Discover how greater understanding of the human genome and rapid advances in genomic technologies are transforming personalised medicine! Our Genomic Medicine Masters programme will provide you with a multi-disciplinary perspective on the applications of genomics in clinical practice and medical research.
As genomics becomes embedded within mainstream NHS care, it's important for healthcare professionals and research scientists like you to understand its relevance. Learn how genomics is increasingly being used to inform the diagnosis, treatment and management of patients with cancer, inherited genetic disorders and infectious diseases.
This is a rapidly developing field, and I believe the future of curing many diseases including cancer will use personalised medicine as the mainstream therapy. By continuing to research the genetics of many diseases, genomic medicine will change how the world works by developing new and effective medicine.
The programme offers full-time and part-time studies with Postgraduate Masters, Diploma and Certificate options. While the exact content may change, here’s what you can expect to study each term based on a full time Masters course.
In term one, you'll focus on the basic concepts of human genomics, the technologies for generating genome-wide data and the bioinformatic tools that are required for its analysis. Using real life case studies, you'll learn how to interrogate genomic data to identify and investigate the pathogenicity of genetic variants.
Our Genomic Medicine programme is taught by leading clinicians and scientists from the University of Birmingham, Birmingham Women’s and Children's Hospitals, University Hospital Birmingham and the West Midlands Regional Genetics Laboratory. Many of our teaching staff have made major contributions to the pioneering 100,000 Genomes Project and have the expertise to ensure that the course content remains clinically relevant and up-to-date.
in the world for Life Sciences and Medicine (2024 QS World Rankings)
NHS England accredited programme
Learn from world-leading academics and researchers
The University of Birmingham is accredited by NHS England to offer genomic medicine training through the Genomics Education Programme.
This programme is specifically designed to follow a curriculum set by Health Education England, equipping NHS healthcare professionals with the latest advancements in genomics. Additionally, it's an incredible opportunity for non-NHS students to dive into the fascinating world of medical research and its groundbreaking genomic applications.
The course includes a combination of lectures, workshops, case studies and computer practicals supplemented with online lectures and pre-recorded material. You’ll learn from world-leading academics and researchers at a top 100 UK university. From the outset we’ll encourage you to become an independent and self-motivated learner.
This course consists of eight taught modules and a research project. The research project can be either a three-month research project worth 60 credits or a 30-credit literature-based dissertation combined with two additional taught modules.
The programme comprises of 120 credits of taught material plus a 60 credit research project, or a 30 credit literature based dissertation combined with 30 credits of additional taught modules.
The modules listed below are an indication only and may be subject to change. Occasionally, it may be necessary to make changes to modules, for example, to ensure they remain current and relevant.
As a research-intensive University, our teaching is informed by the latest academic thinking and expertise of our staff. For more information on the circumstances in which the University may need to make changes to modules, please refer to the Terms and Conditions for applicants.
Please contact your department for information about which academic year each module can be taken in.
The Programme is structured such that each student is required to complete 3 Mandatory Core 15 credit modules plus a Research project, which may be 60 or 30 credits. Students must also select three from four Elective Core modules. In addition, they can choose from a number of Optional Modules to tailor the course to their own interests/specialty. When a 30-credit research module is selected there will be a requirement to choose additional optional modules in order to achieve 180 credits for the award of a Master’s. Under exceptional circumstances a student can request to take a core or compulsory module at a different HEE-approved Preferred Provider of the MSc in Genomic Medicine. In such cases, if approved, the fee will be reduced by £1000 per module and the student will take the responsibility to pay the other university the relevant fee.
