Genomics (MSc)

Program Overview

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Genomics (MSc)

About this course

Learn how to harness recent unprecedented advances in genomic technologies on this master's in genomics. You’ll gain experience of exploring and analysing data gained through sampling, sequencing and interpreting genomic information in both clinical and academic research.

We look at genomics in the context of medicine. This MSc is suitable for those with an interest in genomics research in academia, healthcare or industry. It's also ideal if you want to incorporate genomics into your professional practice in healthcare roles. Our students come from varied backgrounds such as life sciences, computer sciences and healthcare.

You’ll be able to tailor your learning to meet your professional goals.

Your pathway options are:

• MSc Genomics - choose from a wide range of optional modules to enhance your core genomics learning on this flexible pathway.
• MSc Genomics (Informatics) - you’ll develop specialist knowledge of genomics informatics, the science of problem-solving using data, and choose from topics such as programming and machine learning.
• MSc Genomics (Medicine) - you’ll study the impact of genomics in medicine, with core learning in stratified medicine and how genomics influences patient care.

Genomic medicine and bioinformatics are specialist research areas of the University. You’ll benefit from our close work with colleagues in local NHS departments, such as Wessex Clinical Genetics Service and genomic testing laboratories.

We have world-class research facilities, including the UK’s first dedicated Cancer Immunology Centre, and a leading supercomputer facility, Iridis.

During your research project, you’ll work alongside our research groups to contribute to the advancement of genomics, with many of our students publishing their work.

This course is available to take as an intercalated degree for undergraduate medical students.

Entry requirements

You generally need at least a 2:2 degree in a subject such as:

• life sciences
• computer science
• medicine
  ursing/health sciences

We may be able to accept applications that do not meet the degree requirements. This is usually where you have evidence of relevant professional qualifications or experience.

This course is also available as an intercalated degree for undergraduate medical students, who have completed at least 3 years of their programme.

You must also demonstrate an understanding of the basic principles of genetics. This may be through your degree or through other routes such as online courses. You should highlight this in your personal statement with your application.

Entry requirements are identical for all pathways of the degree.

You must submit all supporting documents, including evidence that you can satisfy our English language requirement, when you submit your application.

English language requirements

If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need all of the following scores as a minimum:

• overall score: 7.0
• reading: 6.5
• writing: 6.5
• speaking: 6.5
• listening: 6.5

If you do not meet the English language requirements through a test or qualification, you may be able to meet them by completing one of our pre-sessional English programmes before your course starts.

Course structure

Your studies will run for a full year, from September through to the following September for full-time study, or for 2 years for part-time study.

Your module choices will vary depending on which pathway you choose, but there are some that everyone will need to study across all pathways.

These are:

• Principles of Genetics and Genomics
• Genomic Technologies and Basic Informatics
• Genomics in Practice
• Dissertation

Some of our pathways also have extra module requirements, including:

• Genomic (Informatics) - you'll study the Genomic Informatics module.
• Genomic (Medicine) - you'll study the Stratified Medicine module.
• Genomics - there are no additional modules you must study, instead you'll select an extra optional module to make up the required credits.

Each of these modules are also available as optional choices on the other pathways. You can change pathway once you start your degree.

Over the summer term, you’ll complete a dissertation on an area of genomics of interest to you. This research project can be lab-based, bioinformatic analysis, or a combination of both. You can also undertake a systematic literature review, or a project based on your professional practice.

Modules

The modules outlined provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. As a research-led University, we undertake a continuous review of our course to ensure quality enhancement and to manage our resources. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand.

Year 1 modules

You must study the following modules:

• Academic and Professional Development
• Genomic Informatics
• Genomic Technologies and Basic Informatics
• Genomics Dissertation
• Genomics in Practice
• Principles of Genetics & Genomics
• Stratified Medicine

You must also choose from the following modules:

• Bioinformatics and Systems Biology
• Cancer Biology
• Communicable Disease Control
• Counselling skills in genomics for health care professionals
• Engaging and involving the public with your science
• Genomic Informatics
• Machine Learning Technologies (MSc)
• Stratified Medicine
• Translational Medicine

Learning and assessment

This MSc is delivered in person at our Southampton campuses. You'll be supported by our extensive e-learning resources throughout.

