Master’s in Genomic Medicine: 2020/21 funding opens

The funding application process is now live for Master’s-level CPPD modules and qualifications in genomics at partner universities

Following the successful development and commissioning of a Master’s in Genomic Medicine for NHS staff, Health Education England’s Genomics Education Programme (GEP) can now announce that funding applications are open for those wishing to develop their knowledge of genomics and how it can be applied in clinical practice.

Seven universities have been awarded contracts to deliver the programme from spring 2020. NHS employees in England can apply for funding to undertake individual CPPD modules, either standalone or up to four (postgraduate certificate) in the first instance.

Limited funding is also available for those wishing to extend a previously awarded qualification under the framework. That is, extending a postgraduate certificate to a postgraduate diploma, or a postgraduate diploma to a full Master’s degree. This will be subject to meeting set criteria and funding availability.

Simple process

There are two key components to applications for the funded CPPD modules: the individual’s university application and their line manager’s supporting information.

Interested individuals should apply directly to their chosen university in the first instance. The university will then notify the GEP of the application, and we will then contact the applicant to obtain the job title, organisation and line manager details.

The applicant’s line manager will be asked to provide a supporting statement, which is reviewed by the GEP funding panel for approval. The GEP decision will be communicated to the individual and the university.

The GEP assesses each funding application against two main criteria:

  1. The individual must be an NHS healthcare professional working in England.
  2. The individual’s line manager must support the application and provide details of how the qualification aligns to local/regional workforce plans, and how the knowledge gained will be utilised locally/regionally/nationally.

Equitable access across the country

Imperial College London, Queen Mary University of London, St George’s University of London (with King’s College London), University of Birmingham, University of Cambridge, University of Exeter and University of Manchester will form a network of higher education institutions delivering a co-ordinated programme of education.

Commissioned places will be evenly distributed across the chosen providers in the first instance. The universities will be expected to ensure their modules are open to all potential students on a nationwide basis, and are encouraged to recruit from a national pool of candidates to demonstrate equity of access to the programme.

To find out more or apply for funding to study, please view our modules.