Study options
- Starting in
- September 2025
- Location
- Charterhouse Square
- Fees
- Home: TBC
Overseas: TBC
What you'll study
Recent developments have transformed our understanding of disease biology. Genomics has strong potential to impact patient care and there is now an international call for highly trained professionals to implement it in the healthcare system, the pharmaceutical industry, and the broader biomedical sector.
This programme in Genomic Medicine is developed in collaboration with University College London, Public Health England and Great Ormond Street Hospital. It is designed to provide healthcare professionals with a multi-disciplinary perspective on genomics and its application in medicine, particularly in rare genetic diseases, cancer and infection. The broad syllabus delivers the knowledge and training required to provide, develop and advance specialist scientific services around genomic medicine within healthcare systems.
You will be trained in state-of-the-art genomic platforms and informatics tools and learn how to apply them in the analysis and interpretation of whole genome sequence data from patients. You will be trained to analyse high quality genomic data and have the opportunity to interact with international experts in this field. Working directly with patient data from the 100,000 Genomes Project will offer you hands on experience of how genomics may be applied to diagnosis and patient treatment.
Structure
- Eight compulsory modules
- Five optional modules to choose from
Compulsory/Core modules
This module will provide clear understanding of the structure and variations in genetic material. The module aim is to deliver a solid theoretical foundation in the area of basic genetics and genomics to the participants in order to understand the study of disease genetics and how genomic information can be utilised to understand disease mechanisms and biology. The first section 'Genome Structure & Sequence variation' will review the architecture of the human genome and the functional units embedded. It will then cover DNA sequence variation and how it is structured across the genome, explaining the principles of linkage disequilibrium and its extent in human populations. The next part `Biology of Genomes' will cover in more detail aspects of gene regulation (enhancers, promoters, transcription factors, silencers) and chromatin structure (histone modifications; DNase I hypersensitive sites, open chromatin). It will then discuss genetic control of functional elements introducing the basic principles of quantitative trait loci (QTL) analyses. Under the `Association Studies¿ section participants will be introduced to the principles of correlating genetic markers to phenotype as well as the design and execution of association studies both for dichotomous and quantitative traits . Participants will learn how to critically interpret the output of association studies and the potential as well as the limitations of using such information to assess disease risk. Under the Epigenetics section participants will be introduced to DNA methylation and its implication to human disease. In the last section of this module participants will learn about integration of genetic data from an association study with genomic information to explore the biology of the investigated trait.
Module will deliver a comprehensive coverage of the techniques used to obtain the DNA sequence of targeted parts of the genome (e.g. exome sequencing) or whole genomes using state-of -the-art highly parallel sequencing platforms. Furthermore, it will provide clear understanding of the use of array based methodologies and RNA sequencing in estimating expression levels of protein coding genes, micro RNAs and long non-coding RNAs; gene expression is a key intermediate phenotype in genetic / genomic analyses of disease. Finally, the module will offer an introduction to the evolving fields of metabolomics and proteomics covering some of the most established techniques currently used in biomedical research.
Students will learn to handle sequence files from exome and / or whole genome sequencing (e.g. BAM files), apply quality control filters to remove outliers, call variants, annotate variants for functional consequences (e.g. PolyPhene 2 is an algorithm for predicting the impact of amino acid changes on protein stability and function) and finally apply different filtering strategies using publicly available control data sets (e.g. 1000 Genomes Project) to identify pathogenic mutations. The module will cover a wide range of statistical and bioinformatics techniques and tools such as: - R package - PLINK - GATK The module will also cover the use of databases and literature searches to critically assess and annotate findings of genetic and genomic analyses. Theoretical sessions will be coupled with practical assignments of analysing and annotating predefined data sets.
Compulsory/Core Elective modules
The module will cover practical aspects of genomics research in common and rare diseases, identification of the genes responsible for some of the disorders and the application of genomics in diagnostics. In rare diseases, participants will learn how to identify disease phenotypes that will benefit from exome and / or whole genome analysis and how to select cases and relevant family information. The course will cover through specific examples the experimental approaches currently in use for identifying pathogenic mutations (variant calling, annotation and filtering against publicly available sets of variants such as the 1000 Genomes) as well as available databases and on line resources for assessing such mutations.
