Genetic Counselling (MSc)

The first MSc programme in Genetic Counselling in Ghana and West Africa, offered by the West African Genetic Medicine Centre (WAGMC) and accredited by the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC). It combines cutting-edge genetics training with a strong foundation in counselling. The two-year curriculum totals 60 core credits (31 in Year 1, 29 in Year 2). Year 1 covers Human Genetics I & II, Clinical Genetic Testing, Counselling Skills and Communication, ELSI in Genetic Counselling, Principles of Genetic Counselling, Professional Development and Practice, and Bioinformatics and Research Methods, with electives such as Genetics of Blood Disorders, Psychiatric and Behavioural Genetics, and Population Genetics (pre-requisite courses are provided for students from either social-science or biological-science backgrounds). Year 2 covers Cancer Genetics, Newborn Screening, Genetics Education and Special Topics, plus a 6-credit Genetic Counselling Practicum and a 6-credit Long Essay research project. Students also complete inter-semester clinical attachments during Year 1 and Year 2 vacation periods, alongside community-based outreach to raise awareness of genetic disorders. Graduates must then complete a mandatory one-year internship supervised by the Ghana Psychology Council (GPC) to become licensed to practise as Genetic Counsellors.