Study options
- Starting in
- September 2025
- Location
- Charterhouse Square
- Fees
- Home: £12,850
Overseas: £29,950
EU/EEA/Swiss students
What you'll study
This MSc gives you a thorough grounding in the scientific principles underlying oncology. By the end of the course you will:
- have discovered how new treatments are developed, evaluated and implemented
- be equipped with a thorough knowledge of cancer biology and pathology, research methodologies and drug development
- be able to explain the ethics and regulatory framework underlying clinical research
- understand the different uses of radiotherapy, surgical procedures and imaging technologies in the treatment of cancer, and be able to evaluate the associated risks and benefits in given clinical scenarios
- be able to identify and apply the most appropriate research techniques to gather, record, and critically appraise research data.
This will enhance your career prospects in many areas of cancer research.
You’ll also take a three-month dissertation under the supervision of one of our research experts. This may involve setting up a ‘mock’ clinical trial to gain experience of clinical research and drug development in the cancer setting.
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.
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Structure
- 9 compulsory modules
- 1 elective module
- Dissertation
Compulsory/Core modules
This module covers cell and molecular biology relevant to cancer, including: - The processes of carcinogenesis and DNA damage - The key cellular and molecular processes affected in tumour development - Key proteins and pathways regulating cell proliferation and cell death - A broader concept of malignancy and its nvironment - Processes involved in invasion and metastasis.
This module will provide teaching in pharmacology relevant to the treatment of malignant disease, including: The basic concepts of cancer chemotherapy; Practical and theoretical aspects of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics; The basic clinical and molecular pharmacology of the major classes of anti-cancer agents; Novel cancer therapies using small molecules.
On completion of this module you will have detailed knowledge on the principles and practice of drug development at all stages of the development process, including: Ethical and good practice issues; What a therapeutic target is; How novel therapeutic targets are identified; How therapeutic targets are validated; Early clinical trials methodology.
The module will provide an intense and comprehensive overview of Paediatric and Adolescent Oncology, from disease aetiology to novel treatments, and aims to equip the student with a fundamental understanding of the subject area. Topics covered include: - The aetiology of paediatric leukaemia and selected paediatric solid tumours - The molecular aspects of selected paediatric cancers, and how understanding the genetic basis of such cancers has improved molecular diagnostic techniques - The principles of paediatric cancer therapy, from past to present, including novel targeted therapies - The treatment of cancer in adolescent patients.
This module will provide an understanding of population-based studies and methodology used in cancer epidemiology, focusing on the value of these approaches in cancer prevention and in the design and evaluation of screening programmes. Topics covered include: - The major environmental causes of cancer and their contribution to cancer worldwide - The potential for reducing cancer incidence - The role of screening in cancer control - The prospects for the chemoprevention of cancer in the next ten years.
This module provides an opportunity to further develop and apply skills learned during the taught modules by undertaking an independent, critical study and evaluation of an approved and relevant topic, typically within an active research group either within the Institute or at a partner organisation. The specific nature of each dissertation will be determined through discussions between the student, the course director and the project supervisor but will involve applying analytical, investigative and communication skills and utilizing a range of research methods and tools.
The module covers the techniques and knowledge needed to critically appraise published research, and carry out a piece of original research. Topics include: - How to review and interpret published research - How to structure and write a research paper or lab write up - Learn and use a range of statistical methodology - The ethical and legislative framework in which research is undertaken - Training in data preparation and presentation
This module will provide detailed teaching on the principles and interpretation of large scale genomic and proteomic approaches to cancer, including: - The application of genomic technology - The working principles of expression array and genotype array technology - The principles of bio-statistical analysis of genomic data - The advantages and limitations of the various genomic approaches described - The use of proteomic approaches in studying cancers.
This module will provide students with a robust understanding of the cancer-specific epidemiology, pathology, diagnostics, imaging, and cutting-edge treatments relevant to contemporary clinical practice (expirative and ablative surgery, radiotherapy, and systemic therapies) as well as outcomes. The scientific basis of cancer diagnostics and therapies will be outlined. Lectures will cover major solid and haematological cancers, and delivered by clinical and research experts in the field with powerpoint presentation of images and videos.
This module will introduce the student to the terminology of pathology and histology, and describe the pathological processes of tumour development. It will also introduce students to the vital role that imaging plays in all aspects of the management of patients with cancer, including different imaging technologies, their application, and risks to the patient. Teaching will be delivered as lectures, microscopy sessions and powerpoint presentation of images.
Elective modules
This module will provide an understanding of the science behind the biological therapies of cancer, and an up-to-date review of the current status of preclinical and clinical trials. The module will also provide an insight into the ways that laboratory research is translated into clinical trials. By the end of the module you will be able to: Understand the basis of biological therapy of cancer; Understand the role of non-malignant cells and mediators in cancer growth and progression
This module will cover the fundamental molecular and biological mechanisms involved in the development of leukaemia and lymphoma. It will specifically address the impact of chromosome abnormalities on the diagnosis, prognosis, risk stratification and management of patients, and include a theoretical and practical understanding of cytogenetic and molecular cytogenetic technology. The contribution of the host microenvironment to tumour cell survival and proliferation will also be discussed.
