With rapid advancements in cancer research, innovative minds are crucial to overcoming remaining challenges. This programme immerses you in every aspect of the field, from understanding cancer pathogenesis to developing cutting-edge therapies.
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.
This course will run over 12 months in a full-time-mode. While the exact content may change, here’s what you can expect to study each term.
Term one consists of three taught modules. These cover general topics in cancer cell biology, and how genomic analysis is applied to translational research for diagnosis and treatment of cancers, and how recent advances in our understanding of cancer immunology have been successfully applied to immunotherapy.
Our modules have a bench to bedside approach, bridging the gap between fundamental research and clinical application. You'll gain insights into how basic discoveries lead to treatment development and why some novel therapies may not succeed.
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.
The University of Birmingham is also ranked as the first choice for leading graduate employers in the UK.
for Medicine in the Complete University Guide (2024)
for Medicine in the Times Higher Education (2024)
in the world for Life Sciences and Medicine (2024 QS World Rankings)
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 programme is available on a full-time basis and consists of lectures, workshops, seminars and laboratory-based research. You can typically expect 14-16 hours of classroom time per week with two or three weeks per module. You’ll learn from world-leading academics and researchers at a top 100 UK university. From the outset we’ll challenge and encourage you to become an independent and self-motivated learner.
This course consists of three taught module and an extended laboratory-based research project.
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 course comprises 60 credits of taught modules. There is also a 120 credit research project.
The modules listed below are an indication only and may be subject to change. Occasionally, it may be necessary to make changes to modules, for example, to ensure they remain current and relevant.
As a research-intensive University, our teaching is informed by the latest academic thinking and expertise of our staff. For more information on the circumstances in which the University may need to make changes to modules, please refer to the Terms and Conditions for applicants.
The following must be taken:
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Cellular and Molecular Basis of Cancer | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Genomics and genome-based therapeutics | 20 | Semester 1 |
And a 120 credit research project.
To gain a place at Birmingham you will need to meet our general entry requirements, as well as those specific to your course. Your application will be reviewed by the course’s Admissions Tutor, who will decide whether your application should receive an offer.
You should have a 2:1 Honours degree in the life sciences or biomedical sciences.
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.
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:
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.
Full-time
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.
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.
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.
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.
To apply for a postgraduate programme, you will need to submit your application and supporting documents online.
Application deadline for UK and non visa requiring applicants. We will close applications as soon as the programme is full. Early applications are encouraged.
Find out how to apply to our postgraduate taught programmes. Please read this information carefully before completing your application.
If you have a question about our admissions process, including how to apply, your offer and how to track your application, please visit our admissions portal.
Make a real difference in cancer research.
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.
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.
Find out why we are the most targeted UK university by top graduate employers (High Fliers report, The Graduate Market 2024) by meeting some of our successful alumni.
At Birmingham, your university experience isn’t just about studying. You will have the opportunity to discover new experiences, develop different skills and make friends for life.
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.
Coming to Birmingham to study might be your first time living away from home. Our student accommodation will allow you to enjoy your independence in safe, welcoming and sociable surroundings.
As one of the original pioneering cities, Birmingham is a melting pot for shopping, food and drink, nightlife, sport, culture, and industry. It’s no wonder our students fall in love with the city.
Whoever you are and wherever you come from, we are committed to providing the best possible support to all of our students so that you can get the most out of your university experience.
Our green and spacious campus is the place where our community comes together to learn, relax and socialise. Like a town of its own, just minutes from the hustle and bustle of the UK’s second city.
Explore our beautiful campus from wherever you are. Get a feel for the wide range of historic and modern spaces and state-of-the-art facilities.
