Cancer & Molecular Pathology and Genomics

Key Information

  • Award: MSc / PG Diploma
  • Lab-based Programme
  • Modes of Study: Full Time / Part Time / Full Time - Distance Learning / Part Time - Distance Learning
  • Programme Director: Professor Louise Jones
  • Start Date: September 2023
  • Deadline for postgraduate Overseas applications: 01 September 2023
  • Deadline for postgraduate DL applications and postgraduate Home applications: 08 September 2023

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

SONY DSC

This programme will provide you with theoretical and practical knowledge of modern molecular technologies as applied to human disease, with an emphasis on cancer. It will also train you in the application and interpretation of advanced molecular technologies and their use in pathology.

At the heart of the course is a focus on developing your skills in the laboratory, as well as a variety of other scientific and transferable skills. By studying Cancer & Molecular Pathology and Genomics you will be equipping yourself with the tools to pursue a career in academic research, either in the clinical, pharmaceutical or diagnostic setting.

Content
Compulsory modules

Cancer Biology
Basic Pathology
Molecular Diagnostics and Therapeutics
Research Methods
Cancer Prevention and Screening
Molecular Pathology of Solid Tumours
Research Lab Skllls
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 Lab Project, 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 taight modules)
Semester 3: May - August (60 credit Lab Project, 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 Lab Project involves 10.5 weeks full time in one of the Institute’s research centres. There may be some flexibility to arrange part-time projects for part-time students who are unable to commit to a full-time project. 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 Lab Project
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.
Lab-based elements of the programme are taught through video tutorials.

Distance Learners usually carry out their Lab Project at an External organisation (whether this be their place of work or a place they have other links with). All external projects will be approved by the Programme Director. In some circumstances, Distance Learners may be able to carry out their lab project in one of our research centres, but priority for places is given to onsite students.

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

This programme will provide you with the skills and experience necessary to pursue further academic research at PhD/MD level. It will also provide a strong foundation for those working in clinical, pharmaceutical or diagnostic settings.

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 2023-2024 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.

Danielle, MSc Cancer & Molecular Pathology and Genomics Alumna

"Currently, I am considering a career in Clinical Genetics or academic medicine after I graduate from my MBBS. The MSc programme itself, and the publication I was involved in as a result of my dissertation, helped secure my preferred jobs for my junior doctor training posts. These achievements will also help me to stand out at interviews for applications to specialist training further down the line. But over and above that, it’s allowed me to network with such a huge variety of people from different fields, and I’ve no doubt many of them will continue to influence me and inspire me for many years to come."

Read Danielle's full alumni profile

Connect with us

Follow our social media pages for the latest news and updates