Pharmacogenomics is playing a key role in our health care system. Pharmacogenomics and stratified health care ensure that healthcare professionals tailor the 'right treatment, for the right person, at the right time’ and is a fast developing area. This module provides a comprehensive overview of the analytical strategies and techniques used in pharmacogenomics and explore some of the challenges and limitations in this field (availability of patient material for studies of adverse drug reactions which tend to be rare, allelic heterogeneity between different ethnic groups, patient compliance etc.). Biomarkers are the predictive tools for optimising drug response and preventing adverse drug reactions thus this module will also provide an overview of the different type of genomic biomarkers currently in use or emerging.
This module describes the complexity of pharmacogenomics and the effect of medication on individuals based on their genetic make-up i.e. tailoring drug treatment to improve patient response and techniques to stratify patients at risk of adverse drug reactions. It uses examples of known validated pharmacogenomic tests relevant to the use of drug treatments and also use the expertise provided by the major clinical- and academic- industrial research cluster in biomedical science that is developing locally. The module provides a focus to develop interactions with industrial partners and academic groups developing research programs in stratified medicine across a broad range of diseases.
Information on other modules can be accessed here.
Course Dates
Course details
Tutors
Key Features
All Genomic Medicine modules run as one week, in-person teaching sessions (>30 contact hours), followed by a further four weeks of guided study using a Virtual Learning Environment during which time students complete a formal assessment of 2500-3500 words.
The modules each carry 15 FHEQ Level 7 credits (equivalent to 150 hours of learning).
Module delivery: In person teaching session
Progression
Below are the options for transfer forward of credit/modules into a Cambridge award:
- 1 module at 15 credits may be transferred forward into the PG Certificate
- 2 modules at a total of 30 credits may be transferred forward into the PG Diploma or Masters [MSt]
NB: The transferring of modules towards an award can only be brought forward from modules studied at The University of Cambridge in the previous Academic Year.
For transfer of credit towards non Cambridge awards, you are advised to consult the University where you wish to study as different criteria may apply.
Apply by: Friday 16 January 2026
Module dates: Monday 2 to Friday 6 March 2026
Assignment deadline: Tuesday 7 April 2026
Academic requirement
Applicants are normally expected to a hold a 2i degree or higher from a UK university or an equivalent from an overseas university.
Language requirement
All applicants are required to demonstrate competency in English at a high level before commencing the programme; students whose first language is not English must be able to satisfy the requirements below.
- IELTS Academic: Overall score of 7.0 (a minimum of 7.0 in Listening, Writing and Speaking; 6.5 in Reading)
- TOEFL Internet: Overall score of 100 (a minimum of 25 in each individual component)
- CAE: Grade A or B (with at least 193 in each individual element) plus a Language Centre assessment
- CPE: Grade A, B, or C (with at least 200 in each individual element)
Note that: International students must ensure they have the appropriate immigration status to undertake the course, and this will need to be checked by the University. Students who do not hold an immigration status that permits study and work in the UK will be based overseas and attendance on modules can be supported as a visitor to the UK. There are restrictions on using the visitor route for study and this may restrict the number of modules that can be undertaken across one year. Further information is provided on the International Students website and prospective students are advised to read this in full.
The fee for 2025-26 will be £1,462.50 for home students and £3,809.25 for overseas students.
Participants will be expected to cover the costs of travel, accommodation and subsistence incurred during teaching sessions in Cambridge.
HEE funding is available for NHS staff wishing to apply to study Genomic Medicine at The University of Cambridge. It is available for study of individual modules or modules as part of a Postgraduate Certificate, Postgraduate Diploma or part-time Masters in Genomic Medicine. Limited funding is also available for those wishing to extend their study from a Postgraduate Certificate or 4 modules to a Postgraduate Diploma or MSt.
HEE funding is limited and subject to HEE approval. For full details of eligibility, the application procedure and FAQs, please refer to the HEE website here. Click on a module, read the information on the tabs titled, ‘Funding rules’ and ‘FAQs’ tabs. At the bottom of the ‘Funding rules’ tab click the link to view the ‘the application process for CPPD module(s) or postgraduate certificate’ to view a useful flowchart showing the application procedure.
Applications will be accepted until Friday 16 January 2026
Your application must include:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Copies of relevant qualification certificates and transcripts
- Language proficiency (if required)
- Contact details of two referees who will be contacted on your behalf
- Evidence of funding (if applicable)
