Entry requirementsEntry requirements A degree in medicine or dentistry or equivalent qualification, or an Honours degree or equivalent in a biological science.
This programme is one of the most successful programmes of its type in the UK. It is mainly delivered by University staff whose time is dedicated to the programme. In addition, other research scientists, NHS scientists and clinicians and patients deliver guest lectures.
The programme is designed to develop your scientific understanding of research, principles and practice in the field of medical genetics. It will prepare you for a career in research in many different bio-molecular disciplines. Half of our graduates enter a research career and most complete PhDs.
The MSc will also prepare you for a career in health service medical genetics, either as a clinician or as a diagnostic scientist (depending on your background), and allow you to evaluate, choose and interpret appropriate genetic investigations for individuals, families and populations with genetic disorders.
For those medical graduates going on to higher specialist training in clinical genetics in the UK, the programme is accredited by the Joint Committee for Higher Specialist Training and will count for six months of your training requirements. Other graduates have entered careers in industry, scientific publishing and education.
Content
* Cytogenetics, including prenatal diagnosis, postnatal diagnosis, cancer genetics and pre-implantation genetic diagnosis
* Molecular genetics, including molecular pathology, bioinformatics, gene therapy, prenatal and postnatal (diagnostic and pre-symptomatic) testing
* Biochemical genetics, including first and second trimester prenatal screening and neonatal screening of populations, prenatal and postnatal diagnostic testing,
screening and diagnostic testing, statistical assessment of genetic tests
* Clinical aspects of medical genetics, including single gene disorders, multi-factorial common conditions, cancer genetics, dysmorphology, pedigree analysis, risk calculation, genetic counselling, ethical aspects of medical genetics.
Teaching methods
A particular feature of this programme is problem-based learning. Not only does this student-led learning method develop study skills, it also provides experience of working in teams, which is highly valued by potential employers.