Cancer Biology and Therapeutics MSc

University of Sheffield

The programme provides research-led teaching in fundamental cancer biology, clinical oncology and the latest advances in modern therapeutics including immunotherapy and precision medicine. In addition, the six-month full-time research project is excellent preparation for a PhD and a career in healthcare or the pharmaceutical industry. This course connects the cancer research that scientists conduct in the lab with the treatments that oncology patients receive. It covers the fundamental science of cancer, clinical aspects of cancer diagnosis and treatment, the current and emerging technologies of cancer research and the process of translating scientific discoveries into new therapies in areas including immunotherapy and precision medicine. 6-months of the course are dedicated to the full-time research project which you will undertake within one of our world-leading research teams to develop valuable research skills.The School of Medicine and Population Health provides a supportive and friendly environment which promotes high-quality teaching and research excellence to enable our students and researchers to tackle major healthcare challenges. You will study the cellular and molecular biology that underpins the transformation of normal cells into cancer cells and how these can be exploited in precision medicine. In addition, you will learn about the broader epidemiology of cancer, gaining insight into cancer risks and disease patterns within the population to understand how and why cancer occurs. The tumour microenvironment and its potential for therapeutic targeting are examined in detail. You will learn how tumours grow, how cancer spreads, and how the cells that interact with cancer cells, such as immune cells, can influence tumour progression.The process of clinical diagnosis and treating cancer is explored, from the perspective of researchers, clinicians and survivors of the disease. Topics range from the process of identifying potential pharmaceuticals to genetic screening and clinical trials.