Gain a Certificate in Cancer Genetics and Genomics

Applications have now closed, please email clairedavenport@rcpi.ie should you wish to be added to the waitlist. 

This 11-month programme contains a mixture of asynchronous and synchronous material and is delivered virtually so can be completed anywhere in the world for those who wish to advance their academic and professional knowledge and skills in the area of Cancer Genetics and Genomics.

The programme is interdisciplinary and welcomes those with a minimum requirement of a degree in a relevant healthcare or biomedical subject. A strong background in basic science is encouraged, and eligible learners should be working at a senior level in a research role or healthcare discipline involving the care of patients with cancer.

This programme will lead to Certificate in Cancer Genetics and Genomics for all other learners.

For Ireland based learners, their qualification is accredited at QQI Level 9 on the National Framework of Qualification (PG25033). 

What you will learn

You will gain an enhanced understanding of the impact of germline and somatic genetic variation in development, progress, and treatment of cancer, in a programme developed and delivered by recognised experts in the field. You will develop competence and confidence in the recognition, counselling, consenting and testing of patients with germline predisposition to cancer, as well as the interpretation and critical analysis of tumour-based genetic testing and liquid biopsy.

Hear from experts in the field

Throughout the duration of the programme, you will learn from a dedicated clinical tutor who will lead weekly tutorials and who will facilitate and moderate discussion board forums for specific elements of the programme.

You will also hear from experts in the field of Cancer Genetics and Genomics as well as having the opportunity to attend the annual live webinar which will provide access to national and international speakers.

Is this course for you? 

This programme is aimed at individuals working at a senior level in a research role or healthcare discipline involving the care of patients with cancer.

 This programme is also suitable for:

• Medical Oncologists and doctors with an interest in this area or who are training in this area

 • Surgeons and surgical trainees

 • Radiation Oncologists or doctors training in this area

 • Obstetricians/Gynaecologists with an interest in cancer or those in training in this area

 • Pathologists – involved in molecular tumour testing or those interested in genetics

 • General Practitioners interested in cancer care

 • Public health doctors with an interest in cancer care

 • Nurse specialists working in Oncology or cancer care

 • Genetic Counsellors

 • Clinical Scientists interested in the area of cancer genetics or doctors involved in genetic research

 • Paediatricians working with cancer patients

Upskill in this growing area 

Learn how to use genomic testing to inform treatment decisions and optimise patient outcomes
Learn how to make more informed screening recommendations for higher risk individuals
Gain the skills to correctly interpret results from germline, tumour and liquid biopsy tests to inform treatment planning and patient management.
Comprehend the ethical and legal considerations when using genomic technology

Learning Outcomes: 

This programme will provide you with the skills and knowledge to:

Explain the molecular mechanisms underlying carcinogenesis
Discriminate between clinically actionable and non-actionable germline and/or somatic variants
Create a plan for investigation in individuals with features suggestive of cancer predisposition syndrome
Appraise technical aspects and limitations of different genetic testing technologies
Justify the use of genetic counselling and testing in patient care
Evaluate the medicolegal and ethical implications of genetic testing

Format of course delivery

This distance learning programme contains six modules and is delivered through a blend of asynchronous and synchronous learning material offering a collabortive and supported student experience.

The asynchronous material includes clinical scenarios, guidelines, videos and tutor moderated discussion board forums, while the synchronous material will involve interactive weekly live virtual tutorials led by a dedicated clinical tutor. These tutorials will include group activities to augment the online material. Completion of the weekly online content is required before attending the live tutorials.

Time Commitment

 This is an 11-month programme which will award a 30 ECTS Certificate in Cancer Genetics and Genomics on successful completion.

In order to obtain the full award, learners must complete all asynchronous material, individual reading hours, attend at least 85% of the live weekly tutorials, pass each of the end of module assessments and pass a final summative assessment. The total number of learner hours for this programme is 750 hours.

Virtual Tutorials

 The programme will commence in September 2024.

Virtual tutorials will take place every Wednesday evening from 6pm - 8pm on zoom (Irish Standard Time). The programme will commence with an induction on Wednesday 11 September with live tutorials starting Wednesday 18 Sep 2024

Mandatory attendance of at least 85% is required for the live tutorials. End of module assignments must be passed to progress to the next module

The weekly tutorials will be facilitated by Aisling Hegarty M.Sc, Research Nurse Manager/PhD Scholar 

Aisling is a specialist breast cancer research nurse with the Endocrine Oncology Research Group at Beaumont RCSI Cancer Centre. Working closely with the Breast Family History Clinic in Beaumont RCSI Cancer Centre, Aislings’ research is focused on patients with inherited mutations in the breast cancer genes BRCA1 and BRCA2. She holds a Masters in Healthcare Ethics and Law.

Mandatory attendance of at least 85% is required for the live tutorials

Annual live webinar (Date TBC)

You will also hear from experts in the field of Cancer Genetics and Genomics as well as having the opportunity to attend the annual live webinar which will provide access to national and international speakers.

Application Process

In order to apply for this course you must first complete the application form

Successful applicants will be contacted once your application is reviewed. 

Course Price: €3600

Places are limited, for further information please contact clairedavenport@rcpi.ie

Entry Requirements

To be eligible for the programme you must meet the following criteria:

Minimum requirements for general learning

Prospective learners are required to hold an honours degree (level 8) in a relevant healthcare or biomedical subject or equivalent and be members of a relevant professional body.

Minimum requirements for discipline-specific learning

Minimum experiential requirements (if applicable)

Applicants must have 3 years or more experience in a healthcare or research setting.

Minimum language proficiency requirements

Applicants whose first language is not English may be required to provide evidence of the following level of English language proficiency:

• High B2 on the (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) CEFRL when awarded by a recognised awarding body.

• An average score of 6.5 on the overall components of the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) and a minimum of 6.0 in each band on the Academic Version.

Recognition of Prior Learning

There is currently no recognition of prior learning for this programme.

You can access the relevant policies and procedures linked below.

• Recognition of Prior Learning Procedure

• Access, Transfer and Progression Policy 

• Access, Transfer and Progression Procedure 

• Appeals Policy 

• Appeals Procedure 

 Protection of Enrolled Learners

RCPI has procedures in place for the protection of enrolled learners. You can access the information on this through the policy and procedure linked below.

• Protection of Enrolled Learner Policy
• Protection of Enrolled Learner Procedure

RCPI’s policies and procedures related to Admissions are outlined in: Admissions Policy