Cancer Genetics & Genomics

Developed and delivered by recognised experts in the field, the programme explores the impact of germline and somatic genetic variation in the development, progression, and treatment of cancer. You will gain enhanced understanding and practical insight into cancer predisposition, genetic counselling and testing, tumour-based testing, and liquid biopsy.



You will develop evidence-based knowledge and practical skills to support the application of cancer genetics and genomics in clinical practice with weekly tutorials led by Dr Aisling Hegarty PhD and access to an annual live webinar series featuring leading experts from across the field.



Upskill in this growing area



Learn how to use genomic testing to inform treatment decisions and optimise patient outcomes.

Learn how to make more informed screening recommendations for higher risk individuals.

Gain the skills to correctly interpret results from germline, tumour and liquid biopsy tests to inform treatment planning and patient management.

Comprehend the ethical and legal considerations when using genomic technology.



On completion of this programme, you will be able to



Explain the molecular mechanisms underlying carcinogenesis

Discriminate between clinically actionable and non-actionable germline and/or somatic variants

Create a plan for investigation in individuals with features suggestive of cancer predisposition syndrome

Appraise technical aspects and limitations of different genetic testing technologies

Justify the use of genetic counselling and testing in patient care

Evaluate the medicolegal and ethical implications of genetic testing

Programme Structure



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: 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 5: 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 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.

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:



Primary Qualification in English



A primary degree (Level 8 or equivalent or above) awarded by a recognised higher education institution where the medium of instruction and assessment was English.



OR



Professional Experience in an English-Speaking Health Setting



Evidence of current or recent employment in a health or clinical setting where English is the primary language of professional communication, documentation, and service delivery and where such employment is subject to English language verification by a state regulator.



Option 1: CV demonstrating you work or have worked in an English environment



Option 2: Official letter on headed paper, signed and stamped by your employer, verifying that you work in an English-speaking setting.



OR



Standardised English Language Test



An IELTS Academic score of 6.5 overall, with no individual band score below 6.0, or an equivalent qualification recognised by the institution.



Equivalent tests may include OET, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, or other recognised assessments, benchmarked against IELTS 6.5 using internationally accepted concordance tables.



Where English language testing is used to demonstrate proficiency, results must normally have been obtained within the previous two years.

11 months.

Applications close Friday 14th August



The programme will commence in September 2026



Induction will take place virtaully on 9th September 2026