Course summary
With rapid advancements in cancer research, innovative minds are crucial to overcoming remaining challenges. This programme immerses you in every aspect of the field, from understanding cancer pathogenesis to developing cutting-edge therapies. You'll gain the advanced skills needed for PhD study or a successful research career while contributing directly to pioneering research efforts in Birmingham. Through focused modules and a hands-on research project, you'll achieve a deep understanding of cancer research, positioning you at the forefront of this vital field. What makes this course different? Our modules have a bench to bedside approach, bridging the gap between fundamental research and clinical application. You'll gain insights into how basic discoveries lead to treatment development and why some novel therapies may not succeed. This course also hones your skills in experimental design, including proper controls and data analysis, ensuring scientifically sound results. You'll also explore cutting-edge genetic and epigenetic techniques and advanced cancer models like organoids, which offer deeper insights into cancer biology and drug responses. Additionally, you'll study the cancer microenvironment, key to understanding tumour growth and immune interactions, especially in immunotherapy.
- Projects are generally laboratory-based and provide skills in designing, performing and communicating cancer research.
- A large range of research projects are available and can be on anything from cancer causes and diagnosis to treatment.
- You’ll study alongside cancer clinicians and clinical trial specialists.
Modules
The course comprises 60 credits of taught modules. There is also a 120 credit research project. Visit the course page on the University of Birmingham website for the most up-to-date module information.
How to apply
International applicants
If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification or a Presessional English course. For this course we require IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band, which is equivalent to: -TOEFL: 88 overall with no less than 21 in Reading, 20 Listening, 22 Speaking and 21 in Writing. -Pearson Test of English (PTE): Academic 67 with no less than 64 in all four skills. -Cambridge English: C1 Advanced - minimum overall score of 176, with no less than 169 in any component. -LanguageCert ESOL SELT (UKVI): B2 'Communicator' with no less than 33 in each skill. If you have a conditional offer for Birmingham where English is a requirement, you can take a Presessional English course as an alternative to retaking IELTS or a similar qualification. We offer on-campus courses all year round starting from September including additional online courses in the summer term. Teaching takes place in small classes with no more than 18 students to maximise class participation.
Entry requirements
You should have a 2:1 Honours degree in the life sciences or biomedical sciences.
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 more detailed information on available funding and fees for postgraduate courses please visit: https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/taught/fees-funding
Provider information
University of Birmingham
Edgbaston
Birmingham
B15 2TT