The MPhil in Genomic Medicine is taught by the Department of Medical Genetics, in partnership with Cambridge University Hospitals, Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute and European Bioinformatics Institute.  The course may also be taken part time for a Master of Studies degree, and elements of it may be studied for a Postgraduate Certificate or Diploma via the University’s Institute of Continuing Education. Genomic technologies and information will transform practice across the clinical professions over the next decade. This MPhil in Genomic Medicine has been developed to provide a multi-disciplinary and multi-professional course in genomics that can be applied to clinical practice and medical research. The course will provide directly relevant professional training and research in the field of genomics, educating suitably-qualified applicants to prepare for the future adoption of genomic technologies and the increasing use of genomic information as part of the diagnostic and treatment pathway. 

Aims of the course:

• To provide professionally relevant teaching and learning informed by research in an integrated clinical and research environment;
• To develop and create a cohort of doctors and other professionals allied to medicine able to pursue and develop their roles in a rapidly-changing and challenging environment of genomic medicine;
• To prepare healthcare professionals for the adoption of genomic technologies and the increasing use of genomic information as part of the diagnostic and treatment pathway;
• To develop a cohort of doctors and other professionals allied to medicine with the confidence to lead service improvement for safe and high quality patient care, and with the required knowledge, skills and capability to have a positive personal impact on the work of others;
• To develop a cohort of doctors and other professionals allied to medicine with an understanding of research methodologies and clinical opportunities relevant to genomic medicine;
• To encourage a commitment to intellectual challenge and evidence-based clinical practice informed by the latest conceptual and theoretical knowledge of genomic medicine;
• To develop students’ intellectual, practical and transferable skills related to genomic medicine;
• To encourage critical thinking related to genomic medicine;
• To conduct systematic research relevant to their professional practice.

The MPhil comprises either:

• Eight modules, plus a research project and associated dissertation of 10,000 to 12,000 words, or ten modules, plus a literature-based research project of 5,000 to 6,000 words.

Core Modules: 

• An introduction to human genetics and genomics
• Omics techniques and the application to genomic medicine
• Genomics of common and rare diseases
• Molecular pathology of cancer and application in cancer diagnosis, screening, and treatment
• Application of genomics to infectious disease
• Pharmacogenetics and stratified healthcare
• Bioinformatics, interpretation, and data quality assurance in genome analysis

Optional Modules:

• Counselling skills for genomics
• Advanced Bioinformatics – from genomes to systems
• Epigenetics and epigenomics
• Workplace based module
• Research and statistical skills for genomic medicine

Not all option modules will necessarily be offered in any one year.

Examination:

• Students are assessed formatively throughout the taught modules of the programme using a variety of techniques and interrelated strategies including evidence of regular reflection, demonstration of active participation in the programme will also be required. There may also a requirement for the students to take part in peer review of other students.
• For each of the taught modules students must complete summative assignments of 2500-3500 words or equivalent. (Except where other methods of module assessment are indicated in individual module descriptions).

Requirements:

• Applicants are normally expected to a hold a UK II.i Honours Degree (or higher) or an equivalent from an overseas university.
• All applicants are required to demonstrate competency in English at a high level before commencing the programme (IELTS Academic test scores of: overall band score of 7.0, with not less than 7.0 in speaking, listening and writing, and 6.5 in reading). Evidence of competency in English is in accordance with the guidelines of the University of Cambridge.
• The structure of the programme allows international students to attend on Student Visitor Visas, and those in full-time employment, whether in the UK or abroad, to work and study at the same time.

Fees and Funding:

For further information about UK and International University fees and funding opportunities, please click here: More details on fees and funding

How to apply:

Please visit Graduate Admissions website for more information.