Masters applications for 2023 entry are now closed.
Applications for September 2024 will open on Monday 25 September. Applications are now open for programmes with a January 2024 start. View our programmes »
| UCAS code |
1234 |
| Duration |
1 year full time
2 years part time
3 years part time |
| Entry year |
2024 |
| Campus |
St Luke's Campus
|
| Discipline |
Healthcare and Medicine
|
| Contact |
|
| UCAS code |
|
| Duration |
2 years part time |
| Entry year |
2024 |
| Campus |
St Luke's Campus
|
| Discipline |
Healthcare and Medicine
|
| Contact |
|
| UCAS code |
|
| Duration |
1 year full time |
| Entry year |
2024 |
| Campus |
St Luke's Campus
|
| Discipline |
Healthcare and Medicine
|
| Contact |
|
Overview
- Genomic medicine is revolutionising the future of healthcare, allowing for faster, more accurate diagnosis and effective treatments.
- With increasing demand for skilled professionals in this field, our programme equips you with essential biological expertise alongside sought-after data science skills, empowering you to drive transformative progress in genomic medicine.
- You will be taught by world-leading academics in genomics research and health data science, including multifactorial traits and pharmacogenomics, and learn how genomics data is analysed and applied in clinical medicine.
- Benefit from our flexible study options – study full or part time, with a variety of optional modules to complement your career needs.
- NHS employees in England can apply for funding from NHS England (NHSE; formerly Health Education England) to undertake up to a maximum of four modules (PGCert) in the first instance.
Top 10 in the UK for our world-leading and internationally excellent Clinical Medicine research
Our Public Health research is 11th in the UK for research power
Major capital investment in new buildings and state-of-the-art facilities
Limited number of NHSE funded places for NHS professionals
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.
International students
Please visit our international equivalency pages to enable you to see if your existing academic qualifications meet our entry requirements.
International students are normally subject to visa regulations which prevent part-time study. It is recommended that international students apply for the level of the final award you intend to complete i.e. PGCert, PGDip or Masters, due to the associated cost and requirements for a Tier 4 student Visa.
Accreditation of prior learning for Masters courses in Healthcare and Medicine
Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) is a process whereby students, who have already gained relevant skills and knowledge prior to the start of their course, may be granted a partial credit exemption from their programme instead of unnecessarily repeating work.
Find out more about APL
Entry requirements for international students
Please visit our entry requirements section for equivalencies from your country and further information on English language requirements.
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Entry requirements for international students
English language requirements
International students need to show they have the required level of English language to study this course. The required test scores for this course fall under Profile B2. Please visit our English language requirements page to view the required test scores and equivalencies from your country.
Course content
Genomic medicine is no longer a distant vision but a tangible reality, with the NHS aiming to integrate genomic sequencing into routine care. At the University of Exeter, we're deeply invested in genomics with world-leading research and expertise in cutting-edge technologies.
Our MSc Genomic Medicine (Data Science) pathway is tailored to equip you with both biological knowledge and essential data science skills. As data science becomes increasingly vital in healthcare, this programme positions you uniquely in the job market, ready to lead the charge in advancing genomic precision medicine.
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.
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
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.
The full MSc course comprises 180 credits made up from seven core modules: six 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 180 credits required.
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.
180 credits comprising 105 credits compulsory modules, 30-45 credits chosen from 45 credits of constrained options, with remaining credits selected from the list of options shown.
Compulsory modules
| Code | Module |
Credits |
|---|
| HPDM082A |
Fundamentals in Human Genetics and Genomics | 15 |
| HPDM036 |
Omics Techniques and their Application to Genomic Medicine | 15 |
| HPDM041 |
Bioinformatics, Interpretation and Data Quality Assurance in Genome Analysis | 15 |
| HPDM042 |
Research Project - Data | 60 |
Optional modules
Notes:
aAs a student on the Data Science pathway, you must choose at least two of the Data Science modules marked with an ‘a’.
