For health care professionals from diverse backgrounds who wish to expand their knowledge of theoretical and practical aspects of oncology, this full-time programme is particularly suitable for medical professionals with an interest in clinical, medical, surgical and translational oncology. Unique to this programme is the exciting opportunity to gain clinical observership status and log your hours observing in a UK based hospital.

Aiming to allow you to understand the research process, this programme draws on examples from within this renowned research Institute and its associated Clinical Trials Unit. A key part of the Master's programme is the planning, execution and reporting of a piece of independent study leading to the submission of a dissertation.

At all levels, we aim to encourage interactive rather than didactic learning and lecturing. Therefore, in addition to assembling and learning facts, you will also be encouraged to consider some of the philosophical challenges which underlie the treatment of cancer.

You can opt for a Postgraduate Diploma on completion of the core modules and 30 credits of optional modules, or a Masters on successful completion of the taught programme and an independently researched dissertation.

Why study this course?

Birmingham is a major centre for cancer treatment, both adult and paediatric. It is also home to the West Midlands Genomic Medicine Centre, part of the 100,000 genomes project, led by University Hospital Birmingham and has a CRUK Cancer Centre which was re-established at the University of Birmingham in 2017.

The aim of this programme is to give you a scientific understanding of the cellular basis of cancer. We then discuss how understanding the molecular pathology of the disease can help in stratifying patients to personalised cancer therapeutic approaches and disease management.

This course:

• offers a unique opportunity to undertake a clinical observership in a West Midlands hospital
• is run at the Birmingham Cancer Research UK Centre
• draws on expertise from staff within the Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences and clinical staff from Birmingham Hospitals plus invited speakers from across the country
• will provide overseas full-time students with a unique opportunity to gain clinical observership status and log your hours observing in a UK based hospital
• can contribute towards career development and open up further career progression opportunities
• can be tailored to suit your own interests by selecting your own choice of modules
• has part-time or full-time versions available
• is taught in week-long blocks of study
• meets the training requirements of the FRCR part I exams
• will increase your personal knowledge of the practices and principles of clinical oncology
• will give you the ability to improve the standards of clinical oncology practised at your institute or place of work.

Entry Requirements

Our Standard Requirements

As this programme is focused on professional practice It is essential that you have at least six months of 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 will 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.

The University accepts Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL).

Modules

This one year Master's programme includes 7 taught modules plus a 6-month research project and clinical observer status in a local hospital. The Postgraduate Diploma programme consists of the 7 taught modules spread over 9 months.

The content of the course is broadly divided into two components: the taught modules and the independent research project (dissertation).

Each taught module comprises 30-60 hours of taught classroom-based learning, self-directed learning and an assignment.

You are expected to spend approximately 60 hours of self-directed study doing preparatory and follow-up reading, and completing coursework for each module.

Compulsory Modules

• Cellular and Molecular Basis of Cancer* (20 credits)
• Research Methods and Statistics* (10 credits)
• Molecular Pathology in Stratified Cancer Medicine* (20 credits)
• Cancer Therapy* (20 credits)
• Perioperative management of oncology patients undergoing surgery* (20 credits)
• Dissertation (60 credits)

Optional Modules

• Haemato-oncology* (10 credits)
• Paediatric Oncology* (20 credits) - please note this module has been suspended for the 2020/21 academic year, due to disruption relating to the COVID-19 situation
• Radiation Physics* (20 credits)
• Radiation Biology* (10 credits)
• Palliative Care and Cancer Patients* (20 credits)

*These modules are available on a stand-alone basis. For more details click on the module title.

Careers Support for Postgraduate Students

Careers Network – We can help you get ahead in the job market and develop your career

We recognise that as a postgraduate student you are likely to have specific requirements when it comes to planning for your next career step. Employers expect postgraduates to have a range of skills that exceed their subject knowledge. Careers Network offers a range of events and support services that are designed for all students, including postgraduates looking to find their niche in the job market. The Careers Network also have subject-specific careers consultants and advisers for each College so you can be assured the information you receive will be relevant to your subject area.

Birmingham Masters Scholarships

We are offering over 200 awards of £2,000 to support the brightest and best applicants wishing to undertake Master's study at the University during 2022-23.

The deadline for applications is Saturday 30 April 2022.