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At a Glance

Up to 6 weeks
Accredited
Part Time
CPPD (15 credits)
Blended learning

Introduction to the Counselling Skills used in Genomic Medicine

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This course provides an introduction to the knowledge, communication and counselling skills as well as the appropriate attitudes and behaviours necessary to support patients and their families whose care will be influenced by genomic investigations.

This module forms part of NHS England Genomics Education Programme’s Master’s in Genomic Medicine framework.

Description

During this course, you will learn how to communicate and provide appropriate support to patients and their families. There will opportunities to develop these essential counselling skills through the use of role play in theoretical and practical sessions. The course also explores the importance of recording a family history and ways to communicate pathogenic and/or uncertain results.

Learn from leading experts in genomics about:

  • Consent and what it means in relation to genomic testing.
  • The ethical and social implications of genomic testing.
  • How to record and interpret a family history, recognising what is or may be relevant.
  • How to verify personal and family history information, taking into consideration issues such as consent, confidentiality and access to records.
  • Different purposes of genomic testing.
  • Approaches to prenatal testing, pre-implantation testing (PGD) and pre-conception carrier screening.
  • Strategies to approach lifelong patient management of whole genome information.
  • Managing and explaining complex genome results.
  • Sources for patient support, including support groups, online information and other resources.
  • Written communication skills; for example how to design clear, comprehensive information for a patient.

Learning outcomes

By the end of this module you will be able to:

  • Justify the importance and application of informed consent in the field of genomic medicine generally.
  • Explain the different purposes of genomic testing in patients with rare inherited diseases, cancer and infectious diseases.
  • Discuss the concepts of genetic and genomic predispositions to illnesses.
  • Explain genomic results in terms of diagnosis prediction and uncertainty.
  • Evaluate and apply the skills necessary to support individuals who have genomic results that affect their care.
  • Discuss the consequences of genomic test results for the patient and their family, including findings that draw on the published evidence base and personal experiences of patients, carers and the wider family.
  • Evaluate and apply the communication and counselling skills needed to engage and communicate effectively in a compassionate manner with patients, carers and wider family.
  • Critically evaluate current and potential future ethical, legal and social issues of genome testing and whole genome sequencing.

Funding rules

The Genomics Education Programme offers funding on a modular basis, initially covering 1-4 modules, with the potential for additional funding for the full Master’s degree upon demonstrating satisfactory progress. The maximum amount of funding available to each student is the equivalent of 12 modules (180 credits), to cover the full Master’s degree.

Funding covers course fees only and is limited to NHS healthcare professionals working in England on a permanent contract from the full range of professional backgrounds and groups (such as medicine, nursing, healthcare scientists and technologists). Please note funding can only be allocated to those who are post registration professionals.

University entry requirements may include criteria around existing understanding and minimum English language requirements.

The Genomics Education Programme provides limited funding to the Universities listed below. Please check with your preferred university to obtain details of the programme modules and entry criteria.

More information about the application process for CPPD module(s)/PGCert or PGDip/Master’s applications is available on this webpage.

Timetable

  Start Date  
 
Queen Mary University of London / University College London 01 May 2025
City St George’s, University of London 19 March 2026
University of Birmingham TBC
University of Cambridge May 2026
University of Exeter TBC
University of Manchester TBC

Please check your preferred university’s website for more detailed information about start dates, length and mode of study.

FAQs

Are applications for funding still open during the Covid-19 pandemic?

Yes. Many of our partner universities are running modules online and funding is available. Please contact your chosen university to discuss your options. You must meet the Health Education England Genomics Education Programme eligibility criteria to receive funding for modules.

I have previously applied and received funding for two modules, but would like to complete two more. Is it possible to transfer my studies to another university?

Yes.  You will need to speak to your chosen university re your requirements. You must also meet the HEE GEP eligibility criteria for funding.

I have previously applied and received funding for two modules, but would like to complete two more. Is it possible to obtain funding?

Yes.  You will need to speak to your chosen university re your requirements. You must also meet the HEE GEP eligibility criteria for funding

I have been awarded funding and started the programme, but I am unable to complete. What are my options?

Funding is awarded for the period specified in the application form and there is no automatic ability to defer completion of the programme. You should speak to your university in the first instance about your situation and also contact the Genomics Education Programme (GEP) team regarding funding.

You may choose to reduce the workload of your programme by switching from, for example, a full Master’s degree to a diploma or certificate. Again, you would need to contact your course provider and the GEP.

How much study time is required to undertake this programme?

Study time will vary across the course providers. You are advised to visit your preferred university’s website for more information or to contact the relevant course lead. Most modules involve around 5 days of face-to-face teaching, followed by 2-4 weeks of independent study and assessment preparation. However, distance learning options are available for most universities.

 

Can I build up my CPPD modules to a full Master’s, PGDip or PGCert qualification?

Funding is allocated on an individual module basis only. Candidates who meet the HEE Genomics Education Programme eligibility criteria for funding can apply for up to four funded modules in the first instance. If you wish to progress to a full Master’s or PGDip, you should discuss options with your chosen university.

I am eligible but have been refused a commissioned place – why?

This may be due to the following potential reasons:

  • The university you have applied to has used up all its commissioned allocations.
  • The total number of available national commissions have been fully allocated.
  • We are now applying controls to the commissioned places based on healthcare profession roles to help ensure equitable access across professions on a national scale.

I am not eligible for a HEE-funded place – can I self-fund?

This should be discussed with your preferred university.

I work for an organisation that provides services to the NHS – am I eligible to apply?

Yes – please provide details of your organisation and its services for the NHS when you apply to your preferred university.

Make an enquiry

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University Providers

Funded

The logos below indicate the university providers that are able to accept HEE funded applications for this course. Follow the links provided to begin your university application process.

City St George's, University of LondonQueen Marys University of London / University College LondonUniversity of BirminghamUniversity of CambridgeUniversity of ExeterUniversity of Manchester

Self Funded

The logos below indicate the university providers that may be able to accept self-funded applications for this course. Follow the links provided to begin your university application process.

University of Southampton

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