Genomic Medicine with Data Science (online) PGCert

Course overview

Postgraduate Certificate in Genomic Medicine with Data Science - Fast-track your career in 8 Months

Complete this focused and intensive 8-month PGCert (60 credits) and gain industry-relevant skills in genomic medicine and data science. Designed for professionals looking to upskill quickly, this qualification provides practical knowledge for healthcare, data science, and precision medicine careers.

Who Is This Course For?

This PGCert is ideal for:

• Professionals looking to enhance their expertise in genomic medicine, data science, and precision medicine.
• Individuals seeking a shorter, career-focused qualification without the commitment of a full Masters degree.
• Healthcare, pharmaceutical, and data science specialists wanting to integrate genomic data analysis and statistical methods into their work.
• Accessible from anywhere in the world, this flexible online course allows you to study at your own pace, fitting around your professional, family and personal commitments.

What Will You Learn?

• You’ll develop advanced bioinformatics and data science skills, working with real-world high-throughput technologies such as genomic sequencing, single-cell analysis, and precision diagnostics.
• Learn how big data is transforming medicine—from anti-cancer drug development to rare disease research—and master specialised computational tools to analyse genomic, proteomic, and clinical data.
• By the end of this part-time, fully online PGCert, you will have the skills to advance your career in roles such as a Clinical Data Analyst, Bioinformatician, Pharmaceutical Data Consultant, Bioinformatics analyst and scientist, Statistical Programmer, or Research Assistant.
• Graduates will be at the forefront of genomic medicine and precision healthcare, driving innovation in industry and research.

Course highlights

• Gain a Postgraduate Certificate in Genomic Medicine with Data Science from a World Top 100 University (QS World Rankings 2026) in just 8 months.
• Learn from expert academics from Molecular and Cellular Biology, Medicine, Mathematics and Computer Science.
• Develop expertise in high-throughput technologies, including genomic data analysis and next-generation sequencing.
• Benefit from industry-aligned learning – this programme has been developed in consultation with GSK, AstraZeneca, and LabCorp, as well as leading healthcare organisations like the NHS, ensuring it meets 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).

This online PGCert is designed for professionals looking to upskill and gain specialist expertise in genomic medicine without committing to a full Masters. Complete in just 8 months and take the next step in your career.

Join our upcoming webinar

Interested in genomic medicine? Join our webinar to explore the course, understand the learning experience, and hear from our academics and admissions team.

You’ll also have the opportunity to ask questions during the session.

• Date: 21 May
• Time: 16:00

→ Register your place

Revolutionise medicine online: MSc in Genomic Medicine with Data Science

Video transcript

Audio-described version of the video

Course details and modules

Our online PGCert in Genomic Medicine with Data Science is designed to be flexible, allowing you to balance your studies with professional and personal commitments while advancing your career.

You will begin with a two-week online induction, introducing the study skills needed for successful online learning at the University of Leeds.

Course structure

The programme consists of four 15-credit taught modules, each typically studied over eight weeks, allowing you to complete your qualification in just eight months. Modules cover key areas such as programming for data science and high-throughput technologies.

You will study all three modules from the Foundation Carousel and one additional fourth module from the full MSc's Development Carousel.

This focused, intensive programme is ideal for professionals looking to upskill quickly, providing practical knowledge for immediate application in the growing field of genomic medicine and data science.

Foundation carousel

Programming for Data Science (15 credits)

Build a firm foundation in programming for data analysis and AI systems, recognising a diversity of backgrounds. If you have prior programming experience (e.g. computer scientists), you will be fully-stretched here, with material to extend your programming and system-building knowledge through self-learning supported by on-line courseware.

High-Throughput Technologies (15 credits)

Gain an understanding of the use of high-throughput biomolecular data generation methods. The emphasis will be on understanding methods and the data that they typically give. Techniques covered will include whole genome/exome sequencing, gene expression, RNA-seq and epigenetics, proteomics, chemical proteomics, high-throughput RNA biology, single-cell methods and metabolomics.

Statistical Methods (15 credits)

This comprehensive introduction to statistical thinking and data analysis including probability rules and distributions, methods of estimation and hypotheses testing and present the basics of Bayesian inference.

Development carousel

You will study a fourth module from this carousel.

Data Science (15 credits)

Understand methods of analysis that allow you to gain insights from complex data. Cover the theoretical basis of a variety of approaches, placed into a practical context using different application domains.

Analytical Skills in Precision Medicine (15 credits)

Learn how to evaluate and use DNA and protein sequences and structure. The emphasis will be on the use of computational tools to gain information about genes and variants, their function and associations with disease, as well as predicting protein structure.

Genetic Epidemiology (15 credits)

Take an introduction to genetic epidemiology covering the main topics of current interest in the field. An introduction to human genetics will be included, but the main emphasis is on understanding statistical and epidemiological aspects of the study of the genetic basis of human diseases.

