Masters Degrees (Genomic)

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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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.

Structure

The MSc programme consists of two stages: The taught stage which lasts for a total of 24 months and the dissertation stage R which lasts for a further 12 months, following completion of the taught stages.  The total normal duration to complete the full MSc programme is three academic years, from the date of initial registration on the programme.

A placement module runs throughout Year 2 of the course.  This is supported by significant patient interaction.  Access to and concrete plans for your genetic counselling placement is a criterion for selection at interview. 

Core modules:

Introduction to Healthcare
Introduction to Genetic and Genomic Counselling
Counselling and Communication Skills
Research Methods
Introduction to Genetics, Genomics, Molecular Science and Bioinformatics
Applied Genetics and Bioinformatics in Clinical Care
Advanced Genetic and Genomic Counselling
Placement: Genetic and Genomic Counselling
Dissertation: Genetic and Genomic Counselling

Teaching

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. 

Assessment

You will be assessed through a combination of means including written work (blogs, essays), presentations, reflective pieces, video skills assessment and a dissertation.

Career Prospects

Career prospects for graduates with an appropriately accredited MSc in Genetic and Genomic Counselling are excellent.  In the UK and in the US, the demand for genetic counsellors has increased in recent years.  The US has seen, over the past 2—3 years, a rise in job postings from about 300/year (mirroring US graduate numbers) to over 600 in 2015.  Proportionately similar increases in job postings are being seen in the UK.  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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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:
- Introduction to human genetics and genomics (15 credits)
- Omics techniques and their application to genomic medicine (15 credits)
- Genomics of common and rare inherited diseases (15 credits)
- Genomics in cancer pathology (15 credits)
- Pharmacogenomics and stratified healthcare (15 credits)
- Application of genomics in infectious disease (15 credits)
- Bioinformatics, interpretation, statistics and data quality assurance (15 credits)
- 60 Credit Research project or 30 Credit library-based dissertation

Optional modules
- Ethical, legal and social issues in applied genomics (15 credits)
- Counselling skills in genomics (15 credits)
- Cardiovascular genetics and 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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Genomics 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 Genomics 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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This course trains healthcare professionals in how to integrate genomic technology into patient care. We have developed this course with Health Education England (HEE) and Genomics England Ltd (GeL).

This course follows a syllabus specified by HEE to train National Health Service staff in genomic medicine. There is funding available for NHS staff to study genomic medicine at Newcastle.

This course will help you lead the holistic integration of genomic technology into patient care within the NHS. This includes the ambitious 100,000 Genomes Project at GeL.

The course is especially for NHS professionals to improve skills and support career progression. It is also suitable for healthcare professionals from a wide range of backgrounds, including those working, or wanting to work, in other healthcare systems. The course is suitable for non-healthcare professionals too. In developing your knowledge and skills in genomics, the course will prepare you for work or PhD study in:
-Genomics
-Bioinformatics
-Medical-related research in academia or the pharmaceutical industry
-The medical application of genomics
-Introducing genomics as a new technology into a healthcare system

As a Newcastle University student, you will learn from world-leading experts in genomics. From the outset you will be encouraged to become an independent and self-motivated learner.

The course begins with an introduction to genomics. You'll focus on the basics of DNA, genes and genetics. It will bring you up to speed with the current understanding of whole-genome information. We will introduce you to:
-The technologies for generating genome-wide data
-How to analyse and integrated the vast quantity of information generated
-How to produce meaningful information for those with inherited conditions or diseases like cancer

You will learn how to:
-Interrogate genomic data using bioinformatic tools
-Identify and investigate the pathogenicity of genetic variants and relate them to real-life case-studies.

Other core modules consider the role of genomics in infectious disease and pharmacogenomics, while optional modules explore the ethical, legal and social issues that surround genomic medicine, and counselling skills.

Delivery

You can study full time, part time, or by module for continuous professional development. The courses are available as flexible blended learning. This means that in each taught module you will have three to four study days, in addition to a distance learning component.

We will challenge and encourage you to think for yourself within a supportive environment. Your personal and welfare tutor will support you with both academic and welfare issues.

You can start your studies in September (full time and part time courses) or January (part time courses).

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

This MSc is a new programme developed by Health Education England and 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 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.

