Genetic and Genomic Counselling (MSc)

Cardiff University

United Kingdom, Cardiff

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186

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Cardiff University

United Kingdom , Cardiff

Key Facts

Program Level

Master by Course Work

Study Type

Part Time

Delivery

Online

Campuses

Main Site

Online

Program Language

English

Start & Deadlines

Next Intake Deadlines

Apply to this program

Go to the official application for the university

Duration 3 year(s)

Tuition Fee

GBP 12,200 / year(s)

Genetic and Genomic Counselling (MSc)

About

Genetic and Genomic Counselling (MSc)

Part time distance learning

Why study this course

You will be given a thorough grounding in human genomics, genetics, genetic analysis and bioinformatics, in communication and counselling skills, and in the skills required for you to work as part of a multi-disciplinary team providing genetic and genomic counselling for families.

Flexible e-learning programme

Distance-learning, online format enables flexible learning at your own pace.

Expert tutors

Academic faculty includes genetic counsellors with extensive clinical experience and world-class expertise in genetic counselling research

Professional Accreditation

Our programme is accredited by both the UK Genetic Counsellor Registration Board and the European Board of Medical Genetics

Preparation for clinical practice

In year 2, you will be able to gain valuable workplace experience while on an approved clinical placement close to your own location

Research opportunities

The support offered by our expert staff provides you with the opportunity to conduct publication standard research during year 3

The primary aim of this course is to train graduates interested in the clinical application of advances in human genetics and genomics so that they can provide and critically evaluate genetic and genomic counselling services.

This is an innovative, part-time, largely distance-learning course. This opens up our well-established training expertise to an international audience, as it removes the need for you to relocate to Cardiff for full-time study to train as a genetic counsellor. Instead, you will attend short intensive teaching blocks in Wales and engage in online learning throughout the remainder of each year.

The course is particularly suitable for students interested in pursuing a career as a genetic counsellor. It is designed to meet the UK Genetic Counsellor Registration Board (GCRB) Set ‘A’ educational requirement to submit a Notification of Intention to Register with the GCRB (see www.gcrb.org.uk/), as well as the European Board of Medical Genetics (EBMG Genetic Counsellors division) educational requirement to submit a Notification of Intention to Register with the EBMG.

Being primarily a distance-learning course has meant that I’m able to work alongside my studies, which is beneficial to my pocket. It also provides me with structure, gives me a world outside of studies, and allows me to develop other skills which, depending on your job, supplements my studies. I’m really enjoying the course so far. At the first face-to-face teaching block in Cardiff we met a number of patients and genetic counsellors and covered lots about counselling skills. It is a demanding programme, but the assignments are interesting and serve a purpose - they’re relatable to the role of a genetic counsellor! We have weekly tutorials where we use an online platform to talk with each other and the staff in real time – this is always really helpful. It’s a chance to ask lots of questions and discuss topics / hypothetical scenarios (my favourite part as it makes studying feel more like real life) - and you can even do this in your pyjamas!

Alys, Genetic and Genomic Counselling (MSc)

Where you'll study

School of Medicine

We are of the largest medical schools in UK, committed to the pursuit of improved human health through education and research.

Get in touch
+44 (0)29 2068 7214
University Hospital of Wales, Heath Park, Cardiff, CF14 4XN

Disciplines

School of Medicine

Requirements

Entry Requirements

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.

Career

Genetic and Genomic Counselling (MSc)

Part time distance learning

Careers and placements

This programme is particularly suitable for those interested in pursuing a career as a genetic counsellor in the UK, as it is designed to meet the UK Genetic Counsellor Registration Board (GCRB) Set A educational requirement to submit a Notification of Intention to Register with the GCRB. The programme is accredited by the GCRB, so that the MSc qualifies trainee genetic counsellors to apply for Assured Voluntary Registration with the GCRB, which enables a trainee genetic counsellor (paid on Agenda For Change (AFC) band 6) to move into an AFC band 7 NHS post in the UK NHS.

It is also suitable for those interested in pursuing a career as a genetic counsellor in Europe and internationally, as it is designed to meet the European Board of Medical Genetics (EBMG Genetic Counsellors division) educational requirement to submit a Notification of Intention to Register with the EBMG. The accreditation from EBMG means that the MSc qualification qualifies trainee genetic counsellors to apply for EBMG registration.

In the UK and in the USA, the demand for genetic counsellors has increased in recent years. The Transnational Alliance of Genetic Counsellors (a partnership of genetic counsellor educators from eighteen countries) have strongly emphasized the need for training more genetic counsellors to practice internationally, specifically across the EU, Asia and South America.

Placements

In year two, you will be required to complete 72 days of placement work-based experience in a local (to you) genetic or genomic counselling service.Â This will be discussed as part of the selection process as the ability to arrange it is a prerequisite for being accepted onto the course.Â The placement allows you the opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills developed on the MSc in Genetic and Genomic Counselling in a clinical genetics / genetic counselling service and be assessed in core competences.Â You will need to liaise with the MSc programme team about the suitability of your proposed placement, and provide contact details for proposed placement providers to the MSc programme team, who will negotiate an appropriate agreement between you, Cardiff University and the placement provider.Â You will work with Placement supervisors to complete the requirements of the placement, including a placement supervisorâ€™s report, a Case Log and a Skills and Competences Log.

On placement, you will participate in the regular activities of the service and contribute to the genetic counselling of clients of the service.Â You will have the opportunity to reflect on your developing skills in genetic and genomic counselling, supported by a local placement supervisor and by online genetic counselling supervision (as defined by the UK Association of Genetic Nurses and Counsellors) provided by the MSc programme team.Â

Applicants proposing placements in the UK or Republic of Ireland must not make direct contact with clinical genetics services in those countries, but can discuss proposed plans with the programme team as part of the application and selection process.