Genomics (MSc)

You generally need at least a 2:2 degree in a subject such as:
• life sciences
• computer science
• medicine/nursing/ health sciences

We may be able to accept applications that do not meet the degree requirements. This is usually where you have evidence of relevant professional qualifications or experience.  

This course is also available as an intercalated degree for undergraduate medical students, who have completed at least 3 years of their programme.

You must also demonstrate an understanding of the basic principles of genetics.

You must submit all supporting documents, including evidence that you can satisfy our English language requirement, when you submit your application.

Find the equivalent international qualifications for your country.

English language requirements

If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need all of the following scores as a minimum:

We accept other English language tests. Find out which English language tests we accept.

If you don’t meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.

Pre-masters

If you don’t meet the academic requirements, you can complete a pre-master's programme through our partnership with OnCampus. Learn more about the programmes available.

Got a question?

Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.

Email: [email protected]
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000

Your studies will run for a full year, from September through to the following September for full-time study, or for 2 to 5 years part-time study

Your module choices will vary depending on which pathway you choose, but there are some everyone will need to study across all pathways.

These are:

• Principles of Genetics and Genomics
• Genomic Technologies and Basic Informatics
• Genomics in Practice
• Dissertation

Some of our pathways also have extra module requirements, including:

• Genomic (Informatics) - you'll study the Genomic Informatics module. 
• Genomic (Medicine) - you'll study the Stratified Medicine module.
• Genomics - there are no additional modules you must study, instead you'll select an extra optional module to make up the required credits.

Each of these modules are also available as optional choices on the other pathways. 

Over the last summer term, you’ll complete a dissertation on an area of genomics of interest to you. This research project can be lab-based, bioinformatic analysis, or a combination of both. As an alternative, you can also undertake a systematic literature review, or a project based on your professional practice. 

For details of modules available to take as CPD, see the Medicine CPD module listing.

The information on this page refers to the full-time course. Your modules and fees may vary if you choose a different study option.

Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.

Learning

This MSc is delivered in person at our Southampton campuses. You'll be supported by our extensive e-learning resources throughout.

We take an interdisciplinary approach, bringing together expertise from across the University. You’ll be taught by experts in genomics, clinical genetics, computing, maths and biological sciences.

Your exact learning activities will depend on the modules you take. As well as lectures and tutorials led by subject experts you'll learn through:

• seminars
• laboratory practicals
• interpretation of data
• clinical scenarios

You’ll be expected to undertake a significant amount of independent learning.

Assessment

Again your assessment will depend on the modules that you take, but assessment methods include:

• scenario-based exercises
• written exams and assignments
• case reports and data analysis
• oral presentations
• project proposals

Dissertation

Your dissertation can be either a research or a professional project. You’ll need to complete a 6,000-word report and present a summary to an audience.

Academic Support

You'll be supported by a personal academic tutor and have access to a senior tutor.

When you write your dissertation you’ll be supported by a primary supervisor on a one-to-one basis.

Genomics is an area of rapid change, with a particular skills shortage in bioinformatics, an area you can specialise in through this MSc.

Our Graduates have gone onto a wide range of careers within the sector, including:

• bioinformatics (in industry, healthcare and academia)
• graduate entry medicine
• NHS Scientist Training Programmes 
• PhD programmes in Southampton and elsewhere

As well as gaining genomics specific knowledge and skills, you’ll gain many transferable skills, including:

• empathy and communication skills
• presentation skills
• academic writing
• an ability to integrate research evidence into all aspects of decision making
• the ability to apply knowledge, analytical and critical thinking skills to make sound judgements
• leadership skills, developing your ability to train others

Our dedicated genomics career workshop will help you decide which direction you'd like to take your career. This will also help you to tailor your CV to stand-out in the genomics job market.

We're a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022). Our Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise team will support you throughout your time as a student and for up to 5 years after graduation. This support includes:

• work experience schemes
• CV/resume and interview skills workshops
• networking events
• careers fairs attended by top employers
• a wealth of volunteering opportunities
• study abroad and summer school opportunities

We have a thriving entrepreneurship culture. You'll be able to take advantage of:

• our dedicated start-up incubator, Futureworlds
• a wide variety of enterprise events run throughout the year
• our partnership in the world’s number 1 business incubator, SETsquared

Tuition fees

Fees for a year's study:

• UK students pay £11,596.
• EU and international students pay £31,500.

