MSc in Genetic Counselling

The MSc programme in Genetic Counselling is designed to provide cutting edge training in genetics while fostering a strong foundation in counselling. This programme is the first in Ghana and the rest of West Africa.

Aim: The aim of the MSc programme in Genetic Counselling is to provide cutting edge training in the science of genetics while fostering a strong foundation in counselling.

Objectives: The programme is intended to achieve the following objectives:

Provide students with in-depth understanding in genetics necessary to support clients (individuals, families, patients, and communities) with accurate explanations of the genetic bases of inherited diseases and those acquired through somatic mutations.
Empower students to competently and professionally explain to clients, genetic screening procedures for different types of conditions as well as the biopsychosocial implications of genetic disorders and risks.
Introduce students to the fundamental aspects of genomics and bioinformatics that underpin clinical practice.
Equip students with essential psychological principles and skills in communicating complex health information to clients of varied socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds.
Prepare students to offer ethical and professional genetic counselling services with the ability to competently manage ethical, legal, and social issues that may arise in practice.
Offer the opportunity for students to pursue specializations in genetic counselling and other career pathways including genetics education, public advocacy, and research.
Train postgraduates capable of addressing the clinical, laboratory, psychosocial, educational, and research needs of individuals, families, societies, and other healthcare professionals and trainees in ways that meet national and international standards in genetic counselling.

ACCREDITATION

The programme has been accredited by the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC).

COURSE DURATION

It is a two year academic programme. Students who graduate from the programme will be required to complete a mandatory one year internship under the supervision of the Allied Health Professions Council to become licensed to practice as Genetic Counsellors.

1. Required (core) Course(s)

Human genetics I
Human genetics II
Clinical genetic testing
Counselling skills and communication
Ethical, Legal, and Social Implications (ELSI) in Genetic Counselling
Principles of genetic counselling
Professional development and practice
Bioinformatics and research methods
Cancer Genetics
New born screening
Genetics education
Special topics in genetic counselling
Genetic counselling practicum
Long Essay
Seminar I
Seminar 2

2. Elective Course(s)

Fundamentals of anatomy and physiology
Introduction to clinical health psychology
Genetics of blood disorders
Psychiatric and behavioural genetics
Population genetics
Disability and rehabilitation
Psychology of survivorship
Psychology of predictive testing

3. Research Component

Long Essay: The programme will comprise a 6-credit long essay research. Students will receive supervisory support to identify a relevant genetic counselling topic, to collect/review data, undertake critical analysis of data, and to write a report. At the completion of the course, students will submit the long essay, which will be assessed based on a set of core research and scientific writing skills. In addition, students will submit a research portfolio that will detail the research process and experience.

Practical Training (Industrial Attachment, Internship, Clinical Experience)

Practicals: The programme offers 1,032 hours (12-credits) of practical training. Students will complete 6-credits of clinical practicum in the first three inter-semester breaks, and 6-credits during the second academic year. It will include community-based outreach programmes for the students to promote awareness of genetic disorders among local communities and to appreciate the challenges communities face with identification and diagnosis of genetic disorders. The students who graduate from the programme will complete a mandatory one-year internship under the supervision of the GPC.

YEAR 1

Semester 1: Core Courses

*COURSE CODE*	*COURSE TITLE*	*CREDIT*
GENC 601	Human genetics I	3
GENC 603	Clinical genetic testing	3
GENC 605	Counselling skills and communication	3
GENC 607	Ethical, Legal, and Social Implications (ELSI) in Genetic Counselling	3

Semester 1: Elective Courses
(Students may take any one elective in addition to the relevant pre-requisite course in Semester 1)

*COURSE CODE*	*COURSE TITLE*	*CREDIT*
GENC 609	Fundamentals of anatomy and physiology	3
GENC 611	Introduction to clinical health psychology	3
GENC 613	Genetics of blood disorders	3
GENC 615	Psychiatric and behavioural genetics	3

Note: GENC609 and GENC611 are pre-requisite courses for students from social science backgrounds and biological/biomedical science backgrounds respectively.

