MSc (Res) in Cancer Medicine
Belfast, United Kingdom
DURATION
1 Years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
Request application deadline
EARLIEST START DATE
Sep 2025
TUITION FEES
GBP 25,800 *
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* EU and international student
Introduction
The MSc(Res) in Cancer Medicine will provide students with new knowledge of how precision medicine can improve and shape future healthcare. Students will gain hands-on experience with molecular techniques and the equipment/devices used in a modern molecular laboratory; the course will provide training in laboratory and research skills that are applicable across multiple scientific disciplines in a supportive learning environment. Central to this research-intensive program is a 24-week Research Project (which runs throughout both semesters) where students undertake hands-on research training within active research teams. Through taught modules, students will be able to evaluate how novel therapeutic approaches can be used to stratify patients into treatment groups for better clinical management (stratified / precision medicine). They will observe the delivery of precision medicine through tours of the Northern Ireland Cancer Centre.
There are optional modules in the second semester that allow students to explore the fundamental principles of carcinogenesis and the translational approaches (including cutting-edge technologies) which allow cancer scientists and clinicians to advance our understanding and treatment of cancers.
The Precision Cancer Medicine stream provides a comprehensive overview of the current understanding of the hallmarks of cancer from the role of genetic/epigenetic alterations, cell cycle control, and metastases/angiogenesis to the development of applications to help diagnose cancers earlier, improve treatments, rationally design clinical trials and reduce chemotherapy drug resistance.
The Radiation Oncology stream will develop skills in understanding the biological principles of radiotherapy and its clinical applications in the treatment of cancer. This will include the physical and chemical basis of radiation interactions and the biological consequences of radiation exposure. Clinical aspects of Radiation Oncology will be covered including the principle of advanced radiotherapy delivery, cancer imaging techniques, and biomarker discovery.
The Oncology Drug Discovery stream will give an insight into both academic and biotech drug development. The course will provide an understanding of what makes an interesting anti-cancer drug target and how, as researchers, we validate this target for clinical use. In addition, you will also gain an understanding of the different drug development platforms that are currently employed for hit identification, hit-to-lead development, and pre-clinical candidate selection.
Importantly, all streams show how our improved understanding of the molecular processes driving cancer growth and spread can be translated through research-intensive MSc projects to improve the treatment and survival of cancer patients.
Applicants are advised to apply as early as possible and ideally no later than 31st July 2023 for courses that commence in late September. If any program receives a high number of applications, the University reserves the right to close the application portal. Notifications to this effect will appear on the Direct Application Portal against the program application page.
Please note a deposit will be required to guarantee a place on the course. Due to high demand, applications may not be considered if the course has reached its maximum class size and will be placed on a waiting list. Please see the deposit terms and conditions for more details.
Cancer Medicine Highlights
- Industry Links
- World Class Facilities
- Internationally Renowned Experts
Admissions
Curriculum
Semester 1
- SCM8096 Research Translational: from Concept to Commercialisation (Full Year) – 20 CATS
- SCM8144 Diagnosis and Treatment of Cancer (Semester 1) – 10 CATS
- SCM8065 Cancer Biology (Semester 1) – 10 CATS
Semester 2
- SCM8142 Cancer Genetics & Genomics – 10 CATS
- SCM8066 Translational Cancer Medicine – 1O CATS
Full Year modules
- SCM8067 Research Project – 60 CATS
- SCM8068 Dissertation – 60 CATS
Assessment
Introduction
Assessment is by a combination of oral presentations and written assignments. The research project is written up as a dissertation.
Program Tuition Fee
Scholarships and Funding
We offer prestigious, competitive scholarships of up to 50% off tuition fees to new international students. You must have an offer to study a full-time course with us in 2024 to apply for a scholarship.
Career Opportunities
This program will equip you with the skills to work in a translational medicine setting in an academic or hospital environment and the biotech/ pharmaceutical industries. You will gain an insight into the financial, management, and entrepreneurial aspects of translational research, so you may end up working in the industry or potentially initiating a spin-out company of your own. You will also be able, should you wish, to progress to a Ph.D. in a biomedical discipline.
Queen's postgraduates reap exceptional benefits. Unique initiatives, such as Degree Plus and Researcher Plus bolster our commitment to employability, while innovative leadership and executive programs alongside sterling integration with business experts help our students gain key leadership positions both nationally and internationally. In addition to the comprehensive training offered by this Master's program, the Graduate School at QUB offers a range of supplementary courses ranging from Project Management and Leadership qualifications to the development of personal proficiencies such as Academic Writing and Presentation skills.
Employment after the Course
As this is a research-intensive degree many of our students go on to pursue further Ph.D. studies in healthcare research within the Institute of Health Sciences here at Queen's and further afield at other academic institutions. Others go on to work in a wide variety of roles in both the private and public sectors here in Northern Ireland and internationally. The following are some of the jobs they have taken on:
- Scientist, Randox
- Research Assistant Curtin University, Perth, Australia
- Assistant Peer Review Officer- BBSRC
- Project Coordinator Almac Group
- Research Project Coordinator, Almac Diagnostics
- Graduate Software Engineer BT TSO
Graduate Plus/Future Ready Award for extra-curricular skills
In addition to your degree programme, at Queen's you can have the opportunity to gain wider life, academic and employability skills. For example, placements, voluntary work, clubs, societies, sports, and lots more. So not only do you graduate with a degree recognized by a world-leading university, but you'll also have practical national and international experience plus a wider exposure to life overall. We call this the Graduate Plus/Future Ready Award. It's what makes studying at Queen's University Belfast special.
Program delivery
Teaching Times
Teaching will be scheduled any time between 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Learning and Teaching
Learning opportunities associated with this course are outlined below:
Introduction
At Queen’s, we aim to deliver a high-quality learning environment that embeds intellectual curiosity, innovation and best practices in learning, teaching and student support to enable students to achieve their full academic potential.
In this course, we do this by providing a range of learning experiences which enable our students to engage with subject experts and develop attributes and perspectives that will equip them for life and work that enhances their development as independent, lifelong learners.
Class times vary throughout morning and afternoon, and through a combination of course lectures, practical experiences and Self-directed study to enhance employability.
Students perform their research project throughout the programme, which may necessitate working (under supervision) at out-of-hours times, including weekends.
Program Admission Requirements
Show your commitment and readiness for Grad school by taking the GRE - the most broadly accepted exam for graduate programs internationally.