Master of Genomics and Health

Practical learning is a major strength of this program. Students combine self-paced online study with face-to-face tutorials, workshops and case-based learning, using realistic genomic cases to build progressively more advanced skills in variant interpretation and clinical genomics. In the second year, this moves into direct professional experience through two internships, while students choosing the research pathway can gain supervised research experience that may support progression to a PhD.

Students also learn within the wider Melbourne Children’s Campus and Melbourne Biomedical Precinct, drawing on expertise from the University of Melbourne Department of Paediatrics, Royal Children’s Hospital and Murdoch Children’s Research Institute. Key experiential opportunities include:

• Two professional internships: The Genomics and Health Internship (HLTH90012) involves 40 days or 320 hours of internship experience across two placements, plus accompanying workshops. Placements can involve health settings, research organisations and other genomics-related environments.
• Clinical variant-analysis tools: In Clinical Genome Variant Analysis 1 and 2, students work with bioinformatics pipelines, genomic databases and software used to gather and assess evidence for genomic variant interpretation.
• Case-based genomic learning: Variant curation is developed through cases that increase in genomic complexity, helping students move from theory to clinical-style interpretation and decision-making.
• Research opportunities: Students can select research-focused study and work with research supervisors across the University's genomics network; the appropriate research stream can provide preparation for PhD entry.
• Melbourne Children’s Campus expertise: Teaching and supervision draw on experts connected with the Royal Children’s Hospital, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute and University of Melbourne Department of Paediatrics.
• Health Education and Learning Precinct: Students have access to the professional learning environment of the Parkville Melbourne Children’s Campus, with the University specifically identifying the Health Education and Learning Precinct as part of its genomics internship and professional-learning network.
• Blended learning: Online learning is combined with in-person workshops and tutorials, allowing students to review concepts independently before applying them collaboratively to genomic problems.

Official student experience and facilities information

Graduates are prepared for an expanding range of careers where genomic information is increasingly used in healthcare, research and policy. Depending on their previous qualifications and the pathway chosen within the degree, typical directions include Genome/Variant Curation Scientist, Genomics Researcher, Clinical Research or Trials Professional, and Genomics Policy or Project Officer, with additional opportunities across public health, medical and allied health environments and genomic education.

The program strengthens this transition into employment through professional experience, specialist networks and University career support:

• Industry experience: Students complete two internships in their second year, giving them direct exposure to genomics-related organisations and opportunities to build professional networks before graduation.
• Industry and healthcare connections: The program draws on the Royal Children’s Hospital, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, University of Melbourne Department of Paediatrics, partner health services, genomic researchers, policy leaders, variant curation scientists and clinical genomics departments.
• Career support: University of Melbourne students can access Careers Online, an exclusive jobs board, alongside one-to-one career guidance, workshops, interview and application support, career-planning resources and employer networking opportunities.
• Digital employability tools: Students can use resources such as Smart Resume, which provides AI-assisted resume feedback, the Careers and Employability LMS Community and the University's personalised Career Checklist.
• Graduation outcomes: Graduates can pursue opportunities in genome analytics and variant curation, public health and health policy, clinical genetics, clinical trials and research, medical and allied health settings, and related legal or regulatory areas.
• Employment and salary data: The University currently does not publish a course-specific graduate employment percentage or salary figure for the Master of Genomics and Health on its official course pages, so no unsupported salary figure should be quoted.
• Long-term professional value: While the degree is not listed as a separately professionally accredited qualification, its value lies in specialist genomic expertise, substantial professional internship experience and access to a major biomedical and children's health research network.

Further Academic Progression:
Students interested in research can structure the Master around appropriate research electives and a research pathway, providing a foundation for progression to a PhD. The University specifically states that students may progress to PhD study provided they complete the required research electives, making the degree suitable both for students aiming for professional genomics careers and those intending to pursue advanced genomic or health research.

Official career outcomes page