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Master of Genetic Counselling

Future-focused. Innovative. Growing profession. Deliver genetic and genomic healthcare. 

Join a profession that plays a vital role in helping people to understand their family history, make informed decisions about genetic and genomic testing, understand the results and adjust to or manage the outcomes and implications.

If you have a love of science and a passion for communication, a Master of Genetic Counselling will provide the advanced skills, knowledge and practical experience you will need to start your career in this growing profession. 

Course information
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Learn from the best

UTS Genetic Counselling programs are delivered by experienced, research-active, genetic counsellors and academics alongside other allied health professionals in the Graduate School of Health.

Recent advances in genetic and genomic testing have enormous potential to guide the management of inherited disease and assist with early diagnosis and targeted treatment, resulting in many new opportunities for genetic counsellors.
 

Why study Genetic Counselling at UTS?

  • Experience before you graduate 

    As a Master of Genetic Counselling student, you will undertake a minimum of 74 days of clinical placement over the course of your degree. Students in the Master of Genetic Counselling will complete clinical placements each semester with opportunities in general genetics, cancer genetics, reproductive genetics, cardiac genetics and at practices in both private and public health locations. These opportunities will equip you with practical experience to develop your skills.

  • Future-focused curriculum

    The roles for genetic counsellors are expanding rapidly requiring inquiry-focused curricula that is responsive to the rapid changes in the field and has extensive input from genetic counsellors and others working in the field. Learn more about the subject and curriculum you will study.

  • Study outside of Sydney

    Our Master of Genetic Counselling is the only program in Australia offered in blocks of time on campus supported by interactive, engaged online learning. This approach enables access to genetic counselling education for students across Australia and New Zealand as well as further afield.
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Graduate ready to work

Our Master of Genetic Counselling course meets the entry-level requirement for employment as an associate genetic counsellor and provides opportunities for entry to higher research degrees at masters or doctoral levels.

 

Course structure

  • Master of Genetic Counselling

    16 subjects
    96 credit points

    2 years full-time

    » Blended study (weekly online classes and one on-campus block each session)
    » 74 days of clinical placement

  • Year 1

    • Communication and Counselling 
    • Medical Genetics and Genomics in Practice
    • Research Methods in Genetic Counselling
    • Clinical and Community Placement 1
    • Genetic Counselling
    • Research Project 1
    • Research Issues in Genetic Counselling
    • Genetic Counselling Clinical Placement 2

  • Year 2

    • Advanced Communication and Counselling 
    • Application of Genetics and Genomics
    • Research Project 2
    • Genetic Counselling Clinical Placement 3
    • Advanced Genetic Counselling 
    • Genetics and Genomics in Society 
    • Advanced Professional Practice 
    • Genetic Counselling Clinical Placement 4

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Acknowledgement of Country

UTS acknowledges the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, the Boorooberongal people of the Dharug Nation, the Bidiagal people and the Gamaygal people, upon whose ancestral lands our university stands. We would also like to pay respect to the Elders both past and present, acknowledging them as the traditional custodians of knowledge for these lands.