This Masters in Medical Genetics will give you an understanding of the delivery of a modern clinical genetics service. It covers family history assessment, risk calculation and, particularly, the application of current and future genetic and genomic technologies, in diagnostics and population screening.

Programme overview

• MSc (Med Sci): 12 months full-time; (24 months part-time by special arrangement)

Teaching and learning methods

A variety of methods are used, including problem-based learning, case-based learning, lectures, tutorials and laboratories. These are supplemented by a wide range of course-specific electronic resources for additional learning and self-assessment. As a result, you will develop a wide range of skills relevant to careers in research, diagnostics or clinical genetics. These skills include team-working, data interpretation and experimental design. You will use the primary scientific literature as an information resource, although textbooks such as our own Essential Medical Genetics will also be useful.

Electronic Resources:

• access to a continually updated Moodle (virtual learning environment) with extensive additional teaching and self-assessment materials and
• an online web-portal with regularly updated direct links to >70 worldwide genetic databases & online algorithms (plus the latest new genetics discoveries), all easily accessible and grouped into useful categories.

Core Courses

• Molecular genetics
• Cytogenetics & molecular cytogenetics
• Biochemical genetics
• Clinical skills
• Case investigations
• Integrated case studies
• Research skills.

You will also carry out an independent piece of research on a relevant topic that you will be able to select, either a laboratory-based or library/clinical data-based investigation and write this up as a dissertation. In addition, you will have the options of: attending genetic counseling clinics and also of gaining hands-on experience and guidance in using software and online resources for genetic diagnosis and for the evaluation of pathogenesis of DNA sequence variants. There are also weekly supplementary tutorials on topics that are selected by students and attendance at these tutorials is optional.

Career prospects

Research: about half of our graduates enter a research career and most of these graduates undertake and complete PhDs; the MSc in Medical Genetics facilitates acquisition of skills relevant to a career in research in many different bio-molecular disciplines.

Diagnostics: some of our graduates enter careers with clinical genetic diagnostic services, particularly in molecular genetics and cytogenetics.

Clinical genetics: those of our graduates with a prior medical / nursing training often utilise their new skills in careers as clinical geneticists or genetic counsellors.

Other: although the focus of teaching is on using the available technologies for the purpose of genetic diagnostics, many of these technologies are used in diverse areas of biomedical science research and in forensic DNA analysis. Some of our numerous graduates, who are now employed in many countries around the world, have entered careers in industry, scientific publishing, education and medicine.

Academic entry requirements

You should have a degree in medicine or dentistry or equivalent qualification, or a degree with Honours or equivalent in a biological science.

You are required to provide two references and a full degree transcript with your application.

International students with academic qualifications below those required should contact our partner institution, Glasgow International College, who offer a range of foundation courses.

English language requirements

For applicants whose first language is not English, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level.

International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic module (not General Training):

• overall score 6.5
• no sub-test less than 6.0
• or equivalent scores in another recognised qualification (see below)
   

Common equivalent English language qualifications:

• ibTOEFL: 92; no sub-test less than 20
• CAE (Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English): B minimum
• CPE (Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English): C minimum
• PTE Academic (Person Test of English, Academic test): 60; no sub-test less than 59

Pre-sessional courses
The University of Glasgow accepts evidence of the required language level from the Language Centre Pre-sessional courses. We also consider other BALEAP accredited pre-sessional courses:

• Language Centre, University of Glasgow
• BALEAP guide to accredited courses 

Visa requirements and proof of English language level

It is a visa requirement to provide information on your level of English based on an internationally recognised and secure English language test. All test reports must be no more than 2 years old. A list of these can be found on the UK Border Agency website. If you have never taken one of these tests before, you can get an initial idea of your level by using the Common European Framework self-assessment grid which gives you a level for each skill (e.g. listening B1/writing B2 etc.) However, please note that this is not a secure English language test and it is not sufficient evidence of your level of English for visa requirements.

If you require a Tier 4 student visa, your qualification must be one of the secure English language tests accepted by UK Border Agency:

• UK Border Agency Tier 4 English Language requirements
• UKBA list of approved English language tests [pdf]

For further information about English language requirements, please contact the Recruitment and International Office: pgadmissions@glasgow.ac.uk

Apply now

For 2013-14

MSc (Med Sci)