MSc in Clinical Oncology
Birmingham, United Kingdom
DURATION
1 Years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time, Part time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
Request application deadline *
EARLIEST START DATE
Request earliest startdate
TUITION FEES
GBP 30,840 / per year **
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* UK students I international students (including EU) is 30 June 2024
** for international students I £12,030 UK students
Introduction
For healthcare 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. Our network of University Hospitals provides state-of-the-art oncology treatments driven by innovative trials, multidisciplinary approaches and molecular stratification.
We also offer a part-time version of this programme.
Aiming to allow you to understand the research process, this program draws on examples from within this renowned research Institute and its associated Clinical Trials Unit, one of the largest trial units in the country. 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 under the supervision of leading clinicians and scientists.
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. The programme includes a variety of teaching formats including small workshops, group discussions and problem-based learning.
You can opt for a Postgraduate Diploma on completion of the core modules and 30 credits of optional modules, or a Master's on successful completion of the taught programme and an independently researched dissertation. We are always open to discussing specific training needs, please discuss with the programme lead Dr Gianmarco Contino.
Why study this course?
Birmingham is a major centre for cancer treatment, both adult and pediatric. It is also home to the West Midlands Genomic Medicine Centre, part of the 100,000 genomes project, led by University Hospital Birmingham.
This programme aims 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 personalized cancer therapeutic approaches and disease management.
The programme can be tailored to suit your interests by selecting your own choice of modules. Our programme has helped many students and professionals advance their careers through solid training, incentives to publish research and the support of our scientific network.
This course:
- 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 their hours observing in a UK-based hospital
- Can contribute towards career development and open up further career progression opportunities
- Has part-time or full-time versions available
- Meets the training requirements of the FRCR part I exams
- Will increase your knowledge of the practices and principles of clinical oncology and will give you the ability to improve the standards of clinical oncology practised at your institute or place of work.
Admissions
Curriculum
This one-year master's program includes 7 taught modules plus a 6-month research project and clinical observer status in a local hospital. The Postgraduate Diploma programme consists of 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.
Scholarships and Funding
The University of Birmingham is proud to offer a range of scholarships for our postgraduate teaching and research programs. From cash payments to full tuition fee waivers, we are committed to alleviating financial barriers to support you in taking your next steps.
Our scholarships are intended to support both UK and International students undertaking a postgraduate taught or research program at the University of Birmingham. 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.
Gallery
Career Opportunities
If you are thinking about a career in Clinical Oncology you'll find the Royal College of Radiologists web pages a useful source of information with videos and case studies.
Several MSc Clinical Oncology students have gone on to have papers published based on their dissertations (examples can be found in the links below):
A Systematic Review of Treatments for Relapsed/Refractory Mantle Cell Lymphoma Madeleine Parrott, Prof Simon Rule, Dr Michael Kelleher, Jayne Wilson
Myeloproliferative Neoplasia associated with Splanchnic Vein Thrombosis is correlated with distinct clinical features and low JAK2 V617F Allele Burden Author(s): Wanda Toscano, Jane Bryon, Tamara Khaguli, Stephen Jenkins, Mike Griffiths, Dhiraj Tripathi, Frederick Chen
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. For more information visit the Careers Network website.
Program Tuition Fee
Program delivery
This programme is delivered via one or two 5-day teaching blocks from Monday to Friday, approximately 9 am-5.30 pm. You will participate in a range of teaching styles such as lectures, lectures, small group tutorials, presentations, peer group learning, self-study etc.
You will have access to a comprehensive support system that will assist and encourage you, including personal tutors and welfare tutors who can help with both academic and welfare issues.
Program Admission Requirements
Show your commitment and readiness for Grad school by taking the GRE - the most broadly accepted exam for graduate programs internationally.