Genetic and Genomic Counselling (MSc)
Provided by Cardiff University School of Medicine
About the course
Admissions criteria
In order to be considered for an offer for this programme you will need to meet all of the entry requirements. Your application will not be progressed if the information and evidence listed is not provided.
With your online application you will need to provide:
- A copy of your degree certificate and transcripts which show you have achieved a 2:1 honours degree in a relevant subject area such as biological or (bio)medical science, social science, nursing or psychology or an equivalent international degree. If your degree certificate or result is pending, please upload any interim transcripts or provisional certificates.
- A copy of your IELTS certificate with an overall score of 7.0 with 6.5 in all subskills, or evidence of an accepted equivalent. Please include the date of your expected test if this qualification is pending. If you have alternative acceptable evidence, such as an undergraduate degree studied in the UK, please supply this in place of an IELTS.
- Evidence you have gained at least 6 months full-time equivalent (approx. 800 hours) non-family caring experience at the point of application. This can be evidenced by an employer's reference. References should be signed, dated and less than six months old at the time you submit your application.
- An academic reference which demonstrates your suitability for the programme. This should be obtained before you apply and will be required before we are able to make a decision on your application.
- A personal statement which demonstrates your knowledge, motivation, and commitment to a career in genetic and genomic counselling (you must use the below questions as headings in your statement):
- What motivates you to apply for this course?
- What personal qualities and attributes do you possess that would enhance your ability to work as a genetic counsellor?
- Please describe any experience you have had working with individuals who might be considered vulnerable.
- If you have previously applied for this course and were unsuccessful, please describe what further experience you have gained which may strengthen your application.
Application Deadline
The application deadline is 31 March. You must submit all the evidence listed in the entry criteria by the deadline in order to be considered for an interview. If you submit an application after this date, we will only consider it if places are still available post-interview.
Selection process
We will review your application and assign it a score based on pre-determined criteria. Applications will then be ranked by score, and the top-scoring applicants will be invited to interview.
At the panel interview, you will need to demonstrate the following:
- Knowledge of genetic and genomic counselling
- Reflective and self-awareness skills
- Ability to reflect on the psychosocial impact of disease and disability
- Knowledge and understanding of human genetics
- Year 2 placement plans/preferences
Interviewees will be scored based on pre-determined criteria. The application and interview score will be combined and offers will be made to the top-scoring applicants. Note that offers cannot be issued without a placement agreement in place (this will take place post-interview).
Find out more about English language requirements .
Applicants who require a Student visa to study in the UK must present an acceptable English language qualification in order to meet UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration) requirements.
Criminal convictions
You will be required to complete a DBS (Disclosure Barring Service) check if your application is successful. If you are applying from certain countries overseas, a Certificate of Good Conduct may be required.
If you have a relevant criminal conviction, this will be stated in the check and may affect your ability to enrol on the course. Applicants who are on the barred list should be aware that applying to this course is likely to be considered a criminal offence.
Course structure
The MSc programme consists of two stages: The taught stage lasts for a total of 24 months. The dissertation stage R lasts for a further 12 months, following completion of the taught stages. The total normal duration to complete the full MSc programme is three academic years, from the date of initial registration on the programme.
This is a highly intensive programme and a commitment of 2-3 days per week is recommended for general study. There is also the commitment to the face-to-face study blocks, weekly timetabled online tutorials, assignment deadlines, and the placement in Year 2.
Taught Stage
This stage consists of eight modules with credit values of 10, 20 or 50 credits, totalling 180 credits, at Level 7.
You can exit the course after successfully completing 180 credits of the taught (Stage T) component (including all required modules) with a Postgraduate Diploma.
In Year 2, as well as studying modules, you will be required to complete a clinical placement of at least 72 days (full-time equivalent) in a clinical genetic service. This is supported by significant patient interaction. Access to and concrete plans for your genetic counselling placement is a criterion for selection at interview. Please consider discussing your plans for placement with the programme team prior to application, by contacting the Admissions tutor.
Dissertation Stage
This stage will include a dissertation of 60 credits at Level 7, to achieve a combined total of 240 credits at Level 7 to complete the MSc programme.
The modules shown are an example of the typical curriculum. Final modules will be published one month ahead of your programme starting.
Year one
The Year one modules total 90 credits. In addition to the online modules, there will be two face-to-face teaching blocks in Cardiff in Year 1, the first in September/October, and the second in early June. The rest of the teaching and assessment will be via distance learning using our virtual learning environment.
| Module title | Module code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Introduction to Healthcare | MET821 | 20 credits |
| Introduction to Genetic and Genomic Counselling | MET822 | 20 credits |
| Counselling and Communication Skills | MET823 | 10 credits |
| Introduction to Genetics, Genomics, Molecular Science and Bioinformatics | MET825 | 20 credits |
| Applied Genetics and Bioinformatics in Clinical Care | MET826 | 20 credits |
Year two
The modules in Year two total 90 credits. In addition to the online modules, there will be two face-to-face teaching blocks in Wales (UK) in Year two, in December and May. The rest of the teaching and assessment will be via distance learning using the Cardiff University virtual learning environment.
A major component within year two is the placement module, through which the knowledge and skills you have developed on the MSc in Genetic and Genomic Counselling will be applied and assessed in a clinical genetics / genetic counselling service. You must complete a clinical placement of at least 72 days in a clinical genetic service, participating in the regular activities of the service and contributing to the genetic counselling of clients of the service in accordance with a pre-arranged Placement Agreement.
| Module title | Module code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Research Methods | MET824 | 20 credits |
| Advanced Genetic and Genomic Counselling | MET827 | 20 credits |
| Placement: Genetic and Genomic Counselling | MET828 | 50 credits |
Year three
To progress to the Dissertation stage, you must first pass all components of the taught stage of the programme. In Year three, you will focus on completing your MSc dissertation project. You will be allocated a dissertation supervisor will be provided who will support you in achieving the goals of the project.
Year three will include one three-day face-to-face teaching block in Cardiff in November. This block is to provide teaching, guidance and support for your dissertation project and keep you connected with your counselling skills. It will include a consolidation of previous teaching on research design and methodology and enable you to discuss your project plans with the tutors and supervisors.
| Module title | Module code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Dissertation: Genetic and Genomic Counselling | MET820 | 60 credits |
The University is committed to providing a wide range of module options where possible, but please be aware that whilst every effort is made to offer choice this may be limited in certain circumstances. This is due to the fact that some modules have limited numbers of places available, which are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, while others have minimum student numbers required before they will run, to ensure that an appropriate quality of education can be delivered; some modules require students to have already taken particular subjects, and others are core or required on the programme you are taking. Modules may also be limited due to timetable clashes, and although the University works to minimise disruption to choice, we advise you to seek advice from the relevant School on the module choices available.
Funding
Postgraduate loans
If you are starting your master’s degree in September 2024 or later, you may be able to apply for a postgraduate loan to support your study at Cardiff University.
Enquire
| Start date | Venue | |
|---|---|---|
| 23 Sep 2025 | Distance learning | Book now |