Genomic Medicine MSc / PGDip / PGCert

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.

Course Structure

What makes this course different?

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.

• Our programme has been designed to respond to Health Education England’s initiative to implement genomic medicine training for NHS staff.
• Benefit from the expertise of world-leading University and NHS staff who have made significant contributions to the groundbreaking 100,000 Genomes Project.
• Engage with patient group representatives to understand the impact of genomic medicine from the patient's viewpoint.

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.

This course consists of fourteen taught modules and two research projects. The projects can involve either a three-month laboratory or bioinformatics research project worth 60 credits or a literature-based dissertation worth 30 credits combined with two additional taught modules.

We use a range of assessment methods including written essay and short answer question assignments, and in course presentations.

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.

The Programme is structured such that each student is required to complete 3 or 4 core 15 credit modules plus a Research project, which may be 60 or 30 credits. Students then choose from a number of optional modules to tailor the course to their own interests/specialty to achieve 180 credits for the award of a Master's. When a 30-credit research module is selected there will be a requirement to choose additional optional modules in order to achieve 180 credits.

Core Modules

2027/28 Session

 Students must choose one of the following projects:

One or both of the following:

Optional Modules

2027/28 Session

Students taking the 60 credit Research Project should choose from the following list of optional modules (to give 180 credits in total).

Students taking the 30 credit Research Project MUST take Professional and Research Skills (01 30763) as one of the optional modules (to give 180 credits in total).

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.

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.

English language requirements

If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification or a Presessional English course.

For this course we require IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band, which is equivalent to:

• TOEFL iBT taken before January 2026: 88 overall with no less than 21 in Reading, 20 Listening, 22 Speaking and 21 in Writing
• TOEFL iBT taken from January 2026: 4.5 Overall with no less than 4.5 in any 2 skills and 4 in the other two skills
• Pearson Test of English (PTE): Academic 67 with no less than 64 in all four skills
• Cambridge English: C1 Advanced - minimum overall score of 176, with no less than 169 in any component
• LanguageCert ESOL SELT (UKVI): B2 'Communicator' with no less than 33 in each skill

English presessional programmes

If you have a conditional offer for Birmingham where English is a requirement, you can take a Presessional English course as an alternative to retaking IELTS or a similar qualification. We offer on-campus courses all year round starting from September including additional online courses in the summer term.  Teaching takes place in small classes with no more than 18 students to maximise class participation.

Fees for September 2027

Home fees

• MSc (full-time): £13,116
• MSc (part-time): £6,583 (per year)
• PG Diploma (full-time): £8,744
• PG Diploma (part-time): £4,372 (per year)
• PG Certificate (full-time): £4,372
• PG Certificate (part-time): £2,186 (per year)

International fees

• MSc (full-time): £32,580
• MSc (part-time): £6,583 (per year)
• PG Diploma (full-time): £8,744
• PG Diploma (part-time): £4,372 (per year)
• PG Certificate (full-time): £4,372
• PG Certificate (part-time): £2,186 (per year)

We charge an annual tuition fee. Fees for 2027 entry are above.

The fees quoted are for one year only. For those studying courses that are longer than one year, tuition fees will also be payable in subsequent years of your programme.

Paying your tuition fees

Tuition fees can either be paid in full or by instalments. You can check whether you are eligible for UK or international fees with our admissions team.

Learn more about postgraduate tuition fees and funding.

Tuition fee deposits for international students

International students undertaking a postgraduate taught degree are required to pay a tuition fee deposit before an electronic Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) can be issued.

Tuition fees for NHS students

The NHS Genomics Education Programme may offer funding on a modular basis, initially covering 1-4 modules, with the potential for additional funding for the full Masters degree. Funding covers course fees only and is limited to NHS healthcare professionals working in England on a permanent contract from the full range of professional backgrounds (such as medicine, nursing, healthcare scientists and technologists). Please note funding can only be allocated to those who are post registration professionals. If you have any questions related to funding applications, please contact the Programme Lead, Dr Andrew Bell, or visit the Genomics Education Programme website.

Postgraduate Masters loan

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.

Scholarships

To help you afford your studies, we offer a range of scholarships and funding opportunities. We also offer advice and guidance on searching for funding and managing your finances.

Your careers toolkit

Gain skills, confidence and experiences ready for the world of work with your dedicated careers toolkit. With Careers Network, your dedicated careers service, and the variety of opportunities available at Birmingham, you can build your own toolkit of skills and experiences to get you ready for an ever-changing world after graduation.

Your careers toolkit connects you with the opportunities, support and experiences across the university, including:

• Careers support services and Careers Network
• Work experience and placements
• Enterprise and entrepreneurship
• Alumni and employer connections
• Global opportunities and life experience
• Careers in the curriculum

Our bustling campus with its beautiful grounds, friendly community and excellent facilities will quickly make you feel at home. We offer you a huge variety of accommodation options in the UK’s second city, exciting activities to get involved in outside your studies, as well as all the support and advice you need.