Human and Molecular Genetics MSc
12 monthsProgramme duration
SepStarting Month
Programme overview
Main Subject
Genetics
Degree
MSc
Study Level
Masters
Study Mode
On Campus
Explore human genetics and develop an understanding of how human genetic diseases are diagnosed clinically at the chromosome and DNA levels.
Designed in collaboration with the NHS: Sheffield Diagnostic Genetics Service, this course is for students who are fascinated by medical genetics.
Through theoretical and hands-on practical skills training, you’ll explore human genetics and develop an understanding of how human genetic diseases are diagnosed clinically at the chromosome and DNA levels. You’ll also have opportunities to explore the wider implications of genetics in fields such as genomics, human fertility, stem cells and cancer biology through your lectures and NHS placement opportunities.
Practical laboratory experience is at the heart of our teaching, with more than half of your MSc taking place in the lab. Here you’ll complete training modules covering a wide range of exciting modern laboratory techniques. You'll learn core skills such as molecular cloning, microorganism handling, DNA sequence analysis, PCR, SDS-PAGE, western blotting and CRISPR, before completing competence-based training in specialist techniques such as human cell culture, cytogenetics, fluorescence microscopy and qPCR.
Clinical research projects and NHS placements
The biggest part of your course is the research project, where you’ll have the opportunity to work alongside NHS scientists and academics. Here, you’ll spend up to five months applying your new knowledge and extensive practical skills to the study and diagnosis of human genetic diseases.
This is possible thanks to our Julia Garnham Centre, an NHS-badged genomics facility right here in the school, that’s partnered with the Sheffield Children's NHS Foundation Trust.
After extensive training, you’ll complete a placement under the supervision of NHS Geneticists from the Trust to support the NHS in dealing with cancer and rare disease backlogs. You’ll also generate real data which will form the foundation of your MSc clinical research project in the laboratory.
Examples of previous research projects include:
- Reducing diagnostic uncertainty through historic variant reclassification and high-throughput screening for nonsense-mediated decay.
- FLT3 screening of MDS backlogs to identify patients at greatest risk of progression
- Hunting new pathogenic variants underpinning rare respiratory diseases
- Genomic haemato-oncology diagnostics: Improving patient outcomes for the Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS)
Programme overview
Main Subject
Genetics
Degree
MSc
Study Level
Masters
Study Mode
On Campus
Explore human genetics and develop an understanding of how human genetic diseases are diagnosed clinically at the chromosome and DNA levels.
Designed in collaboration with the NHS: Sheffield Diagnostic Genetics Service, this course is for students who are fascinated by medical genetics.
Through theoretical and hands-on practical skills training, you’ll explore human genetics and develop an understanding of how human genetic diseases are diagnosed clinically at the chromosome and DNA levels. You’ll also have opportunities to explore the wider implications of genetics in fields such as genomics, human fertility, stem cells and cancer biology through your lectures and NHS placement opportunities.
Practical laboratory experience is at the heart of our teaching, with more than half of your MSc taking place in the lab. Here you’ll complete training modules covering a wide range of exciting modern laboratory techniques. You'll learn core skills such as molecular cloning, microorganism handling, DNA sequence analysis, PCR, SDS-PAGE, western blotting and CRISPR, before completing competence-based training in specialist techniques such as human cell culture, cytogenetics, fluorescence microscopy and qPCR.
Clinical research projects and NHS placements
The biggest part of your course is the research project, where you’ll have the opportunity to work alongside NHS scientists and academics. Here, you’ll spend up to five months applying your new knowledge and extensive practical skills to the study and diagnosis of human genetic diseases.
This is possible thanks to our Julia Garnham Centre, an NHS-badged genomics facility right here in the school, that’s partnered with the Sheffield Children's NHS Foundation Trust.
After extensive training, you’ll complete a placement under the supervision of NHS Geneticists from the Trust to support the NHS in dealing with cancer and rare disease backlogs. You’ll also generate real data which will form the foundation of your MSc clinical research project in the laboratory.
Examples of previous research projects include:
- Reducing diagnostic uncertainty through historic variant reclassification and high-throughput screening for nonsense-mediated decay.
- FLT3 screening of MDS backlogs to identify patients at greatest risk of progression
- Hunting new pathogenic variants underpinning rare respiratory diseases
- Genomic haemato-oncology diagnostics: Improving patient outcomes for the Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS)
Admission Requirements
Please see our website for the full list of accepted subjects and modules.
English language requirements: IELTS 6.5 (with 6 in each component) or University equivalent.
Scholarships
Selecting the right scholarship can be a daunting process. With countless options available, students often find themselves overwhelmed and confused. The decision can be especially stressful for those facing financial constraints or pursuing specific academic or career goals.
To help students navigate this challenging process, we recommend the following articles:
How to get a full scholarship
Looking for a fully-funded scholarship to see you into university? Find out how to boost your chances of getting one.
Scholarships to study abroad
Find scholarships to study abroad with our lists of international scholarships – categorized by country, by subject, and by type of student.
Scholarship Applications: Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to all your questions about scholarship applications, including tips on how to find scholarships and chances of success.
Get closer to your dream programme
Your consent preferences have been set.
Time to start exploring.
Your account has been removed.
You can still browse the site or sign up again once you have parental consent.
Get closer to your dream programme