MSc Oncology

Course overview

The MSc Oncology is designed around the diagnosis, treatment and management of cancer, with a strong emphasis on translational medicine — taking discoveries from laboratory research into clinical practice. The course covers: • Cancer biology and the hallmarks of cancer • Cancer pathophysiology • Cancer diagnosis and prognosis • Biomarkers and diagnostic techniques • Precision medicine • Cancer treatment strategies • Chemotherapy • Radiotherapy • Surgery • Immunotherapy • Targeted therapies • Haematological malignancies • Solid tumours • Evidence-based medicine • Clinical research • Translational medicine • Research methodology • Service improvement • Dissertation/research project The university describes the course as suitable for healthcare professionals, biomedical/life-science graduates and research scientists who want to connect laboratory research with patient care. Teaching includes seminars, lectures, workshops and practical sessions, with occasional live online sessions.

Course details

Degree level

Master's

Duration

1 year

Intake

January 2027

Tuition fee

£15,500 / year

Initial deposit

£1,500 initial deposit is required to proceed with the interview. 100% tuition fee deposit/payment is required to receive the CAS letter.

Country

England

Campus

Exton Park

About this information

The details on this page have not yet been checked against the official course page by our team. Fees, intakes and requirements can change, so always confirm them on the official course page before you apply.

English Language Requirements

Main English Requirements

Alternative English Requirements

Only the tests listed here are shown as accepted for this course.

Entry requirements

For applicants from Pakistan

Chester's Pakistan-specific requirements state that, for postgraduate study, examples of accepted qualifications include: • 4-year BSc/BEng: 55% or GPA 2.2/4.0 or above • 4-year BA/BBA: 65% or GPA 2.4/4.0 or above • MBBS / DPharm / Doctor of Physiotherapy / Dentistry / Veterinary degree: 50% or above • Certain older 2-year Bachelor's + Master's combinations are also accepted at specified grades

General entry requirements

For the MSc Oncology, the university requires an appropriate first degree at minimum 2:2 honours level, or appropriate professional qualifications plus suitable background knowledge and skills. Relevant backgrounds specifically mentioned by Chester include: • Medicine • Biomedical Science • Dietetics • Human Biology • Related undergraduate degrees • Equivalent professional qualifications/experience The course also specifically welcomes: • Junior doctors • NHS staff • International students with appropriate qualifications • International doctors • International healthcare professionals

Scholarships & discounts

PG: Up to £2,250 £1,250 confirmed tuition fee discount Additional £1,000 Merit Scholarship for students with 65% or above UG: Up to £1,000 Merit Scholarship 75% required for Science subjects 80% required for Humanities subjects

Pre-CAS interview

Required

Yes — a Pre-CAS / credibility interview is part of the process

Interview type

On CAS Shield

Stage

After the initial deposit is paid

Format

Recorded interview

Deposit

£1,500

Course modules

The MSc consists of 180 credits in total. Year 1 — Full-time Module · Credits · Status Key Skills in Translational Medicine · 40 · Core Translational Medicine: Bench to Bedside · 20 · Core Clinical Medicine · 20 · Core Oncology · 40 · Core Dissertation: Translational Medicine · 60 · Core Total · 180 Key Skills in Translational Medicine — 40 credits This develops skills in: • Research • Audit • Enterprise • Service development • Research proposal preparation • Translational medicine • Implementation science • Critical reading and writing • Designing research/service-improvement projects Translational Medicine: Bench to Bedside — 20 credits You learn how to: • Formulate research questions • Evaluate scientific evidence • Apply evidence-based medicine • Understand laboratory-to-clinic translation • Assess evidence used in clinical decision-making • Connect research findings with healthcare guidelines and clinical practice Clinical Medicine — 20 credits This module focuses on a precision-medicine approach to the patient's journey, from initial presentation and diagnosis through to treatment. For Oncology students, the clinical content focuses on diseases/pathology relevant to oncology. Oncology — 40 credits This is the main specialist module. It covers: • Hallmarks of cancer • Benign vs malignant tumours • Cancer biomarkers • Cancer diagnosis • Prognosis • Metastasis • Haematological cancers: • Leukaemia • Lymphoma • Myeloma • Solid tumours: • Breast cancer • Lung cancer • Colorectal cancer • Surgery • Chemotherapy • Radiotherapy • Immunotherapy • Targeted therapy • Current and emerging cancer treatments • Complications of cancer • UK standards and clinical guidelines Dissertation: Translational Medicine — 60 credits This is the largest module. You undertake a student-led research project, which can involve: • Primary research • Systematic review • Service improvement You develop skills in: • Research design • Literature searching • Critical appraisal • Qualitative data • Quantitative data • Data analysis • Implementation science • Project management • Research communication and dissemination