Master of Genetic Counselling

What you will study

To earn the Master of Genetic Counselling, students complete 200 credit points. Unless otherwise indicated, each subject is worth 6.25 credit points.

Core subjects

Students must complete all of the following subjects:

Year one

• Human Genetics and Genomics in Healthcare (12.5 credit points)
• Societal Implications of Genomics (12.5 credit points)
• Principles of Counselling 1
• Healthcare Research-Principles and Designs (12.5 credit points)
• Clinical Genomics (12.5 credit points)
• Principles of Counselling 2
• Research Project in Human Genomics 1 (12.5 credit points)
• Introduction to Genetic Counselling (25 credit points)

Year two

• Advanced Clinical Genomics 1
• Advanced Clinical Genomics 2
• Genetic Counselling Practice 1 (12.5 credit points)
• Genetic Counselling Practice 2 (12.5 credit points)
• Clinical Practice (37.5 credit points)
• Research Project in Human Genomics 2 (25 credit points)

Entry requirements

To be considered for entry into this course, you must have:

• An undergraduate degree (or equivalent) with a cognate genetics subject at the second-year level (or equivalent).
• Evidence of at least one first-year undergraduate biology subject and one second-year subject (preferably human genetics), completed within the last 10 years with subject marks of at least 65% (or equivalent).
• At least six months of demonstrated relevant professional or volunteer experience.

In addition to meeting this entry criterion, you must also provide:

• A personal statement.
• Three written, signed references to attest to your work or volunteer experience and ability to interact effectively and appropriately with people who are in distress.
• Please ensure each of your three referees individually completes the online Master of Genetic Counselling Referee Report.

Shortlisted applicants will be required to attend an interview.

English language requirements

All applicants to the University of Melbourne must satisfy the English language requirements. This may be achieved in several ways, including recognised previous studies taught and assessed entirely in English or an approved English language test. If you are from a non-English speaking background, the required standard of English for this degree is one of the following English proficiency test scores:

• IELTS (Academic) – 7.0, with a written score of 7.0 and no band less than 6.5
• TOEFL – 94+, with writing 27; speaking 20; reading 19; listening 20
• Pearson – 72+, with a written communicative skill of 75 and no other communicative skill below 64
• Cambridge – 185+, with no less than 185 in writing and no less than 176 in each other skill

Contact the university or visit their website for more information.

Recognition of Prior Learning

Prior studies may be credited towards your degree and potentially reduce the duration of your course. This is known as Advanced Standing (also known as credit or recognition of prior learning). Contact the university for more details.

Outcomes

Learning outcomes

The program teaches counselling skills, research skills and clinical genetics knowledge using a blended learning approach. This approach includes face-to-face tutorials, online modules and practical workshops. Problem-based learning facilitates independent learning, equipping the student to continue to develop professionally throughout their career.

Career outcomes

Offering in-roads to exclusive career specialisations, a Master of Genetic Counselling allows you to improve the lives of people experiencing challenges connected to genetic conditions. Many graduates work directly with patients in medical areas that include paediatrics, prenatal, infertility, neurology, cancer and cardiology. Others choose to continue along a research path in public or industry-focused laboratories.

With a Master of Genetic Counselling, you can be employed as:

• An Associate Genetic Counsellor for individuals undergoing genetic/genomic testing in cancer, prenatal, adult or paediatric medicine settings.
• A researcher or program officer in clinical research, public health or community support organisations.

Become a genetic counsellor

Genetic counsellors are employed in many different settings. These include clinical genetic services in cancer, prenatal, adult and paediatric medicine. Genetic counsellors may also be involved in research programmes, health education, public health and community support organisations. Importantly, genetic counsellors will have a central role in integrating genomic medicine into standard health care across roles, including research, laboratory genomics and clinical care.

Fees and FEE-HELP

Indicative first-year fee in 2026: $30,976 (domestic full-fee paying place)

Indicative total course fee in 2026: $65,050 (domestic full-fee paying place)

Unless otherwise noted, the indicative total course fee shown above assumes a study load of 1 EFTSL (equivalent full-time student load) commencing semester one of the listed year, except for courses with a duration of less than 1 EFTSL.

Fees are subject to annual review by the University, with any new rates effective from the beginning of each calendar year.

A student’s fee may vary depending on:

• The number of subjects studied per term.
• The choice of major or specialisation.
• Choice of subjects.
• Credit from previous study or work experience.
• Eligibility for government-funded loans.

You may also need to pay the student services and amenities fee.

FEE-HELP loans are available to assist eligible full-fee-paying domestic students.