Course summary
The MSc (Res) in Cancer Medicine will provide students with new knowledge of how precision medicine can improve and shape future healthcare. Students will gain hands-on experience of molecular techniques and the equipment/devices used in a modern molecular laboratory; the course will provide training in the latest laboratory and research skills that are applicable across multiple scientific disciplines in a supportive learning environment. Central to this research-intensive programme is a 24-week Research Project (which runs throughout both semesters) where students undertake hands-on research training within active research teams. Through taught modules students will be able to evaluate how novel therapeutic approaches can be used to stratify patients into treatment groups for better clinical management (a concept known as stratified / precision medicine). They will observe the delivery of precision medicine through tours of the Northern Ireland Cancer Centre. In the second semester the programme explores the fundamental principles of carcinogenesis and the translational approaches (including cutting edge technologies) which allow cancer scientists and clinicians to advance our understanding and treatment of cancers. This includes a comprehensive overview of the current understanding of the hallmarks of cancer from the role of genetic/epigenetic alterations, cell cycle control and metastases/angiogenesis to the development of applications to help diagnose cancers earlier, improve treatments, rationally design clinical trials and reduce chemotherapy drug resistance. Radiation Oncology lectures will develop skills in understanding the biological principles of radiotherapy and its clinical applications in the treatment of cancer. Also covered will be principles of advanced radiotherapy delivery, cancer imaging techniques and biomarker discovery. Oncology Drug Discovery lectures will provide insights into both academic and biotech drug development, including an understanding of what makes interesting anti-cancer drug target and how these can be validated for clinical use. This programme will show how our improved understanding of the molecular processes driving cancer growth and spread can be ‘translated’ through research-intensive MSc projects to improve the treatment and survival of cancer patients.
Modules
https://www.qub.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate-taught/cancer-medicine-mscres/#modules
How to apply
International applicants
An IELTS Academic test score of 6.5 overall with a minimum of 6.0 in each of the four elements or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University (taken within the last 2 years). IELTS test result/qualification must be submitted by 30 June 2025. International students wishing to apply to Queen's University Belfast (and for whom English is not their first language), must be able to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study or research. Non-EEA nationals must also satisfy UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) immigration requirements for English language for visa purposes.
Entry requirements
Normally a minimum of a 2.1 Honours degree or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University in a relevant biological subject. Evidence of equivalent professional qualifications (MBBS, BDS or BVSc) or experience will be considered on an individual basis. Intercalating Medical and Dental Applicants: i) QUB: Intercalating medical and dental students within QUB will be considered if: a) QUB 3rd year students – must pass all 3rd year modules at first attempt achieving an overall profile of 2.1 equivalent *. b) QUB 4th year students – must pass all 3rd year modules at first attempt achieving an overall profile of 2.1 equivalent * and also pass 4th year modules at first attempt. c) have permission to intercalate from either the Director of Medical Education or Dentistry as appropriate. ii) External: An external medical or dental student wishing to intercalate will be considered if: a) they have successfully completed all assessments at first attempt for the year in which they are applying. b) they have achieved at least an overall Upper Second Class Honours degree standard as determined by their University c) they have permission to intercalate from their Medical or Dental School, as appropriate. iii) International: a) Applicants who are currently studying an overseas Medical (e.g. MBBS or MBChB) or Dental degree at a recognised institution acceptable to the University, may apply. b) Applicants must have passed all assessments at first attempt for the year in which they are applying, normally 3rd year for those completing a 5 year programme or 4th year for those completing a 6 year programme. c) Applicants may be required to provide details of the medical or dental curriculum they are studying in order to confirm compatibility. d) Have permission to intercalate from their Medical Dental School, as appropriate.
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
For tuition fee information relating to this course please see the University's Postgraduate Tuition Fee website - https://www.qub.ac.uk/Study/postgraduate/tuition-fees/
Sponsorship information
For more information on funding and scholarships for Postgraduate study, please see http://www.qub.ac.uk/Study/PostgraduateStudy/FundingandScholarships/
Provider information
Queen's University Belfast
University Road
Belfast
BT7 1NN