Gain a Certificate in Cancer Genetics and Genomics 

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 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.

The weekly tutorials will be facilitated by Dr Aisling Hegarty PhD, Cancer Accreditation and Directorate Manager

Aisling Hegarty is the Cancer Accreditation and Directorate Manager at Beaumont RCSI Cancer Centre, with expertise in cancer services, clinical trials and healthcare quality. She trained as a general nurse before specialising in cancer research and service development, with a focus on hereditary breast cancer, family history and cancer genetics. Her PhD research advanced understanding of hereditary breast cancer risk to inform clinical decision making and patient care pathways. Aisling has led operations for CTRIAL-0907 clinical trial, Irelands largest breast cancer bioresource, which is now open in multiple cancer centres. She holds a Masters in Healthcare Ethics and Law and played a central role in preparing the Beaumont RCSI Cancer Centre biobank for INAB accreditation to ISO20387 standards. In her current role, she is responsible for strategic development, OECI accreditation and cross-institutional collaboration in research, education and service delivery, contributing to national and international efforts to integrate research excellence into cancer services.”

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

Information Webinar

 Register below for the information webinar for the Certificate in Cancer Genetics and Genomics which takes place on Wednesday 24th June 8pm - 9pm 

During the session, you’ll learn more about the programme structure, entry requirements, learning outcomes, and how this qualification can support your professional development in the rapidly evolving field of cancer genomics.

Further details, including the webinar link will be shared once registered

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.

On completion of this programme, you will be able 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 2026

Induction will take place virtaully on 9th September 2026 

Virtual tutorials normally take place every Wednesday evening starting from 16th Sep 2026 from 6pm - 8pm on zoom (Irish Standard Time). 

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 Dr Aisling Hegarty PhD, Cancer Accreditation and Directorate Manager at Beaumont RCSI Cancer Centre

Schedule Dates -

Please note this schedule is tentative and subject to change.

Virtual tutorials normally take place every Wednesday evening from 6pm - 8pm on zoom (Irish Standard Time).

Please note the following exceptions - Module 3 week 3 live tutorial will take place on Monday 25th Jan 2027 and Module 4 week 4 tutorial will take place on Tuesday 16th March 2027

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

Annual live webinar (Date TBC)

You will have the opportunity to attend the annual live webinar which will provide access to national and international speakers. This webinar takes place in February each year (date to be confirmed).

Application Process

In order to apply for this course you must first complete the application form and upload the following documentation:

1. Cover Letter

2. CV

3. Proof of Identity

4. Proof of Level 8

5. Proof of level of English if required

Successful applicants will be contacted once your application is reviewed as per our T&Cs below.

Course Price: €4000 (Payment plans available, to learn more  please contact:rcpicoures@rcpi.ie ) 

Course fee includes Graduation

Click here to view our T&C regarding payment plans

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 will be required to provide evidence of the following level of English language proficiency:

Primary Qualification in English

A primary degree (Level 8 or equivalent or above) awarded by a recognised higher education institution where the medium of instruction and assessment was English.

OR

Professional Experience in an English-Speaking Health Setting

Evidence of current or recent employment in a health or clinical setting where English is the primary language of professional communication, documentation, and service delivery and where such employment is subject to English language verification by a state regulator.

Option 1: CV demonstrating you work or have worked in an English environment

Option 2: Official letter on headed paper, signed and stamped by your employer, verifying that you work in an English-speaking setting.

OR

Standardised English Language Test

An IELTS Academic score of 6.5 overall, with no individual band score below 6.0, or an equivalent qualification recognised by the institution.

Equivalent tests may include OET, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, or other recognised assessments, benchmarked against IELTS 6.5 using internationally accepted concordance tables.

Where English language testing is used to demonstrate proficiency, results must normally have been obtained within the previous two years.

Recognition of Prior Learning

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

 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

Click here to view all Terms and Conditions and Polices: Certificate in Cancer Genetics and Genomics Terms and Conditions