Semester 2: Core Courses

*COURSE CODE*	*COURSE TITLE*	*CREDIT*
GENC 602	Human genetics II	3
GENC 604	Principles of genetic counselling	3
GENC 606	Professional development and practice	3
GENC 608	Bioinformatics and research methods	3
GENC 610	Seminar I	3

Semester 2: Elective Courses
(Students may take between one to two electives in semester 2)

*COURSE CODE*	*COURSE TITLE*	*CREDIT*
GENC 612	Population genetics	3
GENC 614	Disability and rehabilitation	3
GENC 616	Psychology of survivorship	3
GENC 618	Psychology of predictive testing	3

YEAR 2

Semester 1: Core Courses

*COURSE CODE*	*COURSE TITLE*	*CREDIT*
GENC 617	Cancer genetics	3
GENC 619	New born screening	3

Note: There are no electives in Year 2 Semester 1

Semester 2: Core Courses

*COURSE CODE*	*COURSE TITLE*	*CREDIT*
GENC 622	Genetic counselling education	3
GENC 624	Special topics in genetic counselling	3
GENC 620	Genetic counselling practicum	6
GENC 630	Long essay	6
GENC 640	Seminar II	3

Note: There are no electives in Year 2 Semester 2

Students take GENC 620 and GENC 630 beginning from Semester 1 of Year 2

INTER-SEMESTER CLINICAL COURSES

*COURSE CODE*	*COURSE TITLE*	*CREDIT*
GENC 600	Inter-semester clinical attachment – Part I	2
GENC 600	Inter-semester clinical attachment – Part II	2
GENC 600	Inter-semester clinical attachment – Part III	2

Note: Students take GENC 600 beginning from Year 1 (Part I, II and III will be taken during the vacation periods of Year 1 Semester 1, Year 1 Semester 2, and Year 2 Semester 1 respectively).
A total of 31 core credits must be completed in Year 1
A total of 29 core credits must be completed in Year 2

National (Ghanaian citizens) and Regional (citizens of other West African countries) applicants
for the MSc Genetic Counselling programme are eligible to apply for a WAGMC Postgraduate Fellowship
to support their tuition and other related fees. For more information, visit: WAGMC Fellowship.

By the end of the programme, it is intended that students will acquire the following knowledge and skills:

Elicit and evaluate clients’ (individuals, families, patients) concerns, expectations, and a detailed family, medical, and psychosocial history for assessment of likely patterns of disease risk/inheritance as well as eligibility for genetic testing.
Make referrals for genetic testing (where available); interpret genetic/laboratory/special investigation reports, and expertly communicate confirmed diagnostic and predictive information to clients based on the outcome of genetic testing and/or assessment of clients’ history.
Conduct basic psychological wellbeing assessments pre- and post- genetic testing for children, adults, and families and expertly support management of distress including referrals to clinical psychologists.
Provide accurate information and expert counselling that is suited to clients’ individual needs about the genetic disorder(s) of concern and results of the assessment conducted, to facilitate informed and autonomous decision making.
Provide genetic counselling with empathy; compassion; sensitivity to clients’ background; respect for autonomy, diversity, human dignity, privacy, and confidentiality; and with knowledge of human rights as indicated in the constitution of the country.
Develop and display an awareness of the interaction between clients, counsellors, and other systemic factors associated with genetic counselling across diverse clinical settings.
Provide timely referral to appropriate healthcare professionals, relevant genetic support groups, non-governmental organizations, other local and international sources of support.
Recognize and appreciate the scope and limitations of genetic counselling as well as the licensure and other requirements of regulatory bodies.
Reflect on personal strengths and limitions in practice, seek help when necessary, and commit to continuous professional development.
Design and roll out community outreach programmes regarding genetic disorders.
Adopt innovative teaching methods in tutoring subsequent students on the programme and in training other healthcare providers.
Design, conduct, and collaborate on rigorous research that informs practice, training, and policy in genetic counselling.

Applications for 2025/2026 academic year are open.

• Potential applicants must purchase a University of Ghana (UG) postgraduate admissions voucher. For more information visit: https://admission.ug.edu.gh/graduate-admission/how-to-apply
• Visit https://apply.ug.edu.gh/admissions/graduate/login to access the admission form
• Shortlisted students will be notified for interview
• Students who are interviewed will be notified about the admission status