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Cancer and Molecular and Cellular Biology PGDip

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.

  • Study and contribute to the latest developments in the treatment of cancer
  • Taught by experts from Barts Cancer Institute, one of four partners in the Cancer Research UK City of London Centre, a world-leading hub dedicated to cancer biotherapeutics
  • Part-time option, so you can fit your studies around your other commitments
  • An ideal career boost if you want to work in research or biotech

Study options

Starting in
September 2025
Location
Charterhouse Square
Fees
Home: £8,600
Overseas: £20,000
EU/EEA/Swiss students

What you'll study

This Postgraduate Diploma 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, as well as a variety of other scientific and transferable skills. 

By studying on the Cancer and Molecular and Cellular Biology pathway, you’ll be equipping yourself with the tools to complete academic research at MSc level, or improve your career prospects in a clinical, pharmaceutical or diagnostic 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.

Watch our video to find out more about studying at the Barts Cancer Institute.

BCI student in laboratory

Structure

  • Eight compulsory modules
  • Choice of elective modules
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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.

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

To provide an understanding of the principles band practice of molecular diagnosis in the detection and management of disease - To provide an understanding of quality assurance issues in the diagnostic setting - To give examples of the use of current molecular techniques in the management of disease - To provide practical experience of molecular techniques.

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

The module gives the students hands-on experience of key lab techniques and the principles of how to interpret the findings. Techniques include: Skills in measuring accurately using pipetttes, weighing scales Mathematical laboratory skills Immunochemistry Tissue Culture RNA1 extraction and analysis RT-PCR DNA purification, analysis and cloning Flow cytometry

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.

Elective modules

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.

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 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.

Assessment

Assessment will be based on written assignments and 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.

Teaching

You’ll be taught through a variety of teaching methods including: seminars, laboratory practice sessions, self-directed learning, one-to-one tutorials, case presentations, and reading lists of books and journal papers.

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.

If you study part-time, the modules you’ll need to complete the programme will be spread over two years.

Where you'll learn

Facilities

  • State-of-the-art research facilities and dedicated teaching laboratory
  • 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 MSc level.

This programme also provides a strong foundation if you want to work in a clinical, pharmaceutical or diagnostic setting.

  • 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 | 9 months

Unconditional deposit

Home: Not applicable

Overseas: £2000
Information about deposits

Part-time study

September 2025 | 21 months

The course fee is charged per annum for 2 years. Note that fees may be subject to an increase on an annual basis - see details on our tuition fees page.

Unconditional deposit

Home: Not applicable

Overseas: £2000
Information about deposits

Funding

There are a number of ways you can fund your postgraduate degree.

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.

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