Clinical Trials (15 credits)

Understand the principles of clinical trial design, conduct, analysis and reporting. The emphasis will be on understanding the practical issues that arise through real examples backed up with the relevant theory. It will provide a grounding in the basic specialist knowledge and skills required by a non-statistician working on phase II/III clinical trials.

Big Data: Rare and Common Disorders (15 credits)

Gain insight into the way big data is impacting our understanding of human disease and the development of therapies. It will focus on a variety of disorders ranging from rare Mendelian disease to common disorders of complex aetiology. You will gain a thorough understanding of the exciting way big data is influencing medical research and practice today, and what opportunities it offers for the future, but they will also have an appreciation of the problems and limitations that it brings.

Statistical Learning (15 credits)

Understand how statistical learning is at the core of the modern world, translating data into knowledge. Online advertising, automated vehicles, stock market trading, transport planning all use statistical models to learn from past data and make decisions about the future. Statistical learning is a way to rigorously identify patterns in data and to make quantitative predictions.

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

Learning and teaching

You’ll be taught by expert academics from four University of Leeds schools, reflecting the multidisciplinary nature of this PGCert. The programme is delivered 100% online via our award-winning virtual learning environment, Minerva, allowing you to study flexibly alongside your professional and personal commitment.

You will access a wide range of digital learning resources including:

• Pre-recorded lectures, interactive course readings and practical activities to support your learning.
• Live synchronous seminars for real-time discussions with peers and academics
• Asynchronous activities (e.g. discussion forums) allowing you to engage at your own pace.

This active learning approach ensures that you acquire knowledge and apply it to real-world challenges in genomic science, precision cancer medicine, and population health.

Flexible, Career-Focused Learning

Ideal for professionals looking to upskill quickly, this fully online PGCert allows you to gain a qualification from a world-leading institution, without the need to relocate. You can complete this focused, intensive course in just eight months, enabling you to quickly advance your career in genomic medicine and data science.

Study planners and progress-tracking tools will support your learning, helping you balance your studies with other commitments.

On this course, you’ll be taught by expert academics—including lecturers, professors, and, in some cases, industry professionals—connecting you to leading expertise in the field.

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 in the PGCert provide an opportunity for you to demonstrate the knowledge and skills you've developed throughout each module. The programme is designed for focused, intensive learning, allowing you to complete your qualification in just eight months. Each module runs for 8 weeks, with 6 weeks of teaching followed by 2 weeks dedicated to assessments and a short break before your next module.

Typically, you will have one or two assessments per 15-credit module, with formative assessments integrated throughout the 6-week study period to support your learning and progress.

Assessment Methods

You will engage in a variety of assessment methods designed to test your practical and professional skills, including:

• Programming assignments
• Data analysis tasks
• Written project reports
• Online tests.

These assessments are structured to help you quickly gain recognised expertise and practical knowledge in genomic medicine and data science, providing immediate value in your professional role.

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

Proof of your English Language Proficiency

Proficiency in English language is essential to study at the University of Leeds. You will need either:

• Alternative English Language Qualification
• A degree taught in English from a recognised institution, lasting at least two years at the undergraduate level or one year at the Masters level, which can be evidenced by transcripts and/or certificates.

For more details, contact our Enrolment Advisors at onlineadmissions@leeds.ac.uk

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

Click the ‘Apply’ button at the top of this page to start your application via the University's online application system. If you want more information first, you can ‘register your interest’.

For assistance with your application, please contact onlineadmissions@leeds.ac.uk and our team will be happy to help.

As part of the selection process, candidates may be invited for a telephone or online interview.

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.

Contact us

Online Admissions team

Email: onlineadmissions@leeds.ac.uk
Telephone:

Fees

UK: £4,400 (Total)

International: £4,400 (Total)

These fees apply to those starting their course between September 2025 and July 2026.

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

• four taught modules (15 credits each): £1,100 per module

* 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.

Scholarships are also available to help fund your Masters. Find out more and check your eligibility below: 

• Scholarships for International students 
• Scholarships and funding for UK students
• Your subject area may also offer scholarships

Career opportunities

According to the ‘Science Industry Partnership: Skills Strategy 2025’, employers are increasingly seeking the skills that you will develop on this programme.

Upon completion, you’ll be well-placed for roles in the NHS and industry such as:

• Computational biologist
• Data analyst
• Clinical geneticist
• Bioinformatician
• Clinical scientist
• Clinical leadership in genomic medicine
• Data validation coordinator
• Public health intelligence analyst.

Careers support

The University of Leeds Careers Service offers extensive online resources to help you maximise your studies and achieve your career goals:

• One-to-one support from a careers advisor via phone or virtual meetings
• Online career workshops, webinars and career resources
• A job database and online employer events
• LinkedIn Learning platform access
• CV writing guidance and job application support
• Interview coaching and practice sessions
• Interview skills advice and practice sessions.

The Careers Service also connects students seeking to work in a specific region, and offers professional development through alumni network, online support and employer partnerships.