Master of Genetic Counselling

What you will study

This course comprises 96 credit points. Students must complete eight six-credit-point coursework subjects, four six-credit-point research subjects and four six-credit-point clinical placement subjects.

Core subjects

Complete all of the following subjects:

• Communication and Counselling
• Medical Genetics and Genomics in Practice
• Research Methods in Genetic Counselling
• Genetic Counselling
• Research Issues in Genetic Counselling
• Advanced Communication and Counselling
• Application of Genetics and Genomics
• Advanced Genetic Counselling
• Genetics and Genomics in Society
• Advanced Professional Practice
• Clinical and Community Placement 1
• Genetic Counselling Clinical Placement 2
• Genetic Counselling Clinical Placement 3
• Genetic Counselling Clinical Placement 4
• Research Project 1
• Research Project 2

Entry requirements

Applicants must have one of the following:

• Completed an Australian bachelor's degree or higher qualification, or overseas equivalent, in any field of study with a minimum GPA of 4/7, a minimum of three years full-time, or equivalent part-time, relevant professional work experience in human genetics, completed one human genetics subject at second- or third-year undergraduate level, or equivalent, within the last 10 years and have an interest in the course and demonstrated understanding of the opportunities present in Genetic Counselling.

Related fields of study include Biological Sciences, Chemical Sciences, Natural and Physical Sciences, Human Welfare Studies and Services, Behavioural Science, Medical Studies, Nursing, Public Health and Teacher Education.

Selected applicants are required to undertake a short interview with a panel and final offers depend on interview rank. Applicants are assessed on communication skills, interpersonal skills, interest in genetic counselling and commitment to genetic counselling as a career.

Supporting documentation to be submitted with the application

• Prerequisite Assessment Table with relevant subject outlines.
• At least one and no more than two references as evidence of relevant voluntary or paid professional work experience in a caring role.
• Referees must complete a UTS Referee Report. Referee reports that are not submitted through the designated UTS process will not be accepted.
• Referees are asked to comment on the applicant's character, ability and suitability to be a genetic counsellor.
• Referees may include teachers, lecturers, academics, employers or supervisors of paid work and supervisors of peer counselling, volunteer work or placements.
• A personal statement of up to 1,000 words describing the skills and qualities applicants bring to a career in genetic counselling and explaining how they meet the selection criteria. Applicants should also include a statement confirming that this is their own work.

For applicants required to demonstrate professional work experience:

• A Curriculum Vitae (CV) documenting relevant professional work experience, including clear evidence of career development, professional writing and professional achievement or practice comparable to that expected of undergraduate degree holders in cognate disciplines. 

Professional and clinical requirements

All successful applicants are required to:

• Acquire a Working With Children Check and an Australian National Police Check.
• Complete a series of NSW Health forms, including a Code of Conduct.
• Demonstrate evidence of protection against several specified infectious diseases.

Eligibility for admission does not guarantee an offer of a place.

English language requirements

IELTS Academic: overall 7.0, listening 7.0, speaking 7.0, reading 7.0, writing 7.0 TOEFL iBT (0-120): overall 98, listening 24, speaking 23, reading 24, writing 27 TOEFL iBT (1-6): overall 5, listening 5, speaking 4.5, reading 5, writing 5.5 Pearson PTE: overall 65, listening 65, speaking 65, reading 65, writing 65

Recognition of Prior Learning

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is not accepted for this course.

Outcomes

Learning outcomes

Upon completion of this course, graduates will be able to:

• Apply evidence-based genetic and genomic health care to practice.
• Enhance genetic counselling practice through professional self-awareness, self-reflection and ethical behaviour.
• Integrate cultural awareness and societal diversity into genetic counselling practice and provide relevant genetic and genomic education to diverse audiences.
• Sign, apply and review effective and ethically robust research to enhance genetic counselling practice.
• Foster effective and culturally safe relationships with clients from diverse communities and within multidisciplinary health and social care networks.
• Critically reflect on ethical Indigenous research, including relationship building, communication, client-centred and reflective practice to work with and for Indigenous Australians across the genetic counselling profession.

Career outcomes
 

• Genetic counsellor
• Senior genetic counsellor
• Genetic counselling consultant
• Laboratory genetic counsellor
• Genetic counselling researcher
• Genetic counselling roles in policy

Fees and FEE-HELP

Indicative first-year tuition fee in 2026: $44,340 (domestic full-fee paying place)

Indicative total tuition fee in 2026: $90,453.60 (domestic full-fee paying place)

Student fees may vary in accordance with:

• 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.

Student fees shown are subject to change. Contact the university directly to confirm.

FEE-HELP loans are available to assist eligible full-fee paying domestic students with the cost of a university course.