Cancer Biology MSc
Subject and course type
- Biomedical Science, Cancer Biology and Microbiology
- Postgraduate
Do you want to dedicate your working life to understanding the biological processes that cause cancer? If so, the Cancer Biology MSc from °µÍø¸£Àû could be the right course for you.
You are reading:
Acquire the skills and knowledge to join the fight against cancer
Gain valuable hands-on experience in our laboratories and become familiar with specialist equipment.
This Cancer Biology course will provide you with an understanding of the disease processes involved in malignancy and the scientific rationale for therapeutic options.
You will be trained in scientific research methods and learn the techniques used in cell and molecular biology and pathology. You will study the biology of disease, tumour biology, immunology, molecular oncology, haematological malignancy, as well as diagnostic and therapeutic techniques for cancer.
In addition to gaining an understanding of core principles in medical science, you will gain in-depth knowledge of oncology topics and their relationship to other medical disciplines.
At the end of the course, you will undertake a research project of your choosing. This can be carried out with one of our life science research groups, or in your workplace, and can act as an excellent selling point when looking for employment after graduation.
Having completed my BSc degree at °µÍø¸£Àû, I was eager to further my studies with the Cancer Biology MSc. It was ideal for me, since it provided a great insight into the biological world of cancer and expanded my knowledge in disease progression and patient survival.
Why choose this course
On our Cancer Biology MSc, you'll have access to a range of facilities at our Penrhyn Road campus. These include:
- Tissue culture laboratories
- A histology laboratory
- Molecular biology laboratories
- Cell biology laboratories
You will also have the chance to use faculty-based laboratories. These include analytical chemistry facilities and instrumentation, computing and data analysis resources.
Specialist equipment includes:
- RT-PCR and DNA manipulation facilities
- State-of-the-art image analysis, including scanning electron and confocal microscopy equipment
- Histology equipment
- Staining and protein analysis equipment
Access to this type of highly specialised scientific equipment ensures you get hands-on-experience of current research techniques, preparing them for further study and research work. 
In addition, many of our staff in the Faculty are research active. This ensures they are in touch with the latest thinking and bring best practice to your studies.
Science research is organised into several research areas. The Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Group is an interdisciplinary group and focuses on the interaction of chemistry and life sciences with medicine. It is divided into three main sub-areas:
- Therapy – including immunology, stem cell research and allergenic effects of foods
- Parasitology – including parasite transmission, drug responses and host cellular immune responses
- Pharmaceutical Sciences – including the use and understanding of free-radical reactions and the use of anti-cancer drugs/new bioactive natural products
Accreditations
This course is accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS). Graduates can apply to the IBMS for consideration for admission as Members of the Institute.
Course content
You will be trained in science research methods and learn about the techniques used in molecular pathology and biology. It links your academic knowledge to practical application, particularly in relation to modern diagnostic methods. You will study the biology of disease, tumour biology, immunology, molecular oncology, haematological malignancy, plus diagnostic and therapeutic techniques for cancer.
In addition to developing a comprehensive understanding of the principles and practice of core topics in current areas of medical science, you will gain an in-depth knowledge of oncology topics and their relationship to other medical disciplines. You will also learn how to plan, carry out and report on a piece of independent scientific research.
For a student to go on placement they are required to pass every module first time with no reassessments. It is the responsibility of individual students to find a suitable paid placement. Students will be supported by our dedicated placement team in securing this opportunity.
Modules
Core modules
30 credits
The module enables you to develop and extend skills required to research and communicate in biosciences, and the principles and practice of laboratory techniques, research planning, management, data handling and presentation. The material is contextualised by lectures, practicals, workshops and directed reading around the planning and execution of experiments and interpretation of the data in a clinical setting or in clinically-based studies.
30 credits
This is a core module for students studying for the MSc in Cancer Biology. The module introduces you to the methodologies and clinical rationale of diagnosis and therapy for solid tumours and haematological malignancy. Topics covered include cancer epidemiology, risk factors and symptoms, imaging, biopsy and laboratory investigations, tumour markers (e.g. diagnostic, prognostic and predictive biomarkers), staging and prognosis of tumours and various therapeutic options including radiotherapy, chemotherapy, hormonal therapy and targeted therapy of cancer. The module is delivered through a variety of lectures, seminars, workshops, tutorials and practical laboratory sessions. Additional support materials will be provided on StudySpace highlighting the most recent advances on the diagnosis and treatment of human cancers.
30 credits
This module provides you with an introduction to the concepts of immunity and pathobiology. You will become familiar with the different cells and organs of the immune system and how these function and interact to protect the body from infection. You will be introduced to the cellular mechanisms and genetic causes of disease considering both the physiological manifestations and the public health implications. The module also introduces some of the molecular processes and signalling events that are important in communication between cells of the immune system. It goes on to consider the role of cellular pathology in the context of other pathology disciplines such as clinical chemistry. Practical classes will give you the opportunity to apply your basic knowledge of immunology to interpret the significance of laboratory data and the role of the immune system in disease.
