Oxford Brookes University

What you'll study

The programme combines core theoretical modules with practical laboratory and bioinformatics training, plus a substantial research project. You will study the molecular basis of human disease, principles of inheritance, population genetics and the technologies that underpin modern genomics, such as next-generation sequencing, variant detection and genome-wide approaches.

• Human and Medical Genetics: Mendelian and complex disease genetics, genotype–phenotype correlations and mechanisms of genetic disorders.
• Genomic Technologies and Laboratory Practice: hands‑on training in DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, library preparation, sequencing workflows and quality control in a regulated laboratory setting.
• Bioinformatics and Data Analysis: command-line and graphical approaches to sequence alignment, variant calling, annotation and interpretation; use of common databases and tools for clinical variant evaluation.
• Clinical Genomics and Interpretation: principles of clinical variant classification, multidisciplinary case review, consent and reporting, and the communication of genetic findings.
• Ethics, Law and Society: ethical, legal and social issues in genomic medicine, data governance, patient confidentiality and the implications of genomic screening programmes.
• Research Project or Dissertation: an independent, supervised research project that can be laboratory-based, bioinformatics-focused or clinically oriented, culminating in a written dissertation and oral presentation.

Teaching typically includes lectures, seminars, laboratory practicals, computer‑based workshops and project supervision. Assessment methods commonly include practical reports, coursework, exams and the final research dissertation.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a good honours degree (typically a 2:1 or equivalent) in a relevant subject such as biomedical science, biology, genetics, molecular biology, biochemistry, medicine or a closely related discipline. Applicants with a lower second-class degree plus relevant professional experience or postgraduate study may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Healthcare professionals with appropriate clinical experience and a relevant professional qualification are welcome to apply. International applicants should demonstrate equivalent academic attainment and meet the programme's English language requirements (for example, an IELTS score that is accepted by the university for postgraduate study).

Successful applicants should have a basic grounding in molecular biology and statistics; short preparatory reading or bridging modules may be suggested if gaps are identified. Relevant references and a personal statement outlining your interest in medical genetics and career aims are required as part of the application.

Career prospects

Graduates from this MSc move into a range of roles across healthcare, research and industry. Typical career paths include:

• Laboratory scientist or genomic technologist in NHS diagnostic or private pathology laboratories (further clinical accreditation may be required to meet professional registration).
• Genomic data analyst or bioinformatician in research institutes, universities, biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies.
• Research scientist pursuing PhD study in human genetics, genomics, cancer genomics or related fields.
• Roles in genetic counselling services, public health genomics, clinical trials units and personalised medicine programmes (additional professional training is usually required for registered genetic counsellors).
• Technical or scientific roles in companies developing sequencing technologies, genomic diagnostics, or precision medicine solutions.

The combination of laboratory, computational and interpretation skills provided by the programme is valued by employers involved in translating genomic discoveries into clinical practice.

Why study at Oxford Brookes University

Oxford Brookes offers a focused MSc in Medical Genetics and Genomics delivered by staff with expertise in molecular genetics, genomic technologies and applied bioinformatics. The university provides modern teaching laboratories, sequencing-capable facilities and computer suites for hands-on training. Small-group teaching and project supervision help students develop practical skills and critical interpretation abilities.

The programme benefits from professional links with local healthcare providers and industry partners, creating opportunities for applied research projects and work-relevant experience. Studying in Oxford gives access to a dense research and clinical ecosystem, supporting networking and collaborative opportunities while maintaining the supportive teaching environment characteristic of Oxford Brookes.