Master of Genetic Counselling

2 Years On Campus Masters Program

University of Technology Sydney

Program Overview

The Master of Genetic Counselling at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) is designed for students who want to help individuals and families understand how genetic and genomic information can influence health decisions. This two-year graduate-entry programme combines genetics, counselling skills, research training and clinical placements, preparing students for careers as professional genetic counsellors in healthcare, research, laboratories and related fields.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1:
Students build a strong foundation in genetics, counselling and research through subjects such as Medical Genetics and Genomics in Practice, Communication and Counselling, Research Methods in Genetic Counselling and Clinical and Community Placement 1. They begin developing the ability to communicate complex genetic information, support patients and families, and understand how genetic conditions are assessed within healthcare settings. Students also begin their research project and complete their first clinical placement experiences.

Year 2:
Students advance their knowledge through subjects such as Advanced Genetic Counselling, Advanced Communication and Counselling, Application of Genetics and Genomics, Genetics and Genomics in Society and Advanced Professional Practice. They complete further clinical placements and continue their research project, allowing them to apply their knowledge in real-world healthcare environments and develop professional genetic counselling skills.

Focus Areas:

Medical genetics, genomics, genetic counselling techniques, patient communication, clinical practice, research methods, ethical decision-making and evidence-based healthcare.

Learning Outcomes:

Students develop the ability to interpret genetic information, communicate effectively with individuals and families, provide client-centred genetic counselling, conduct research and apply evidence-based approaches in healthcare settings.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation):

The UTS Master of Genetic Counselling is accredited by the Human Genetics Society of Australasia (HGSA). Completion of an HGSA-accredited master’s programme provides the required pathway to apply for active status on the genetic counselling register and progress towards professional certification.

Reputation:

UTS has developed this programme with input from experienced genetic counsellors, researchers and the wider genetic counselling profession. The course combines academic learning with clinical experience, helping graduates develop the professional skills required for this growing healthcare field.

Official Programme:
Master of Genetic Counselling – University of Technology Sydney (UTS)

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The Master of Genetic Counselling at UTS provides students with a strong blend of academic learning, clinical practice and research experience. Students do not only learn about genetics and genomics in theory; they develop the communication, counselling and professional skills needed to support individuals and families making important health decisions. The programme combines online learning, on-campus sessions, expert-led teaching, research training and clinical placements to prepare students for real-world genetic counselling practice.

Students gain practical experience through:

Clinical placements throughout the two-year programme, where students work alongside experienced genetic counsellors and develop real-world counselling skills. Students complete a minimum of 74 days of clinical placement to meet professional accreditation requirements.
Clinical and Community Placement units, allowing students to apply their learning in healthcare environments and develop skills in patient communication, case management and genetic counselling practice.
Research project experience, where students learn how to use evidence-based approaches, analyse research findings and contribute to the development of genetic counselling practice.
A combination of interactive online learning, live online classes and on-campus learning blocks at the UTS City campus, giving students flexibility while maintaining strong engagement with academics and peers.
Learning from experienced genetic counsellors, researchers and guest lecturers who bring current professional insights and real clinical perspectives into the classroom.
Development of professional communication skills through subjects such as Communication and Counselling, Genetic Counselling, Advanced Communication and Counselling and Advanced Genetic Counselling.
Exposure to current developments in genetics and healthcare through subjects such as Medical Genetics and Genomics in Practice, Application of Genetics and Genomics and Genetics and Genomics in Society.
Opportunities to undertake clinical placements across Australia and New Zealand, with potential opportunities for approved international placement experiences.
Access to UTS’s Graduate School of Health facilities, supporting healthcare education, professional training and collaborative learning.

These experiences help students graduate with the clinical confidence, communication abilities and research skills required to work as professional genetic counsellors in healthcare, laboratories, biotechnology, research and policy environments.

Facilities and learning environment:
UTS Graduate School of Health facilities, UTS City campus, clinical placement networks, and genetic counselling research environment

Progression & Future Opportunities

The Master of Genetic Counselling at UTS prepares students for a growing healthcare field where genetics and genomics are becoming increasingly important in patient care. Graduates develop specialist knowledge in genetics, counselling and research, opening opportunities in hospitals, private healthcare, laboratories, biotechnology companies, research organisations and policy settings. Typical career pathways include Genetic Counsellor, Senior Genetic Counsellor, Laboratory Genetic Counsellor, Genetic Counselling Researcher and Genetic Counselling Consultant.

Students can progress towards their career goals through:

Professional Genetic Counselling Pathway: The programme is accredited by the Human Genetics Society of Australasia (HGSA). Graduates from an HGSA-accredited master’s programme can apply for active status on the genetic counselling register and progress towards certification as a Fellow of the Human Genetics Society of Australasia.
Clinical Career Opportunities: Graduates are prepared to work as client-centred genetic counsellors across public and private healthcare systems, supporting patients and families with genetic testing, diagnosis and healthcare decisions.
Opportunities Beyond Clinical Practice: The programme also supports careers in research, education, healthcare policy, laboratories and biotechnology companies, where genetic knowledge and counselling skills are increasingly valuable.
Industry and Professional Connections: The programme is developed and delivered by experienced genetic counsellors and researchers, with input from the wider genetic counselling profession and a curriculum advisory committee to ensure industry relevance.
Career Support at UTS: Students can access UTS Careers services, including career guidance, employability workshops, job search support, networking opportunities and resources to help prepare for professional roles.
Growing Demand for Genetic Counsellors: Advances in genetic and genomic technologies are increasing the role of genetic counsellors in healthcare. UTS highlights expanding opportunities across clinical services, research, education, policy and biotechnology sectors.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing the Master of Genetic Counselling, graduates interested in research and academic careers can continue into higher-degree research pathways, including a PhD in Genetic Counselling or related areas. Further study can allow graduates to contribute to research, healthcare innovation, policy development and advances in genomic medicine.