Why study this course?

Our Medical Genomics MSc course will bring you up to speed with the post-genomic era following the game-changing breakthrough that is the sequencing of the human genome. The data now being generated is producing insights at an amazing rate, and personalised medicine is just around the corner.  Skilled and talented biologists capable of analysing, processing and innovating are in growing demand by employers. If you're a science graduate who wants to specialise and gain employment in this area, then you can be part of the new golden age in medical genomics with this master's degree.

More about this course

On this course, you’ll enhance your knowledge of genomic science from a health perspective. As genetic testing becomes part of routine medical evaluations and more geneticists are needed to perform the tests, we can help develop your skills through unique research projects, outstanding teaching and high-quality facilities.

London Met’s superb facilities include a £30 million Science Centre with 280 workstations and specialist laboratories where you can undertake research and refine your hands-on experience. This will greatly enhance your employability upon graduation.

Our research-active staff will be joined guest lecturers from organisations such as Barts Health NHS Trust, Imperial College London, King’s College London, University College London, St George's Hospital and Brunel University. We also maintain a strong collaboration with the prestigious Colombian Institute for the Promotion of Higher Education (ICFES), providing you with the opportunity to sign up to our exciting international work exchange programme.

These connections with prestigious universities mean you’ll have the opportunity to meet and discuss your career options, secure work placements or apply for studentships. When you graduate, you’ll also be eligible to join the Royal Society of Biology, with whom we are registering this course to be accredited in the near future.

The University’s close location to the impressive genome and scientific job market in London means you’ll be well-placed for a career upon graduation. Our Careers and Employability team will help you improve your CV and assist you in your search for employment upon graduation from the Medical Genomics MSc.

Assessment

You’ll be tested through a wide variety of assessments. You’ll write laboratory reports, give presentations, sit written exams, take part in debates, answer quizzes, experience virtual labs via online learning, make posters and defend your work in presentations.

Fees and key information

Course type
Postgraduate
Entry requirements View
Apply now

Entry requirements

You will be required to have:

  • a lower second class (2.2) UK undergraduate degree in an appropriate subject (eg biology, biomedical science, biological science or medical genetics)

Accreditation of Prior Learning

Any university-level qualifications or relevant experience you gain prior to starting university could count towards your course at London Met. Find out more about applying for Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL).

English language requirements

To study a degree at London Met, you must be able to demonstrate proficiency in the English language. If you require a Student visa you may need to provide the results of a Secure English Language Test (SELT) such as Academic IELTS. This course requires you to meet our higher requirements.

If you need (or wish) to improve your English before starting your degree, the University offers a Pre-sessional Academic English course to help you build your confidence and reach the level of English you require.

Modular structure

The modules listed below are for the academic year 2023/24 and represent the course modules at this time. Modules and module details (including, but not limited to, location and time) are subject to change over time.

Year 1 modules include:

This module currently runs:
  • spring semester - Tuesday morning

This module provides information and guidance to faciliatate an indepth understanding and knowledge of the theory and practical applications of molecular biology, genetics and genomics. It explains the underlying mechanisms of molecular biology and enables these ideas to be expanded to the understanding of human health and disease.
To provide, thorough in depth study, knowledge and understanding of the theory and practical applications of the underling molecular biology of modern genetics and genomics. This module will investigate both historical and modern approaches to genomics. It will reinforce analytical, evaluative and communication skills. The module will also enable students to research a topical issue in depth and present it at an appropriate level and reflect on the topics studied and their application in biomedical practice.

This module currently runs:
  • spring semester - Wednesday afternoon

This module applies in silico approaches to explore the relationship between genotype and phenotype in the context of human disease and health. It includes an analysis of the influence of genetic variation in human populations to the penetrance of disease phenotype and to responses to environment, lifestyle and therapy. It runs in the Spring semester and is assessed by two pieces of coursework and a presentation. There are no pre-requisites other than satisfaction of general entry requirements.

