Master of Genetic Counselling

Admissions information

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• Course description arrow_forward_ios

  This course is designed for those aspiring to become genetic counsellors. It offers a practical approach, shaped by experienced genetic counsellors and researchers. The program is delivered in a way that actively supports your learning from your hometown by blending weekly 'live and online' zoom classes supported by a week long on-campus block each session at UTS City campus. Teaching is enriched by expert guest lecturers ensuring relevance and real-world application of coursework.

  You will gain practical experience through clinical placements available across Australasia, with potential for international experience, and develop research skills for evidence-based practice. The teaching methodology combines asynchronous online modules with synchronous weekly classes and reflective practice supervision, ensuring a comprehensive learning experience.

  The program is delivered in a way that actively supports students to study from their home towns by utilising a combination of asynchronous interactive online learning and synchronous weekly, timetabled ‘live and online’ classes, supported with a week-long on-campus block each session. Expert guest lecturers participate throughout the course, ensuring relevance and real-world application of coursework. Block learning takes place in the Graduate School of Health's education and research facility at UTS City campus.

  Alongside the coursework, students participate in clinical placements, sourced by UTS, throughout the two-year program. Placements are offered in a variety of settings in Australasia and may include the option of an approved international placement for interested students. Placements are supported by weekly reflective practice supervision with experienced clinical genetic counsellors. Students undertake research training to equip them with the skills to provide evidence-based care, talk with clients about research participation and findings and seek opportunities for higher-degree research for themselves in the future.

• Important dates arrow_forward_ios

  Find out more about application dates relating to this course

• Scholarships and prizes arrow_forward_ios

  Discover our scholarships for undergraduate, postgraduate and research students. Our scholarships celebrate diversity and academic excellence. Use the scholarship search tool to find the right scholarship for you.

  Scholarships for domestic students

  Scholarships for international students

• Course duration arrow_forward_ios

  The course is offered as a two-year, full-time degree. Students are not permitted to enrol part time. In addition to coursework and clinical placements during sessions, students may be required to undertake clinical placements during mid-session breaks. Students may be required to travel for their clinical placements.

• Admission requirements arrow_forward_ios

  To be eligible for admission to this course, applicants must meet the following criteria.

  Applicants must have one of the following:

  • Completed Australian bachelor's degree or higher qualification, or overseas equivalent, in related field of study with a minimum GPA of 4/7 AND Completed one human genetics subject (to second- or third-year undergraduate level, or equivalent) within the last 10 years AND An interest in the course and demonstrated understanding of the opportunities present in Genetic Counselling

  OR

  • Completed Australian bachelor's degree or higher qualification, or overseas equivalent, in any field of study with a minimum GPA of 4/7 AND Relevant professional experience AND Completed one human genetics subject (to second- or third-year undergraduate level, or equivalent) within the last 10 years AND An interest in the course and demonstrated understanding of the opportunities present in Genetic Counselling

  Applicants may also be required to attend an interview.

  Supporting documentation to be submitted with the application

  • Prerequisite Assessment Table with relevant subject outlines
  • References: At least one, and no more than two references as evidence of relevant voluntary/paid work experience in a caring role.
    • Referees must complete a UTS Referee Report. Referee reports that are not submitted via this link will not be accepted.
    • Referees are asked to comment on the applicant's character, ability, and suitability to be a genetic counsellor.
    • Referees may include teachers/lecturers/academics, employers/supervisors of paid work, supervisors of peer counselling/volunteer work/placement.
  • Personal statement of up to 1000 words describing the skills and qualities applicants bring to a career in genetic counselling and explain how they meet the selection criteria. Applicants should also include a statement confirming that this is their own work.

  For applicants required to demonstrate work experience:

  • Curriculum Vitae documenting relevant work experience, including clear evidence of career development, professional writing, and professional achievement or practice comparable to that expected of undergraduate degree holders in cognate disciplines

  Professional and clinical requirements

  All successful applicants are required to:

  • acquire a Working With Children Check and an Australian National Police Check
  • complete a series of NSW Health forms including a Code of Conduct, and
  • demonstrate evidence of protection against a number of specified infectious diseases

  Eligibility for admission does not guarantee offer of a place.

