Clinical Genetics HST in Ireland

Four-year training in inherited disorders, genomic diagnosis and counselling, with entry routes from medicine, paediatrics and completed GP training.

How the length works

Four-year HST only. Prior GIM/Paediatrics BST or completed GP training is additional and varies by entry route; it is not included in this cross-specialty timeline row.

Duration: 4 years of HST; prior GIM BST, paediatric BST or completed GP training is additional.

Applications: July 2027 intake: applications opened 1 October 2026 at noon and close 29 October 2026 at 5pm, Irish time. In-person interview: 3 February 2027.

Entry: BST in General Internal Medicine or Paediatrics with MRCPI; completed GP training with MICGP is also considered. Other applicants need an RCPI Letter of Equivalence. General registration, language and employment requirements apply. For MRCPI applicants, RCPI’s FAQ gives 31 December 2026 for the relevant Clinical pass, while its entry guidance says before interview. Confirm the applicable deadline with RCPI.

Exams: The 2026/2027 curriculum asks trainees to sit the European Board of Medical Genetics examination or RCPath Certificate in Medical Genetics as a self-assessment exercise, not a certifying or qualifying exit examination.

Exam guides

MRCPI

Accepted alternative. For the General Internal Medicine BST route. Other accepted routes use MRCPI Paediatrics or completed GP training with MICGP.

MRCPI Paeds

Accepted alternative. For the Paediatrics BST route. Other accepted routes use medical BST with MRCPI or completed GP training with MICGP.

MICGP

Accepted alternative. For applicants who completed GP training. Passing MICGP without completing the programme does not meet this route’s requirement.

ECMGG / Medical Genetics Certificate

Required to sit. Sit either the European examination or the RCPath Certificate. These assess progress during training; neither is a qualifying exit examination.

Work in the specialty

The work rewards detailed investigation, curiosity and careful explanation of uncertainty. Clinical geneticists bring family history and clinical findings together with laboratory evidence, and increasingly use bioinformatics when interpreting genomic results. They help people make informed decisions alongside genetic counsellors and other specialists.

Clinical geneticists diagnose and manage inherited disorders and congenital conditions across childhood and adult life. They interpret genomic results, assess family risk and explain testing and reproductive options with genetic counsellors, laboratory scientists and other specialists. Irish HST also includes biochemical genetics.

Who can enter

Current specialty guidance accepts completed or final-year BST in General Internal Medicine or Paediatrics, with MRCPI. Doctors who have completed GP training and hold MICGP are also considered. Other applicants need an RCPI Letter of Equivalence. Progression requires a separate HST application and selection process.

Training and completion

HST lasts four years, in addition to the qualifying prior training. The curriculum describes experience at the Mater Misericordiae Hospital and CHI Crumlin, with general, cancer and biochemical genetics clinics and relevant laboratory attachments.

Trainees complete supervised practice, workplace assessments, an ePortfolio and annual reviews. The 2026/2027 curriculum includes European Board of Medical Genetics or RCPath Certificate in Medical Genetics assessment as a knowledge self-assessment. It explicitly does not make these a certifying or qualifying examination. Completion depends on the full training requirements.

Applying

The July 2027 application deadline is 5pm on 29 October 2026; interviews are listed for 3 February 2027. Use the Clinical Genetics Structured CV and portal linked from RCPI's application guidance; confirm accepted qualifications and supporting evidence before submission.

Qualification deadline for 2027 entry

RCPI’s 2027 application FAQ gives 31 December 2026 for the relevant MRCPI Clinical examination, while its entry guidance says before interview. Confirm the applicable deadline with RCPI for your specialty and entry route.

How selection is scored

Shortlistingmax 100

Qualifications, education and achievements30

Clinical practice30

Publications and audit20

Leadership and management10

Teaching10

Interviewmax 100

CV and qualifications30

Clinical practice20

Publications, research and audit15

Management training and experience10

Teaching training and experience10

Interview performance15

Where you train

The 2026/2027 curriculum identifies Mater Misericordiae Hospital and CHI Crumlin, with relevant genetics laboratory experience.

Where this leads

Satisfactory completion of the programme and its assessments leads to CSCST and eligibility to apply for specialist registration. Registration and appointment to a consultant post are separate processes.

Entry and selection guidance checked 26 October 2026.

Facts last verified 2026-10-25. Content updated 2026-10-26.