Master of Genetic Counselling

Note

Applications for 2025 Intake have closed. For 2026 Intake (Autumn B session), applications will open August and close 31 October 2025. Read how to apply for more information.

This course is designed for those aspiring to become genetic counsellors. It offers a practical approach, shaped by experienced genetic counsellors and researchers. The program is delivered in a way that actively supports your learning from your hometown by blending weekly 'live and online' zoom classes supported by a week long on-campus block each session at UTS City campus. Teaching is enriched by expert guest lecturers ensuring relevance and real-world application of coursework.

You will gain practical experience through clinical placements available across Australasia, with potential for international experience, and develop research skills for evidence-based practice. The teaching methodology combines asynchronous online modules with synchronous weekly classes and reflective practice supervision, ensuring a comprehensive learning experience.

The program is delivered in a way that actively supports students to study from their home towns by utilising a combination of asynchronous interactive online learning and synchronous weekly, timetabled ‘live and online’ classes, supported with a week-long on-campus block each session. Expert guest lecturers participate throughout the course, ensuring relevance and real-world application of coursework. Block learning takes place in the Graduate School of Health's education and research facility at UTS City campus.

Alongside the coursework, students participate in clinical placements, sourced by UTS, throughout the two-year program. Placements are offered in a variety of settings in Australasia and may include the option of an approved international placement for interested students. Placements are supported by weekly reflective practice supervision with experienced clinical genetic counsellors. Students undertake research training to equip them with the skills to provide evidence-based care, talk with clients about research participation and findings and seek opportunities for higher-degree research for themselves in the future.

Admission requirements

To be eligible for admission to this course, applicants must meet the following criteria.

Applicants must have one of the following:

• Completed Australian bachelor's degree or higher qualification, or overseas equivalent, in related field of study with a minimum GPA of 4/7 AND Completed one human genetics subject (to second- or third-year undergraduate level, or equivalent) within the last 10 years AND An interest in the course and demonstrated understanding of the opportunities present in Genetic Counselling

OR

• Completed Australian bachelor's degree or higher qualification, or overseas equivalent, in any field of study with a minimum GPA of 4/7 AND Relevant professional experience AND Completed one human genetics subject (to second- or third-year undergraduate level, or equivalent) within the last 10 years AND An interest in the course and demonstrated understanding of the opportunities present in Genetic Counselling

Selected applicants are required to undertake a short interview with a panel and final offers are dependent upon interview rank. Applicants are assessed in the areas of communication skills, interpersonal skills, interest in genetic counselling, and commitment to genetic counselling as a career.

Related fields of study:

Biological Sciences, Chemical Sciences, Natural and Physical Sciences, Human Welfare Studies and Services, Behavioural Science, Medical Studies, Nursing, Public Health, Teacher Education.

Prerequisite checking

All prerequisite subjects must be assessed and approved by the school. Prerequisite subject approvals are subject to change as they undergo an annual academic review (a new assessment is required for each new intake). Prerequisites may be completed as non-award units at a recognised tertiary institution if applicants did not complete them as part of their undergraduate degree.

Prior to applications opening, applicants may submit a Prerequisite Assessment Table to gsh.future@uts.edu.au for pre-assessment. A pre-assessment is not required to apply. Pre-assessments will not be conducted once applications open.

Prior to commencing a subject to fulfil this requirement, applicants should request a pre-assessment by emailing gsh.future@uts.edu.au.

Professional and clinical requirements

All successful applicants are required to:

• acquire a Working With Children Check and an Australian National Police Check
• complete a series of NSW Health forms including a Code of Conduct, and
• demonstrate evidence of protection against a number of specified infectious diseases

Supporting documentation to be submitted with the application

• Prerequisite Assessment Table with relevant subject outlines
• References: At least one, and no more than two references as evidence of relevant voluntary/paid work experience in a caring role.
  • Referees must complete a UTS Referee Report. Referee reports that are not submitted via this link will not be accepted.
  • Referees are asked to comment on the applicant's character, ability, and suitability to be a genetic counsellor.
  • Referees may include teachers/lecturers/academics, employers/supervisors of paid work, supervisors of peer counselling/volunteer work/placement.
• Personal statement of up to 1000 words describing the skills and qualities applicants bring to a career in genetic counselling and explain how they meet the selection criteria. Applicants should also include a statement confirming that this is their own work.

For applicants required to demonstrate work experience:

• Curriculum Vitae documenting relevant work experience, including clear evidence of career development, professional writing, and professional achievement or practice comparable to that expected of undergraduate degree holders in cognate disciplines

The English proficiency requirement for international students or local applicants with international qualifications is: IELTS Academic: minimum 7.0 overall with a minimum of 7.0 in each subtest; or TOEFL: iBT: minimum 94 overall with a minimum score of 24 for reading and listening, 23 for speaking and 27 for writing; or PTE: minimum 65 overall with a minimum score of 65 in each subtest.

Eligibility for admission does not guarantee offer of a place.

International students

Visa requirement: To obtain a student visa to study in Australia, international students must enrol full time and on campus. Australian student visa regulations also require international students studying on student visas to complete the course within the standard full-time duration. Students can extend their courses only in exceptional circumstances.

To be eligible for admission to this course, applicants must meet the following criteria.

Applicants must have one of the following:

• Completed Australian bachelor's degree or higher qualification, or overseas equivalent, in related field of study with a minimum GPA of 4/7 AND Completed one human genetics subject (to second- or third-year undergraduate level, or equivalent) within the last 10 years AND An interest in the course and demonstrated understanding of the opportunities present in Genetic Counselling

OR

• Completed Australian bachelor's degree or higher qualification, or overseas equivalent, in any field of study with a minimum GPA of 4/7 AND Relevant professional experience AND Completed one human genetics subject (to second- or third-year undergraduate level, or equivalent) within the last 10 years AND An interest in the course and demonstrated understanding of the opportunities present in Genetic Counselling

Applicants may also be required to attend an interview.

Supporting documentation to be submitted with the application

• Prerequisite Assessment Table with relevant subject outlines
• References: At least one, and no more than two references as evidence of relevant voluntary/paid work experience in a caring role.
  • Referees must complete a UTS Referee Report. Referee reports that are not submitted via this link will not be accepted.
  • Referees are asked to comment on the applicant's character, ability, and suitability to be a genetic counsellor.
  • Referees may include teachers/lecturers/academics, employers/supervisors of paid work, supervisors of peer counselling/volunteer work/placement.
• Personal statement of up to 1000 words describing the skills and qualities applicants bring to a career in genetic counselling and explain how they meet the selection criteria. Applicants should also include a statement confirming that this is their own work.

For applicants required to demonstrate work experience:

• Curriculum Vitae documenting relevant work experience, including clear evidence of career development, professional writing, and professional achievement or practice comparable to that expected of undergraduate degree holders in cognate disciplines

Professional and clinical requirements

All successful applicants are required to:

• acquire a Working With Children Check and an Australian National Police Check
• complete a series of NSW Health forms including a Code of Conduct, and
• demonstrate evidence of protection against a number of specified infectious diseases

Eligibility for admission does not guarantee offer of a place.