Human and Molecular Genetics
Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology,
Faculty of Science
Course description
Designed in collaboration with the NHS: Sheffield Diagnostic Genetics Service, this course is for students who are fascinated by medical genetics. Through hands-on practical skills training and lecture modules you’ll explore human genetics and develop an understanding of how human genetic diseases are diagnosed clinically at the chromosome and DNA levels.
Students have the opportunity for clinical work placements in the Sheffield Diagnostic Genetics Service, which is based in the Sheffield Children’s Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.
The biggest part of your course is the Medical Genetics Laboratory Project. Here you’ll spend six months undertaking extensive training before applying this knowledge to the diagnosis of human genetic diseases.
Intercalation
We accept medical students who wish to intercalate their studies. Find out more on the Medical School's website.
Modules
Explore core and optional modules
The content of our courses is reviewed annually to make sure it's up-to-date and relevant. Individual modules are occasionally updated or withdrawn. This is in response to discoveries through our world-leading research; funding changes; professional accreditation requirements; student or employer feedback; outcomes of reviews; and variations in staff or student numbers. In the event of any change we'll consult and inform students in good time and take reasonable steps to minimise disruption. We are no longer offering unrestricted module choice. If your course included unrestricted modules, your department will provide a list of modules from their own and other subject areas that you can choose from.
Teaching
Our masters courses give you a solid grounding in experimental science, with personal supervision and tutorials by experienced scientists, based in modern, well-equipped labs, leading to a project in which you design and conduct your own research. You will learn cutting edge science from research leaders, and gain practice in reading scientific literature and writing reports.
Assessment
Assessment is based on a combination of coursework, project work, formal examinations and a dissertation.
Duration
1 year full-time
Your career
Genetic diagnostic technologies are transforming clinical pathology in private and public healthcare systems. Through practical diagnostic laboratory training, clinical research and opportunities for NHS work placements, graduates will be well equipped to pursue careers in healthcare diagnostics, research and industry.
Previous students have gone on to join the NHS Scientist Training Programme in Genomics, Cancer Genomics, and Genetic Counselling.
Graduates also progress to bioscience research-based PhDs and professional research assistant positions in industry and academia.
You can read our student profiles to find out more about the various careers our students have pursued and how the course has helped them to succeed.
Entry requirements
A 2:1 degree or equivalent university qualification in molecular biology or a related subject (eg biochemistry, genetics, biotechnology, and microbiology).
We also accept medical students who wish to intercalate their studies.
Candidates with professional experience may also be considered following interview.
Overall IELTS score of 6.5 with minimum of 6.0 in each component, or equivalent.
We also accept a range of other UK qualifications and other EU/international qualifications.
If you have any questions about entry requirements, please contact the department.
Fees and funding
Apply
You can apply for postgraduate study using our Postgraduate Online Application Form. It's a quick and easy process.
Contact
mbb-pgt-apply@sheffield.ac.uk
+44 114 222 2750
Any supervisors and research areas listed are indicative and may change before the start of the course.
Recognition of professional qualifications: from 1 January 2021, in order to have any UK professional qualifications recognised for work in an EU country across a number of regulated and other professions you need to apply to the host country for recognition. Read information from the UK government and the EU Regulated Professions Database.