Please see the Health Education England website for further details (https://www.genomicseducation.hee.nhs.uk/genomicsmsc).

Full funding is available to NHS employees from Health Education England, for full details and to apply for funding please see the Health Education England website (https://www.genomicseducation.hee.nhs.uk/genomicsmsc/programmes-and-events).

The ethos of the programme is anchored within its educational aims, delivery format and learning outcomes and supported by the expertise, values and behaviours of the faculty.

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 and researchers and those aspiring to specialise within an academic career pathway. Specific modules will be of appeal to those who wish to enhance their CPD portfolio but do not need a formal academic award.

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 an 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 and a laboratory research project or dissertation.

Optional modules within the programme include the ethics, counselling skills and advanced bioinformatics of genomics, epigenetics and 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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The Genomic Medicine courses are designed to fulfil the aspirations of the 100,000 genome project to create a world class NHS workforce that both understands and can contribute to the application of genomics for patient care.

The course is available as an MSc, PgDip, PgCert or CPD units and aims to help science graduates and NHS employees learn more about the field of human genomics.

The MSc consists of taught units and a literature review or a bioinformatics-based project. Students following the MRes pathway will complete four taught units before completing two projects; the first is a literature review and a project proposal, the second is a full-time 25 week lab-based project that will provide excellent practical training for a future research or lab-based career. You will be encouraged to use your intellectual curiosity, creativity and critical thinking in the practical application of genetics, genomics and bioinformatics.

NHS staff will develop a better appreciation of the ways in which genetics and genomics will make an impact on their area of clinical practice in an informed and responsible manner, benefiting their patients and their families. For science graduates the training you receive will help you gain employment in the healthcare sector (e.g. biomedical scientist, genomic counselling) and will be beneficial to those wishing to pursue a PhD in the field.

Our teaching approach will emphasise the practice of genetics, genomics and bioinformatics in the NHS and academia as a partnership between multiple stakeholders, including strong clinical and industrial involvement. The course includes face-to-face, blended and online distance learning modules. You will learn from clinical experts from the Manchester Centre for Genomic Medicine and the Greater Manchester Genomic Medicine Centre. AstraZeneca and Qiagen will also help deliver an industrial perspective on pharmacogenomics unit.

We see learning and teaching as collaborative knowledge construction that recognises the contribution of all stakeholders, including clinical and academic staff, service users, industry and students. Acquiring knowledge and skills that translate into competencies will promote the delivery of high-quality care aligned with the principles outlined in the NHS constitution.

Teaching and learning

Our approach to teaching and learning is student focused and patient centred.

We deliver the course content using a blended learning approach comprising face-to-face teaching (lectures, problem and evidence-based learning, workshops and collaborative learning) supported by interactive distance and e-learning.

The face-to-face elements are designed to help you build and 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.

Career opportunities

Our course is designed to support healthcare professionals working in the NHS in areas where genomic medicine is becoming part of clinical practice. You will also find the course beneficial if you work in similar roles outside of the NHS.

Accrediting organisations

This programme is accredited by Health Education England.

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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.

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.

About the College of Medical and Dental Sciences

The College of Medical and Dental Sciences is a major international centre for research and education, make huge strides in finding solutions to major health problems including ageing, cancer, cardiovascular, dental, endocrine, inflammatory diseases, infection (including antibiotic resistance), rare diseases and trauma.
We tackle global healthcare problems through excellence in basic and clinical science, and improve human health by delivering tangible real-life benefits in the fight against acute and chronic disease.
Situated in the largest healthcare region in the country, with access to one of the largest and most diverse populations in Europe, we are positioned to address major global issues and diseases affecting today’s society through our eight specialist research institutes.
With over 1,000 academic staff and around £60 million of new research funding per year, the College of Medical and Dental Sciences is dedicated to performing world-leading research.
We care about our research and teaching and are committed to developing outstanding scientists and healthcare professionals of the future. We offer our postgraduate community a unique learning experience taught by academics who lead the way in research in their field.