The module will provide an introduction to the principles of molecular pathology. It will cover basic cancer biology and the role of the tumour microenvironment and how this may be exploited for therapeutic gain. It includes the molecular classification of solid tumors - breast, melanoma and soft tissue tumours- and haematological malignancies, with an emphasis on how this may be applied for disease stratification, prediction and prognosis. Students will learn about the analytical challenges in cancer genomics and in particular issues related to the purity of tumour material as well as the quality (many stored samples are paraffin embedded) and availability of samples which is often a limiting factor. It will introduce the student to the challenges raised by genomic analysis of tumours, and how these may be overcome, and finally the application of cutting-edge technologies for the application of molecular diagnostics in the clinical setting.
This particular module will focus on understanding the complexity of pharmacogenomics and effect of medication on individuals based on their genetic makeup i.e. techniques to stratify patients at risk of adverse drug reactions as well as tailoring drug treatment to improve patient response. The course will use examples of known pharmacogenetic tests (e.g. tamoxifen in breast cancer, warfarin in anticoagulation, abacavir in HIV). Furthermore, it will cover the different type of biomarkers currently in use or emerging (e.g. epigenetic markers)
The module will provide an introduction to the principles of microbial genome structure. It will cover microbial genome sequencing in support of diagnosis and guiding patient care as well as the impact of microbial diversity on understanding and preventing infectious diseases. The module will discuss the use of medical and biological and genetic information in tracking and managing infections and importantly antimicrobial resistance. The genomics of host-pathogen interactions will be discussed. The module will then cover the approaches for characterizing novel and emerging pathogens. Metagenomics as tools for deciphering complex microbial communities and how these influence the exchange of virulence mechanisms and microbial resistance genes within the host. Analysis of quasi-species through deep sequencing to demonstrate the impact of within host diversity on drug resistance and therapeutics particulalry for viral infections will be explained. Students will learn about the challenges that research is facing in determining host-parasite interactions and patient susceptibility.
Elective modules
Technological advances in the area of genomic medicine had led to new tests with major impact on improving disease diagnosis and effectiveness of treatments. However, the continuous growth in the use of genomic technologies has often cost implications. Using established economic models it is possible to successfully predict the costs of new treatments and assess benefits to patients in the context of available budget for health care. Moreover, this module will explore the factors that determine the effects of the rapid development of genomics on health care systems covering the role and relative influence the government, doctors and the public exert in this process . These will be analysed to assess whether clients/patients are best served by current arrangements and whether people's health matches reasonable expectations. Course participants will be encouraged to propose ways of tackling perceived shortcomings.
The module aims to provide a framework for ethical understanding of medical genomics. Students will be provided with a platform of ethical understanding from which to consider issues of human confidentiality, autonomy, disclosure, informed consent and natural justice. Upon this platform, students will consider the impact of genomic technologies on individual lives and those of demographic and ethnic groupings. The social implications of the availability of genetic testing and screening will be considered, especially in the context of reproductive technologies. Finally students will be provided with a legal framework for patenting of genetic information as well as the use of genetic data for research, diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.
The role of a genetic counsellor has significantly expanded over the past decade. Students undertaking this module will be taught how to communicate and provide appropriate support to individuals affected by a genetic condition or are predisposed to a genetic condition. Development of counselling skills will be achieved via theoretical and practical sessions. After completing this module students will possess the skills and knowledge required to obtain the family and medical history, select and suggest the appropriate genetic tests, inform patients of their genetic predispositions and help individuals understand their genetic disease. Moreover, students will be taught how to discuss reproductive options, inheritance pattern as well as prenatal diagnostics.
- Concepts of health and illness - Measuring health at local and national levels - Healthcare systems - Critical reviewing literature to establish current knowledge - Development and change in the NHS - Evaluating healthcare improvements through research, audit, or service development - Presenting research, audit, and service development - Developing policies and clinical guidelines - Equality, equity and health policy - The professional in a large organisation - Resource allocation and rationing
Students will use the knowledge they acquired from the taught modules on genomics and disease (modules 1,2,3 & 6) to build a short case based portfolio of study, for example a family with a rare genetic condition, in which they will explore / evaluate genomic approaches / practice in their work base. The short case based portfolio of study will take place in the hosting NHS laboratory and where applicable will be under joint supervision i.e. tutors from both the hosting laboratory and the programme.
Assessment
Modules will be assessed through tutorial work (including paper presentations), submitted assignments, practical reports and short examinations.
