This course is for 2026/27 entry.
-
Academic teaching embedded with clinical application.
-
Embedded in the Clinical Genetics training pathway.
Interpretation and Clinical Application of Genomic Data PGCert Course overview
Benefits of this course
The course will enable you to feel proficient in the interpretation of genomic data, and confident in making clinical management decisions on the basis of your interpretation. It will also provide you with the knowledge, skills and attitudes to disseminate your expert knowledge through the wider medical workforce.
Award
You can select to apply for one of the available exit points for this course.
- Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert)
Structure
The Interpretation and Clinical Application of Genomic Data PgCert consists of four modules to equip you with the necessary skills and knowledge to advance your understanding in the interpretation and clinical application of genomic data.
Core modules
-
Clinical Interpretation of Genomic Data (15 credits)
In this module you will learn to analyse the key features of a genetic variant which affects the prior likelihood of pathogenicity and critically examine the clinical context within which it will be interpreted. You will also learn to interrogate population-level and mutation databases with respect to a specific genetic variant, and critically evaluate the medical literature on it.
-
Communication of Genetic Information and Ethics (15 credits)
In this module you will learn how to communicate complex genetic data to patients and their families effectively and sensitively. You will also learn to critically evaluate the ethical issues surrounding consent for genetic testing, and be able to formulate arguments for and against testing in specific clinical scenarios.
-
Personal and Professional Development Portfolio (15 credits)
In this module you will assemble a portfolio that demonstrates learning and progression in the application of genetic technologies, the interpretation of genomic data and the communication of complex genetic information to patients.
-
Understanding Genetic Technologies (15 credits)
In this module you will develop your knowledge and understanding of the principles behind commonly used molecular techniques. You will learn to evaluate which laboratory investigations are most suitable for a given clinical scenario and be able to demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the methodology of at least four molecular genetic techniques.
Teaching and assessment
Teaching and learning
The learning objectives of this course will be achieved through a teaching scheme delivered through three key domains: knowledge, skills and attitudes. You will learn through both face-to-face/online teaching sessions and workshops, and self-directed study online and with library resources.
Your knowledge base will then provide a platform to develop your skills of data interpretation in the context of clinical phenotyping. This will primarily be achieved through engagement at workshop sessions, assignments and developing your portfolio. The third domain, attitude, emphasises the need for you to develop your skills in effectively communicating complex genomic data and discussing ethical considerations such as the identification of incidental findings.
Assessment
For modules one to three, there will be up to two summative assessments. Summative assessments include one oral presentation, two written assignments, an online multiple-choice question (MCQ) examination, and communication role play.
Formative assessment will be provided in the form of regular meetings with your educational/laboratory supervisor. Each assessment has specific assessment criteria which will be published in the student handbook.
Module four contains assignments which enable you to apply theory to your clinical activities and allow you to demonstrate advanced application of your knowledge and skills within your own professional practice environment.
Fees and funding
Fees for academic year 2026/27
Postgraduate Certificate
(PGCert)
Part-time
per year
Home/UK: To be confirmed
International: To be confirmed
Part-time per year
Home/UK: To be confirmed
International: To be confirmed
Where applicable, tuition fees for City St George's programmes will be subject to inflationary increases in each year of study. Our policy for these increases is set out in our terms and conditions of study.
Funding
Explore up-to-date information about funding options, available financial support and typical living costs.
Additional costs
We do not expect students to incur any extra costs over and above those that we have advertised on the course page.
Career
This course offers bespoke training for clinical geneticists and forms part of a package of genomic educational initiatives run through City St George's, University of London.
How to apply
Entry requirements
UK
To apply for this course, you should hold:
- A minimum of a second class degree (2:2). For healthcare graduates a pass is required. All degrees must be awarded before 1st August on the year of entry
- A national training number (NTN) in clinical genetics.
International qualifications
We also accept qualifications from other countries for postgraduate study.
English language requirements
If your first language is not English you must demonstrate you meet our English Language requirements.
Most common test requirements:
- IELTS Academic: 6.5 overall with 6.5 in Writing and 6.0 in all other components
- TOEFL (iBT) and (iBT Paper): 79 overall with 24 in Writing, 14 in Listening and Speaking, and 18 in Reading.
For further details please see the St George's UoL English Language requirements page. This is a Group 2 course.
Application process
To be considered for this course, you will need to:
- meet the entry criteria
- write a personal statement
- provide two suitable references
- provide a Study Leave Confirmation (if your tuition fees are being paid by your employer).
Before beginning your application please check the entry criteria of the course you wish to study to ensure you meet the required standards. Guidance on submitting an application can be found on our how to apply webpage.
Access our online application system
- Access our online application system via the application button below.
- You will be asked to create an account.
- Once you have created your account, you will be able to complete an application form and upload any relevant documents. You can save a partly completed form and return to it later. Please make sure you complete all sections. Please make sure that the information you provide is accurate, including the options you select in menus.
- Add pgadmissions@sgul.ac.uk to your address book to ensure you do not miss any important emails from us.
- When you have checked that your application is complete and accurate, click ‘submit’.
You can track your application through your online account.
This course is not currently open for applications.
Application Deadline
Home fee payers 24 August 2026
Overseas fee payers 1 July 2026
Our academics
Your studies are supported by a team of committed and enthusiastic teachers and researchers, experts in their chosen field. On occasion we also work with external professionals to enhance your learning and appreciation of the wider subject.