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Duration

Two years, maximum of four years to complete

Application Deadline

Applications closed for 2024 entry

Location

St George's, University of London

UK, EU and non-EU (international)

citizens may apply

Start dates

September 2024

The course consists of four modules which are firmly embedded in the Clinical Genetics training pathway; utilising but restructuring training, so that it runs in parallel with full-time clinical duties and embeds academic teaching with clinical application. The course will enable you to feel proficient in the interpretation of genomic data, and confident in making clinical management decisions on the basis of your interpretation. It will also provide you with the knowledge, skills and attitudes to disseminate your expert knowledge through the wider medical workforce.

Course highlights

  • Bespoke training for clinical geneticists.

  • Teaching runs in parallel with full time clinical duties and embeds academic teaching with clinical application.

  • Part of a package of genomic educational initiatives run through the University.

  • St George’s ranked joint 8th in the UK for research impact in 2021 in the Times Higher Education REF2021 Impact Scores. 

Want to know more?

Find out more about postgraduate study at St George’s, University of London by registering for our introductory email series.

Entry criteria

To be considered for this course, you will need to:

  • meet the entry criteria
  • write a personal statement
  • provide two suitable references
  • provide a Study Leave Confirmation (if your tuition fees are being paid by your employer)

Undergraduate degree or equivalent

You should have or be expected to achieve, a minimum of a second class degree (2:2). For healthcare graduates a pass is required. All degrees must be awarded before 1 August on the year of entry.

You must also hold a national training number (NTN) in clinical genetics.

International qualifications

We accept equivalent qualifications gained in other countries and use UKNARIC to assess. Please see our International Student Support pages for more information.

If you have any questions, you can contact us at pgenquiries@sgul.ac.uk

English Language requirements

This is a Group 2 course.

Full details can be found on our English Language requirements webpages.

Personal statement and references

You will be asked to outline your reasons for applying for the course in a brief personal statement. You will also need to provide two satisfactory references. See the ‘Apply’ tab for more information.

Course structure

The Interpretation and Clinical Application of Genomic Data PgCert consists of four modules to equip you with the necessary skills and knowledge to advance your understanding in the interpretation and clinical application of genomic data.

Core modules

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Clinical Interpretation of Genomic Data

  • Analyse the key features of a genetic variant which affects the prior likelihood of pathogenicity.
  • Critically examine the clinical context within which a genetic variant will be interpreted.
  • Apply in silico variant analysis tools to evaluate genetic variants
  • Critically evaluate the report generated by in silico variant analysis tools.
  • Demonstrate the interrogation of population level genomic databases with respect to a specific genetic variant.
  • Demonstrate the interrogation of mutation databases with respect to a specific genetic variant.
  • Critically evaluate the medical literature regarding a specific genetic variant.

Communication of Genetic Information and Ethics

  • Communicate complex genetic data to patients/families effectively and sensitively.
  • Critically evaluate the ethical issues surrounding consent for genetic testing with an understanding and explanation of incidental findings.
  • Communicate complex information about variants of unknown significance effectively to patients/families.
  • Evaluate the ethical considerations of genetic testing and be able to formulate cogent arguments for and against testing in specific clinical scenarios.

Personal and Professional Development Portfolio

  • Assemble a portfolio that demonstrates learning and progression in the application of genetic technologies, the interpretation of genomic data and the communication of complex genetic information to patients.
  • Demonstrate application of the approaches undertaken in the clinical interpretation of genomic data.
  • Critically appraise the medical literature relevant to the interpretation of genetic data.
  • Reflect on the effect of genetic test results on the patient and other healthcare professionals.
  • Reflect on their communication skills when imparting complex genetic information to patients/families and the language that should be used in the development of patient/family-directed literature.
  • Propose and justify approaches to continuing professional development.

Understanding Genetic Technologies

  • Demonstrate knowledge and applicability of the principles behind commonly used molecular techniques.
  • Evaluate which laboratory investigations are most suitable for a given clinical scenario.
  • Critically review the processes used in issuing a laboratory report, from sample checking to issuing of a diagnostic report.
  • Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the methodology of at least four molecular genetic techniques.
  • Design a panel of genes for analysis using next generation sequencing technologies applicable to a specific clinical phenotype.

Teaching and learning

The aim of the Interpretation and Clinical Application of Genomic Data PgCert is to develop you into a self-reliant and autonomous learner, capable of independent and novel thinking, having developed the skills to enable you to apply your learning to clinical practice.

Teaching strategy

The learning objectives of this course will be achieved through a teaching scheme delivered through three key domains: knowledge, skills and attitudes. You will learn through both face-to-face/online teaching sessions and workshops, and self-directed study online and with library resources.

Your knowledge base will then provide a platform to develop your skills of data interpretation in the context of clinical phenotyping. This will primarily be achieved through engagement at workshop sessions, assignments and developing your portfolio. The third domain, attitude, emphasises the need for you to develop your skills in effectively communicating complex genomic data and discussing ethical considerations such as the identification of incidental findings.

Assessment

For modules one to three, there will be up to two summative assessments. Formative assessment will be provided in the form of regular meetings with your educational/laboratory supervisor. Each assessment has specific assessment criteria which will be published in the student handbook.

Summative assessments include one oral presentation, two written assignments, an online multiple-choice question (MCQ) examination, and communication role play. Module four contains assignments which enable you to apply theory to your clinical activities and allow you to demonstrate advanced application of your knowledge and skills within your own professional practice environment.

Tuition fees

2024 entry: £1,050

For more information, see our fees and funding pages

Apply now

Duration

Two years, maximum of four years to complete

Application Deadline

Applications closed for 2024 entry

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