Cancer & Therapeutics

This programme is designed to provide students with a clear understanding of the scientific principles underlying the field of cancer therapeutics and the development, evaluation and implementation of new treatments. By the end of the course, in addition to expertise covering the full arsenal of cancer therapeutics, you will be equipped with a thorough knowledge of cancer biology and pathology, research methodologies, drug development, and regulatory issues.

Students will be provided with a firm grounding in the use and evaluation of cancer therapies, which will enhance your career prospects in many areas of cancer research, early phase clinical trials, Allied Health Professions and the pharmaceutical industry.

Full Time

Semester 1: September - December (45 or 52.5 credits taught modules)
Semester 2: January - March (75 or 67.5 credits taught modules)
Semester 3: May - August (60 credit Dissertation, MSc only)

Part Time

Year 1

Semester 1: September - December (30 or 37.5 credits taught modules)
Semester 2: January - March (30 or 22.5 credits taught modules)

Year 2

Semester 1: September - December (15 or 22.5 credits taught modules)
Semester 2: January - March (45 or 37.5 credits taught modules)
Semester 3: May - August (60 credit Dissertation, MSc only)

Exams

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

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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.

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 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 can be at Queen Mary University of London or at an approved local venue (usually a British Council or a local Academic Institution).

Compulsory modules

Research Methods
Cancer Biology
Cancer Pharmacology
Molecular Diagnostics & Therapeutics
Molecular Targeted Therapies and Immunotherapy for Blood Cancers
Site Specific Tumour Treatment
Ablative Therapy
Drug Development
Cancer Prevention & Screening
Dissertation (MSc only)

Optional modules (select 2)

Pathology of Cancer
Genomic Approaches to Cancer
Paediatric & Adolescent Oncology

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For more detailed module information click here

Academic Entry Requirements

• A medical degree; or
• a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant subject from a recognised institution with 2:1 or better. Applicants with a 2:2 and strong supporting evidence will also be considered; or
• an appropriate professional qualification; or
• Successful completion of at least 3 years of MBBS studies (including the equivalent of one year of patient based teaching)*

*Intercalating students must pass exams taken prior to commencing the MSc at first attempt and confirm that the beginning of their following year of MBBS studies start after all assessment for the MSc has been completed.

For more information on intercalated degrees please see here.

For international equivalencies please see the QMUL International Office.

English Language Requirements

Applicants for whom English is not a first language will also require a minimum IELTS score of 7.0 (with 6.5 in writing) or equivalent, unless your undergraduate degree was studied in English. For more information on English language requirements, and acceptable qualifications, please click here.

How to apply

All applications must be completed online.

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 see here for more detailed information about the application process.

MSc

£9,800 (Home/EU students)
£22,600 (Overseas students)

PG Diploma

£6,650 (Home/EU students)
£15,100 (Overseas students)

2019-2020 Tuition fees.

The tuition fee for Part Time students will be split over 2 years. Please note there may be a slight increase to the 2nd year fee in line with inflation.

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Funding and scholarships

Numerous funding options are available to Postgraduate students. For more information click here.

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 pathways include:

• Clinical trials
• Allied Health Professions
• Pharmaceutical Industry
• Academia
• Medicine

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