Cancer & Clinical Oncology

Key Information

  • Award: MSc / PG Diploma
  • Non-lab-based Programme
  • Modes of Study: Full Time / Part Time / Full Time - Distance Learning / Part Time - Distance Learning
  • Programme Director: Dr John Riches
  • Start Date: September 2023
  • Application Deadline: 31 July 2023

For more information and to apply, please visit the Queen Mary University of London website:

Adding samples to a clear 96 well plate.

The Cancer & Clinical Oncology Programme aims to provide students with a clear understanding of the scientific basis underlying the principles and clinical practice of oncology and the development, evaluation and implementation of new treatments. This will be underpinned by a thorough knowledge of cancer biology and pathology, drug development and research methodologies. This knowledge will provide students with a good grounding in the clinical practice of oncology which will enhance prospects for those pursuing a clinical academic career.

Content
Compulsory modules

Cancer Biology
Cancer Pharmacology
Pathology of Cancer & Imaging
Research Methods
Clinical Cancer Treatment
Drug Development
Paediatric and Adolescent Oncology
Cancer Prevention and Screening
Genomic Approaches to Cancer

Optional modules

Biological Therapies
Molecular Targeted Therapies and Immunotherapy for Blood Cancers


Students will choose 15 credits of optional modules - this is likely to be either one 15 credit module or two 7.5 credit modules, depending on the programme structure. For more detailed module information, visit the module details page.

Structure
Full Time

Semester 1: September - December (60 credits taught modules)
Semester 2: January - March (60 credits taught modules)
Semester 3: May - August (60 credit Dissertation, MSc only)

Part Time

Year 1

Semester 1: September - December (30 credits taught modules)
Semester 2: January - March (30 credits taught modules)

Year 2

Semester 1: September - December (30 credits taught modules)
Semester 2: January - March (30 credits taught modules)
Semester 3: May - August (60 credit Dissertation, MSc only)

Exams

Semester 1: January      Semester 2: March/April       Semester 3: August resits


Each 15 credit module involves approximately 30 hours contact time and 120 hours of self-study.

Each 7.5 credit module involves approximately 15 hours contact time and 60 hours of self-study.

The Dissertation is carried out full time over 12 weeks with regular supervision from one of the Institute’s Research Centres. There may be some flexibility to arrange part-time dissertations for part-time students who are unable to commit to completing this full time. These are arranged on a case-by-case basis in consultation with the Programme Director.

Modes of study
Award and structure

MSc: 120 taught credits + 60 credit Dissertation
PG Diploma: 120 taught credits

A variety of study options are available, these include Full Time (1 year) and Part Time (2 years), on-site or by Distance Learning.

Distance Learning

Distance learning is delivered via the University’s online learning platform - QMplus. Onsite lectures are recorded and made available to Distance Learning students, together with copies of the slides and other supporting teaching materials.
Dissertations will be supervised by a Barts Cancer Institute researcher and supervision meetings will be conducted by telephone or by Skype.

Assessment

Posters and oral presentations will be delivered via Skype.
Examinations will take place online.

Entry Requirements

Academic Entry Requirements

Please visit the Queen Mary University of London website for full details on UK and International entry requirements. 

English Language Requirements

If you got your degree in an English speaking country or if it was taught in English, and you studied within the last five years, you might not need an English language qualification - find out more.

English language entry requirements for programmes within the Barts Cancer Institute

You may be able to meet the English language requirement for your programme by joining a summer pre-sessional programme before starting your degree.

How to Apply

All applications must be completed online via the Queen Mary University of London website. 

Apply for the MSc (full time or part time) 
Apply for the PGDip (full time or part time)
Apply for the MSc Online (full time or part time)
Apply for the PGDip Online (full time or part time)

As part of your application you will be required to provide the following documents:

  • Personal Statement
  • CV
  • 2 references (at least one of these must be an academic reference)
  • Copies of degree transcripts
  • English language results and certificate (if applicable)
Intercalating Applicants

Intercalating students must also apply via the Intercalated Degrees Admissions team. Please visit the Queen Mary website for more detailed information about the application process.

Fees & Funding
Full-time study - September 2023 | 1 year
Part-time study - September 2023 | 2 years

Note that fees may be subject to an increase on an annual basis - see details on our tuition fees page.


Funding and scholarships

Numerous funding options are available to Postgraduate students. For more information, visit the Queen Mary Funding a Masters webpage.

Deposit

Due to receiving large volumes of successful applications, it is our department policy to request a deposit of £2000 from overseas students and £1000 from home/EU students in order to secure your place on the course. This will be payable on acceptance of an offer.

Career Prospects

Career pathways include:

  • Clinical Research Fellowships
  • Laboratory or clinical research
  • Cancer drug development
  • Clinical evaluation of early phase trials

Each year we retain a proportion of our graduates within the Institute as PhD students, research assistants or clinical trials co-ordinators.

New Student Information Area

Are you joining us for the 2022-2023 academic year?
Visit our New Student Information area to see key dates for enrolment and induction, important contacts and FAQs.

Find out about the types of projects available

For most of our MSc students, the research project / dissertation is the most exciting part of the programme. Find out more about the research within each of our Centres and the kinds of projects on offer as part of the MSc Programme...

Virtual Open Events

Find out more about our MSc programmes and have the opportunity to ask the Programme Directors questions at our Virtual Open Events. Please sign up using the mailing list to be notified of upcoming virtual open events.

There are no scheduled open events at this time.

Find out more about studying at BCI

Click below to hear from some of our former and current MSc students and get a feel for what it is like to study at the BCI.

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