This module focuses on human diseases with a genetic component, from monogenic disorders to complex, multifactorial diseases. Consideration is also given to hereditary mechanisms not linked to DNA sequence (e.g. genomic imprinting).
The module aims to provide an appreciation of the genetic basis of inherited diseases and, wherever possible, relate disease phenotype to mutations in gene products or to aberrations in gene expression. The material covered emphasises how an understanding of human biology has advanced through the study of genetic diseases, explores the development of therapeutic strategies using up-to-date primary sources and discusses the latest technological innovations.

This module currently runs:
  • autumn semester
  • summer studies
  • spring semester

This module provides an opportunity for student-lead problem solving applying knowledge acquired to a specific research question . The module aims to provide students with the opportunity to apply and develop previously acquired knowledge and skills to a laboratory or IT-based biomedical research problem; and undertake, critically evaluate, reflect, and report on, an individual research programme.

This module currently runs:
  • autumn semester - Tuesday morning
  • spring semester - Wednesday morning

The module is designed to provide students with an understanding of skills needed for the planning, organisation and practice of research in science. Different analytical approaches to problems will be reviewed together with the need to consider statistics and quality control in the design of projects. Students will consider the impact of appropriate safety, ethical and resourcing implications in the design and operation of a project.

This module currently runs:
  • autumn semester - Wednesday morning

The module focuses on the development and operation of the immune system in both health and disease and explores current research in immunopathology, stem cells and immunotherapy. Review the development and operation of the immune system in both health and disease. Explore current ideas in immunopathology, immunosuppression, stem cells and immunotherapy. Explores recent developments in immunoassays and immunocytochemical techniques for detection of antigens and disease markers.

This module currently runs:
  • autumn semester - Wednesday morning

The module uses online databases and software to extract, analyse and interpret DNA and protein sequences and to model structures of proteins.
This module aims to provide familiarity with the primary databases and common software packages used to analyse DNA, RNA and protein sequence, expression and structure, within and across genomes. It will also develop informatic skills for extracting, analysing and presenting data to extract biological knowledge and students will apply the principles of macromolecular, and in particular protein, structure to the building f molecular models using modelling and graphics software. The module will examine applications of modelling with emphasis on understanding the interactions between proteins and other molecules of biological or synthetic origin.

This module currently runs:
  • autumn semester - Thursday morning

Biomedical Diagnostics focuses on current and emerging wet techniques used to analyse disease biomarkers, with an emphasis on genomic markers, for diagnosis in medicine. It runs in the Autumn semester and is assessed by an in-course test and an essay. There are no pre-requisites other than satisfaction of general entry requirements, and it includes a component of laboratory work.

Where this course can take you

With your training in human genetics, many opportunities will be available to you upon graduation. Genomics is important in both public and private domains, and there is increasing demand for new graduates in a growing number of new genome centres and companies in the UK and abroad, such as the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute in Cambridge and Medgenome in India. Genomics is also a key area for the NHS, with governmental initiatives such as the 100,000 Genomes Project.

As genetics becomes a recognised part of all biological sciences, there will be an increasing demand for individuals with expertise in this field.

Additional costs

Please note, in addition to the tuition fee there may be additional costs for things like equipment, materials, printing, textbooks, trips or professional body fees.

Additionally, there may be other activities that are not formally part of your course and not required to complete your course, but which you may find helpful (for example, optional field trips). The costs of these are additional to your tuition fee and the fees set out above and will be notified when the activity is being arranged.

How to apply

Use the apply button to begin your application.

If you require a Student visa and wish to study a postgraduate course on a part-time basis, please read our how to apply information for international students to ensure you have all the details you need about the application process.



When to apply

You are advised to apply as early as possible as applications will only be considered if there are places available on the course.

To find out when teaching for this degree will begin, as well as welcome week and any induction activities, view our academic term dates.