bThis module will run subject to sufficient interest
| Code | Module |
Credits |
|---|
| HPDM171 |
Coding in Python for Health and Life Sciences (a) | 15 |
| HPDM172 |
Computational Skills for Health and Life Sciences (a) | 15 |
| HPDM182 |
Statistics for Health and Life Sciences (a) | 15 |
| HPDM037 |
Genomics of Common and Rare Inherited Diseases | 15 |
| HPDM038 |
Molecular Pathology of Cancer and Application in Cancer Diagnosis, Screening and Treatment | 15 |
| HPDM039 |
Pharmacogenomics and Stratified Healthcare | 15 |
| BIOM567 |
Application of Genomics in Infectious Disease | 15 |
| HPDM049 |
Epigenetics in Human Health and Diseases | 15 |
| HPDM088 |
Health Economic Evaluation in Genomics | 15 |
| HPDM046 |
Advanced Bioinformatics (b) | 15 |
The PG Diploma comprises 120 credits made up of any modules of your choice.
Optional modules
Notes:
aAs a student on the Data Science pathway, you must choose at least two of the Data Science modules marked with an ‘a’.
bThis module will run subject to sufficient interest
| Code | Module |
Credits |
|---|
| HPDM082A |
Fundamentals in Human Genetics and Genomics | 15 |
| HPDM036 |
Omics Techniques and their Application to Genomic Medicine | 15 |
| HPDM041 |
Bioinformatics, Interpretation and Data Quality Assurance in Genome Analysis | 15 |
| HPDM171 |
Coding in Python for Health and Life Sciences (a) | 15 |
| HPDM172 |
Computational Skills for Health and Life Sciences (a) | 15 |
| HPDM182 |
Statistics for Health and Life Sciences (a) | 15 |
| HPDM037 |
Genomics of Common and Rare Inherited Diseases | 15 |
| HPDM038 |
Molecular Pathology of Cancer and Application in Cancer Diagnosis, Screening and Treatment | 15 |
| HPDM039 |
Pharmacogenomics and Stratified Healthcare | 15 |
| BIOM567 |
Application of Genomics in Infectious Disease | 15 |
| HPDM049 |
Epigenetics in Human Health and Diseases | 15 |
| HPDM088 |
Health Economic Evaluation in Genomics | 15 |
| HPDM046 |
Advanced Bioinformatics (b) | 15 |
The PG Certificate comprises 60 credits made up of any modules of your choice.
Optional modules
Notes:
aAs a student on the Data Science pathway, you must choose at least two of the Data Science modules marked with an ‘a’.
bThis module will run subject to sufficient interest
| Code | Module |
Credits |
|---|
| HPDM082A |
Fundamentals in Human Genetics and Genomics | 15 |
| HPDM036 |
Omics Techniques and their Application to Genomic Medicine | 15 |
| HPDM041 |
Bioinformatics, Interpretation and Data Quality Assurance in Genome Analysis | 15 |
| HPDM171 |
Coding in Python for Health and Life Sciences (a) | 15 |
| HPDM172 |
Computational Skills for Health and Life Sciences (a) | 15 |
| HPDM182 |
Statistics for Health and Life Sciences (a) | 15 |
| HPDM037 |
Genomics of Common and Rare Inherited Diseases | 15 |
| HPDM038 |
Molecular Pathology of Cancer and Application in Cancer Diagnosis, Screening and Treatment | 15 |
| HPDM039 |
Pharmacogenomics and Stratified Healthcare | 15 |
| BIOM567 |
Application of Genomics in Infectious Disease | 15 |
| HPDM049 |
Epigenetics in Human Health and Diseases | 15 |
| HPDM088 |
Health Economic Evaluation in Genomics | 15 |
| HPDM046 |
Advanced Bioinformatics (b) | 15 |
Fees
2024/25 entry
Fees are subject to an annual increment each academic year.
UK fees
- MSc: £12,700 full-time; £6,350pa part-time (2 years); £4,250pa part-time (3 years)
- PGDip: £4,250pa (2 years)
- PGCert: £4,250 (1 year)
Standalone module fees: UK: £1,200 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: £29,700 full-time; £14,850pa part-time (2 years); £9,900pa part-time (3 years)
- PGDip: £9,900 pa (2 years)
- PGCert: £9,900 (1 year)
Standalone module fees: International £2,700 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.
Office for Students Data Science Scholarship 2024
Eligible students from under-represented groups in the data science and AI sectors can apply for one of 16 £10,000 grants funded by the Office for Students (OfS) Data Science Scholarship. The scholarships are part of the OfS nationwide drive to expand access to this dynamic sector for women, students of colour, those with disabilities and those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds.
