Postgraduate Certificate in Genomic Medicine

The programme was launched in 2016 to support an NHS England initiative to upskill the clinical workforce in order to facilitate the integration of genomics into mainstream care pathways. We were recommissioned by NHS England in 2025, meaning that we can continue to put eligible NHS employees forward for funding. Moreover, the course has been refreshed to reflect contemporary practice in genomics and it conforms to the Genomics Education Programme’s national framework for Master’s level education. More than 100 leaders in their respective fields contribute to the teaching of the course, including Cambridge University and Cambridge University Hospital staff, colleagues from the Wellcome Sanger Institute and guest lecturers of national and international renown. 

For more information, watch our most recent Genomic Medicine Pathway ‘Ask-Me-Anything' (AMA) event recording.

Who is the course designed for?    

We encourage applications that reflect the breadth of professional activity in genomics. Recent students have been science graduates, lawyers, entrepreneurs, researchers (industrial and academic), healthcare scientists, nurses and doctors (from foundation to consultant). 

As a one-year, part-time course it’s designed to accommodate the demands of full-time employment. 

Aims of the programme  

• Provide professionally relevant teaching and learning informed by research in an integrated clinical and research environment. 
• Develop and create a cohort of doctors and other professionals allied to genomic medicine or research able to pursue and develop their roles in the rapidly-changing and challenging environment of genomic medicine. 
• Prepare healthcare professionals for the adoption of genomic technologies and the increasing use of genomic information as part of the diagnostic and treatment pathway. 
• Develop researchers competent in the use of genomic technologies for biomedical research. 
• Develop a cohort of health care professionals with the ability and confidence to lead service improvement for safe and high-quality patient care. 
• Develop a cohort of health care professionals allied to medicine with an understanding of research methodologies and clinical opportunities relevant to genomic medicine. 
• Encourage a commitment to intellectual challenge and evidence-based clinical practice informed by the latest conceptual and theoretical knowledge of genomic medicine. 
• Develop students' intellectual, practical and transferable skills related to genomic medicine. 
• Encourage critical thinking related to genomic medicine. 
• Equip students for entry into health care professional training schemes including graduate entry medicine courses. 
• Prepare students for undertaking research degrees (PhD) in genomic medicine-related research fields. 
• Provide students from the pharmaceutical, biotechnology and other industries with an understanding of the relevance of advances in genomics for current and future health care.  

Progression  

The Genomic Medicine programme at University of Cambridge Professional and Continuing Education (PACE) provides the following part-time, award-bearing courses and study options:  

• Postgraduate Certificate 
• Postgraduate Diploma 
• Postgraduate Diploma (flexible) 
• Master's Degree (MSt) 
• Master’s Degree (flexible) 
• Master’s Degree (flexible, intensive)  

If you studied modules for credit, it is possible to transfer modular study credits forward into a Cambridge award:  

• One module at 15 credits may be transferred forward into the postgraduate certificate 
• Two modules at a total of 30 credits may be transferred forward into the postgraduate diploma or MSt (these courses run over two consecutive academic years)  

Modules being transferred into an award can usually only be brought forward from 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.  

You can also apply to study a full-time Master’s through the University’s Department of Genomic Medicine. 

We welcome applications from students with a variety of backgrounds and experiences. As part of our admissions process, you’ll need to meet certain requirements and make sure you’re able to attend teaching sessions in the UK.    

Standard entry requirements 

Typically, we expect a good UK undergraduate degree, such as a 2.1, or international equivalent. 

If your degree is not from the UK, check international qualifications on the University’s postgraduate site to find the equivalent in your country. 

English language requirements  

Our courses are taught in English and require a good level of fluency. If English is not your first language, you'll need to prove you have sufficient fluency before admission. If we offer you a place, it will be subject to you meeting this requirement. For more information, visit Postgraduate and Master's admissions and the University’s English language requirements. 

Visa information 

We welcome applications from international students. If you’re coming from overseas, you would attend the in-person teaching sessions for this course with visitor immigration permission.  

It's important to be aware that entering the UK as a visitor for study purposes comes with certain expectations and restrictions. To make sure you understand the requirements, we advise you to read the in-depth information on the University’s International Students website. 

Students must complete four modules. There is additional between-module reflection, study and assignment work. The introductory module in October is compulsory for all students.  

As this certificate is a one-year programme, all four modules should be taken within one academic year. The only exception is where a student is progressing from modular to award-bearing study.  

Teaching  

Each postgraduate course is delivered through a combination of in-person sessions (requiring attendance in Cambridge), self-directed learning and assessment (in the form of coursework). Study is fully supported through a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). 

Most of the modules are run as a week-long course, from Monday to Friday, during which in-person attendance will be required each day for the 30+ hours of teaching time (from 9am to 5pm daily). 