Funding and Scholarships

There are many ways to finance your postgraduate study at the University of Birmingham. To see what funding and scholarships are available, please visit: http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/postgraduate/funding

Open Days

Explore postgraduate study at Birmingham at our on-campus open days.
Register to attend at: http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/postgraduate/visit

Virtual Open Days

If you can’t make it to one of our on-campus open days, our virtual open days run regularly throughout the year. For more information, please visit: http://www.pg.bham.ac.uk

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About the course

Lead academics 2016: Dr Janine Kirby and Professor Winston Hide

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 professionals and students from health care and science backgrounds. The syllabus, as outlined by Health Education England (HEE), 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. Techniques range from lectures and tutorials to laboratory workshops and online learning packages. You’ll get first-hand experience of hypothesis-driven research by carrying our your own project in Genomic Medicine.

Our study environment

You’ll be based in teaching hospitals that serve a population of over half a million people and refer a further two million. We also have close links with the University’s other health-related departments.

Our research funding comes from many sources including the NIHR, MRC, BBSRC, EPSRC, the Department of Health, EU, and prominent charities such as the Wellcome Trust, ARC, YCR, Cancer Research UK and BHF. Our partners and sponsors include Novartis, GlaxoSmithKline, Pfizer, Astra Zeneca and Eli Lilly.

You’ll also benefit from our collaboration with the Department of Biomedical Sciences.

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

An Introduction to Human Genetics and Genomics; Omics Techniques and Application to Genomic Medicine; Genomics of Common and Rare Inherited Diseases; Molecular Pathology of Cancer; Pharmacogenomics and Stratified Health Care; Application of Genomics in Infectious Disease; Bioinformatics and Interpretation in Genomics; Ethical, Legal and Social Issues in Applied Genomics.

Examples of optional modules

Option one: Research Project.

Option two: Literature Review; Workplace-Based Genomic Medicine; Professional and Research Skills.

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. However, the primary responsibility for learning lies with the student, who must be organised and self-motivated to make the most of the programme.

PG Diploma and PG Certificate options available as entry options both full time and part time

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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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The MSc in Genetic and Genomic Counselling is designed to give students a working knowledge of the principles and practice of Genetic Counselling which will qualify them to practice as Genetic and Genomic Counsellors. The programme will be delivered by University of Glasgow staff in collaboration with NHS staff from the West of Scotland Genetics Service, so that a current perspective on both laboratory diagnostics and clinical services will be obtained. This programme is accredited by the UK Genetic Counsellor Registration Board.

Why this programme

-◾Teaching is based at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital (QEUH), which includes adult services, children’s services and maternity services, as well as one of the largest diagnostic laboratories in Europe, and a new, purpose-built teaching and learning facility. The close collaboration between University and NHS staff ensures that the MSc in Genetic and Genomic Counselling provides a completely up-to-date representation of genetic services.
◾Counselling and psychology theoretical and research-focused courses are delivered by University staff trained in psychology, providing a firm foundation for the subsequent acquisition of knowledge and skills in genetic counselling facilitated by GCRB-registered Genetic Counsellors.
◾The University of Glasgow Medical Genetics Teaching Staff won the 2014 UK-wide Prospects Postgraduate Awards for the category of Best Postgraduate Teaching Team (Science, Technology & Engineering), to recognise and reward excellence and good practice; they were also finalists in the 2013 awards and are finalists in the category of "Outstanding support for students" in The Herald Higher Education Awards for Scotland in association with UWS 2016.
◾You will develop your skills in problem solving, evaluation and interpretation of diagnostic data, communication of the results of genome testing to patients, literature searches, scientific writing, oral presentations, poster presentations and team working.
◾The widely used textbook “Essential Medical Genetics” is co-authored by a member of the core teaching team, Professor Edward Tobias.

Programme structure

Component courses are as follows:

Genetic Disease in Clinical Practice

This course is designed in collaboration with the West of Scotland Genetics Service to give students a working knowledge of the principles and practice of Clinical Genetics which will allow them to evaluate, choose and interpret appropriate genetic investigations for individuals and families with genetic disease, and explore the links between genotype and phenotype.

Case Investigations in Medical Genetics

Students will work in groups to investigate complex clinical case scenarios: decide appropriate testing, analyse results from genetic tests, reach diagnoses where appropriate and, with reference to the literature, generate a concise and critical group report.

Distress or disorder: reactions to a medical diagnosis

Note: this 10 credit course may be taken by visiting students, for example as professional development.

