Skip navigation
Cancer Sciences at Queen Mary University of London - UCAS

Course options

2025 - 20262026 - 2027
Apply

There are other course options available which may have a different vacancy status or entry requirements – view the full list of options

Course summary

Develop a comprehensive understanding of cancer – from how and why it occurs, to how it is detected and treated, and how those treatments are developed. Our programme enables you to build firm foundations of understanding cancer biology and research methodologies, and will empower you to shape your own learning journey with us, focusing on areas that you want to explore. You will study under the guidance of academics at Barts Cancer Institute who are at the forefront of international cancer research.

  • 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
  • Gain an advanced education and training in the field of cancer
  • Choose from three specialised streams to suit your interests or shape your own pathway, and graduate in Cancer Sciences
  • An ideal career boost: deepen your understanding and discover how to research, develop and implement new treatments
  • Choose to study full-time, part-time, starting in January or September, so you can choose the option that works best for you.
This programme is available as a Masters or Postgraduate Diploma and gives you a thorough grounding in cancer sciences with the opportunity to specialise in one of three streams, which means you can align your studies with your interests and career aspirations. Featuring research-led and research-informed content delivered by leading experts in cancer research, you’ll be exposed to the latest advancements and innovations in the field. You’ll gain both theoretical knowledge and practical skills that will equip you for a career in academia, clinical settings, or the biotech/biopharma industry. You can choose between specialist pathways depending on your interest and career goals:
  • Cancer Sciences (Clinical Oncology), which focuses on the clinical and translational aspects of cancer, bridging the gap between research and patient care. This pathway is particularly suited to aspiring cancer clinicians.
  • Cancer Sciences (Molecular and Cellular Biology), which emphasises the fundamental biological mechanisms of cancer and the development of novel therapies. This pathway is well suited to people with aspirations to those working or considering undertake a PhD or work in lab-based research.
  • Cancer Sciences (Therapeutics), which explores cutting-edge technological and conceptual advances in cancer treatment, clinical trial design and data analysis. This pathway is well-suited to people wanting you if ytoou work or plan to work in clinical trials/ or drug development.
This programme is delivered by the Barts Cancer Institute, part of the  Cancer Research UK City of London Centre. If you choose to study for a Masters degree, depending on which pathway you choose, you’ll complete a three-month dissertation or lab project under the guidance of one of our academics. If you choose to do a lab project with us as an on-site student, you will be embedded within one of our research teams, gaining experience in cutting-edge cancer research. As a dissertation student, you will get the chance to delve deeper into an area of cancer that really fascinates you, mentored by one of our academic staff. Our Postgraduate Diploma gives you the opportunity to study taught modules without undertaking a dissertation or lab project. It’s particularly suitable for you if you’re a busy working professional and want to complete your programme in a shorter time or study part-time to fit in with your other commitments. These programmes are also available online, if you prefer to study via distance learning.

Modules

3 compulsory modules for all streams  Up to 6 elective modules  Dissertation or Research Project depending on chosen stream  Please see programme webpage for full module information

Assessment method

Taught modules are assessed based entirely on coursework - including written assignments, posters and oral presentations. Throughout the course, there are opportunities for formative feedback, so you can see what is expected before you submit summative work.   If you register as an MSc student, you will also be assessed on a supervised 10,000-word dissertation or 5,000-word laboratory project, depending on which pathway you choose. Alongside your written submission, you will give an oral presentation and answer questions about your research – excellent practice for subsequent interviews!

Entry 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. The full time MSc programme is also open to undergraduate medical students who wish to (and are eligible to) intercalate a Masters degree into their MBBS studies.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

No fee information has been provided for this course

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .

Additional fee information

Students enrolling on a postgraduate degree programme are charged tuition fees each year by Queen Mary. The rate you will be charged depends on whether you are assessed as a Home/EU or Overseas student. You can find tuition fees for each course on the course finder pages on our website by clicking the apply link, or navigate here: https://www.qmul.ac.uk/postgraduate/ Further details about postgraduate taught tuition fees can also be found on our website: https://www.qmul.ac.uk/postgraduate/taught/tuitionfees/
Cancer Sciences at Queen Mary University of London - UCAS