Cancer Genetics & Genomics

The programme is interdisciplinary and welcomes those with a minimum requirement of a degree in a relevant healthcare or biomedical subject. A strong background in basic science is encouraged, and eligible learners should be working at a senior level in a research role or healthcare discipline involving the care of patients with cancer.



This programme will lead to Certificate in Cancer Genetics and Genomics for all other learners.



For Ireland based learners, their qualification is accredited at QQI Level 9 on the National Framework of Qualification (PG25033).



What you will learn:

You will gain an enhanced understanding of the impact of germline and somatic genetic variation in development, progress, and treatment of cancer, in a programme developed and delivered by recognised experts in the field. You will develop competence and confidence in the recognition, counselling, consenting and testing of patients with germline predisposition to cancer, as well as the interpretation and critical analysis of tumour-based genetic testing and liquid biopsy.



Hear from experts in the field



Throughout the duration of the programme, you will learn from a dedicated clinical tutor who will lead weekly tutorials and who will facilitate and moderate discussion board forums for specific elements of the programme.



You will also hear from experts in the field of Cancer Genetics and Genomics as well as having the opportunity to attend the annual live webinar which will provide access to national and international speakers.



Is this course for you?



This programme is aimed at individuals working at a senior level in a research role or healthcare discipline involving the care of patients with cancer.



This programme is also suitable for:

• Medical Oncologists and doctors with an interest in this area or who are training in this area

• Surgeons and surgical trainees

• Radiation Oncologists or doctors training in this area

• Obstetricians/Gynaecologists with an interest in cancer or those in training in this area

• Pathologists – involved in molecular tumour testing or those interested in genetics

• General Practitioners interested in cancer care

• Public health doctors with an interest in cancer care

• Nurse specialists working in Oncology or cancer care

• Genetic Counsellors

• Clinical Scientists interested in the area of cancer genetics or doctors involved in genetic research

• Paediatricians working with cancer patients

Module 1: Fundamentals of DNS Structure, Repair and Variation.

This module enables Learners to advance their knowledge in how our genome is packaged and maintained, and the impact of genomic variation.



Module 2: Molecular Basis of Cancer

This module enables learners to advance their knowledge in the roles of proto-oncogenes and tumour suppressor genes, the genomic evolution of cancer, DNA repair mechanisms and the difference between tumour mutation burden, microsatellite instability and mismatch repair deficiency.



Module 3: Genetic Counselling and Practical Considerations for Genetic Testing

This module enables learners to advance their knowledge in Genetic Counselling and the clinical and scientific skills (interpretate molecular tests, appraise medical literature and clinical guidelines) as well as the supportive skills (psychosocial aspect of diagnosis) required.



Module 4: Variant Interpretation

This module enables learners to advance their knowledge in interpretation germline and somatic variants and the different frameworks that have been developed to standardise the approach to variant interpretation in different contexts



Module 5: Inherited Cancer Predisposition

This module enables learners to advance their knowledge in the different cancer predisposition syndromes, the non-malignant features of cancer predisposition syndromes and the differential diagnoses for heritable cancer predisposition.



Module 6: Ethics, Consent and Confidentiality

This module enables learners to advance their knowledge in interpretation germline and somatic variants and the different frameworks that have been developed to standardise the approach to variant interpretation in different contexts.



Exam: July/August 2025 TBC



Mandatory attendance of at least 85% is required for the live tutorials.

To be eligible for the programme you must meet the following criteria:



Minimum requirements for general learning

Prospective learners are required to hold an honours degree (level 8) in a relevant healthcare or biomedical subject or equivalent and be members of a relevant professional body.



Minimum requirements for discipline-specific learning

Medical doctors are required to be at consultant or medical specialist level.



Nurses must be working at clinical nurse specialist level or have at least 2 years postgraduate experience working in cancer genetics or hereditary cancer clinics.



Other prospective learners are required to hold an honours degree (level 8).



Minimum experiential requirements (if applicable)

Applicants must have 3 years or more experience in a healthcare or research setting.



Minimum language proficiency requirements:

Applicants whose first language is not English may be required to provide evidence of the following level of English language proficiency:



• High B2 on the (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) CEFRL when awarded by a recognised awarding body.



• An average score of 6.5 on the overall components of the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) and a minimum of 6.0 in each band on the Academic Version.



Recognition of Prior Learning:

There is currently no recognition of prior learning for this programme.



You can access the relevant policies and procedures from our website.



• Recognition of Prior Learning Procedure

• Access, Transfer and Progression Policy

• Access, Transfer and Progression Procedure

• Appeals Policy

• Appeals Procedure



Protection of Enrolled Learners

RCPI has procedures in place for the protection of enrolled learners. You can access the information on this through the policy and procedure from our website.



RCPI’s policies and procedures related to Admissions are outlined in: Admissions Policy

Applications now open for 2024-2025 Certificate. Please note places are limited, closing date August 7th!!



Application Process

In order to apply for this course you must first complete the application form, closing date August 7th.

Successful applicants will be contacted after 22nd July in order to secure your place.

11 months.

The programme will commence in September 2024.



Virtual tutorials will take place every Wednesday evening from 6pm - 8pm on zoom (Irish Standard Time). The programme will commence with an induction on Wednesday 11 September with live tutorials starting Wednesday 18 Sep 2024