform practice across the clinical professions over the next decade. Our MSc Genomic Medicine degree is designed to enhance knowledge and skills in this rapidly evolving field. The masters course has been developed by Health Education England and includes study of the genomics and informatics of rare and common diseases, cancer and infectious diseases, which can be applied to clinical practice and medical research. This degree is suitable for health professionals working in the NHS, as well as students seeking to make the most of genomics as it applies to their current or future career.

Overview

This MSc Genomic Medicine has been commissioned by NHS England / Health Education England to provide education and training in genomics for health professionals from different professional backgrounds such as medicine, nursing, public health, science and technology, for whom knowledge of genomics will impact on the way they deliver their service to patients and the public.

Tailored content

This programme can be tailored to meet your career aspirations and enables you to choose your module options, plan your programme route, and choose from October or March to begin your studies.

You can study part-time or undertake smaller numbers of, or even individual, modules to fit your study around your other commitments.

Modules

Southampton’s MSc Genomic Medicine comprises eight core modules delivered through intensive face-to-face study and independent learning.

Our core modules include an introduction to the genetics and genomics of rare and common diseases, cancer and infectious disease, informatics analysis, and a laboratory research project or dissertation.

Optional modules within the programme include the Ethics, Counselling Skills and Teaching the Teachers to Teach.

Teaching and learning

Using a mix of learning formats, our modules include two groups of two days' intensive face-to-face teaching interspersed with independent study.

The first core module will include an additional day of student contact to incorporate an induction to the University’s facilities and introduction to basic research skills such as literature searching and critical appraisal of scientific literature).

A variety of learning and teaching methods will be adopted to promote a wide range of skills and meet differing learning styles, including seminars, group work, practical demonstrations and exercises surrounding interpretation of data and clinical scenarios.

Experts from a range of academic and health care professional backgrounds are chosen to ensure a breadth and depth of perspective, giving a good balance between theories and principles, and practical management advice.

Independent study is delivered through a virtual learning environment, delivering a library of study materials including uploaded lectures, virtual patients and independent learning tasks, reference materials, links to online tutorials, student fora, and guest lecturer web chats.

A significant component of your research will comprise either an original project or a literature-based dissertation.

What you will gain

Students who complete the programme will be equipped to harness the unprecedented transformation of the 100,000 Genomes Project, bring benefit to their patients through improved diagnosis and personalised treatment, and disseminate knowledge to peers, patients and the public.

Visit the programme specification document for this course

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Medical practice and practice in the clinical professions will be transformed by genomic technologies and information within the next decade.

This MSc programme has been developed by Health Education England and is aligned with their vision to prepare for the legacy of the 100,000 Genomes Project.

This will be achieved through transformational education and training that is focused on developing the capability and capacity of the NHS to apply genomic medicine for patient benefit.

The programme is offered by a network of seven centres across England and includes study of the genomics and informatics of rare and common diseases, cancer and infectious diseases, which can be applied to clinical practice and medical research, it enhances knowledge and skills, in this rapidly evolving field. Each module runs over a 4-5 week period with a mixture of face-to-face and online material. You will be required to attend teaching sessions in Exeter for 3-4 days per module and for some modules teaching will also occur simultaneously in Bristol.

You will learn from, with and about your peers, developing a mutual understanding and respect for the positive contributions that each will bring to Genomic Medicine. Students are likely to be clinical practitioners, diagnostic service providers, scientists, researchers and those aspiring to specialise within an academic career pathway.

In addition to the full masters, students can opt to study for a 60 credit PG Certificate or 120 credit PG Diploma, by selecting a combination of any of the modules on offer. Individual modules will be of appeal to those who wish to enhance their CPD portfolio but do not need a formal academic award. Information on the modules offered is given on the ‘Structure’ tab.

Funding for NHS professionals

Funding is available to NHS professionals and applications are made directly through this University from 1st April 2018. HEE funded places are limited and will be offered on a first come first serve basis.

You will complete a simple application form detailing your study programme choice, your current job role and employer. A link to this funding application form will be available on this page on 1st April 2018.

Approval will be granted following an interview and receipt of employer reference. Once your funding has been approved, you will be instructed to apply for your study programme via the University of Exeter Central Admissions process.

Programme structure

The full MSc course comprises eight core modules: seven taught modules of 15 credits each and one research module of either 60 or 30 credits. A range of optional modules is available for you to design your own learning experience to complement your career needs, and to complete the full programme of 180 credits.

Awards

The programme structure allows you to start the MSc programme and complete either a Postgraduate Certificate, a Postgraduate Diploma, or the full MSc.

Tailored content

This programme can be tailored to meet your career aspirations and enables you to choose your module options and plan your programme route.

Modules

MSc Genomic Medicine comprises eight core modules delivered through intensive face-to-face study and independent learning.

Our core modules include;

• introduction to human genetics and genomics,
• techniques and their application,
• the genetics and genomics of common and rare inherited diseases,
• molecular pathology of cancer and application in diagnosis, screening and treatment,
• bioinformatics interpretation
• laboratory research project or dissertation.

Optional modules within the programme include

• the ethics, counselling skills and advanced bioinformatics of genomics,
• epigenetics
• professional and research skills.

These modules are based on Health Education England’s curriculum for genomic medicine but could be subject to change in future years. For the current list please see the website at http://www.exeter.ac.uk/postgraduate/taught/medicine/genomicmsc/#Programme-structure

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Queen Mary University of London in collaboration with University College London, Public Health England, and Great Ormond Street Hospital

This is a flexible MSc course designed to provide healthcare professionals with a multi-disciplinary perspective on genomics and its application in medicine. You will be trained in state-of-the-art genomic platforms and informatics tools and how to apply them in the analysis and interpretation of whole genome sequence data from patients. The course is taught by a team of experts of international calibre in a stimulating research environment next to the Genomics England.

NHS professionals can apply for places sponsored by Health Education England (HEE)
See also http://www.genomicseducation.hee.nhs.uk/genomicsmsc/

Two intakes per year: September and January
- Full time taught “in house”
- Part time-distance learning

Advances in technology and informatics have fuelled an exponential growth in genomics research which in turn has transformed our understanding of disease biology and opening new avenues in drug discovery and patient treatment. Genomics has strong potential to impact patient care but will require highly trained professionals to implement it both at the level of the health care system, the pharmaceutical industry, and the broader biomedical sector.

The MSc Programme in Genomic Medicine is designed to provide healthcare professionals with a multi-disciplinary perspective on genomics and its application in medicine in particular rare genetic diseases, cancer and infection.

The overall aim of the programme is to offer participants the knowledge and training in genomics required to provide, develop and advance specialist scientific services around genomic medicine within healthcare systems. The programme will work closely with Genomics England to train students to analyse high quality genomic data and offer them the possibility to interact with international experts in this field. Working directly with patient data from the 100,000 genomes project will offer students hands on experience on how genomics may be applied to diagnosis and patient treatment. The course will offer opportunities for research and work experience projects in the participating NHS Trusts under UCL Partners.

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