This course outlines the process of psychosocial adjustment to a diagnosis or test result allowing participants to establish if and when a distress reaction develops into an adjustment disorder. The implications of diagnosis are explored and evidence considered allowing informed decisions about appropriate referrals to other agencies.

Patient empowerment: supporting decisions relating to new diagnoses

Note: this 10 credit course may be taken by visiting students, for example as professional development.

This course reflects on evidence and experience to explore the psychological and social impact of a diagnosis, or illness, and provides strategies to support resilience and coping in patients. Factors related to lived experience, personal beliefs and values, culture, adjustment processes, decision-making, misconceptions, secrecy and guilt are considered to equip participants in the promotion of patient-centred care.

Effective listening and communication skills

Note: this 10 credit course may be taken by visiting students, for example as professional development.

With a focus on experiential learning and student led study, this course outlines the role of counselling skills to facilitate adjustment and to allow an individual to come to terms with change in a safe way to minimise impact. The focus will be on the theory supporting counselling, developing key listening and communication skills and on establishing reflective practice.

Genetic counselling in clinical practice

This course is designed in collaboration with the West of Scotland Clinical Service, and will be delivered by NHS staff, to provide students with in depth understanding of the practical skills required in genetic counselling. The course will facilitate development of appropriate critical understanding, reflective practice and skills in relation to genetic counselling for providing accurate complex genetic information for patients and their families.

Social science research methods

The research methods course will focus on developing students’ research skills primarily in questionnaire-based qualitative and quantitative observational research methods and students will be introduced to ethics procedures for the college of MVLS.

Community placements 1 & 2

These placements, for 16 days and 20 days respectively, will each take place in one or more care settings for individuals with complex needs (adults or children or both) to enable students to gain insight into effects of complex needs on affected individuals and on their family.

Genetic counselling placement 1 & 2

These placements, for eight weeks and six weeks respectively, in different genetics centres will allow students to observe clinical practice in a variety of contexts, and to undertake relevant tasks under supervision within a clinical team that is delivering a genetic service, to enable the student to develop their own skills as a future genetic counsellor. Following each placement students will discuss and share experiences, facilitated by one of the NHS lead team and a counselling supervisor, to further develop their ability to deal with practical and emotional challenges in genetic counselling.

Clinical genomics

This course will provide an overview of the clinical applications of genomic approaches to human disorders, particularly in relation to clinical genetics, discussing the methods and capabilities of the new technologies. Tuition and hands-on experience in data analysis will be provided, including the interpretation of next generation sequencing reports.

Career prospects

The programme aims to provide students with skills to work as Genetic Counsellors. This programme is accredited by the Genetic Counsellor Registration Board (GCRB) producing graduates who are eligible for entry as a ‘trainee genetic counsellor’.

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NHS professionals can apply for places sponsored by Health Education England (HEE)

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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Introduction

This is a new, innovative program to educate students from a wide range of backgrounds (from basic scientists to all levels of healthcare professionals) to interpret and understand genomic data that increasingly impacts on service delivery to patients and the community. The programme is flexible and modular and includes full- and part-time MSc options, delivered over one or two years respectively. There are also full-time and part-time Postgraduate Certificate (PG Cert) or Postgraduate Diploma (PG Dip) options. In addition, students can select individual modules to study as a short course for CPPD purposes. Our aim is to enhance knowledge and skills in this rapidly evolving, expanding and clinically relevant field by providing a flexible, multi-disciplinary and multi-professional perspective in genomics applied to clinical practice and medical research.

Course Structure

The MSc programme also includes a core research module with opportunities to access the emerging data from the 100,000 Genomes Project through the Genomics England Clinical Interpretation Partnership (GeCIP) training domains. The programme is one of the preferred providers for Health Education England and our course values and upholds the NHS Constitution.

The programme includes collaborations with the Institute for Cancer Research and Brunel University London.

The course is flexible and modular and is available as a full- or part-time MSc, delivered over one or two years respectively. There are also full-time and part-time Postgraduate Certificate (PG Cert) and Postgraduate Diploma (PG Dip) options.

HEE funding

Applicants who are funded by HEE will have their fees paid in full. To be eligible for HEE funding, you must be an NHS healthcare professional working in England, with the support of your employing institution. To apply for HEE funding, see the Genomic Education Programme full-time/part-time application guidance.

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