Program Overview

Human and Molecular Genetics MSc

The Human and Molecular Genetics MSc is 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, students will explore human genetics and develop an understanding of how human genetic diseases are diagnosed clinically at the chromosome and DNA levels.

Course Description

The course provides a comprehensive understanding of human genetics, including the diagnosis of human genetic diseases at the chromosome and DNA levels. Students will have opportunities to explore the wider implications of genetics in fields such as genomics, human fertility, stem cells, and cancer biology through lectures and NHS placement opportunities.

Modules

A selection of modules is available each year. Core modules include:

• Laboratory Techniques in Molecular Bioscience: This module provides background knowledge, technical training, and extensive practical laboratory experience in molecular bioscience techniques.
• Advanced Molecular Diagnostics and Cell Culture Techniques: This module delivers specialist training in advanced laboratory techniques used across molecular genetics, healthcare diagnostics, and research.
• Advanced Scientific Skills: This module builds on existing scientific skills to equip postgraduate taught students with strong competences in presenting and reporting their research work.
• Literature Review in Molecular Genetics: This unit involves an in-depth survey of the current literature relevant to the student's Research Project.
• Research Project: This unit provides a period of laboratory work, with training in experimental techniques, record keeping, and writing up.

Optional modules include:

• Stem Cell Biology
• Clinical Genomics of Cancer and Rare Genetic Diseases
• Human Genomics, Proteomics and Genome Biology
• Genetic and Epigenetic Regulation of Development
• Cancer Biology
• Genome Stability and Genetic Change
• Human Reproduction and Fertility
• The World of RNA

Duration and Teaching

The course is 1 year full-time. Students will be taught through lectures, practical sessions, digital training packages, and seminars. The research project will allow students to work alongside an academic member of staff, conducting independent, novel research.

Assessment

Assessment is based on a combination of coursework, practical laboratory work, oral presentations, formal examinations, and a dissertation.

Career Prospects

Graduates will be well-equipped to pursue a range of exciting careers, including roles in healthcare diagnostics in the NHS or other companies allied to the provision of healthcare, or positions at world-leading research centers.

School

The School of Biosciences brings together more than 100 years of teaching and research expertise across the breadth of biology. The school is home to over 120 academics who are actively involved in research at the cutting edge of their field.

Entry Requirements

Minimum 2:1 undergraduate honors degree in a relevant subject with relevant modules. Subject requirements include Biochemistry, Biomedical Sciences, Biotechnology, Genetics, Medical Genetics, Medicine, Microbiology, and Zoology. Module requirements include at least one module covering Genetics and at least one module covering either Biochemistry, Cell Biology, or Molecular Biology.

Fees and Funding

• Home (2026 annual fee): £12,680
• Overseas (2026 annual fee): £32,905

Save on Your Course Fees

Overseas fee-paying students joining in September 2026 will automatically receive a £3,000 tuition fee discount. Sheffield graduates can save up to £2,500 on their postgraduate taught course fees.