Master of Genetic Counselling

Admissions information

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• Course description

  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.

• Scholarships and prizes

  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

• Clinical Placement

  As a Genetic Counselling student, you will undertake a minimum of 74 days of clinical placement over the course of your degree to meet Human Genetics Society of Australasia accreditation requirements.
  
  In first year, you will complete a 5-day placement, a 10-day block placement as well as participate in a week long virtual clinical placement. In second year, you will complete two 20-day block placements and participate in a virtual clinical placement.
  
  Clinical placements are an integral part of training in genetic counselling and provide students with opportunities for ‘real world’ learning. Clinical placements will support your development of the practice-based competencies by coordinating and integrating learning experiences. The placements are facilitated by UTS and will take place in a range of settings alongside experienced genetic counsellors.
  
  Clinical placements can be undertaken in various locations across Australia and New Zealand (subject to approval). There may also be opportunities to undertake clinical placements internationally. If you are living interstate or overseas for the duration of the program, you will likely be required to travel to attend clinical placements in person.
  
  Students will likely need to travel out of their home city and/or state for at least one of the clinical placements. If you are living in Melbourne, you will likely need to travel for all of your clinical placements. We will work together with students to find clinical placement sites that suit their needs and their learning.

• Course duration

  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

  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 A minimum of 3 years full-time, or equivalent part-time, relevant professional work experience in human genetics 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

  Selected applicants are required to undertake a short interview with a panel and final offers are dependent upon interview rank. Applicants are assessed in the areas of communication skills, interpersonal skills, interest in genetic counselling, and commitment to genetic counselling as a career.

  Related fields of study:

  Biological Sciences, Chemical Sciences, Natural and Physical Sciences, Human Welfare Studies and Services, Behavioural Science, Medical Studies, Nursing, Public Health, Teacher Education.

  Prerequisite checking

  All prerequisite subjects must be assessed and approved by the school. Prerequisite subject approvals are subject to change as they undergo an annual academic review (a new assessment is required for each new intake). Prerequisites may be completed as non-award units at a recognised tertiary institution if applicants did not complete them as part of their undergraduate degree.

  Prior to applications opening, applicants may submit a Prerequisite Assessment Table to gsh.future@uts.edu.au for pre-assessment. A pre-assessment is not required to apply. Pre-assessments will not be conducted once applications open.

  Prior to commencing a subject to fulfil this requirement, applicants should request a pre-assessment by emailing gsh.future@uts.edu.au.

  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

  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 professional 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 (1000 words max.) 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 professional work experience:

  • Curriculum Vitae documenting relevant professional 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

  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 (0-120): overall 94; listening 24; speaking 23; reading 24; writing 27 TOEFL iBT (1-6): overall 4.5 , listening 5; speaking 4.5; reading 5; writing 5.5 Pearson PTE: overall 65; listening 65; speaking 65; reading 65; writing 65

• Domestic course fees

  2026 Indicative tuition fees for domestic students

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

  2026 Tuition Fee

  • Indicative first-year tuition fee:  $42,430.00
  • Indicative total tuition fee:  $86,769.00

  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

  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

  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

  Applications for 2027 Intake (Autumn B session) will open 28 July 2026 and will close 31 October 2026. Please note that there is no mid-year intake for this course. 

  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.