Check fees for other versions of this course.

Deposit

If you're an international student on a full-time course, we'll ask you to pay £2,000 of your tuition fees in advance, as a deposit.

Your offer letter will tell you when this should be paid and provide full terms and conditions.

Find out about exemptions, refunds and how to pay your deposit on our tuition fees for overseas students page.

What your fees pay for

Your tuition fee covers the full cost of tuition and any exams. The fee you pay will remain the same each year from when you start studying this course. This includes if you suspend and return.

Find out how to pay your tuition fees.

Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. There may also be extra costs for retake and professional exams.

Explore:

• accommodation costs
• living costs
• budgeting advice
• fees, charges and expenses regulations

10% alumni discount

If you’re a graduate of the University of Southampton, you could be eligible for a 10% discount on your postgraduate tuition fees.

Postgraduate Master’s Loans (UK nationals only)

This can help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate master's course. Find out if you're eligible.

Southampton Genomics Talent Scholarship

A competitive scholarship of £2,000 is available to UK or international students studying the full-time MSc Genomics programme.

Find out more about the Southampton Genomics Talent Scholarship, including eligibility criteria and how to apply.

Southampton Medicine Postgraduate International Scholarship

A scholarship of £3,000 is available to international students studying for a postgraduate master’s in Medicine.

Find out more about the Southampton Medicine Postgraduate International Scholarship, including eligibility and conditions.

Commonwealth Shared Scholarship

These full scholarships are for international applicants applying for the MSc Genomics, MSc Amputation and Prosthetic Rehabilitation, MSc Electrochemistry and Battery Technologies, MSc Global Health and MA Fashion Management in the academic year beginning autumn 2025.

Applicants for this course may be eligible for the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship, which supports students from developing Commonwealth countries who may not otherwise be able to study in the United Kingdom.

To learn more about eligibility and conditions explore the Commonwealth Shared Scholarships page.

Other postgraduate funding options

A variety of additional funding options may be available to help you pay for your master’s study. Both from the University and other organisations.

Funding for EU and international students

Find out about funding you could get as an international student.

1. Use the blue 'apply for this course' button on this page to take you to our postgraduate admissions system.
2. Create an account which gives you access to your own application portal. . 
3. Search for the course you want to apply for.
4. Complete the application form and upload any supporting documents.
5. Pay the £50 application assessment fee, (there are some exemptions, check terms and conditions).
6. Submit your application.

For further details of our admission process, read our step by step guide to postgraduate taught applications.

Application deadlines

Application assessment fee

We’ll ask you to pay a £50 application assessment fee if you’re applying for a postgraduate taught course.

This is an extra one-off charge which is separate to your tuition fees and is payable per application. It covers the work and time it takes us to assess your application. You’ll be prompted to pay when you submit your application which won’t progress until you've paid.

If you're a current or former University of Southampton student, or if you’re applying for certain scholarships, you will not need to pay the fee. PGCE applications through GOV.UK and Master of Research (MRes) degree applications are also exempt. Find out if you’re exempt on our terms and conditions page.

Single module (CPD) applications

To apply for a single module (CPD), you'll need to fill in a physical application form that you can download from our continuing professional development pages.

Supporting information

When you apply you’ll need to submit a personal statement explaining why you want to take the course. 

You’ll need to include information about: 

• your knowledge of the subject area
• why you want to study a postgraduate qualification in this course
• how you intend to use your qualification

You'll also need to submit two references, one academic reference and one academic or professional reference.

Please include the required paperwork showing your first degree and your IELTS English language test score (if you are a non-native English speaker) with your application. Without these, your application may be delayed.

You may also be asked to provide:

• a degree transcript
• evidence of professional qualifications

What happens after you apply

You'll be able to track your application through our online Applicant Record System.

If we offer you a place, you will need to accept the offer within 30 working days. If you do not meet this deadline, we will offer your place to another applicant.

Unfortunately, due to number of applications we receive, we may not be able to give you specific feedback on your application if you are unsuccessful.

Equality and diversity

We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.

Got a question?

Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.

Email: [email protected]
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000