Step into a world where DNA, technology, and human health come together - Discover how this fast-moving field can transform the way we care for people.
Why study postgraduate Genomic Health and Medicine?
Otago is excited to be offering Aotearoa New Zealand’s first postgraduate qualification in genomics - a great opportunity for health professionals to upskill in this rapidly evolving field.
Genomics is driving a revolutionary shift in healthcare. What was once considered the future is now shaping diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment decisions in real time. From tailoring cancer therapies, identifying rare genetic disorders, understanding infectious disease outbreaks, to guiding personalised medicine – genomic knowledge is increasingly vital in day-to-day clinical care.
Study in this field will take your understanding of personalized human health to another level. Where technology is used to interpret how an individual’s molecular make-up can be understood and applied to improve their health and clinical outcomes.
When you study this field, you’ll learn how genomic data can be integrated into clinical practice to impact the health of your community.
Career opportunities
Genomic Health and Medicine opens pathways in research, health care, and applied science. You can contribute to discovery and innovation, and respond to the growing demand for genomic understanding in clinical and community settings.
Pathways include:
- Health research
- Health professions
- Bioinformatics and data modelling
- Public policy development
- Laboratory science
What it’s like to study at this level
Studying Genomic Health and Medicine at Otago blends scientific depth with active exploration of real data and research and clinical practice.
You’ll learn through a mix of online lectures, workshops, and guided analysis that builds your understanding of genetics and genomic technologies.
You’ll work with datasets that reflect real biomedical questions, and interpret results that inform health decisions and research directions.
You’ll also learn from academic staff in genetics, biochemistry, and public health, and see how genomic thinking is applied across disciplines. Collaborative learning is a major part of the experience, and you join a community that values curiosity, analytical thinking, and ethical awareness.
This is for you if ...
Genomic Health and Medicine is open to graduates of all disciplines, but has been specifically designed for healthcare professionals seeking to enhance their understanding of genetics and its growing impact on patient and personal care. This programme also suits people working in government policy, scientists, statisticians and data modellers and health researchers.
Study Genomics with New Zealand’s leading researchers
Otago gives you access to the country’s strongest research culture in genetics and biological science. With distance learning you have the flexibility to study from your location and join an online community that values innovation, ethical thinking, and the role of science in improving lives.
You’ll learn through a university with a long tradition of excellence in biomedical research and major contributions to national and international genetics. You are taught by staff whose work advances our understanding of human biology, and the impacts in personal and public health. Otago’s longstanding connections across science, health, and community sectors shows you how genomic insights can be considered and applied in real New Zealand settings.
Enhance your understanding of Genomics
Listen to our teaching and research team talk about the Genomics programme at Otago and learn about genetics’ growing impact on patient and personal care.
Choose a study option
Whether you are advancing your career with our specialised graduate qualifications or pursuing in-depth research and expertise through our postgraduate programmes, Otago is here to support your aspirations.
Postgraduate qualifications
Honours, masters’, PhDs, and other advanced degrees for graduates. Just one additional year of study will earn you a valuable postgraduate degree. Or perhaps you want the depth of a full year of research-only time during a master’s or to step up to a PhD.
Ready to apply?
Take your expertise to the next level with advanced study.
Programme details
Compare programmes for this subject.
Contacts
Dr Aaron Stevens
Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine
University of Otago, Wellington
Email aaron.stevens@otago.ac.nz
Associate Professor Aniruddha Chatterjee
Department of Pathology
Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago
Email aniruddha.chatterjee@otago.ac.nz
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