msc-oncology msc-oncology

Course Summary

This course aims to inform and equip the practitioner with the necessary skills to function in a modern biomedical/clinical environment specialising in therapeutics for the cancer patient. 

With development of modern technologies the detection and diagnosis of cancer has become more sophisticated. With greater insight into the disease processes comes greater knowledge. This MSc is designed to develop and further your understanding and knowledge of oncology, focusing on up-to-date research and developments in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. The course is aimed at any member of the healthcare team involved with the diagnosis, treatment and care of the patient. 

You will receive training in the skills required in the reading and interpretation of the literature and translating that into evidence-based practice. We aim to develop your research and writing skills so that you will be in a position to contribute to the scientific literature in an effective manner. 

The course culminates in the Research Dissertation, which will be assessed through your production of a research article written in the style of publishable scientific work and a short oral presentation. Options could include literature, data or laboratory-based projects, depending on research interests. 

Successful completion of this MSc course can lead to a range of exciting career and research opportunities, including careers in biomedical or clinical research, medicine, physician associate, PhD study or teaching. 

Find out more about International Scholarships 

 


What you’llStudy

We discuss mechanistic models of tumour formation and how knowledge of the cell biology can inform the treatment of a cancer. Hallmarks and associated biomarkers of cancer and how translational systems are merged with current therapies will be considered by examining the problems associated with some of these measurements.

Module content:

  • The nature of research; scientific methods of enquiry, pure versus applied ways of problem solving. The building blocks of scientific research: types of research (analytical, descriptive, experimental, and qualitative), scientific parlance (hypothesis, concepts, operational definitions, and dependent/independent variables), sampling procedures, and measurement issues (reliability and validity)

  • Research and data collection methods: experimental research (developing hypotheses, variables, control, sample selection, design, validity); descriptive research (questionnaires, correlational studies); qualitative research and methods of obtaining qualitative data and analysing qualitative data

  • Critical appraisal of literature- primary and secondary literature.

  •  Importance of evidence based medicine; identifying a topic area, devising specific questions, discovering what is already known (reviewing the literature), determining feasible ways to answer the questions, including consideration of medical and research ethics and confidentiality


Module aims:

The module aims to equip students with the skills required to source and critically analyse relevant research and to apply the theories of evidence based medicine to evaluate relevant concepts in medicine.    

Module content:

Students will gain an appreciation of aspects of data collection and analysis through lectures , practicals and computer-based sessions covering:

  • The sample – collection, transport, storage 
  • The assay – assay development, method validation, precision, accuracy, specificity, sensitivity
  • Regulatory issues - quality control, SOPs, COSHH, risk assessments 
  • Analysis – recording, raw data presentation, statistical analysis using statistics software, summary data and statistical analysis presentation, reference values, interpretation.

 Students will gain experience of a number techniques of relevance to their programme and may include:

  • Gel electrophoresis & Western blotting
  • Flow cytometry
  • Molecular biology techniques (e.g. PCR)
  • Immunoassays (e.g. ELISA)
  • Histology & microscopy 
  • Culturing methods – cell culture, culturing bacteria
  • Cell counting methods

Module aims:

The module aims to:

  • Develop an understanding of the theories underpinning modern analytical and molecular techniques of relevance to the biomedical and molecular laboratory scientist.
  • Develop a critical appreciation of the uses and limitations of a range of analytical and molecular techniques relevant to the biomedical and molecular sciences through practical experience.
  • Develop skills in collection, analysis, presentation and interpretation of data. 

Module content:

This module is focused on the precision medicine approach, looking systematically at a bigger picture of a patient journey from a presentation to NHS with first symptoms to the treatment protocol passing the diagnostic process.

Students will focus on diseases or elements of the pathology or system of relevance to their programme.


Module aims:

The module aims to provide students with an in-depth knowledge of concepts important to our understanding of patient journey in NHS process. The module will focus on the impact of diagnostical procedures on treatment protocol in different pathologies. 

Module content:

Studies the diagnosis and management of cancer patients. Areas include:

  • The hallmarks of cancer
  • Characteristics of benign and malignant tumours
  • Diagnostic tools
  • Metastasis
  • Cancers of the blood
  • Solid tumour
  • Management of cancer patients

Module aims:

The aim of this module is to give the student a comprehensive understanding of the nature of the different types of cancer and how this knowledge can be used in the diagnosis and determination of the progression from benign to malignant forms.