We take an interdisciplinary approach, bringing together expertise from across the University. You’ll be taught by experts in genomics, clinical genetics, computing, maths and biological sciences.

Your exact learning activities will depend on the modules you take. As well as lectures and tutorials led by subject experts you'll learn through:

• seminars
• laboratory practicals
• interpretation of data
• clinical scenarios

You’ll be expected to undertake a significant amount of independent learning.

Assessment

Your assessment will depend on the modules that you take, but assessment methods include:

• scenario-based exercises
• written exams and assignments
• case reports and data analysis
• oral presentations

Dissertation

Your dissertation can be either research or a professional project. You’ll need to complete a 6,000-word report and a presentation.

Careers and employability

This degree will allow you to develop and evidence subject-specific and targeted employability skills. This includes the required skill set for a range of future careers, further study, or starting your own business.

The skills you can expect to focus on and gain from this course include:

• Research
• Critical thinking
• Self-management
• Confidence
• Communication
• Teamwork
• EDI leadership
• Problem solving

The employability and enterprise skills you'll gain from this course are reflected in the Southampton skills model. When you join us you'll be able to use our skills model to track, plan, and benefit your career development and progress.

Career pathways

Graduates commonly work in a range of organisations or sectors including:

• Higher education
• Hospitals
• Biotechnology companies
• Government bodies
• Pharmaceutical companies

Careers directly related to this course:

• Bioinformatician
• Biotechnologist
• Genetics researcher
• Molecular and biochemical geneticist
• Genetic nurse
• Genetic counsellor
• Doctor
• Clinical scientist

Wider career opportunities:

• Project manager
• Clinical scientist
• Medical writer
• Forensic scientist
• Data analyst
• Science policy advisor
• Data scientist
• Academic lecturer

Fees, costs and funding

Fees for a year's study:

• UK students pay £11,596.
• EU and international students pay £31,500.

Check fees for other versions of this course.

Deposit

If you're an international student on a full-time course, we'll ask you to pay £2,000 of your tuition fees in advance, as a deposit.

Your offer letter will tell you when this should be paid and provide full terms and conditions.

Application deadlines

UK students

The deadline to apply for this course is Tuesday 9 September 2025, midday UK time.

We advise applying early as applications may close before the expected deadline if places are filled.

International students

The deadline to apply for this course is Tuesday 26 August 2025, midday UK time.

We advise applying early as applications may close before the expected deadline if places are filled.

Application assessment fee

We’ll ask you to pay a £50 application assessment fee if you’re applying for a postgraduate taught course.

This is an extra one-off charge which is separate to your tuition fees and is payable per application. It covers the work and time it takes us to assess your application. You’ll be prompted to pay when you submit your application which won’t progress until you've paid.

If you're a current or former University of Southampton student, or if you’re applying for certain scholarships, you will not need to pay the fee. PGCE applications through GOV.UK and Master of Research (MRes) degree applications are also exempt. Find out if you’re exempt on our terms and conditions page.

Supporting information

When you apply you’ll need to submit a personal statement explaining why you want to take the course.

You’ll need to include information about:

• your knowledge of the subject area
• why you want to study a postgraduate qualification in this course
• how you intend to use your qualification

You'll also need to submit two references, one academic reference and one academic or professional reference.

Please include the required paperwork showing your first degree and your IELTS English language test score (if you are a non-native English speaker) with your application. Without these, your application may be delayed.

You may also be asked to provide:

• a degree transcript
• evidence of professional qualifications

What happens after you apply

You'll be able to track your application through our online Applicant Record System.

We will aim to send you a decision 6 weeks after you have submitted your application.

If we offer you a place, you will need to accept the offer within 30 working days. If you do not meet this deadline, we will offer your place to another applicant.

Unfortunately, due to number of applications we receive, we may not be able to give you specific feedback on your application if you are unsuccessful.