Cancer and Molecular and Cellular Biology Online MSc

Our programme will give you a grounding in the molecular and cellular biology that underpins cancer biology and research. You’ll discover how the treatment and diagnosis of cancer has advanced and how new therapies are developed, evaluated and implemented. You’ll also gain strong practical skills: you’ll take a research skills module and a three-month laboratory project.

• Study and contribute to the latest developments in the treatment of cancer
• Complete a three-month lab project, with an option to embed in one of our six research teams
• Taught by the UK’s leading oncology experts – we’re ranked number one for cancer research (REF 2014)
• Part-time option, so you can fit your studies around your other commitments
• An ideal career boost if you want to work in research, biotech or complete a PhD

What you'll study

This MSc gives you a detailed and thorough understanding of the molecular and cellular basis of cancer and its treatments. You’ll also develop a deep knowledge of cancer biology, pathology, pharmacology and drug development.

You’ll study research methods and techniques, enabling you to make the most of the three-month laboratory project that forms a central component of the programme.

During your laboratory project, you’ll have the opportunity to undertake research at your workplace or an appropriate local research laboratory. You’ll gain valuable scientific and transferable skills, as well as experience of the research process – including preparation of a thesis – so you’ll have a solid foundation for a future career in scientific research.

This programme is delivered by the Barts Cancer Institute, a Cancer Research UK centre of excellence and part of the Cancer Research UK City of London Centre.

Additional costs

As a distance-learning student, you have the option to either sit your exams onsite at Queen Mary or to arrange an approved alternative venue. If you would like to sit your exams at a local venue, you will be responsible for making the initial arrangements and for any associated costs that may be charged.

Structure

• Eight compulsory modules
• Choice of elective modules
• Three-month laboratory project

Career paths

You’ll leave this programme with the clinical skills and experience necessary to pursue further academic research at PhD or MD level. This programme also provides a strong foundation if you want to work in a clinical, pharmaceutical or diagnostic setting.

Career destinations of past Barts Cancer Institute students include roles in higher education, the NHS, the pharmaceutical industry and charitable trusts. Our graduates have gone on to jobs such as:

• research assistant
• tissue bank officer
• clinical trials associate
• lab technician
• healthcare scientist
• facilitator of clinical research
• clinical research practitioner

Each year we retain a proportion of our graduates within the Institute as PhD students, research assistants or clinical trial co-ordinators.

A 2:1 or above at undergraduate level in a relevant subject such as Biology, Chemistry, Pharmacology, Medicine from a recognised academic institution. Applicants with a 2:2 degree will be considered on an individual basis.