Cancer SciencesMRes

You'll gain the advanced skills needed for PhD study or a successful research career while contributing directly to pioneering research efforts in Birmingham. Through focused modules and a hands-on research project, you'll achieve a deep understanding of cancer research, positioning you at the forefront of this vital field.

Course Structure

This course also hones your skills in experimental design, including proper controls and data analysis, ensuring scientifically sound results.

You'll also explore cutting-edge genetic and epigenetic techniques and advanced cancer models like organoids, which offer deeper insights into cancer biology and drug responses. Additionally, you'll study the cancer microenvironment, key to understanding tumour growth and immune interactions, especially in immunotherapy.

• Projects are generally laboratory-based and provide skills in designing, performing and communicating cancer research.
• A large range of research projects are available and can be on anything from cancer causes and diagnosis to treatment.
• You’ll study alongside cancer clinicians and clinical trial specialists.

The University of Birmingham is also ranked as the first choice for leading graduate employers in the UK.

Study at a major centre for cancer treatment

The University of Birmingham is a major centre for cancer treatment, both adult and paediatric. It’s also home to the West Midlands Genomic Medicine Centre (part of the 100,000 Genomes project), led from University Hospital Birmingham, and has a CRUK Cancer Clinical Trials Unit (CRCTU).

This course consists of three taught module and an extended laboratory-based research project.

• Taught modules – led by leading experts actively involved in cancer research, clinical trials and patient treatment.
• Research project – after consulting with potential supervisors you'll select a 30-week research project. The project will generally be laboratory-based within one of the cancer research groups in the College of Medicine and Health.
• Assessment – Taught modules are assessed by a variety of assessments including essays, presentations, etc. The research project is assessed on the basis of a written 15,000-word thesis that describes the research performed, results, analysis and interpretation. The thesis is assessed by viva.

You'll have the opportunity to study in our Doug Ellis Learning Hub, featuring spacious open study areas where you can access laptops for free.

The modules listed for this programme are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Any optional module information listed for this programme is intended to be indicative, and the availability of optional modules may vary from year to year. Where a module is no longer available, we will let you know as soon as we can and help you to make other choices.

2025/26 Session

The following must be taken:

And a 120 credit research project.

For international students there is an English language requirement of IELTS of 7.0 with no less than 6.5 in any band.

If you are made an offer of a place to study and you do not already meet the language requirement, you have the option to enrol on our English for Academic Purposes Presessional Course. If you successfully complete this, you will be able to fulfil the language requirement without needing to take a further qualification.

English language requirements

If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification.

For this course we require IELTS 7.0 with no less than 6.5 in any band, which is equivalent to:

• TOEFL: 95 overall with no less than 22 in any component
• Pearson Test of English (PTE): Academic 76 with no less than 67 in all four skills
• Cambridge English: C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency - minimum overall score of 185, with no less than 176 in any component
• LanguageCert ESOL SELT (UKVI): C1 'Expert' with no less than 25 in each skill

English Presessional Programmes

Improve your knowledge of spoken and written English in preparation for studying at Birmingham with our pre-sessional English courses. If you have a conditional offer, you can take one of these courses as an alternative to retaking IELTS or other similar qualifications.

We charge an annual tuition fee. Fees for 2025 entry are above.

The fees quoted are for one year only. For those studying courses that are longer than one year, tuition fees will also be payable in subsequent years of your programme.

Paying your tuition fees

Tuition fees can either be paid in full or by instalments. You can check whether you are eligible for UK or international fees with our admissions team.

Learn more about postgraduate tuition fees and funding.

Postgraduate Masters Loan

To help with the cost of studies, this loan is available to all UK students. You can use this loan towards fees, maintenance or other costs at your own discretion. It’s available for all full-time, part-time and distance learning Masters programmes, as long as you don’t already have a Masters qualification (or equivalent).If you’re a student from Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, you can apply for Masters loans from your country’s government.

Scholarships

To help you afford your studies, we’ve put more than £33 million into student support and scholarships. We also offer a range of advice on searching for funding and managing your finances.

Select whether you are a UK student or an international student for relevant application deadlines.

We have put together some helpful information on the taught programme application process and supporting documents. Please read this information carefully before completing your application.

Upon completing the MRes Cancer Sciences programme, you'll gain valuable research and presentation skills that are highly sought after for further postgraduate studies, such as a PhD. These skills will also be relevant for various career paths in the biomedical and health sciences fields.

After graduation, our students have pursued a diverse range of careers, including PhD studies, clinical scientist roles (such as in clinical immunology and regional genetics labs), research technician positions, pharmaceutical industry research, NHS medical laboratory science, medical analysis, e-commerce, and positions within clinical commissioning groups.

Careers Network

Get ready for tomorrow, with advice, guidance and opportunities at every step of your studies. From developing new skills to preparing for a PhD, our Careers Network can help you gain an advantage in the job market or advance in your field.

Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network offers a range of events and support services including networking opportunities, career coaching, one-to-one guidance, careers fairs and links with leading graduate recruiters. We also offer subject-specific careers consultants and a dedicated careers website for international students.

Our bustling campus with its beautiful grounds, friendly community and excellent facilities will quickly make you feel at home. We offer you a huge variety of accommodation options in the UK’s second city, exciting activities to get involved in outside your studies, as well as all the support and advice you need.