Cancer Molecular Pathology and Therapeutics MSc

Course description

This full time postgraduate degree will equip you with the knowledge, expertise and experience to make a real positive contribution towards the future research and treatment of cancer. You will study the mechanistic nature of cancer biology and apply that knowledge to better understanding and developing the future diagnosis, prognosis therapy and prevention of cancer. Building on a solid foundation of learned basic cancer cell biology, you will consider and experience the design of treatment modalities and prevention strategies, including the mechanisms of action of anti-cancer drugs and radiation treatment, therapy resistance and biomarker discovery.

The first part of the course comprises intensive lectures, tutorials and taught lab work, as well as advanced topic lectures delivered by scientists at the cutting-edge of translational research, focusing on therapeutics and prevention. A key component of the course is then the research project, which will give you the opportunity to study and research one of the department’s key research areas in much greater depth. As well as developing your understanding of the processes and techniques used in cancer research, you will learn how to critically analyse research data and research papers and how to communicate complex scientific concepts and processes.

What's the difference?

If you complete the taught modules but not the Research Project, you will receive a Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert).

Teaching and learning

The taught phase consists of lectures, tutorials, demonstrations and intensive laboratory classes each lasting either four-to-six days. Successful completion of the taught phase is required to proceed to the project stage.

Assessment is a mix of formal exams (MCQ, short-answer and long-answer/essay) and coursework including practical reports, presentations and other written tasks. Assessment of the laboratory research project is based on your lab performance, the written dissertation and a project presentation.

Careers and employability

The research training you receive and the research project you conduct will provide a training that PhD supervisors and employers value highly when recruiting their postgraduate research students from around the world.

Students need to have 2:2 degree (or equivalent) in a relevant bioscience subject such as biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, biotechnology, pharmacology etc. We also welcome applicants with significant relevant industrial or professional experience, and medically qualified applicants with a strong background in molecular biology and/or cell biology.