The GCRAB accredits courses that qualify as the academic component for preparation for entry onto the register of genetic counsellors held by the Academy for Healthcare Science (AHCS). Graduates from these programmes will have specific knowledge and skills that enable them to enter the genetic counselling profession as a ‘trainee genetic counsellor’. After completion of a training period of at least two years full time, candidates can apply for GCRAB registration (Set A route to registration).

The following UK MSc in Genetic and Genomic Counselling courses are GCRAB accredited:

• Cardiff University – Renewal of Accreditation due in April 2027
• University of Manchester – Renewal of Accreditation due in July 2025

The following courses were previously accredited but are not currently running.

The accreditation covered the final cohort of graduates.

• University of Glasgow – MSc (MedSci) Genetic and Genomic Counselling (with work placement) (final graduation December 2023)
• Cardiff University – MSc in Genetic Counselling (last intake September 2016, final graduation Summer 2018)
• University of Manchester – MSc in Genetic Counselling (last intake September 2015, final graduation December 2017)

The GCRAB are unaware of any other UK courses which have applied for accreditation. As part of the accreditation process each university submits for scrutiny, extensive details about the design and delivery of the proposed course including the vocational experiences that are a required component of the postgraduate qualification.

The process and standards by which Masters courses are assessed is currently under review (2024). Documentation related to MSc course accreditation will be uploaded soon.

For information about the current MSc accreditation criteria and the GCRAB process used to assess courses, please contact us: [email protected].