  English language requirements

  IELTS Academic: overall 7.0, listening 7.0, speaking 7.0, reading 7.0, writing 7.0 TOEFL iBT: overall 94, listening 24, speaking 23, reading 24, writing 27 Pearson PTE: overall 65, listening 65, speaking 65, reading 65, writing 65

• Domestic course fees arrow_forward_ios

  2025 Indicative tuition fees for domestic students

  As a postgraduate student, you'll be responsible for covering your own tuition fees.

  2025 Tuition Fee

  • Indicative first-year tuition fee:  $40,600
  • Indicative total tuition fee:  $83,027

  You can choose to pay your fees upfront per session, or if you’re eligible, you can defer them using a government FEE-HELP loan. This loan helps you cover all or part of your tuition fees. Keep in mind that applications for this loan are specific to each course.

  Additional Costs 

  Your tuition fees do not include:

  • The Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF), which supports student services and activities. If eligible, you can defer this fee using SA-HELP.
  • Textbooks, materials, and other course-related costs.
  • Any applicable payment processing fees (e.g., credit card surcharges).

  Important Information 

  • Fees are shown in Australian Dollars (AUD).
  • The indicative tuition fees above are based on full-time study (1 year = 48 credit points).
  • Your actual fees depend on the year you enrol, your study load and the subjects you choose. Some subjects fall into different student contribution bands.
  • You can calculate your student contribution based on the amounts listed in the student contribution table

  Alumni Advantage Program 

  As a UTS graduate, you can enjoy a 10% discount on your course fees. Just apply for the course you're interested in, and if you're accepted, the discount will automatically be applied to your enrolment invoice. Learn more about the Alumni Advantage Program. 

  If you have any questions about course fees, please feel free to make an enquiry.
 

  Information for Masters by Research students: Government-funded scholarship places available

  As a recipient of the Australian Government’s Research Training Program (RTP) Fees Offset Scholarship, you do not have to pay tuition fees for up to the maximum period of candidature. However, even with this scholarship, you should expect ongoing costs that aren’t covered, like travel, training, and professional development. These costs can vary for each person, so it’s important to plan accordingly. Additionally, scholarships are available to help with your living expenses.

  Important details: The RTP Fees Offset Scholarship covers your tuition fees, but please note that it doesn’t include additional costs related to studying or conducting research. Additional fees for domestic students. For more information visit Research student fees.

• Inherent requirements arrow_forward_ios

  Inherent requirements are academic and non-academic requirements that are essential for successfully completing a course at UTS. You can find the inherent requirements for your course via the inherent requirements directory.

• Professional recognition arrow_forward_ios

  A two-year Master of Genetic Counselling from a program accredited by the Human Genetics Society of Australasia (HGSA) is required in order to apply for active status (MHGSA) on the genetic counselling register through the HGSA. Active registered candidates can then complete a portfolio of work in order to complete certification as a genetic counsellor and become a Fellow of the Human Genetics Society of Australasia (FHGSA).

  The UTS Master of Genetic Counselling is accredited by the HGSA.

• Important notes arrow_forward_ios

  For February 2026 Intake (Autumn B session), applications open 29 July 2025 and close 31 October 2025. No mid year intake (Spring B session).  

  It is recommended to apply early, as applications and eligibility for interview will be assessed on a rolling basis. Entry is competitive and assessment is based on Grade Point Average (GPA), relevant voluntary or paid work experience in a caring role, references and personal statement. Selected competitive applicants will be invited to interview through September, October and November. Meeting the eligibility requirements does not guarantee an interview or offer of a place. 

  Indigenous applicants will be contacted by the Professor of Practice in Indigenous Health.  

  Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP) are not available for this course, however, eligible domestic students may be apply for FEE-HELP. 

  Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is not accepted for this course.