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| LM Bioinformatics, Interpretation, and Data Quality Assurance in Genome Analysis | 15 | Semester 1 |
| LM Fundamentals in Human Genetics and Genomics | 15 | Semester 1 |
| LM Omics Techniques and Technologies and their Application to Genomic Medicine | 15 | Semester 1 |
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| LM Literature Based Project | 30 | Semester 2 |
| LM Research Project | 60 | Semester 2 |
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| LM Application of Genomics in Infectious Diseases | 15 | Semester 2 |
| LM Genomics in Cancer Pathology | 15 | Semester 1 |
| LM Genomics of Common and Rare Inherited Diseases | 15 | Semester 2 |
| LM Pharmacogenomics and Stratified Healthcare | 15 | Semester 2 |
Students taking the 60 credit Research Project should choose ONE or TWO of the following optional modules (to give 180 credits in total).Students taking the 30 credit Research Project MUST take Professional and Research Skills (01 30763), plus TWO or THREE of the following optional modules (to give 180 credits in total). 4: OPTION Where other HEE-approved Preferred Providers of the MSc in Genomic Medicine offer optional (15-credit) modules for their MSc in Genomic Medicine on subjects that do not correspond to modules offered at the University of Birmingham, credit gained on such modules will be accepted towards the MSc, PGDip or PGCert, in place of taking the equivalent credit value of optional modules offered at the University of Birmingham. In such cases the fee will be reduced by £1000 per module and the student will take the responsibility to pay the other university the relevant fee. Additionally, if a student requests (e.g. because of unforeseen change of circumstances) transferring his/her credits gained at the University of Birmingham MSc Genomic Medicine programme towards other HEE-approved Preferred Provider of the MSc in Genomic Medicine it will be made possible.
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| Epigenetics and Epigenomics | 15 | Semester 2 |
| LM Economic Models and Human Genomics | 15 | Semester 1 |
| LM Introduction to the Counselling Skills used in Genomic Medicine | 15 | Semester 2 |
| LM Professional and Research Skills | 15 | Semester 2 |
| LM Workplace-based Learning in Genomic Medicine | 15 | Full Term |
To gain a place at Birmingham you will need to meet our general entry requirements, as well as those specific to your course. Your application will be reviewed by the course’s Admissions Tutor, who will decide whether your application should receive an offer.
You should have, or expect to obtain, a 2:1 Honours degree in Biomedical Science, Genetics, Medicine or a related subject.
We encourage applications from NHS staff at all levels of training and will take into account relevant work based experience.
We’ll consider applicants with alternative academic qualifications on the basis of professional qualifications and relevant work experience within the NHS.
For international students there is an English language requirement to have an IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band.
If you're made an offer of a place to study and you don't already meet the language requirement, you have the option to enrol on our English for Academic Purposes Presessional Course. If you successfully complete this, you'll be able to fulfil the language requirement without needing to take a further qualification.
Full-time
Part-time
To help with the cost of studies, this loan is available to all UK students. You can use this loan towards fees, maintenance or other costs at your own discretion. It’s available for all full-time, part-time and distance learning Masters programmes, as long as you don’t already have a Masters qualification (or equivalent).If you’re a student from Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, you can apply for Masters loans from your country’s government.
To help you afford your studies, we’ve put more than £33 million into student support and scholarships. We also offer a range of advice on searching for funding and managing your finances.
We want to welcome the brightest talent to our postgraduate community. That’s why our Birmingham Masters Scholarships award £3,000 to more than 300 students each year.
To apply for a postgraduate programme, you will need to submit your application and supporting documents online.
Select whether you are a UK student or an international student for relevant application deadlines.
Application deadline for UK and non-tier 4 applicants. We will close applications as soon as the programme is full. Early applications are encouraged.
Find out how to apply to our postgraduate taught programmes. Please read this information carefully before completing your application.
If you have a question about our admissions process, including how to apply, your offer and how to track your application, please visit our admissions portal.
Our MSc in Genomic Medicine enhances career opportunities for healthcare professionals, particularly those working within the NHS. It’s also valuable for individuals working in or aspiring to work in other healthcare systems. Our graduates have secured employment or PhD positions in the growing fields of genomics, bioinformatics, and other medical research and development areas, both in academia and the pharmaceutical industry.
Get ready for tomorrow, with advice, guidance and opportunities at every step of your studies. From developing new skills to preparing for a PhD, our Careers Network can help you gain an advantage in the job market or advance in your field.
Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network offers a range of events and support services including networking opportunities, career coaching, one-to-one guidance, careers fairs and links with leading graduate recruiters. We also offer subject-specific careers consultants and a dedicated careers website for international students.
Find out why we are the most targeted UK university by top graduate employers (High Fliers report, The Graduate Market 2024) by meeting some of our successful alumni.
