Genomic Medicine with Data Science MSc

Course overview

Join the next generation of genomic medicine pioneers with a focus on data science

Informed by industry experts and designed by Leeds' leading academics, this online Masters in Genomic Medicine with Data Science has been developed to upskill and support your career progression. There is a growing demand across the pharmaceutical, life and health sciences for skilled graduates with both biological knowledge and the computational and analytical interest to drive genomic precision medicine. From early diagnosis, to drugs based on our unique genetic codes, to disease prevention, this course aims to equip you with the skills needed to make a real-world impact.

Aimed at both professionals and graduates with a biological or medical background, you will gain the skills to use large volumes of complex data, encompassing genomics, proteomics, metabolomics, phenotypic data, epidemiology and clinical trial investigations, to improve the understanding of disease mechanisms. This will include the use of bioinformatic tools and statistical principles and methods that are foundational to artificial intelligence.

Our online course is accessible from anywhere in the world, for study when it suits you. You will be able to plan your studies around your job, family life and other commitments, and take breaks between modules if needed.

You will learn from expert researchers, experiencing the full range of genomic medicine, from working with real-world large medical genomic data sets, building analytical and transferable skills, to understanding the exciting way big data is influencing medical research and practice. You will focus on the latest developments and challenges in both complex and rare diseases, from precision diagnosis to anti-cancer drug development, looking at ways to improve patient outcomes. You will learn to use specialised computational tools to analyse genomic, proteomic and other high throughput data, and better understand their function and their impact on disease.

Upon completion of this part-time online Masters, you will have the skills necessary to undertake employment in a higher capacity in industry or an area of professional practice. Students who have studied these modules have gone on to a variety of roles such as a Clinical Data Analyst, Bioinformatician, Pharmaceutical Data Consultant, Bioinformatics Analyst and scientist, Statistical Programmer, and Research Assistant, to name just a few. This programme aims to open new opportunities by harnessing and developing skills that you will be able to demonstrate, making a real-world difference in your career or research.

Course highlights

• You’ll learn and collaborate with our expert academics drawn from across multiple disciplines including the schools of: Molecular and Cellular Biology, Medicine, Mathematics and Computer Science.
• We'll assess your readiness for the programme based on your knowledge and experience gained through the workplace, as an alternative to a relevant scientific bachelor’s degree.
• You’ll gain a Masters degree from a World Top 100 University (QS World Rankings 2025).
• Our programme has been developed in consultation with our Industrial Advisor Board (IAB), including organisations such as GSK, AstraZeneca, LabCorp and NHS representatives. This ensures it aligns closely with industry needs.
• The University of Leeds is now a partner of The Alan Turing Institute, the UK’s prestigious national institute for data science. The partnership is spearheaded by the Leeds Institute for Data Analytics (LIDA).

Course details

Our online MSc Genomic Medicine with Data Science has been designed to be undertaken in a flexible manner, fitting around your commitments whilst allowing you to progress in your career. The course will begin with a two-week online induction designed to prepare you for online learning at the University of Leeds. It will introduce the study skills you will need to successfully complete your degree.

This will be followed by a series of specialist modules. There are ten 15-credit taught modules culminating in a final 30-credit extended data analysis topics module. You’ll typically spend eight weeks per module, with the modules being split into three carousels, allowing you to take the modules within each carousel in any order. You will usually complete all of the foundational modules in Carousel 1 before commencing those in Carousel 2, completing these before moving to Carousel 3.

Carousel 1

You will learn advanced technologies that are used to interrogate the human genome and its function (e.g. high throughput sequencing, proteomics, metabolomics) and how these might be applied in medicine and the biosciences. You will also learn about the core statistical methods (e.g. estimation, hypothesis testing, regression) that are used to analyse ‘big data’ and will master the computational tools to implement such analyses (Python, R) so that you can begin to analyse and interpret large-scale biomedical data.

Carousels 2 and 3

At the same time as learning about how genomics is being applied to a variety of diseases, you’ll be exposed to more specialised modules including the use of machine learning methods and advanced statistical approaches to solving complex biomedical problems (e.g. classification, multivariate methods). You will become skilled in clinical trial protocols, development, analysis and reporting. You’ll also be introduced to the field of genetic epidemiology, learning how researchers relate inherited genetic variation to disease risk in common complex diseases at a population level in large-scale datasets. This training will be complemented by coverage of the application of analytical genetics to a range of disorders spanning rare Mendelian disease (e.g. muscular dystrophy) to more common disorders of complex aetiology (e.g. cancer and cardiovascular disease).

In this way you will see how big data is impacting our understanding of disease mechanisms and is facilitating the development of new, more targeted therapies. You will also get the opportunity to apply the techniques learned throughout the programme to datasets provided by researchers at Leeds in the extended data analysis topics module.

For more information and a full list of typical modules available on this course, please read Genomic Medicine with Data Science MSc in the course catalogue

Year 1 compulsory modules

Year 1 optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)

Depending on when you start the programme, you will take half of the modules below in Year 1, with the remaining modules being taken in Year 2.

