Bioinformatics, interpretation and data quality assurance in genome analysis (for credit)

The module covers the fundamental principles of informatics and bioinformatics applied to clinical genomics. Students are taught to find and use major genomic and genetic data resources; use software packages, in silico tools, databases and literature searches to align sequence data to the reference genome, critically assess, annotate and interpret findings from genetic and genomic analyses. Theoretical sessions are coupled with practical assignments of analysing and annotating predefined data sets.

This module is central to the Genomic Medicine Programme as it provides students with the skills to begin to analyse genomic data. This module is suitable for beginners and does not involve the use of the Unix command line or R. Students with previous bioinformatics experience are advised to take the advanced bioinformatics module.

Information on other modules can be accessed here

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Overview

All Genomic Medicine modules run as one week, in-person teaching sessions (>30 contact hours), followed by a further four weeks of guided study using a Virtual Learning Environment during which time students complete a formal assessment of 2500-3500 words.

The modules each carry 15 FHEQ Level 7 credits (equivalent to 150 hours of learning).

Module delivery: In person teaching

Progression

Below are the options for transfer forward of credit/modules into a Cambridge award:

1 module at 15 credits may be transferred forward into the PG Certificate
2 modules at a total of 30 credits may be transferred forward into the PG Diploma or Masters [MSt]

NB: The transferring of modules towards an award can only be brought forward from modules studied at The University of Cambridge in the previous Academic Year.

For transfer of credit towards non Cambridge awards, you are advised to consult the University where you wish to study as different criteria may apply.

Key dates

Apply by: Friday 17 October 2025

Module dates: Monday 1 to Friday 5 December 2025

Assignment deadline: Monday 12 January 2026

Entry Requirements

Academic requirement

Applicants are normally expected to a hold a 2i degree or higher from a UK university or an equivalent from an overseas university.

Language requirement

All applicants are required to demonstrate competency in English at a high level before commencing the programme; students whose first language is not English must be able to satisfy the requirements below.

IELTS Academic: Overall score of 7.0 (a minimum of 7.0 in Listening, Writing and Speaking; 6.5 in Reading)
TOEFL Internet: Overall score of 100 (a minimum of 25 in each individual component)
CAE: Grade A or B (with at least 193 in each individual element) plus a Language Centre assessment
CPE: Grade A, B, or C (with at least 200 in each individual element)

Note that: International students must ensure they have the appropriate immigration status to undertake the course, and this will need to be checked by the University. Students who do not hold an immigration status that permits study and work in the UK will be based overseas and attendance on modules can be supported as a visitor to the UK. There are restrictions on using the visitor route for study and this may restrict the number of modules that can be undertaken across one year.

Fees and funding

The fee for 2025-26 will be £1,462.50 for home students and £3,809.25 for overseas students.

Participants will be expected to cover the costs of travel, accommodation and subsistence incurred during teaching sessions in Cambridge.

HEE funding is available for NHS staff wishing to apply to study Genomic Medicine at The University of Cambridge. It is available for study of individual modules or modules as part of a Postgraduate Certificate, Postgraduate Diploma or part-time Masters in Genomic Medicine. Limited funding is also available for those wishing to extend their study from a Postgraduate Certificate or 4 modules to a Postgraduate Diploma or MSt.

HEE funding is limited and subject to HEE approval. For full details of eligibility, the application procedure and FAQs, please refer to the HEE website here. Click on a module, read the information on the tabs titled, ‘Funding rules’ and ‘FAQs’ tabs. At the bottom of the ‘Funding rules’ tab click the link to view the ‘the application process for CPPD module(s) or postgraduate certificate’ to view a useful flowchart showing the application procedure.

How to apply

Applications will be accepted until Friday 17 October 2025.

Your application must include:

Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Copies of relevant qualification certificates and transcripts
Language proficiency (if required)
Contact details of two referees who will be contacted on your behalf
Evidence of funding (if applicable)

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Course dates

01 Dec 2025 to 05 Dec 2025

Course duration

1 Week

Apply by

17 Oct 2025

Course fee

Home: £1,463
Overseas: £3,809

Course directors

Dr Kenneth Langlands

Tim Hearn

Academic director

Dr Emma English

Module lead

Tim Hearn

Academic Directors, Course Directors and Tutors are subject to change, when necessary.

Venue

Cambridge Biomedical Campus

Hills Road

Cambridge

CB2 0QQ

United Kingdom

Qualifications / Credits

15 credits at Master of Studies

Course code

MOD7CR