MSc Genomic Medicine

Course content

Genomic medicine is no longer a vision for the future. In the UK, the NHS aims to make genomic sequencing part of routine care. The University of Exeter has invested heavily in genomics, with extensive expertise in cutting-edge technologies and world-leading genomic research.

We are one of seven universities to offer this prestigious programme and our flexible curriculum enables you to study cutting-edge genomics and how it is applied to clinical medicine. This MSc programme has been developed by Health Education England (now NHSE) and will educate and train students to work in this rapidly evolving field.

Compulsory modules include ‘Fundamentals in Human Genetics and Genomics’, which begins by covering basic concepts in genetics and molecular biology. You’ll also choose from a range of optional modules including 'Genomics of Common and Rare Diseases', 'Infectious Disease', 'Molecular Pathology of Cancer' and 'Counselling Skills for Genomics'.

Awards

This MSc course can be studied on a full time basis over one year or over two or three years (part time), which may suit applicants who are already working full time. The programme is divided into units of study called ‘modules’ which are assigned a number of ‘credits’. To gain a Masters qualification, you will need to complete 180 credits at level seven. The credit rating of a module is proportional to the total workload, with one credit being nominally equivalent to 10 hours of work, a 15-credit module being equivalent to 150 hours of work and a full Masters degree being equivalent to approximately 1,800 hours of work.

Genomic Medicine award structure

It is also possible to exit with a PGCert after completing 60 credits of taught modules or a PGDip after completing 120 credits of taught modules. The list of modules below shows which are compulsory.

Contact Days‌

View the draft timetable of contact days for 2024/25

‌Please note: this timetable is a draft and subject to change

The last contact day and assessment deadline for the programme will be earlier than the actual end date of your registration with the University, to allow a period of time at the end of your active studies for further support and mitigation, if needed.

The modules we outline here provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand.

Entry requirements

Standard entry 

Normally a min 2.2 Honours degree (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline. Relevant clinical or professional experience may be taken into consideration as evidence of equivalency.  A personal statement, detailing your reasons for seeking to undertake this subject, will be required. 

The University is committed to an equal opportunities policy with respect to gender, age, race, sexual orientation and/or disability when dealing with applications. It is also committed to widening access to higher education to students from a diverse range of backgrounds and experience.

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Fees

 2025/26 entry 

Fees are subject to an annual increment each academic year.

UK fees

• MSc: £13,200 full-time; £6,600pa part-time (2 years); £4,400pa part-time (3 years)
• PGDip: £4,400pa (2 years)
• PGCert: £4,400 (1 year)

Standalone module fees: UK: £1,250 per 15-credit module

Credit bearing modules: If you opt to take a non-accredited module and wish to then fully accredit this with the University of Exeter, you will need to pass the assessed elements of the course within 6 months of completion and there is an additional £200 accreditation fee.

International fees 

• MSc: £30,900 full-time; £15,500pa part-time (2 years); £10,300pa part-time (3 years)
• PGDip: £10,300 pa (2 years)
• PGCert: £10,300 (1 year)

Standalone module fees: International £2,800 per 15-credit module

Scholarships

We invest heavily in scholarships for talented prospective Masters students. This includes over £5 million in scholarships for international students, such as our Global Excellence Scholarships*.

For more information on scholarships, please visit our scholarships and bursaries page.

^{*Selected programmes only. Please see the Terms and Conditions for each scheme for further details.}

Funding and scholarships

There are various funding opportunities available including Global excellence scholarships. For more information visit our  Masters funding page.

UK government postgraduate loan scheme

Postgraduate loans of up to £12,167 are now available for Masters degrees. Find out more about eligibility and how to apply.

Funding for NHS professionals

NHS professionals in England can apply for funding from NHS England (NHSE) to undertake modules, up to a maximum of four (postgraduate certificate) in the first instance. Please note funding is not guaranteed as we are allocated a specific number of funded modules per year. NHSE funding also does not guarantee a place on this academic programme at the University of Exeter. Interested individuals should apply for either a PGCert or individual standalone modules to the University in the first instance. The university will then confirm if funding is available, notify NHSE of the application, and NHSE will then contact you to obtain your job title, organisation and line manager details. 

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Teaching and research

We deliver transformative education that tackles health challenges of national and global importance.

Research

Our expertise ranges from translating findings from genomic studies to improve patient care, to using genomics to understand the evolution of infectious disease and the social and ethical aspects of genomic innovation in the life sciences, health and medicine.

Genomics research at Exeter is world-leading and supports our educational strategy and our objective to develop and apply innovative research and training methods, with opportunities for undergraduate, postgraduate and work-placed learning in diverse fields ranging from bioinformatics to the ethical legal and social impact of genomics.

Teaching

Using a mix of learning formats, our modules each run over a six- to eight-week period and include at least six half days of intensive face-to-face teaching, interspersed with distance learning and independent study.

Learning

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

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Pre-learning

Free online course: 'Genomic Medicine: Transforming Patient Care in Diabetes': This free online course will introduce the topic of genomics, using the University of Exeter’s research expertise in diabetes, to illustrate the clinical application of current genomics knowledge. Find out more

Before the start of your course please use this material as an introduction to some of the basic concepts in genomics. If there are gaps in your knowledge please use the learning resources provided below.

By the end of this pre-learning you should be able to:

1. Describe how the genome is structured and organised; using terms such as DNA, nucleotide, gene and chromosome.
2. Explain how the information encoded in DNA is decoded resulting in the production of proteins; using terms such as codon, mRNA, transcription, translation and tRNA.
3. Explain how a genetic variant can result in an observable trait; using terms such as gene expression, genotype, mutation, phenotype and protein function.
4. Use pedigree charts to deduce common modes of Mendelian inheritance; using terms such as allele, autosomal dominant, autosomal recessive, carrier, homozygote and X-linked.
5. Appreciate that environmental factors affect gene expression. Terms to be understood here include epigenetics, histone and methylation.
6. Understand that common diseases result from a complex interplay involving multiple genes and environmental factors. Terms to be understood here include polygenic and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP).

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Careers

Who is this course for?

Students who study this programme are likely to be clinical practitioners, diagnostic service providers, scientists, researchers and those aspiring to specialise within an academic career pathway. The course is designed for healthcare professionals working within the NHS, to improve their capabilities and support career progression.

Students will gain an in-depth understanding of the current state of genomics knowledge and how it will bring benefit to patients through improved diagnosis and personalised treatment, and how to disseminate knowledge to peers, patients and the public.

Work-based learning

One of the optional modules allows you to apply the learning from your masters study to your own work place or a work-related project. Through critical analysis you will evaluate current evidence or practice of your own work environment, identify barriers or facilitators to change and provide recommendations to improve care or practice within your area.

Career paths

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, pharmaceutical or biotech industries.

Careers support

All University of Exeter students have access to the Career Zone, which gives access to a wealth of business contacts, support and training as well as the opportunity to meet potential employers at our regular Careers Fairs.

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