Year 2 compulsory modules

Year 2 optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)

In Year 2 you will study the remaining half of the modules, which weren't taken in Year 1.

Learning and teaching

You’ll be taught by our expert academics working across four University of Leeds schools, highlighting the unique multidisciplinary nature of this programme.

The programme will be delivered online via our award-winning virtual learning environment, Minerva. You will study through a combination of accessible digital learning resources such as pre-recorded videos, course readings, practical activities, live synchronous seminars and asynchronous activities (e.g. discussion forums).

You’ll experience an active approach to learning which will enable you to acquire knowledge and apply it to authentic, real-world applications, connect with your peers and staff for discussion, collaboration, and reflection.

We recognise that people have busy lives, so with a 100% online delivery mode, you can manage your learning around your employment and other commitments, without the need to disrupt your life. You will study with a world-leading UK institution without the additional cost of living. We will also provide many tools, including study planners, to help you track your progress and manage your time.

On this course, you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.

Assessment

Assessments provide an opportunity for you to demonstrate the knowledge and skills you have developed in the module. Each module will run for 8 weeks, comprising 6 weeks of teaching with the final two weeks allocated for the completion of assessments and a short break prior to your next module. There will typically be one-two assessments per 15 credit module with formative assessment opportunities built in through the 6-week study period.

You will undertake a range of assessment methods on the programme, such as programming assignments, data analysis assignments, written project reports and online tests. During the extended data analysis module you will conduct in depth analyses involving a range of methodological approaches on a variety of molecular and genomic data.

Applying

Entry requirements

You should meet ONE of the following requirements:

• A 2.1 (hons) bachelor degree or equivalent, in a relevant scientific discipline related to biological or natural sciences.
• A 2.2 (hons) bachelor degree or equivalent, in a relevant scientific discipline related to biological or natural sciences, with a minimum of 2 years’ relevant work experience.
• A 2.2 (hons) degree or equivalent, in any subject with a minimum of 3 years’ relevant experience.

Applications will be individually assessed based on the evidence of educational and work experience provided.

We accept a range of international equivalent admissions qualifications. For further information, please contact our admissions team.

English language requirements

IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in any component. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.

How to apply

The ‘Apply’ button at the top of this page takes you to the University's online application system, where you can start your application for this course. Alternatively, you can request further information by ‘registering your interest’.

Read more about applying for taught postgraduate programmes before you start your application.

If you require assistance in completing the online application, please contact onlineadmissions@leeds.ac.uk and a member of our team will be happy to help.

Deadlines

The deadline for applications to join each intake are outlined below:

• March 2025 start: application deadline is 4 February 2025.
• September 2025 start: application deadline is 12 August 2025.
• March 2026 start: application deadline is 10 February 2026.

Candidates may be invited to interview by telephone or online as part of the selection process.

Identification

The University of Leeds requires all applicants for fully online programmes to provide proof of their identity at the point of application. Accepted forms of ID are:

• passport photo page, or
• driving licence, or
• national identity card.

Admissions policy

University of Leeds Admissions Policy 2025

Contact us

Online Admissions team

Email: onlineadmissions@leeds.ac.uk
Telephone:

Fees

UK: £13,000 (Total)

International: £13,000 (Total)

These fees apply to those starting their course between September 2024 and July 2025.

The fee is composed of (which can be paid on a module-by-module basis*):

• ten taught modules (15 credits each): £1,100 per module
• project module fee (30 credits): £2,000

* If you are receiving a student loan or your fees are being paid directly to the University by your employer or sponsor you will not be able to pay on a module-by-module basis. Please check with the Admissions Team.

Read more about paying for online courses.

Additional cost information

There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more on our living costs and budgeting page.

Scholarships and financial support

If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There may be help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government.  Find out more at Masters funding overview.

Graduates of the University of Leeds (or an affiliated institution) are entitled to a 10% bursary towards tuition fees. Find out more about eligibility for the alumni bursary and how to apply.

UK students may be able to apply for a UK government-backed loan and there may be specific terms and conditions for online courses. Applications should be made through the Student Loans Company. Visit the UK Government website to find out more.

Career opportunities

As outlined in the recent publication ‘Science Industry Partnership: Skills Strategy 2025’, there is a demand amongst employers for the skills that you will develop on this programme.

Upon completion of this programme you’ll be well-placed to progress or enter roles in the NHS or industry such as:

• Computational biology
• Data analytics functions
• Clinical genetics
• Bioinformatician
• Clinical scientist
• Clinical leadership in genomic medicine
• Data validation coordinator
• Public health intelligence analyst.

Careers support

You will have access to the University of Leeds Careers Service’s extensive online resources to help you make the most of your studies and support you to achieve your ambitions.

This includes:

• One-to-one support from a careers advisor via telephone or virtual meeting
• Online career workshops and webinars
• A database of job opportunities and online employer events
• E-resources including the University of Leeds LinkedIn Learning platform
• CV writing tips
• Job application support
• Interview skills advice and practice sessions.

The Careers Service can often connect students wishing to work in a specific region with other students in the same country to assist with job seeking. The service can also offer professional development access to our alumni network, online careers support and employer links.