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Course overview
Expand your knowledge of theoretical and practical aspects of oncology! Take advantage of our network of University Hospitals, which offer cutting-edge oncology treatments. These treatments are driven by innovative clinical trials, a multidisciplinary approach, and advanced molecular stratification techniques.
Our programme is designed for medical professionals with an interest in clinical, medical, surgical and translational oncology.
You'll gain insights into the research process through examples from our renowned research department and its associated Clinical Trials Unit, one of the largest in the country.
The taught clinical content is fantastic, engaging, relevant and varied. This programme at University of Birmingham is well structured and contained everything I was looking to learn clinically.
Course Structure
This course will run over two and a half years, part-time, with intakes in February and October. While the exact content may change, here’s what you can expect to study each year.
Course highlights
What makes this course different?
Our exciting programme provides a scientific understanding of cancer’s cellular basis and how molecular pathology can aid in personalised cancer therapy and disease management. Enhance your expertise in clinical oncology and elevate the standards of care at your workplace.You can also customise the programme by selecting modules that match your own interests.
- Learn from experts within the Department of Cancer and Genomic Sciences and clinical staff from Birmingham Hospitals.
- Meet the training requirements of the FRCR part I exams.
- Hear from invited speakers from across the country.
- Block weeks of teaching to allow for flexible learning.
- 68th
in the world for Life Sciences and Medicine (2024 QS World Rankings)
- Top-100
global univeristy (2024 QS World Rankings)
Birmingham is a major centre for both adult and paediatric cancer treatment and is home to the West Midlands Genomic Medicine Centre, a key player in the groundbreaking 100,000 genomes project led by University Hospital Birmingham.
Course delivery
The Clinical Oncology MSc programme is available both full-time and part-time. 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 seven taught modules plus a research project.
- Taught modules – these include lectures, small group tutorials and group discussions.
- Research project – this will be on a topic of your choice and you’ll be under the supervision of leading clinicians and scientists.
- Assessments – these will include written assignments, presentations and unseen exams.
Module information
This programme comprises 120 credits of taught material and a 60 credit research project.
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.
Year: 1
2025/26 Session
The following must be taken:
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| Cellular and Molecular Basis of Cancer | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Cancer Therapy | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Molecular Pathology in Stratified Cancer Medicine | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Perioperative Management of oncology patients undergoing surgery | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Research Methods and Statistics (Cancer) | 10 | Semester 1 |
Choose 30 credits of modules from the following, unless you are a FRCR student, in which case Radiation Physics and Radiobiology are compulsory. Students can also choose to do modules from other MSc programmes within CMDS (such as 26723 - Evidence Basis and Systematic Review or 33207 - Early Clinical Trials).
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| Haemato-Oncology | 10 | Semester 2 |
| Paediatric Oncology | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Palliative Care of Cancer Patients | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Radiation Biology | 10 | Semester 1 |
| Radiation Physics | 20 | Semester 2 |
Year: 2
2026/27 Session
The following must be taken:
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| Cellular and Molecular Basis of Cancer | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Clinical Oncology Dissertation | 60 | Semester 2 |
| Cancer Therapy | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Molecular Pathology in Stratified Cancer Medicine | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Perioperative Management of oncology patients undergoing surgery | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Research Methods and Statistics (Cancer) | 10 | Semester 1 |
Choose 30 credits of modules from the following, unless you are a FRCR student, in which case Radiation Physics and Radiobiology are compulsory. Students can also choose to do modules from other MSc programmes within CMDS (such as 26723 - Evidence Basis and Systematic Review or 33207 - Early Clinical Trials).
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| Haemato-Oncology | 10 | Semester 2 |
| Paediatric Oncology | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Palliative Care of Cancer Patients | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Radiation Biology | 10 | Semester 1 |
| Radiation Physics | 20 | Semester 2 |
Entry requirements
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.
- 2:2 Honours degree
in medicine, radiography, pharmacy or other relevant subject.
Other Entry Requirements
As this programme is focused around professional practice it’s essential that you have at least six months experience working in an oncology environment. This may include experience in medicine, surgery, pharmacy and the pharmaceutical industry, nursing, radiography, clinical trials, and other related disciplines.
You'll also need an undergraduate degree in a suitable subject. This could include, but is not restricted to, the following fields: medicine, radiography, pharmacy, or relevant and equivalent experience/professional qualifications.
12 months of sufficient exposure or work experience in clinical oncology.
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 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band, which is equivalent to:
- TOEFL: 88 overall with no less than 21 in Reading, 20 Listening, 22 Speaking and 21 in Writing
- Pearson Test of English (PTE): Academic 67 with no less than 64 in all four skills
- Cambridge English: C1 Advanced - minimum overall score of 176, with no less than 169 in any component
- LanguageCert ESOL SELT (UKVI): B2 'Communicator' with no less than 33 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.
Fees and scholarships
- £5,450
Part-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 over two or more years, 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.
Birmingham Masters Scholarships
We want to welcome the brightest talent to our postgraduate community. That’s why our Birmingham Masters Scholarships award £3,000 to more than 300 students each year.
Application process
To apply for a postgraduate programme, you will need to submit your application and supporting documents online.
Select whether you are a UK student or an international student for relevant application deadlines.
- 31 August 2025
Application deadline for UK and non-tier 4 applicants. We will close applications as soon as the programme is full. Early applications are encouraged.
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.
Career opportunities
Our programme has significantly supported health care professionals from various backgrounds, including medical and oncology trainees, nurses, pharmacists, radiographers, veterinarians, and clinical trial coordinators. Being a clinical oncologist is demanding, but your skills and expertise will greatly impact your patients' lives, making it an immensely rewarding career. After graduation, you could specialise in specific cancers, teach medical or postgraduate students, or engage in research within universities, the NHS, or the private sector. Many of our graduates have published papers based on their dissertations.
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.
Student experience
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.
Accommodation
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.
Living in Birmingham
As one of the original pioneering cities, Birmingham has developed into 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.
Campus life
Our green and spacious campus is the place where our diverse 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.
Student support
Whoever you are and wherever you come from, we are committed to providing the best possible support to all of our students, both before you start and throughout your time on campus, so that you can get the most out of your university experience.