Find out more about this scholarship and apply here.
Read more
Teaching and research
We deliver transformative education that tackles health challenges of national and global importance.
Research
Our expertise ranges from utilising big data studies in 100,000s of individuals to discover new genetic variants associated with disease, to 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 data science 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.
Teaching will be delivered by experts from a range of academic and health care professional backgrounds chosen to ensure a breadth and depth of perspective and giving a good balance between theories and principles, and practical management advice.
Facilities
This programme is based at the St Luke’s campus in Exeter, just a 15 minute walk from the city centre and just over a mile away from the Streatham Campus. The campus is close to the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital and RILD building, which is home to the NHS funded Exeter Health Library. Students have studied at St Luke’s campus for over 150 years and the campus enjoys a vibrant atmosphere set around the lawns of the quadrangle. Facilities at St Luke’s campus include:
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Dr Jess Tyrrell
Programme Director
Dr Caroline Wright
Professor in Genomic Medicine
Dr Victoria Moye
Senior Lecturer in Biomedical Science
Emma Dempster
Senior Lecturer
Dr Jess Tyrrell
Programme Director
Jess is a Senior Lecturer and Programme Director for MSc Genomic Medicine. Her main research interest involves using genetics to explore causal relationships to improve our understanding of the complex relationship between metabolic health and mental health.
Contact Dr Jess Tyrrell to discuss the academic content of the programme.
For all other questions about the programme, including admission enquiries, start dates and fees, please complete the online enquiry form.
Profile page
Dr Caroline Wright
Professor in Genomic Medicine
Caroline teaches on the core module Fundamentals in Human Genetics and Genomics within the MSc Genomic Medicine. Her main research interests are in the clinical application of genome-wide sequencing technologies for the diagnosis of rare diseases.
She is also a visiting scientist at the Wellcome Sanger Institute in Cambridge, and is on the management committee for the UK Deciphering Developmental Disorders Study (www.ddduk.org).
Profile page
Dr Victoria Moye
Senior Lecturer in Biomedical Science
Vikki is a Senior Lecturer in Biomedical Sciences. She is the deputy programme lead for the MSc Genomic Medicine and the Senior Academic Tutor for postgraduate taught programmes. She is also module lead for Molecular Pathology of Cancer and Application in Cancer Diagnosis, Screening and Treatment, and Pharmacogenomics and Stratified Healthcare.
She is currently a regional Public Engagement Officer for the Royal College of Pathologists helping facilitate public engagement in pathology in the South West.
Vikki is the senior academic tutor for the postgraduate taught programmes in CMH, and is committed to excellent student support.
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Emma Dempster
Senior Lecturer
Emma is a Senior Lecturer and module lead for two modules on the programme; Omics Techniques and their Application to Genomic Medicine, and Epigenetics in Human Health and Diseases. Her current research focus is on identifying gene regulatory changes in brain disorders such as schizophrenia and Alzheimer’s Disease and developing new epigenetic techniques and protocols.
Profile page
Careers
Who is this course for?
This course is suitable for anyone who is interested in pursuing a career or further study in genomics or health data science. We welcome students from broad backgrounds including biology, health sciences as well as students from computer science, maths, physics or engineering backgrounds with an interest in data science in the field of genomics.
With a focus on genomic medicine and data science, you will delve into the latest advancements in genomics and learn how to leverage data-driven insights to enhance patient care. From improving diagnosis to personalising treatment plans, you will gain a comprehensive understanding of how genomic knowledge translates into tangible benefits for patients. Additionally, you’ll acquire essential skills in disseminating knowledge to peers, patients and the public, empowering you to effectively communicate the impact of genomic precision medicine.
Career paths
Healthcare professionals will advance their careers with refined capabilities in genomic medicine and data science, poised to optimise patient care within the NHS and beyond. Students who are not healthcare professionals will gain key knowledge, understanding and skills to help secure employment or PhD positions in the fields of genomics, bioinformatics, or other medically-related research and development in either academia, pharmaceutical or biotech industries.
Careers support
You will have access to the Career Zone, which will provide you with a wealth of contacts, support and training as well as the opportunity to meet potential employers at our regular careers fairs.
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