MSc in Cancer Pharmacology

This is an exciting time to be involved in cancer therapeutics. Based on a greater understanding of the molecular aspects of cancer, new opportunities for therapeutic intervention have emerged that are effective 'target orientated'. These new therapeutics are quite distinct from the classical chemotherapeutic agents and they offer the prospect of truly selective cancer therapies that are tailored towards the individual patient's tumour. Cancer pharmacology plays a key role in drug development. In both the laboratory and the clinic, cancer pharmacology has had to adapt to the changing face of drug development by establishing experimental models and target orientated approaches.

The programme is designed to provide you with a 'state-of-the-art' course in modern cancer pharmacology that meets the demand of employers and provides an expert view of the available cancer medicines and the development of new cancer therapies.

It promotes advanced scholarship within specialised areas at the same time as the development of key transferable skills (in IT, communication, and time management) and research techniques. The taught component of the course provides the in-depth knowledge and skills necessary to work in cancer research and is delivered across 2 semesters through lectures, workshops, practicals and 1-to-1 tutorials with ICT staff. You will then join one of our research teams to complete the MSc research project.

Rankings

We are ranked in the top 250 universities in the world for Pharmacy & Pharmacology in the 2019 QS World University Rankings by subject.

Entry requirements

• 2:2 in biological or medical sciences or other areas related to cancer pharmacology.
• Applications are welcome from candidates with non-standard qualifications, who have significant relevant experience.

English language requirements

• IELTS at 6.0 or the equivalent

If you do not meet the IELTS requirement, you can take a University of Bradford pre-sessional English course.

What you will study

The Cancer Pharmacology programme is designed to provide you with ‘state of the art’ learning opportunities in modern cancer pharmacology, focusing on the cancer biology of target and biomarker identification and validation, development of preclinical screening programmes in silico, in vitro and in vivo, mechanisms of anticancer drug action, pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics.

It meets the demands of employers and students at taught postgraduate level and has a strong track record in graduates progressing to employment in the field or PhD study.

Please note that for 2020 entry, the module information is subject to change.

Modules

Core

• Molecular Basis of Cancer and Cancer Therapy (INC7002-B)
• Preclinical Models for Drug Evaluation (INC7001-B)
• Cancer Pharmacology (INC7003-B)
• Cancer Therapeutics Research Project (INC7019-E)

Option

• Critical Appraisal of a Current Topic in Oncology and Toxicology (INC7017-B)
• Practical Skills in Pharmacology Research (INC7018-B)
• Case Studies in Drug Discovery (INC7011-B)
• Experimental Design (BIS7016-B)

Learning and assessment

A wide variety of teaching methods appropriate to the learning outcomes of the individual modules are employed throughout the programme; formal lectures from ICT research/teaching staff and visiting clinicians and industrial researchers, small group workshops and discussions with peers, laboratory practicals, journal clubs, group and one-to-one tutorials, and a large component of individual research. These are supported by the material provided on Blackboard, the virtual learning environment, provided by the University. Students will also attend the Institute of Cancer Therapeutics Research Seminar programme. Self-directed independent learning forms a significant component at the MSc level; students will be supported to develop the attributes and skills needed for life-long learning and continued professional development. Directed private study will involve you in a variety of activities, which include directed reading of selected textbooks and specified source literature, Blackboard (directed Web-based materials), report writing, preparing presentations to deliver to your peers, and other assignments.

Fees, finance and scholarships

Tuition fee

• Home/EU: £8,570 per year
• International: £19,890 per year

Scholarships

Every year we award numerous non-repayable scholarships to UK, EU and international students on the basis of academic excellence, personal circumstances or economic hardship. For full details, visit our scholarships website.

Career support

The University is committed to helping students develop and enhance employability and this is an integral part of many programmes. Specialist support is available throughout the course from Career and Employability Services including help to find part-time work while studying, placements, vacation work and graduate vacancies. Students are encouraged to access this support at an early stage and to use the extensive resources on the Careers website.

Discussing options with specialist advisers helps to clarify plans by exploring options and refining skills of job-hunting. In most of our programmes, there is direct input by Career Development Advisers into the curriculum or through specially arranged workshops.

Career prospects

Many students go on to study for PhDs either at Bradford or elsewhere.

Recent graduates are studying at Dundee, Newcastle and Glasgow universities, and at medical schools in the UK and abroad.

Those in employment are in research and development, clinical research and teaching roles.