Below are the expected teaching dates for this course. If they change, we'll update offer-holders in line with the University's terms of admission. 

Genomic medicine modules 

Students choose 4 modules from the list below (dates are indicative and will be updated in due course: 

• Fundamentals of human genetics and genomics: mandatory first module, October 2027, dates to be confirmed. 
• Research and statistical skills for genomic medicine: October/November/December 2027, dates to be confirmed. Students must speak to the course director if interested in this module. It does not follow the standard Monday to Friday format. 
• Omics technologies and their application in genomic medicine: November 2027, dates to be confirmed.  
• Bioinformatics, interpretation and data quality assurance in genomic analysis: December 2027, dates to be confirmed.  
• Application of genomics in infectious disease: January 2028, dates to be confirmed. 
• Molecular pathology of cancer and application of genomics in cancer: February 2028, dates to be confirmed. 
• Pharmacogenomics and stratified healthcare: March 2028, dates to be confirmed. 
• Introduction to counselling and communication skills in genomic medicine: March 2028, dates to be confirmed.  
• Epigenetics and disorders of the epigenome: April 2028, dates to be confirmed. 
• Variant interpretation: April 2028, dates to be confirmed. 
• Genomics of common and rare inherited diseases: May 2028, dates to be confirmed. 
• Evaluating Genomic Medicine in the workplace-based: February to June 2028, dates to be confirmed. Students must speak to the course director if interested in this module. It does not follow the standard Monday to Friday format. 
• Professional and research skills: delivery mode tbc, November to March 2028, dates to be confirmed. This module does not follow the standard Monday to Friday format. 
• Genomics of obesity and metabolic disease: May 2028, dates to be confirmed.  

Not all module options will necessarily be offered in any one year. To meet eligibility requirements, some funding providers such as NHS England may require the study of specific modules. 

Assessment 

Students are assessed formatively throughout the taught modules of the programme using a variety of techniques and interrelated strategies including evidence of regular reflection, demonstration of active participation in the programme will also be required. There may also be a requirement for the students to take part in peer review of other students.  

For each of the four taught modules comprising the postgraduate certificate, students must complete summative assignments of 2,500 to 3,500 words (or equivalent). 

Fees

The total fees for this course are shown above in 'Course details'.

To understand which fee status applies to you, whether as a home or overseas student, visit the University’s fee status page.  

To help you manage your finances more comfortably, you can pay the fee in instalments. See how to pay for more.  

There are also some additional costs you’ll need to cover as part of this course. These are usually: 

• an application fee of £85, unless you're eligible for a fee waiver, payable online
• any travel, accommodation and subsistence costs for the residential teaching sessions held in Cambridge

Funding

We're dedicated to reducing and removing financial barriers to learning. Visit financial support ahead of the application deadline to find out what options may be available to help you in your studies. You can explore external funding and stay up to date on our concessions and bursaries. 

NHS England funding is available for NHS staff wishing to apply to study Genomic Medicine at the University of Cambridge for individual modules or modules completed 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 Postgraduate Certificate to a Diploma or MSt.  

All funding is subject to availability and the final decision rests with NHS England, not the University.  

Prospective students wishing to apply for funding should apply for their course place in the first instance.  

Funding is accessed through the University following receipt of a conditional offer of a place to study (and not by applying directly to NHS England). For full details and how to apply, select the ‘funding rules’ tab of one of the modules listed on the NHS England website.  

We recommend that you explore any potential funding well in advance of the application deadline.

Considering applying? We look forward to receiving your application. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis. Should the course become full, we reserve the right to close for applications early. We encourage applicants to apply as soon as possible.  

Key timings for your application  

• The application deadline is 27 May 2027. 
• We’ll hold interviews for shortlisted candidates from March 2027. 
• If you're shortlisted, we'll contact you in the weeks before interviews to arrange a time and format for yours.  

How to apply and what you'll need 

The ‘Apply now’ button will take you to the Applicant Portal. There, you can: 

• create, save, and submit your application 
• upload your supporting documents 
• submit and manage your references 
• pay your application fee 
• track your application 

Supporting documents  

When you submit your application, you’ll need to provide supporting information.  

CV  

Upload an up-to-date resume.  

Employer letter of support  

Upload a letter from your employer confirming release of time to study.  

Qualifications and transcripts     

Upload details of degree-level courses you have completed or are studying.    

Evidence of funding, if applicable   

Upload details for any funding you have secured for this course.    

References    

Submit contact details for 2 referees, who we will contact on your behalf.    

For more information on applying and admissions, see Postgraduate and Master's admissions. 

We're committed to supporting you in your learning journey, and we offer a variety of support opportunities to meet individual needs. Visit student support to find out more about how we can help.