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 King’s College 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.

Is this course right for you?

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.

Course content

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.

Understanding data

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.