I secured a place on the NHS Scientist Training Programme in Genomics!

Following my BSc in Biomedical Science, I had a particular interest in pursuing a career in clinical science, and a long-standing interest in human disease and genetics. MSc Human and Molecular Genetics was a great choice for me because it allowed me to gain hands-on practical experience designed to reflect real NHS practice, which has been invaluable in preparing me for my future career. My placement at the Julia Garnham Centre, combined with my lecture content and a specialised molecular diagnostic lab module, meant I finished this MSc with an in-depth understanding of clinical genomics.

Over the course of my MSc my confidence has grown massively, especially during my research project which helped me to think more like a scientist and taught me how to plan, conduct, and troubleshoot experiments both independently but also as a team. It was especially rewarding that this project gave me the opportunity to conduct research with real clinical impact.

At the beginning of this MSc I hoped to get onto the NHS Scientist Training Programme (STP), a highly competitive programme that combines working for the NHS with a fully funded masters degree in Clinical Science. The knowledge I gained on this course, and the support from academic staff along the way has played a huge part in helping me secure a place on the STP in genomics at the Sheffield Children’s Hospital.

Overall, the Human and Molecular Genetics MSc not only allows students to develop a comprehensive understanding of genetics, but it also prepares them for real careers in genomics and in scientific research.