Cancer Biology and Therapy

Entry requirements

• Applicants should have a 2:2 Honours Degree in related area such as biochemistry.
• Applications from all candidates will be considered on their merits in the light of the nature and scope of the programme and if they have experience.
• A detailed admissions procedure will be forwarded on application.
• IELTS: Score of at least 6.5 or equivalent.

Months of entry

September

Course content

About the course

Our MSc Cancer Biology and Therapy postgraduate course will prepare you for further study, to PhD level, or for a rewarding career in the biotechnology or healthcare industries. You’ll gain specialist theoretical and practical knowledge of basic molecular, genetic and biological processes associated with cancer; with an emphasis on the advances in pathology, diagnosis and therapy.

It meets the requirements of potential employers so you’ll develop skills in communication, IT, numeracy, interpersonal/teamwork, self-management and professional development.

Research themes include: analysis of phytochemicals for cancer treatment; development and characterization of novel drug delivery systems; potential of aspirin analogues in the treatment of glioma; use of aptamers as diagnostic and therapeutic agents for brain tumours; and synthesis of bioactive molecules with anticancer properties.

Why study with us

• This course is taught by researchers who have published extensively in the field of cancer biology and who have close research links with Brain Tumour North West and the Royal Preston Hospital.
• On successful completion of the taught modules in semester one, you’ll have the opportunity to transfer to the MRes programme.
• You’ll have the opportunity to attend the annual Brain Tumour North West meeting, held in Preston in December each year.

What you'll do

• Enjoy access to state-of-the-art equipment based in our Biomedical Research Facility and the Biological Sciences Laboratories, that’ll enhance your research experience.
• Extend your knowledge and understanding of the biology of cancer, advances in prognosis, diagnosis and treatment, gain an appreciation of pertinent legislative and ethical issues.
• You’ll get the opportunity to discuss cancer diagnosis, treatment and general care within the NHS via sessions with COMENSUS (Community Engagement and Service User Support) giving you a better understanding of the practice behind the theory.

Learning environment and assessment

The course is offered on a one-year full time basis, taught over three terms with all lecture and support material provided on our virtual learning environment (VLE) enabling easy access.

At the end of each semester the School’s Postgraduate Assessment Board considers each module. Unless specifically stated in the module descriptors, you’ll be expected to achieve a pass mark in both coursework and examination components of any module.

Lectures are delivered by recognised specialists in the field who’ll guide you on the latest developments. This is supported by your own independent learning using a case study/problem-solving/data interpretation approach. You’ll be given guided reading, based on the current literature, and will be expected to work independently to extend your knowledge and understanding beyond the lecture material.

The final semester involves a laboratory-based research project, where you’ll be working independently on a specific topic of interest to a research group within the School. This is a key element in the programme and gives you the chance to enhance your practical skills and engender a spirit of enquiry in an area of research associated with one or more specialist disciplines.

You’ll become experienced in research methods, develop the ability to critically appraise information and display logical and literary skills in the final project report. The project will be housed within the School research laboratories under the supervision of research active staff.

As part of the course you will have the opportunity to hear about the experiences of service users, carers, patients and public members via our community engagement and service user support groups (Comensus).

Pathways

The MSc (by Research) is very similar to a PhD, but with a research project designed to take 12 months. It is not intended as a first step towards a PhD, but rather as an alternative to a PhD. There are no associated lectures, classes or written examinations.

Opportunities

You will have the opportunity to attend the annual Brain Tumour North West meeting, held in Preston in December each year.

Graduate Careers

Graduates of the MSc Cancer Biology and Therapy course have gone on to PhD research; working in industry; and further postgraduate study.