Genetic and Genomic Counselling (With Work Placement) MSc(Medsci)

at University of Glasgow

Component courses are as follows:
 

GENETIC DISEASE AND CLINICAL PRACTICE

This course is designed in collaboration with the West of Scotland Genetics Service to give students a working knowledge of the principles and practice of Clinical Genetics which will allow them to evaluate, choose and interpret appropriate genetic investigations for individuals and families with genetic disease, and explore the links between genotype and phenotype.
 

CASE INVESTIGATIONS IN MEDICAL GENETICS

Students will work in groups to investigate complex clinical case scenarios: decide appropriate testing, analyse results from genetic tests, reach diagnoses where appropriate and, with reference to the literature, generate a concise and critical group report.
 

DISTRESS OR DISORDER: REACTIONS TO A MEDICAL DIAGNOSIS

Note: this 10 credit course may be taken by visiting students, for example as professional development.This course outlines the process of psychosocial adjustment to a diagnosis or test result allowing participants to establish if and when a distress reaction develops into an adjustment disorder.  The implications of diagnosis are explored and evidence considered allowing informed decisions about appropriate referrals to other agencies.
 

PATIENT EMPOWERMENT: SUPPORTING DECISIONS RELATING TO NEW DIAGNOSES

Note: this 10 credit course may be taken by visiting students, for example as professional development.This course reflects on evidence and experience to explore the psychological and social impact of a diagnosis, or illness, and provides strategies to support resilience and coping in patients.  Factors related to lived experience, personal beliefs and values, culture, adjustment processes, decision-making, misconceptions, secrecy and guilt are considered to equip participants in the promotion of patient-centred care.
 

EFFECTIVE LISTENING AND COMMUNICATION SKILLS

Note: this 10 credit course may be taken by visiting students, for example as professional development.With a focus on experiential learning and student led study, this course outlines the role of counselling skills to facilitate adjustment and to allow an individual to come to terms with change in a safe way to minimise impact.  The focus will be on the theory supporting counselling, developing key listening and communication skills and on establishing reflective practice.
 

GENETIC COUNSELLING IN CLINICAL PRACTICE

This course is designed in collaboration with the West of Scotland Clinical Service, and will be delivered by NHS staff, to provide students with in depth understanding of the practical skills required in genetic counselling. The course will facilitate development of appropriate critical understanding, reflective practice and skills in relation to genetic counselling for providing accurate complex genetic information for patients and their families.
 

SOCIAL SCIENCE RESEARCH METHODS (GENETIC COUNSELLING)

The research methods course will focus on developing students’ research skills primarily in questionnaire-based qualitative and quantitative observational research methods and students will be introduced to ethics procedures for the college of MVLS.
 

COMMUNITY PLACEMENT 1 and COMMUNITY PLACEMENT 2

These placements, for 16 days and 20 days respectively, will each take place in one or more care settings for individuals with complex needs (adults or children or both) to enable students to gain insight into effects of complex needs on affected individuals and on their family.
 

GENETIC COUNSELLING PLACEMENT 1 and GENETIC COUNSELLING PLACEMENT 2

These placements, for eight weeks and six weeks respectively, in different genetics centres will allow students to observe clinical practice in a variety of contexts, and to undertake relevant tasks under supervision within a clinical team that is delivering a genetic service, to enable the student to develop their own skills as a future genetic counsellor. Following each placement students will discuss and share experiences, facilitated by one of the NHS lead team and a counselling supervisor, to further develop their ability to deal with practical and emotional challenges in genetic counselling.
 

CLINICAL GENOMICS

This course will provide an overview of the clinical applications of genomic approaches to human disorders, particularly in relation to clinical genetics, discussing the methods and capabilities of the new technologies. Tuition and hands-on experience in data analysis will be provided, including the interpretation of next generation sequencing reports.
 

GENETIC COUNSELLING DISSERTATION

Students will select a topic or problem of personal interest relevant to Genetic or Genomic Counselling, undertake independent research in the area they have chosen, and produce a comprehensive, concise and critical report as well as oral and poster presentations.
 

Either a good BSc (Hons) in Genetics or related subject, with evidence of relevant experience in a care context OR a good BSc (Hons) in Nursing, with experience of working in a care context and evidence of interest in genetics.
 

Note that care experience does not imply work in a genetics context but might, for example, be in a care home, a school for children with complex needs or charity work involving direct patient care.
 

Applicants without a good BSc but who have two or more years work experience in a clinical genetics department may be considered and should contact one of the programme directors for further advice.
 

International English Language Testing System (IELTS)

• overall 7.0; two subtests no less than 6.5 and two subtests no less than 7.0
   

Common equivalent English language qualifications
 

All stated English tests are acceptable for admission to this programme:
 

TOEFL (ibt, my best or athome)

• 95 with minimum R 23, L 23, S 22, W 24.

• Tests must have been taken within 4 years 5 months of start date. Combined scores from two tests taken within 6 months of each other can be considered.
   

PTE (Academic or Academic Online)

• 60 with minimum 60 in all subtests.

• Tests must have been taken within 4 years 5 months of start date. Combined scores from two tests taken within 6 months of each other can be considered.
   

Cambridge Proficiency in English (CPE) and Cambridge Advanced English (CAE) 

• 180 overall, no subtest less than 176

• Tests must have been taken within 4 years 5 months, combined scores from 2 tests sat within 6 months of each other can be considered.
   

Glasgow International College English Language (and other foundation providers)

• 65%.

• Tests are accepted for academic year following sitting.
   

University of Glasgow Pre-sessional courses

• Tests are accepted for 2 years following date of successful completion.
   

Alternatives to English Language qualification
 

• Undergraduate degree from English speaking country (including Canada if taught in English)

• Undergraduate 2+2 degree from English speaking country

• Undergraduate 2+2 TNE degree taught in English in non-English speaking country

• Masters degree from English speaking country

• Masters degree (equivalent on NARIC to UK masters degree) taught in English in non-English speaking country.
   

For international students, the Home Office has confirmed that the University can choose to use these tests to make its own assessment of English language ability for visa applications to degree level programmes. The University is also able to accept UKVI approved Secure English Language Tests (SELT) but we do not require a specific UKVI SELT for degree level programmes. We therefore still accept any of the English tests listed for admission to this programm

MSc(MedSci)
 

UK

• Full-time fee: £12810
   

International & EU

• Full-time fee: £29370

The programme aims to provide students with skills to work as Genetic Counsellors. 

MSc is accredited by the GCRB (Genetic Counsellor Registration Board ) meaning that on graduation you are eligible to apply for two year (salaried) genetic counselling training posts in the NHS. On successful completion of this you would be able to register as a genetic counsellor with the GCRB.  
 

Genetic counsellors in the UK are employed by the NHS. There are also genetic counsellors who work for private companies.