Genetics of Human Disease MSc

About the course

There’s never been a more exciting time to study human genetics than now. With the completion of the Human Genome Project, and advances in technology, scientists today have a far better understanding of the genetic basis of health and disease.  

This course will give you in-depth knowledge of fundamental genetic concepts, together with the latest statistical and computational approaches, such as bioinformatics, being used to establish how genetics contribute to disease.  

Working alongside UCL’s world leaders in biomedical science, you’ll build your research skills, grow your network, and explore the globally-significant genetic research that’s transforming the way many diseases are now being treated.

Visit our prospectus page to find out more:

Meet the programme leads

Professor Nikolas Maniatas (programme co-lead)

Nikolas Maniatas is a Professor of Human Genetics, with research focusing on the mapping of genes which contribute to complex diseases. His work is helping deepen our understanding of complex inheritance and obtain genetic insights that will ultimately improve human health.

Learn more about Prof Nikolas Maniatas. 

Dr Elvira Mambetisaeva (programme co-lead)

Dr Elvira Mambetisaeva has a background in biomedical research. She is a lecturer in UCL’s Research Department of Genetics, Evolution and Environment.  

Learn more about Dr Elvira Mambetisaeva. 

Hear from our alumni

Wai Kin (Raphael) Cheung
Associate Medical Technologist, Hong Kong (MSc Genetics of Human Disease 2017-18)

“The MSc Genetics of Human Diseases covers current applications in genetics and bioinformatics. With the knowledge I gained and the bioinformatics tools taught on the course, I am now able to analyse and predict particular gene functions. I liked that the course offers students the opportunity to be specialised by choosing one of three streams. I enjoyed lectures given by leading scientists in the inherited diseases stream and found myself really interested in neurogenetics. The research experience was incredible and I found the course benefitted my career as a biomedical scientist in Hong Kong.”

Marina Kushnir
Senior Project Manager (Precision Medicine Research), Sano Genetics, Cambridge

“I completed the MSc in Genetics of Human Disease in 2015, I had a great experience and highly recommend the course. The course especially exposed me to bioinformatics and sequencing technologies, which are very relevant areas in today’s job market. The skills I gained helped me get into the field of cancer genetics after I graduated, and currently, I am working as a Senior Project Manager at Sano Genetics. I strongly believe I would not be where I am today without the knowledge and solid understanding of genetics I gained from the MSc Genetics of Human Disease and the support of the incredible and extremely caring faculty.”