Overview
Learn how genomics can help understand and diagnose diseases, personalise treatment and improve health outcomes.
Every individual is unique – our genomes and the way they respond to disease and infection is different. By understanding what’s going on in our bodies, we can work towards a future where healthcare is personalised, and patients' needs are targeted more effectively. Genomics is evolving rapidly and making an impact across oncology, pharmacology, cardiovascular disease and neuroscience.
This course is jointly taught with City St George’s University of London and follows a curriculum designed by NHS England. This means you’ll have access to extensive expertise in areas like bioinformatics and cardiovascular genomics. Both institutions are also part of the South East Genomic Laboratory Hub. This is one of the largest providers of genomic testing in the UK and a national centre for specialist testing for haematology, respiratory, skin conditions, and more.
You might already work within the NHS – we have nurses, doctors, pharmacists, midwives and other healthcare professionals join the course. Other students have decided to retrain in a new area or are recent graduates in a related area like biotechnology or the biomedical sciences.
As well as the MSc, the course is structured flexibly to provide options for PGDip and PGCert awards. You can also study it on a modular basis towards your Professional Development (CPD). Both the MSc and PgDip have full-time and part-time options which will help you combine your studies with work or other extra-academic commitments.
This programme is currently being updated to ensure full alignment with the latest developments in the NHSE curriculum.
Key benefits
- Designed by NHSE - Our curriculum is designed by NHS England and jointly taught by City St George’s and King's College London, giving you access to experts across different specialisms.
- Specialist modules - Pick from optional modules in growing areas such as genomics of cardiovascular disorders, fetal genomics, genomics of neurological disorders and advanced bioinformatics.
- Build your research profile - Experience working within an internationally recognised research group when you do your final project.
- Complete your project abroad - Our students have the opportunity to do their research project abroad with funding through the Turing Scheme.
- Study on a modular basis - All our modules are offered as standalone for your Professional Development (CPD). You can also upgrade from module-only to one of our degree awards.
Course essentials
We’ve designed this course to introduce the key areas of genomics. You’ll also gain an understanding of disease genetics and how genomic medicine can explain disease mechanisms and biology.
You’ll examine the range of ‘omic’ technologies, their interpretation and application in key areas such as cancer, rare inherited diseases and infectious diseases, as well as research.
Nowadays bioinformatics and data interpretation are playing a crucial role in genomics. In our programme, we’ll make sure that you learn the skills to critically interpret existing research, as well as collect, analyse and interpret your own data using different techniques.
If you’re completing the full MSc, you’ll have the choice of carrying out a 60-credit hands-on research project or a 30-credit extended literature review.
Many of our part-time students choose a project that links to their current role. Others have explored diverse topics such as genomics and epigenomics features of diseases, bioinformatics analysis of transcriptomics in different cancers, and how genomic experts can integrate minority ethnic groups. One recent student also explored how genomic education could benefit midwife training. You can also complete your research project abroad through the Turing Scheme (https://www.turing-scheme.org.uk/).
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.
Key Information
Course type:
Master's
Delivery mode:
In person
Study mode:
Full time / Part time
Duration:
One year full-time, two-three years part-time
Credit value:
UK MSc:180; PGDip: 120; PGCert: 60
Application status:
Open
Start date:
September 2026
Administrative bodies
Partner
City St George's, University of London
Regulating body
Application closing date guidance
To apply for this course and for further information, please visit the City St George's website.