Degree Programme in Genetic and Genomic Counselling

After completing the programme you will be able to promote high standards of practice, encourage professional growth and increase public awareness of genetic counselling.  You will understand comprehensive and highly specialised concepts, methods and knowledge corresponding to the specialised competence in genetics and genomics, which are used as the basis for independent thinking and research.

We offer the global perspective to integrate the competence of a registered nurse, public health nurse, midwife or a biomedical laboratory scientist to the genetic-genomic area. When nurses and biomedical laboratory scientists are to deliver safe, quality care, they need to be able to demonstrate competence in genetics-genomics as it applies to their practice specialty. You will have the ability to integrate knowledge and handle complexity, formulate judgments with incomplete or limited information, always reflecting on social and ethical responsibilities linked to the application of this knowledge.

The studies include:
- human genetics and genomics
- medical and clinical aspects of genetic disease
- genetic and genomic counselling skills
- psychosocial and ethics aspects
- genetic law and guidelines
- genomic research

The studies can be completed within one and half or two years alongside work as blended learning. Studies contain online learning, intensive weeks, independent study and team work.

The extent of the programme is 90 ETCS credits, consisting of Advanced professional studies (30 cr), Special master's level studies (25 cr), Optional studies (5 cr)  and Master's thesis (30 cr).

Master's thesis is a development work with an international connection, prepared by using scientific research methods.

The Master's thesis project (30 credits) includes online seminars and is supported by methodological studies. During the seminars you have the opportunity to report the progress of your work and to get feedback.

As an applicant, you must have a feasible plan on a Master's thesis proposal which is submitted at the time of application.

The aim of the master's thesis is to develop research and development skills as well as the ability to apply research information and methods to the analysis and solution of phenomena occurring in working life. You can also discuss with your superviser about the possibility of writing a scientific article as a master's thesis.

You will be able to work independently in demanding expert tasks in genetic and genomic area and in international co-operation or as an entrepreneur.

In the education, you will achieve the competence of a master's degree in social and health care, which is comparable to the corresponding degrees in the EU countries (EQF 7).

Participants, with a variety of cultural backgrounds and located in different countires, bring a truly international and multicultural learning environment. Application of learned content happens in the students' own environment and thus in a global context.

In the studies, students have the opportunity to collaborate with research institutes, companies utilizing genetic information and international research groups. The studies also provide the ability to work in hospital, primary health care, companies and research groups in counseling and research related to genetics and genomic information.

You have the opportunity to conduct research on the field of genetic and genomic in a number of different environments, in multidisciplinary research groups. Alternatively, you can develop the operations of your own organization using scientific methods.

The Master's degree from TAMK provides you with the opportunity to continue onwards to Doctoral studies in other universities.