The University of Edinburgh – College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine
Cancer Biology and Precision Oncology (Online Learning) MSc, PgCert, PgDip
Online
MSc
DURATION
3 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Part time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
21 Aug 2026
EARLIEST START DATE
14 Sep 2026
TUITION FEES
GBP 6,370 *
STUDY FORMAT
Distance Learning
* estimated tuition for cancer biology and precision oncology MSc, PgCert, PgDip
Key Summary
Do you want to deepen your understanding of cancer biology and transform the field of precision oncology? The MSc in Cancer Biology and Precision Oncology (Online Learning) at the University of Edinburgh gives you the opportunity to explore the latest breakthroughs in oncology, wherever you are in the world.
This innovative programme is one of the only fully online degrees globally to combine the latest in molecular cancer research with real-world applications in precision oncology. Designed for professionals from across the cancer landscape, including clinicians, biomedical scientists, data analysts, and communicators, it equips you with the knowledge and hands-on skills to drive forward cancer research, diagnostics and personalised treatment.
The programme is led by a passionate, research-active academic team based at the Edinburgh Cancer Research Centre. Their commitment to advancing cancer research and education is reflected in a cutting-edge curriculum that integrates the latest developments in cancer biology, precision medicine, and translational science.
You will benefit from interactive online learning through podcasts, live sessions, clinical case studies and group discussions, all designed to fit around your professional life. With a strong focus on practical skills, you will build expertise in data analysis with R, interpreting real-world datasets, and communicating science to diverse audiences, ensuring your learning is immediately applicable in your workplace. A substantial final-year research project is also a strong draw for those aiming to progress to PhD study or further academic work.
Whether you aim to move into cancer research, prepare for a PhD, transition into biotech, or expand your clinical expertise, this programme will give you the tools and confidence to progress your career. You will join a global community of students and experts, united by a mission to improve cancer outcomes through innovative science.
Programme benefits
- Join one of the only online MScs worldwide combining cancer biology and precision oncology, offered by a top-ranked global university.
- Learn from internationally recognised scientists and clinicians at the Edinburgh Cancer Research Centre and build valuable professional connections.
- Gain cutting-edge insights from the latest cancer research, from molecular mechanisms to personalised treatments and real-world applications in care.
- Develop career-ready skills through authentic assessments and a final-year research project, which offer excellent progression to PhD study, research, or leadership roles in oncology.
- Enjoy the flexibility of fully online, part-time study, designed for working professionals anywhere in the world.
By the end of this programme, you will be able to:
- Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the molecular basis of cancer and a critical appreciation of how this understanding is translated to a clinical setting.
- Analyse and critically evaluate complex research outputs and apply creative and inventive thinking to develop appropriate hypothesis/solutions.
- Explain and communicate both basic and clinical cancer research effectively in multiple situations to diverse audiences.
- Apply an innovative and creative approach to problem-solving.
- Plan and lead projects on the molecular and clinical aspects of cancer research with increased confidence in your professional ability.
- Analyse, interpret, and present "big data" using a variety of applications.
This programme is designed to enhance your career prospects and strengthen your ability to apply cutting-edge research to personalised cancer treatment.
The programme may be especially valuable for:
- health professionals working in clinical environments, including:
- hospital doctors
- specialist nurses
- GPs
- veterinarians
- pharmacists
- professionals collaborating with research and development teams who wish to deepen their understanding of how research translates into patient care
- biomedical science graduates working in academic or clinical labs who see this as a stepping stone to a PhD
- professionals in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries seeking to advance in oncology-related roles
- mathematicians, chemists, or physicists looking to transition into cancer research or biomedical science
- pharmaceutical and medical affairs professionals, including those in sales or liaison roles, who regularly engage with scientists and clinicians
Many of our students have achieved significant career progression during the programme, demonstrating the value of combining work and study.
Further study
After completing this programme, you may wish to consider applying for a PhD or other research programme.
