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Master of Science in Genetic and Genomic Counseling

The Master of Science in Genetic and Genomic Counseling is a university program offered by the Medical University of Innsbruck. This program is the first of its kind in the German-speaking region and has been accredited by the European Board of Medical Genetics (EBMG) since 2019.

Program Structure

• The program starts every two years in the fall (2027, 2029, etc.).
• The language of instruction is German.
• The program is structured as a part-time study with block lectures in Innsbruck and additional online content.
• The duration of the program is 5 semesters.
• Tuition fees are approximately 2,500 per semester.

Internationality

• The program was developed according to the guidelines of the European Board of Medical Genetics of the European Society of Human Genetics (ESHG).
• Graduates can apply for registration with the EBMG and work internationally.

Development Team

• Gunda Schwaninger, PhD MSc MSc MBA (Program Director)
• Univ.-Prof. Dr. med. Johannes Zschocke, PhD
• Prof. Dr. med. Sabine Rudnik

Presence Dates in Innsbruck

First Semester

• 29.09. - 04.10.2025 (Start week, Monday to Saturday)
• 5. • 08.11.2025 (Wednesday to Saturday)
• 10. • 13.12.2025 (Wednesday to Saturday)
• 28. • 31.01.2026 (Wednesday to Saturday)

Second Semester

• 25. • 28.02.2026 (Wednesday to Saturday)
• 22. • 25.04.2026 (Wednesday to Saturday)
• 27. • 30.05.2026 (Wednesday to Saturday)
• 17. • 20.06.2026 (Wednesday to Saturday)

Third Semester

• October 2026 (1 x Wednesday to Saturday)
• November 2026 (1 x Wednesday to Saturday)
• January 2027 (1 x Wednesday to Saturday)

Fourth Semester

• March 2027 (1 x Wednesday to Saturday)
• May 2027 (1 x Wednesday to Saturday)
• June 2027 (1 x Wednesday to Saturday)

Fifth Semester

• October 2027 (1 x Wednesday to Saturday)
• February 2028: Submission of the master's thesis
• Spring 2028: Review, defense, and completion

Course Content

The course content is taught in presence blocks in Innsbruck as well as through distance learning (online live and recorded sessions). Regular online meetings with mandatory attendance take place to accompany the online teaching.

Cooperation

The Master's program in Genetic and Genomic Counseling is a cooperation between the Medical University of Innsbruck and the University of Applied Sciences for Health Professions Tyrol.

Publications on the Profession

• Medizinische Genetik 2021
• Genetics in Medicine Open 2024
• Publication on the clinical internship: Genetics in Medicine Open 2024

Application

Admission Criteria

• The program is aimed at individuals interested in training as genetic and genomic counselors.
• The program is not designed for the further education of medical doctors.
• Limited number of participants.
• Proof of academic qualification (alternatively):
  • Minimum bachelor's degree in a relevant field (minimum 180 ECTS, e.g., biomedicine, psychology, academic health profession)
  • Equivalent foreign education after individual examination of the qualification level by the Medical University of Innsbruck
• At least 2 years of relevant professional experience
• Supervision commitment from a medically-genetically/human-genetically managed facility for the 15-week internship at the start of studies
• Excellent German language skills at the C1 level (primary language of instruction)
• Very good English language skills (lectures by external teachers, study of specialist literature)

Application Process

• Letter of motivation (max. 500 words)
• Curriculum vitae
• Proof of academic qualification
• Proof of two years of relevant professional experience (employment references or employment certificates)
• Supervision agreement for the 15-week internship (written confirmation must be submitted by December of the first semester at the latest)
• After reviewing the written documents, a personal motivational interview with the program team takes place (on-site or online).

Study Plan

The study plan for the Genetic and Genomic Counseling program can be found [in the program's documentation].