Assessment
- 67% Modules
- 33% Dissertation
Assessment will be based on written assignments, posters and oral presentations. Examinations will be in the form of online assessments which may consist of timed essay questions, short answer questions or case studies. There will also be a 10,000-word dissertation.
Dissertation
You will also be assessed on a supervised 10-15,000-word dissertation. Recent projects include:
- Development of cancer immunotherapy
- Hypoxia and cancer cell metabolism
- Oncolytic adenoviruses and activation of the host anti-tumour immune response
The dissertation is carried out full time over 12 weeks, with regular supervision from one of our research centres. If you are a part-time student, there may be some flexibility to arrange part-time dissertations.
Teaching
You’ll be taught through a variety of teaching and learning methods including: seminars, self-directed learning, one-to-one tutorials, case presentations, and reading lists of books and journal papers.
Dissertations will be supervised by a Barts Cancer Institute (BCI) researcher.
If you study part-time, the modules you’ll need to complete the programme will be spread over two years.
We take pride in the close and friendly working relationship we have with our students. You’ll be assigned an Academic Mentor, who will guide you in both academic and pastoral matters throughout your time at Queen Mary.
Where you'll learn
Facilities
- Access to specialised scientists and clinicians
- Full access to our library and online resources
- Mentors for non-programme related support, including careers advice
- A dedicated Teaching Centre for administrative support
Campus
Barts Cancer Institute is situated in Queen Mary’s beautiful Charterhouse Square campus. This is where you’ll find our research laboratories, clinical trials centre and where most teaching takes place. The Square is within minutes of the Barts Cancer Centre at St Bartholomew’s Hospital, one of the most advanced cancer centres in Europe.
Rich in history and diversity, Charterhouse Square is a bustling centre of energy and activity. You will get to experience both old and new London.
About the Institute
Barts Cancer Institute
Barts Cancer Institute (BCI) is one of the top five cancer research centres in the UK and is one of 14 Cancer Research UK Centres of Excellence.
Our research goal is to prevent cancer and develop better diagnostic techniques and treatments. We are generously supported by research councils, industry and a number of charities, with the grants awarded totalling in excess of £15m per annum.
BCI is part of Queen Mary’s medical school, the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry. The School is comprised of two world-renowned teaching hospitals, St Bartholomew's and The Royal London, which make an outstanding contribution to modern medicine. Queen Mary is ranked joint seventh in the UK for the quality of our research (REF 2021).
We are a member of the Russell Group of leading research universities in the UK and proudly hold an Athena Gold Award in recognition of our commitment to gender equality.
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 biotech research, hospital settings or in industry.
Career destinations of past Barts Cancer Institute students include:
- SpR medical oncology chemotherapy co-ordinator
- assistant practitioner
- medical officer
- 91% of BCI postgraduate taught students in employment or further study (2020/21)
- 95% of BCI postgraduate taught students in highly skilled work or graduate study (2020/21)
Fees and funding
Full-time study
September 2025 | 1 year
- Home: £12,850
- Overseas: £29,950
EU/EEA/Swiss students
Unconditional deposit
Home: Not applicable
Overseas: £2000
Information about deposits
Part-time study
September 2025 | 2 years
- Home: £6,450
- Overseas: £15,000
EU/EEA/Swiss students
Unconditional deposit
Home: Not applicable
Overseas: £2000
Information about deposits
Queen Mary alumni can get a £1000, 10% or 20% discount on their fees depending on the programme of study. Find out more about the Alumni Loyalty Award
Funding
There are a number of ways you can fund your postgraduate degree.
- Scholarships and bursaries
- Postgraduate loans (UK students)
- Country-specific scholarships for international students
Our Advice and Counselling service offers specialist support on financial issues, which you can access as soon as you apply for a place at Queen Mary. Before you apply, you can access our funding guides and advice on managing your money:
Entry requirements
UK
Degree requirements
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.
Other routes
The programme is open to graduate scientists, clinicians and other medical professionals working in healthcare, the pharmaceutical industry or contract research organisations.
Find out more about how to apply for our postgraduate taught courses.
International
English language requirements
The English language requirements for our programmes are indicated by English bands, and therefore the specific test and score acceptable is based on the band assigned to the academic department within which your chosen course of study is administered. Note that for some academic departments there are programmes with non-standard English language requirements.
The English Language requirements for entry to postgraduate taught and research programmes in the Barts Cancer Institute falls within the following English band:
Band 4: IELTS (Academic) minimum score 6.5 overall with 6.0 in each of Writing, Listening, Reading and Speaking
We accept a range of English tests and qualifications categorised in our English bands for you to demonstrate your level of English Language proficiency. See all accepted English tests that we deem equivalent to these IELTS scores.
Visas and immigration
Find out how to apply for a student visa.