By the end of this programme, you will have built a strong foundation in cancer biology and precision oncology. You will understand the molecular mechanisms of cancer progression, tumour–immune system interactions, and how emerging multi-omic technologies are transforming personalised cancer care. You will also gain practical skills in data analysis using R, alongside key competencies in experimental design and science communication.
The compulsory modules prepare you to critically evaluate research, translate scientific advances into clinical practice, and effectively present complex findings to varied audiences. These skills are essential for careers in cancer research, oncology, healthcare, and the wider biomedical and life sciences sectors.
Year 1
In Year 1, you will take five compulsory courses.
- Molecular Biology of Cancer I and II: You will develop a critical understanding of the key drivers of cancer initiation and progression. You will explore the complexities of tumour–host interactions, with a particular focus on the role of the immune system, and examine how advances in these areas are leading to more effective and targeted cancer treatments.
- Precision Oncology I and II: You will learn the principles, theories, and concepts behind multi-omic technologies, and how advancements at the bench are translated into clinical benefit. Local success stories are used to illustrate the real-world impact of precision medicine and to highlight how research can directly inform and improve patient care.
- Core Data Analysis and Presentation Skills: You will gain hands-on experience using the R programming language and develop a strong foundation in experimental design. The course also introduces key principles of science communication, helping you learn how to present complex research clearly and effectively to a public audience.
Year 2
In Year 2, you will choose up to six option courses from a list of 12 courses, allowing you to specialise in areas that align with your interests and career goals.
Option courses include:
- Cancer Vaccine Sciences
- Reproductive Tract Cancers
- Comparative Oncology and Veterinary Cancer
- Epigenetics and Cancer
- Lifestyle, Genes and Cancer
- Cancer Stem Cells
- Science Communication and Engagement for Practice
- Fundamentals of Cancer with Focus on Infectious Causes
- Data Analysis with R
- Radiobiology
- Human Genetic Disease: From Mutations to Therapy
Year 3
In Year 3, you will complete a dissertation based on either an original data analysis project, a comprehensive literature review, or the analysis of clinical data. For data-driven dissertations, you will choose from a list of projects provided by researchers at the Edinburgh Cancer Research Centre, offering the opportunity to contribute to real-world cancer research.
Throughout the programme, you will learn to apply knowledge from a range of discipline-specific sources to develop original, evidence-based hypotheses. You will gain experience communicating with diverse audiences, including peers, researchers, and the public.
Funding for postgraduate study is different to undergraduate study, and many students need to combine funding sources to pay for their studies.
Most students use a combination of the following funding to pay their tuition fees and living costs:
- Borrowing money
- Taking out a loan
- Family support
- Personal savings
- Income from work
- Employer sponsorship
UK government postgraduate loans
If you live in the UK, you may be eligible for a postgraduate loan for online study from one of the UK’s governments.
If you intend to apply for a UK government loan you should apply for the 3-year Masters option.
Study options
This fully online programme is designed to be taken part-time over three years with the option of graduating after:
- Year 1 with a Postgraduate Certificate (60 credits)
- Year 2 with a Postgraduate Diploma (120 credits)
- Year 3 with a Master's (180 credits)
How online learning works
Online programmes are delivered through the University's Virtual Learning Environment, LEARN. Our award-winning, online learning technology is fully interactive, and enables you to communicate with our highly qualified teaching staff from the comfort of your own home or workplace.
Our online students not only have access to the University of Edinburgh’s excellent resources, but also become part of a supportive online community, bringing together students and tutors from around the world.
Time commitment
This programme is designed to be fully flexible to fit around your schedule. You can study in your own time and access all your learning resources, such as reading lists, discussion forms and slides from anywhere in the world.
If there are live online sessions, you can watch a recording later in the virtual learning environment at a time convenient to you.
Typically, you will need to dedicate around 10 to 20 hours per week to your programme although managing this is up to you. This may also vary from course to course, and the time commitment may increase when assignments are due.