Genomics and Counselling Skills
Clinical healthcare professionals keen to develop their knowledge of genomics are invited to apply for a popular introductory genomics counselling course, with the opportunity to extend their studies to a Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) in Genomics. The course is delivered online through blended learning by the University of the West of England (UWE Bristol).
The potential impact of genomic medicine on healthcare is increasingly well recognised, alongside the growing need for genomics education and training for the current and future healthcare workforce. To support healthcare professionals in developing their understanding of genomics and in better supporting patients, UWE Bristol has developed this online course in collaboration with Macmillan Cancer Support, the British Heart Foundation, Genomics England, a range of NHS genomics specialists, and the NHS England Genomics Education Programme (GEP).
An award-winning course
The course has received national recognition and was awarded a Collaborative Award in Teaching Excellence (CATE) by Advance HE in 2024. In the 2024/25 academic year, we introduced the use of generative artificial intelligence (Microsoft Copilot) to support learning, which was highly valued by students. This means participants have the opportunity to develop not only their genomics knowledge, but also their digital and AI-related skills.
To date, we have educated nearly 300 healthcare professionals, with 41 progressing to complete the PGCert in Genomics. We are extremely proud of our former students’ achievements, including two who were featured in Nursing Times for their leadership in cancer genomics services.
Applying for a place
Clinical healthcare professionals working in England may be eligible to apply for fully funded places on the 15-credit introductory module. A limited number of funded places are also expected to be available for progression to the full PGCert in Genomics (60 credits).
Information on how eligible healthcare professionals can apply for funding to cover the course’s costs may be found in the ‘Funding’ tab, below.
Applications are open until Friday 29 May 2026 at 12:00 midday.
Description
This course has been developed for healthcare professionals with little-to-no previous knowledge of genomics. Interest, enthusiasm and completion of pre-course learning materials will enable you to excel in the course, even if you are unfamiliar with this area of healthcare.
Course overview
The course has been developed for healthcare professionals with little or no prior knowledge of genomics. Interest, engagement, and completion of the pre-course learning materials will enable participants to succeed, even if they are new to this area. The overall aim of the module is to introduce key concepts in genomics, human genetics, and genetic variation, with a particular focus on applications in cancer and rare inherited conditions. On completion of the module, participants will be able to strengthen their understanding of the underlying science and feel more confident in engaging in genomics-related discussions with colleagues and patients.
Teaching is supported by a multidisciplinary team, including clinical specialists, laboratory scientists, and genetic counsellors, and makes extensive use of clinically relevant teaching materials and case studies.
The module is delivered using a blended learning approach and consists of five core units:
Participants can expect to spend approximately six to eight hours per week engaging with the module. To accommodate clinical commitments, all lectures are pre-recorded and available online. In addition, participants are supported through weekly/bi-weekly live online tutorials and seminars, attendance at which is expected.
Contact details
If you have any questions about the course, please contact us for more information.
The module requires a total of 150 hours of learner engagement, typically spread over approximately 25 weeks. This includes:
– 30 hours of synchronous learning (e.g. live online webinars and virtual classroom tutorials);
– 40 hours of asynchronous learning (e.g. pre-recorded lectures and online discussion forums); and
– 80 hours of independent and self-directed study.
This level of engagement (equivalent to around six to eight hours per week) is central to successful completion of the module. Teaching is delivered via Blackboard Ultra, with live sessions hosted on Microsoft Teams.
Assessment is designed to be clinically relevant and practice-focused. Participants are assessed through group presentations and the development of patient-facing information leaflets for patients and their families.
Notable dates
The application deadline is midday on 29 May 2026. The course will start from 11 September 2026. Learners must commit to attend the live seminars, which will be held on:
– 11 September 2026, 9am to 10am
– 9 October 2026, 9am to 10am
– 6 November 2026, 9am to 1.30pm
– 13 November 2026, 9am to midday
– 20 November 2026, 9am to 11am
– 27 November 2026, 9am to 10am
– 4 December 2026, 9am to 11am
– 29 January 2027, 9am to 11am
– 12 February 2027, 9am to 11am
The compulsory assessment will take place on:
– 15 January 2027, 8.30am to 5pm
Compulsory peer-assessment periods are:
– 14 December 2026 to 21 December 2026 (peer feedback for group oral presentations)
– 25 January 2027 to 3 February 2027 (peer feedback for patient information leaflets)
Learner achievements and impact
Changes in learners’ confidence in genomics were assessed at the individual level, with significant improvements observed in 97.3% of participants. Increased confidence was reflected in assessment performance: among 213 enrolled students, 53% achieved marks above 70%, and only one student was required to resit an element of the assessment.
Over the past five years, the reputation of the course has grown steadily, and it has been two- to three-times oversubscribed. The drop-out rate has remained well below the sector average for comparable courses (8.6%) throughout this period.
Many past participants have gone on to lead or contribute to the development of nurse-led genomics services, helping to streamline care pathways and improve efficiency, outcomes and cost-effectiveness. Others have taken on enhanced genomics-related responsibilities or progressed into new roles, including clinical nurse apecialist roles linked to Lynch syndrome and genomics clinical fellow positions at Macmillan Cancer Support.
