MSc Genomic Medicine (Data Science) brings together genomics, healthcare, and data science to help students understand how biological data can be analysed and applied to improve medical research and patient care. The programme is suited to graduates who want to develop advanced skills in genomic technologies, bioinformatics, programming, and computational analysis for careers in precision medicine and healthcare data science.
Curriculum Structure
Year 1
You'll start by building a strong understanding of genomic medicine through core modules such as Fundamentals in Human Genetics and Genomics, Omics Techniques and their Application to Genomic Medicine, and Bioinformatics, Interpretation and Data Quality Assurance in Genome Analysis. These modules introduce you to human genetics, genomic technologies, sequencing approaches, and the methods used to analyse and interpret complex genomic information.
You will then develop advanced data science skills through modules including Coding in Python for Health and Life Sciences, Computational Skills for Health and Life Sciences, and Statistics for Health and Life Sciences. These modules help you gain practical experience in programming, computational analysis, and statistical methods used in healthcare and genomic research. You will also complete a Research Project – Data, where you apply your skills to explore a real genomic medicine research question using data-driven approaches.
The programme allows you to personalise your learning through optional modules such as Genomics of Common and Rare Inherited Diseases, Molecular Pathology of Cancer and Application in Cancer Diagnosis, Screening and Treatment, Pharmacogenomics and Stratified Healthcare, Advanced Bioinformatics, Epigenetics, and Application of Genomics in Infectious Disease. These modules help you explore specialist areas of genomic healthcare and understand how genomic information supports diagnosis, treatment, and personalised medicine.
Focus Areas:
Genomic medicine, health data science, bioinformatics, Python programming, computational biology, genomic sequencing, genome analysis, statistics, precision medicine, rare genetic disorders, cancer genomics, pharmacogenomics, infectious disease genomics, genomic data interpretation
Learning Outcomes:
Develop advanced knowledge of genomics and health data science, analyse and interpret genomic datasets, apply bioinformatics and computational techniques, use Python programming for healthcare data analysis, understand genomic sequencing technologies, apply statistical methods to biological data, explore precision medicine applications, conduct independent data-driven research, evaluate genomic evidence, prepare for careers in genomics and healthcare data science
Professional Alignment (Accreditation):
The programme aligns with the vision of Health Education England (now NHS England) to prepare professionals for the increasing use of genomics within healthcare following the 100,000 Genomes Project. By combining genomic medicine with data science, the course develops skills that are highly relevant to modern healthcare, research, and precision medicine.
Reputation (Employability Rankings):
The University of Exeter has a strong reputation for research excellence in clinical medicine, genomics, and healthcare innovation. Students benefit from learning from experts in areas such as rare genetic disorders, pharmacogenomics, epigenetics, and genomic data analysis while developing skills that match the growing demand for specialists in genomics and healthcare data science.
This programme provides practical experience at the intersection of genomic medicine and data science, helping you develop the skills needed to analyse and interpret complex healthcare data. You will work with genomic datasets, build computational and analytical abilities, and understand how data-driven approaches can support precision medicine, diagnosis, and biomedical research. Through practical activities, seminars, collaborative learning, and independent research, you will gain the confidence to apply genomic data science skills to real healthcare challenges.
You will develop practical expertise through a range of learning opportunities, including:
Work with real genomic datasets through bioinformatics activities and the Research Project – Data, developing skills in genomic data analysis and interpretation.
Build computational expertise through modules such as Coding in Python for Health and Life Sciences, Computational Skills for Health and Life Sciences, and Statistics for Health and Life Sciences.
Apply data science techniques to genomic medicine challenges, including the analysis of genetic information for precision healthcare and research applications.
Participate in group activities, seminars, practical demonstrations, and data interpretation exercises to strengthen teamwork and problem-solving skills.
Use digital learning resources and online platforms to support independent study and develop computational skills.
Access specialist medical learning facilities at St Luke’s Campus, providing a healthcare-focused environment for genomic medicine education.
Use facilities such as the Clinical Skills Resource Centre, Medical Imaging Suite, and Medical Sciences Laboratory to support practical understanding of healthcare applications.
Access the Exeter Health Library for specialist medical and research resources.
Learn from researchers working in areas including genomics, health data science, rare genetic disorders, pharmacogenomics, and genomic analysis.
Benefit from advanced research facilities including the University of Exeter Sequencing Facility, supporting genomics research and data analysis.
Gain exposure to the wider research environment through facilities such as the Biomedical Research Centre and the Exeter Clinical Research Facility, connecting scientific research with healthcare innovation.
Graduates of the MSc Genomic Medicine (Data Science) develop a unique combination of genomic knowledge and computational skills, preparing them for careers in healthcare, bioinformatics, biomedical research, biotechnology, and precision medicine. The programme is ideal for students who want to use data science approaches to understand genomic information, support medical research, and contribute to the future of personalised healthcare. Typical career paths include Bioinformatics Scientist, Genomic Data Analyst, Healthcare Data Scientist, and Biomedical Research Scientist.
The programme supports your career development through a range of opportunities:
The Career Zone provides career guidance, professional development support, employer connections, skills workshops, and resources to help students prepare for future employment.
The programme develops skills that are highly relevant to growing fields such as genomics, bioinformatics, healthcare analytics, pharmaceutical research, biotechnology, and medical innovation.
Students learn from experienced researchers and academics working in areas including genomics, health data science, rare genetic disorders, pharmacogenomics, and genomic analysis.
The programme reflects the increasing demand for professionals who can combine biological knowledge with computational expertise as genomic technologies become more widely used in healthcare.
Students benefit from the University of Exeter’s strong research environment and expertise in clinical medicine, genomics, and healthcare innovation, adding long-term value to the qualification.
The University of Exeter’s research excellence strengthens the career value of the degree, with Clinical Medicine research recognised among the UK’s leading areas in the Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021).
While specific employment rates and salary figures for this programme are not published, graduates develop specialist skills that support careers across healthcare, research institutions, pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology organisations, and data-driven health industries.
The programme provides a strong professional foundation through research-led teaching, advanced genomic training, and practical experience with data analysis methods.
Further Academic Progression:
After completing the MSc Genomic Medicine (Data Science), graduates can continue their studies through a PhD in Genomics, Bioinformatics, Health Data Science, Biomedical Sciences, Computational Biology, Molecular Medicine, or related research areas. The research experience and advanced technical skills gained during the programme provide excellent preparation for doctoral study, academic research careers, and specialist roles in healthcare and life science industries.



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