30 credits
This module introduces biological interactions between tumour cells and the host and how these interactions affect tumour progression. The module is designed to provide a more detailed understanding of the hallmarks of cancer and the molecular processes and changes (ie genetic and epigenetic alterations) that underlie the generation of malignancies. Processes to be studied include carcinogenesis, angiogenesis and metastasis. Tumour responses to therapeutic approaches such as the development of drug resistance, as well as some of the mechanisms by which tumours may escape immune destruction, are also covered.
On successful completion of the module, you will be able to:
- Discuss the mechanisms by which cancers develop, grow and spread within the body.
- Demonstrate comprehension regarding the ways in which normal cell growth and differentiation is controlled.
- Discuss the complexity and interactions involved in the regulation of gene expression and to interpret the molecular consequences of gene deregulation.
- Evaluate the role of genetics in sporadic and familial human cancer.
- Expound on the mechanisms and consequences of acquired drug resistance in tumour cells.
- Understand some of the mechanisms by which tumours may evade immune recognition and destruction.
60 credits
This Research project module is the final stage in the MSc qualification and represents 60 Level 7 credits. It is designed as a 'capstone' module, and gives you the opportunity to use and synthesise the knowledge and skills you have acquired from the other taught modules in applied 'real-world learning'. It involves presenting work in formats appropriate to wider professional audiences, practising new and/or improved laboratory skills, and most importantly demonstration of the ability to independently solve complex problems.
Optional placement year
Module
120 credits
The Professional Placement module is a core module if you're following a masters programme that incorporates an extended professional placement. It provides you with the opportunity to apply your knowledge and skills in an appropriate working environment, and develops and enhances key employability and subject specific skills in your chosen discipline. You may wish to use the placement experience as a platform for a major project or your future career.
It is your responsibility to find and secure a suitable placement opportunity; this should not normally involve more than two placements which must be completed over a minimum period of 10 months and within a maximum of 12 months. The placement must be approved by your Course Leader prior to commencement to ensure its suitability. You will have access to the standard placement preparation activities offered by the Student Engagement and Enhancement (SEE) group.
Read more about the postgraduate work placement scheme.
Career opportunities
Graduates from this course have gone on to work in a wide variety of careers in medicine, hospital laboratories, commercial laboratories and cancer research.
Work placement scheme
This course, like many postgraduate courses at °µÍø¸£Àû, enables students to integrate a 12-month work placement into their course. You are responsible for finding and securing your own professional placement, which can be highly competitive but also incredibly rewarding. It is very important to prepare yourself if this is the route you wish to take. Employers look for great written and oral communication skills and an excellent CV/portfolio. As the work placement is an assessed part of the course, it is covered by a Student Route visa.
We work with a variety of employers such as hospitals, community health care, NHS foundation trusts, academic publishers, and pharmaceutical companies. Many of which also offer professional experience opportunities for the students on this course.
Teaching and assessment
We expect you to study independently as part of the course. You will have access to course materials, campus facilities, resources and academic support to guide you. On average, you should expect to spend around 20-30 hours per week on independent study in addition to scheduled teaching.
Independent study will involve reading articles and books, working on projects, doing research, completing your work for assessments. You might need to do some independent study on campus, where you can access campus-based facilities such as studios and labs.
As a student at °µÍø¸£Àû, we will make sure you have access to appropriate advice regarding your academic development. You will also be able to use the University's support services.
A course is made up of modules, and each module is worth a number of credits. You must pass a given number of credits in order to achieve the award you registered on, for example 360 credits for a typical undergraduate course or 180 credits for a typical postgraduate course. The number of credits you need for your award is detailed in the programme specification which you can access from the link at the bottom of this page.
One credit equates to 10 hours of study. Therefore 180 credits across a year (typical for a postgraduate course) would equate to 1,800 notional hours. These hours are split into scheduled and guided. On this course, the percentage of that time that will be scheduled learning and teaching activities is shown below. The remainder is made up of guided independent study.
- 31% scheduled learning and teaching
The exact balance between scheduled learning and teaching and guided independent study will be informed by the modules you take.
Your course will primarily be delivered in person. It may include delivery of some activities online, either in real time or recorded.
Type of assessment
- Year 1: Coursework 51%; exams 35%; practical 14%
Assessment typically comprises exams (e.g. test or exam), practical (e.g. presentations, performance) and coursework (e.g. essays, reports, self-assessment, portfolios, dissertation).
Please note: the above breakdowns are a guide calculated on core modules only. If your course includes optional modules, this breakdown may change to reflect the modules chosen.
We aim to provide feedback on assessments within 20 working days.
You will be part of an intimate cohort of 20-40 students which provides dedicated academic guidance and advice as well as the opportunity to build a life-long network of colleagues. Some modules are common across other postgraduate programmes; you may therefore be taught alongside postgraduates from other courses.