What our learners say
“Many thanks again for all your support and the work that has gone into creating such a good and helpful course. I have really learnt quite a lot.”
“Amazing course run by the most amazing tutorial support.”
“Since doing this course, I have taken on a secondment to support the implementation of a Lynch syndrome pathway at my Trust.”
“It has been an amazing opportunity doing this course. I am very grateful for how thoughtfully the student experience was designed.”
“This is the best supported course I have ever been on. My expectations were low because it was online, but it has been such a joy. To achieve this says so much about the team’s commitment to support, feedback, and engagement.”
“The expertise available to students on this course is invaluable. Access to such knowledgeable professionals makes genomics engaging and approachable.”
“I came into the course knowing next to nothing about genomics and felt quite daunted. By the end, I was surprised by how confident I felt talking genomics. This is entirely due to the excellent teaching and the support of the course team and cohort.”
“I have gained a deeper understanding of genomics and how it supports clinical practice and patient management. I now feel much more confident discussing genomics with colleagues, patients, and families.”
“This course finally ‘sees’ nurses as professionals. It challenges us, supports us, and recognises our role as key navigators in a future of personalised healthcare.”
“This course has been a real game-changer in many participants’ careers and has already led to meaningful clinical developments in genomics services.” (PGCert student)
“I have been offered a regional lead role within a Genomic Medicine Service Alliance. I could never have considered this role without this course.” (PGCert student)
“Although the course felt daunting at first, it was extremely well led and structured. I would highly recommend it to healthcare professionals.”
“The course has provided a strong foundation for integrating genomics into practice. It has also been an excellent networking opportunity, connecting professionals from across the country.”
Funding
The Genomics Education Programme has funded a limited number of places to cover course fees only. This is limited to NHS healthcare professionals working in England on a permanent contract from the full range of patient-facing backgrounds, such as allied health professionals, nurses, GPs, midwives and health visitors.
Further learning: PGCert in Genomics
In addition to the introductory module, a limited number of fully funded places are available for eligible learners to complete a Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) in Genomics.
About the PGCert
The PGCert programme integrates core knowledge in genetics, genomics, and inheritance with genetic counselling skills, research and service evaluation methods, and leadership development. In particular, the research and evaluation components equip participants with the skills needed to design, lead, and evaluate genomics-related projects within their Genomic Medicine Services (GMSs).
Using evidence-based approaches, participants work with a wide range of partners to test service improvements and embed genomics into clinical practice. These partners may include local quality improvement and transformation teams, the NHS England Genomics Education Programme, Academic Health Science Networks (AHSNs), Cancer Alliances, charities, and professional networks. Learning is shared across regions and nationally to demonstrate the positive impact of genomics-focused care pathways on outcomes for patients and families.
The programme also provides extensive opportunities to practise genetic counselling and genomics-related communication skills, including active involvement of patients in teaching and learning activities.
Participants benefit from access to a broad range of academic, scientific, and clinical expertise, as well as from strong links with Genomic Medicine Services and Genomics Laboratory Hubs (GLHs). The PGCert was co-created in collaboration with NHS England, Macmillan Cancer Support, the British Heart Foundation, the South West GLH, and Genomics England.
Healthcare professionals who successfully complete the introductory module and have identified a suitable genomic service improvement project, with formal support from their GMSA and employing Trust, will be considered for a fully funded place on the PGCert in Genomics.
Learner-led service improvement projects (examples)
Recent PGCert participants have led or contributed to a wide range of genomics-focused service improvement projects, including:
– understanding the information needs of people diagnosed with endometrial cancer in relation to Lynch syndrome;
– implementation of a genomic testing protocol for eligible breast cancer patients, including development of the breast care nurse role (East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust);
– strengthening parental knowledge to support informed consent for prenatal genomic testing through a videography-based service improvement project;
– evaluation of physiotherapy pathways and patient information resources for adults with spinal muscular atrophy, presented at the 4th Scientific International Congress on SMA (Ghent, March 2024); and
– do we feel ready? Genomic knowledge and confidence among nurse and midwife specialists – a single-centre evaluation study (manuscript under review).
FAQs
Between what dates does the course run?
The course runs from 11 September 2026 to February 2027.
When are the required-to-attend parts?
The dates and times students are required to be available are detailed in the ‘timetable’ tab. Seminars are live and all students are required to attend and participate in the discussions. Live sessions are always on a Friday. The assessment will take place on 15 January 2027, with compulsory peer-assessment periods from 14 December 2026 to 21 December 2026, and 25 January 2027 to 3 February 2027.
What is the weekly time commitment?
As a Master’s level 15-credit module, the average time commitment for individual study is six to eight hours per week. All content – including pre-recorded sessions, live sessions, discussion boards and private study – has been designed to be delivered in that timeframe.
If I am successful in my GEP sponsorship application, what will be expected of me?
A signed learning agreement is required for all funded individuals. It is important that all commitments of the course can be adhered to prior to application and commencement of the module.