Teaching
Working closely with Genomics England gives you the opportunity to interact with international experts in the field. You will experience a variety of teaching and learning methods including lectures and seminars, guided reading exercises, and various activities incorporating individual and group work which will help you to consolidate your learning.
Where you'll learn
Facilities
- The William Harvey Research Institute offers state-of-the-art core facilities, including a Genome Centre, a flow cytometry and cell sorting station, and in vivo imaging facilities
- Access to a flexible online e-learning platform (QMPlus, Eco360) which allows you to discuss and exchange ideas, share knowledge as well as access all lecture sessions in your own time
- Access to video and audio recordings of all lectures and other online resources (journals, books and databases)
- Access to our campus facilities if you decide to visit at any point during your course
About the Institute
William Harvey Research Institute
The William Harvey Research Institute (WHRI) places a high value upon training the next generation of researchers. We are part of the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry at Queen Mary University of London, which is ranked joint seventh in the UK for the quality of our research (REF 2021).
Our primary research focus and excellence lies in our cardiovascular, inflammation and endocrine research themes. In addition, we achieve international excellence in critical care and perioperative medicine research. We aim to combine talents from different disciplines such as genomics, cell biology, and pharmacology, with translational bench-to-patient studies and large-scale clinical trials.
We are currently the largest pharmacological research institute in the UK University sector, and one of the largest in Europe. The Centre employs 530 clinicians and scientists from 45 countries.
Career paths
In developing your knowledge and skills in genomics, the course will prepare you for work or PhD study in:
- genomics
- bioinformatics
- medical-related research in academia or the pharmaceutical industry
- the medical application of genomics
- introducing genomics as a new technology into a healthcare system.
- 93% of WHRI graduates are in employment or further study (2020/21)
- 88% of WHRI graduates in employment or study are in highly skilled work or graduate study (2020/21)
Fees and funding
Full-time study (HEE Funded)
September 2025 | 9 months
- Home: TBC
- Overseas: TBC
Unconditional deposit
Home: Not applicable
Overseas: £2000
Information about deposits
Full-time study (HEE Funded)
January 2026 | 1 year
- Home: TBC
- Overseas: TBC
Unconditional deposit
Home: Not applicable
Overseas: £2000
Information about deposits
Full-time study (Non-HEE Funded)
January 2026 | 1 year
- Home: £8,450
- Overseas: £18,200
EU/EEA/Swiss students
Unconditional deposit
Home: Not applicable
Overseas: £2000
Information about deposits
Full-time study (Non-HEE Funded)
September 2025 | 9 months
- Home: £8,600
- Overseas: £19,000
EU/EEA/Swiss students
Unconditional deposit
Home: Not applicable
Overseas: £2000
Information about deposits
Funding
NHS professionals can apply for places sponsored by Health Education England (HEE). Participants eligible for sponsorship by Higher Education England are expected to be employed in a recognised NHS training environment / laboratory.
There are a number of ways you can fund your postgraduate degree.
- Scholarships and bursaries
- Postgraduate loans (UK students)
- Country-specific scholarships for international students
Our Advice and Counselling service offers specialist support on financial issues, which you can access as soon as you apply for a place at Queen Mary. Before you apply, you can access our funding guides and advice on managing your money:
- Advice for UK and EU students
- Advice for international students
Entry requirements
UK
Degree requirements
A 2.2 or above at undergraduate level in a relevant subject..
Additional information
Please note the deadline for overseas applicants to apply for this course , January 2023 entry, will be 5 p.m. BST on Monday 14th November.
Find out more about how to apply for our postgraduate taught courses.
International
English language requirements
The English language requirements for our programmes are indicated by English bands, and therefore the specific test and score acceptable is based on the band assigned to the academic department within which your chosen course of study is administered. Note that for some academic departments there are programmes with non-standard English language requirements.
The English Language requirements for entry to postgraduate taught and research programmes in the William Harvey Research Institute falls within the following English band:
Band 4: IELTS (Academic) minimum score 6.5 overall with 6.0 in each of Writing, Listening, Reading and Speaking
Please note, there are some postgraduate programmes with non-standard English language requirements in this Institute.
We accept a range of English tests and qualifications categorised in our English bands for you to demonstrate your level of English Language proficiency. See all accepted English tests that we deem equivalent to these IELTS scores.
Visas and immigration
Find out how to apply for a student visa.