Throughout my time here I have become part of the °µÍø¸£Àû family. The faculty staff have helped me with their guidance and feedback. I really enjoyed modules like Molecular Oncology and Cancer Diagnosis & Therapy, which focused on the molecular aspects of cancer.
Fees and funding
| Fee category | Fee |
|---|---|
| Home (UK students) | |
| Full Time | £11,400 |
| Part Time | £6,270 |
| International | |
| Full Time | £19,300 |
| Part Time | £10,615 |
| Fee category | Fee |
|---|---|
| Home (UK students) | |
| Full Time | £10,900 |
| Part Time | £5,995 |
| International | |
| Full Time | £18,500 |
| Part Time | £10,175 |
Funding support for postgraduate students
If you are a UK student living in England and under 60, you can apply for a loan to study for a postgraduate degree on the government's website.
Scholarships and bursaries
For students interested in studying Cancer Biology MSc at Kingston, there are several opportunities to seek funding support:
The Gangolli Scholarship is a fully-funded (100% of fees) scholarship for °µÍø¸£Àû graduates progressing to a taught MSc course in the School of Life Sciences, Pharmacy and Chemistry.
For more information on how to apply for this scholarship, visit the Gangolli Scholarship page.
The Inspire the Future Scholarship offers a 40% reduction in fees for taught masters or postgraduate diploma courses with September start dates. 20 scholarships are available for progressing °µÍø¸£Àû graduates.
For more information on how to apply for this scholarship, visit the Inspire the Future Scholarship page.
International postgraduate students could receive up to £5,000 towards tuition in their first year of study.
For more information on how to apply for these scholarships, visit the International Scholarship page.
If you are a °µÍø¸£Àû 2024/25 undergraduate progressing to a 2025/26 postgraduate degree (taught or research), you could get a 15% reduction in tuition fees.
For more information on how to apply for this scholarship, visit the Postgraduate Progression Scholarship page.
°µÍø¸£Àû offers a 10% discount on full and part-time postgraduate degree course tuition fees to our alumni.
For more information on how to apply for this discount, visit our alumni discount page.
Additional course costs
Some courses may require additional costs beyond tuition fees. When planning your studies, you’ll want to consider tuition fees, living costs, and any extra costs that might relate to your area of study.
Your tuition fees include costs for teaching, assessment and university facilities. So your access to libraries, shared IT resources and various student support services are all covered. Accommodation and general living expenses are not covered by these fees.
Where applicable, additional expenses for your course may include:
Our libraries have an extensive collection of books and journals, as well as open-access computers and laptops available to rent. However, you may want to buy your own computer or personal copies of key textbooks. Textbooks may range from £50 to £250 per year. And a personal computer can range from £100 to £3,000 depending on your course requirements.
While most coursework is submitted online, some modules may require printed copies. You may want to allocate up to £100 per year for hard-copies of your coursework. It’s worth noting that 3D printing is never compulsory. So if you choose to use our 3D printers, you’ll need to pay for the material. This ranges from 3p per gram to 40p per gram.
°µÍø¸£Àû will pay for all compulsory field trips. Fees for optional trips can range from £30 to £350 per trip.
Your tuition fees don’t cover travel costs. To save on travel costs, you can use our free intersite bus service. This route links the campuses and halls of residence with local train stations - Surbiton, Kingston upon Thames, and Norbiton.
Apply for this course
Before you apply
Please read the entry criteria carefully to make sure you meet all requirements before applying.
How to apply online
Use the course selector drop-down at the top of this page to choose your preferred course, start date and mode, then click 'Apply now'. You will be taken to our Online Student Information System (OSIS) where you will complete your application.
If you’re starting a new application, you’ll need to select ‘new user’ and set up a username and password. This will allow you to save and return to your application.
Application deadlines
We encourage you to apply as soon as possible. Applications will close when the course is full.
Information required to confirm your place
If English is not your first language, we will require proof of your proficiency to allow us to confirm your place on the course. This will generally be either an IELTS or TOEFL test certificate, which can be forwarded to us after you have submitted your application. If you do not hold a formal English language qualification, please indicate how you have acquired your proficiency in written and spoken English.
After you have applied
If the postgraduate admissions tutor requires further information or wishes to invite you to further assessment by interview they will contact you directly. You will then hear whether your application has been successful.
If you do not clearly meet the standard entry requirements and the admission tutor wishes to see a portfolio from you, you will be sent an email asking you to upload your portfolio to your °µÍø¸£Àû OSIS account. Further details on how to do this will be provided at the time.
Course changes and regulations
The information on this page reflects the currently intended course structure and module details. To improve your student experience and the quality of your degree, we may review and change the material information of this course. Find out more about course changes
for the course are published ahead of each academic year.
Regulations governing this course can be found on our website.
What our students and graduates say
A very important aspect of the course was the 10-week research project. It focused on basic cell culture techniques and has equipped me with the skills and confidence needed in the professional world. It also gave me the opportunity to pursue a PhD at °µÍø¸£Àû. I would strongly recommend the University!
