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 a related field of study with a minimum GPA of 4/7 and completed one human genetics subject (to 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.
• Completed an Australian bachelor's degree or higher qualification or overseas equivalent, in any field of study with a minimum GPA of 4/7 and relevant professional experience and completed one human genetics subject (to 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.

Applicants may also be required to attend an interview.

Supporting documentation to be submitted with the application

• Prerequisite Assessment Table with relevant subject outlines
• References: At least one and no more than two references as evidence of relevant voluntary/paid work experience in a caring role.
• Referees must complete a UTS Referee Report. Referee reports that are not submitted via this link 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 and supervisors of paid work and supervisors of peer counselling, volunteer work and placement.
• Personal statement of up to 1000 words describing the skills and qualities applicants bring to a career in genetic counselling and explain how they meet the selection criteria. Applicants should also include a statement confirming that this is their own work.

For applicants required to demonstrate work experience:

Curriculum Vitae documenting relevant 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 a place offer.

Recognition of Prior Learning

UTS acknowledge both your formal qualifications and the wealth of informal learning you've accumulated along the way. This personalised RPL process not only recognises your hard work but also streamlines the duration and cost of your course, ensuring you reach your future goals faster.

Your previous education or employment must be evaluated to be equivalent to a UTS subject as per the Admissions and Recognition of Prior Learning Policy and Procedures. This assessment considers:

• Currency of knowledge
• Relevance of your previous learning
• Learning outcomes
• Volume of learning
• Content of the study
• Learning and assessment approaches

Prior learning can be recognised only once within any individual UTS course. It cannot be recognised again for another subject or component in that course.

Alternatively, subject substitution might be offered. This is where an alternative subject(s) of equivalent credit point value is added to your study plan.

It’s important to note that UTS assesses RPL only after an enrolment offer is accepted.

Contact the university for more information.

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.

Fees and FEE-HELP

Indicative first-year tuition fee in 2025: $40,600 (domestic full-fee paying place)

Indicative total tuition fee in 2025: $83,027 (domestic full-fee paying place)

The indicative total tuition fee is based on a study load of 96 credit points.

Tuition fees are charged:

• Based on the particular course in which you are enrolled.
• Based on the number of credit points you are enrolled in.
• At the rates set for the current year and revised annually.

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.