The Postgraduate Certificate in Genomic Medicine is part of the suite of part-time, postgraduate courses in Genomic Medicine designed to further educate suitably qualified NHS healthcare professionals and science graduates with an interest in the clinical application of genomics.
Modular study
We also offer modules from the Genomic Medicine Programme for credit or CPPD (non-credit) study.
For more information, and to see what modules we’re running in 2025-26, visit our modular study page.
Course Dates
Course details
Tutors
Key course information
The programme has been developed by University of Cambridge Professional and Continuing Education (PACE) and Cambridge University Hospitals in partnership with Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, the European Bioinformatics Institute (EBI) and Wellcome Connecting Science.
Watch the information session for the Genomic Medicine Pathway from our Medical Open Week 2025.
Who is the course designed for?
The course aims to prepare interested professionals for the future adoption of genomic technologies and the increasing use of genomic information as part of the diagnostic and treatment pathway.
This is a one-year, part-time course designed to fit with 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 medicine 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:
- 1 module at 15 credits may be transferred forward into the postgraduate certificate
- 2 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 at the Master’s level full-time through the University’s Department of Medical Genetics.
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 4 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 9 am to 5 pm 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. Exact teaching dates will be added to this page in due course.
Genomic medicine modules
Students choose 4 modules from the list below:
- Fundamentals of human genetics and genomics (mandatory first module, October 2026)
- Research and statistical skills in genomic medicine: October/November/December 2026. Students must speak to the course director if interested in this module. It does not follow the standard Monday to Friday format.
- Omics techniques and the application to genomic medicine: November 2026
- Bioinformatics, interpretation and data quality assurance in genomic analysis: December 2026
- Application of genomics in infectious disease: January 2027
- Molecular pathology of cancer and application of genomics in cancer: February 2027
- Pharmacogenetics and stratified healthcare: March 2027
- Introduction to counselling and communication skills in genomic medicine: March 2027
- Epigenetics and disorders of the epigenome: April 2027
- Variant interpretation: 27 April /May 2027
- Genomics of common and rare inherited diseases: May 2027
- Workplace-based module: February to June 2027. 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: (online only, dates tbc)
- Genomics of obesity and metabolic disease: (dates tbc)
- Genomics of neurodegenerative disorders: (dates tbc)
- Genomics of cardiovascular disorders: (dates tbc)
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.
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 28 May 2026.
- We’ll hold interviews for shortlisted candidates from March 2026.
- 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.
