Program Overview

Introduction to the Genetics of Human Disease MSc

The Genetics of Human Disease MSc is a multidisciplinary master's program taught by UCL's world-renowned geneticists. This program provides students with the ideal grounding for building a career in human genetics, whether in academia or in the healthcare and pharmaceutical industries.

About the Degree

The expertise and skills gained on this master's program will give students the ideal foundation for a career in human genetics. Working alongside UCL's world leaders in biomedical science, students will build their research skills, grow their network, and explore globally significant genetics research currently underway.

Who This Course is For

This master's program is for students who want to progress onto a PhD in Genetics of Human Disease or related subjects and work in academia. It is equally relevant for those who want to take their skills in human genetics into the healthcare, pharmaceutical, or other industries.

What the Course Will Give You

• Study with scientists working at the forefront of genomics research.
• Benefit from a specially designed multidisciplinary program that combines basic science with modern genetics to improve human health.
• Benefit from being based at the UCL Genetics Institute (UGI), a world-leading center that develops and applies biostatistical and bioinformatic approaches to human and population genetics.
• Gain firsthand insight into globally significant research underway in the division.
• Choose from three specialized streams: Inherited Diseases, Pharmacogenetics, or Computational Genomics, and complete a research project to conduct more in-depth analysis in the specific areas of genetics that interest you most.
• Benefit from studying within UCL's diverse postgraduate community.
• Leave well-equipped to pursue a PhD, to work in academia, or to take your sought-after skills in interpreting genetics data into healthcare, pharmaceutical companies, or other industries.

The Foundation of Your Career

The knowledge and skills gained from this course will put you in a strong position for building a career in human genetics, whether you opt to stay in academia or take your expertise into industry. Several graduates have taken their skills into the pharmaceutical industry, while others have entered careers in clinical genetic diagnosis services, particularly in molecular genetics, and project management in healthcare organizations and hospitals around the world, medical communication, and many other job sectors.

Employability

Advanced training in genetic techniques, including bioinformatics and statistical approaches, will provide a solid foundation for progressing onto a PhD in a research area related to genetics and other areas of biological science. About half of the graduates enter a research career by completing a PhD and working as a research associate or scientist in academia.

Networking

You will have regular opportunities to connect, collaborate, and build professional contacts as part of your master's. Take part in careers events through UCL Careers during the academic year, and enhance your CV writing and interview skills. Meet alumni to hear about their experiences and how the course has helped them progress in their careers. Attend activities at UCL Biosciences, including research seminars and symposia, and attend conferences to network with students and researchers from across the UK.

Teaching and Learning

Students develop their knowledge and understanding of the genetics of human diseases through a combination of lectures, seminars, tutorials, presentations, and journal clubs. Students learn through lecture-based and technology-based learning, independent study, group work, including group presentations, multiple-choice questions (MCQs), and formative and summative assessments. Taught modules are assessed by written reports, oral presentations, coursework, and/or unseen written examinations. The research project is assessed by the student's project performance, the written dissertation, and the oral presentation.

Modules

• Full-time: This course covers one full calendar year. Students undertake 180 credits, 90 of which are taught modules and 90 credits for the research project.
  • Compulsory modules:
    • Advanced Human Genetics
    • Basic Statistics for Medical Sciences
    • Human Genetics: Core Skills
    • Understanding Bioinformatics Resources and Their Application
    • MSc Genetics of Human Disease Research Project
  • Optional modules:
    • Genetics of Cardiovascular and Related Complex Diseases
    • Advances in Neurogenetics
    • Genomics and Drug Development
    • Anticancer Personalised Medicines
    • Applications in Human Genetics
    • Advanced Computational Biology

Accessibility

The department will endeavor to make reasonable adjustments for students with disabilities, including those with long-term health conditions, neurodivergence, learning differences, and mental health conditions. Details of the accessibility of UCL buildings can be obtained from AccessAble. Further information about support available can be obtained from UCL Student Support and Wellbeing Services.

Fees and Funding

• Fees for this course:
  • UK students: ｣25,300 (2026/27)
  • International students: ｣42,700 (2026/27)
• Additional costs: There are no course-specific additional costs. UCL's main teaching locations are in zones 1 (Bloomsbury) and zones 2/3 (UCL East). The cost of a monthly 18+ Oyster travel card for zones 1-2 is ｣119.90.
• Funding your studies: For a comprehensive list of the funding opportunities available at UCL, including funding relevant to your nationality, please refer to the available resources.

Entry Requirements

• Normally a minimum of an upper second-class UK Bachelor's degree or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard.
• Professional experience in the fields of health and development is desirable.
• An applicant whose qualifications vary from UCL standards may be admitted if evidence of an adequate academic background and extensive and relevant work experience in an appropriate field can be shown.
• English language requirements: The English language level for this course is Level 2. UCL Pre-Master's and Pre-sessional English courses are available for international students aiming to study for a postgraduate degree at UCL.