Module content:

Reviews current guidelines and their evidence base for the treatment of cancer. Areas include:

  • Chemotherapy
  • Radiotherapy
  • Genetic approaches
  • Immunotherapy
  • Personalised medicine in cancer patients

Module aims:

The module aims to give the student a thorough understanding of the strategies available to treat the different types of cancer and the evidence base available to support decision making.

Module content:

 

This module introduces the student to several assessments and consultation tools that are used in different medical specialties. The module will cover:

-       How a diagnosis is made in the clinical setting

-       The science and the art behind medical decision making, including clinical reasoning 

-       The principles of Clinical Audit and Quality Improvement are quality improvement processes that aims to improve patient experience and team performance in different medical specialties 


Module aims:

The module aims to develop high standards in clinical assessment, to a level of best practice according to the available evidence base. Additionally, this module will enable the student to develop the knowledge and skills to evaluate the individual and team performance in clinical settings and compare it with the recommended standards. 

Module content:

On completion of the taught modules, students will have developed their knowledge base and attained a high level of competence in the application, analysis and evaluation of theory and practice. This knowledge and critical skills will have been assessed in all previous assignments, thereby providing students with the opportunity to undertake a research project relevant to their taught programme of study. The dissertation subject will be agreed with an appropriate supervisor and the dissertation module leader (Dissertation Co-ordinator). The subject matter may be related to any area of relevance to the area of study.


Module aims:

1.       To provide the student with an opportunity to investigate a research project of direct relevance to the programme of study and his/her personal interests.

2.       To enable the student to draw on and contribute to the development of the growing body of knowledge in the broad biomedical, clinical and medical science fields.

3.       To present the outcomes of the research performed in the form of a research article in a format ready for submission to a suitable journal and as an oral presentation 

Module content:

  1. Overview of scientific research.
  2. Research and data collection methods.
  3. Ethics in research.
  4. Introduction to statistical analyses software (SPSS and/or other).
  5. Different types of data (nominal, ordinal, continuous [ratio and interval]) to determine an appropriate type of statistical test (parametric vs. nonparametric).
  6. Dependant and independent variables and interpretation of P value.
  7. Selection of appropriate statistical tests on the basis of sample distribution, data type, and study design.
  8. Data analysis for descriptive and experimental data
  9. Calculation of sample size and power.
  10. Interpretation of meta-analysis, survival analysis, hazard ratio, odd ratio and relative risk ratio.
  11. How to develop a research project.

Module aims:

  1. To expose students to the essential elements in the process of conducting sound scientific research.
  2. To develop students’ skills in the key aspects of data handling and statistical analysis in preparation for the planning and completion of the Research Dissertation.

Who you’ll Learn from

Dr Svetlana Mysina

Senior Lecturer
Dr Svetlana Mysina

How you'll Learn

The course consists of taught modules and a Research Dissertation.   

The course will be delivered using face-to-face teaching as well as online learning. Regular support sessions will be held to supplement learning. 

Teaching is primarily delivered by University academic staff. Specialist healthcare professionals and clinical researchers may also contribute to modules where appropriate. 

You will evaluate new developments in research in oncology. 

Entry Requirements

2:2 honours degree

Applicants must hold an appropriate first degree with a minimum of 2:2 honours (e.g. in Medicine, Biomedical Science, Dietetics, Human Biology) or hold appropriate professional qualifications and be able to demonstrate suitable background knowledge and skills. 

Applications are invited from: 

  • those with related undergraduate degrees (e.g. Biomedical Science, Dietetics) or equivalent professional qualifications and background experience 
  • junior doctors 
  • NHS staff 
  • international students with appropriate qualifications 
  • international doctors or healthcare professionals

2:2 honours degree

Applicants must hold an appropriate first degree with a minimum of 2:2 honours (e.g. in Medicine, Biomedical Science, Dietetics, Human Biology) or hold appropriate professional qualifications and be able to demonstrate suitable background knowledge and skills. 

Applications are invited from: 

  • those with related undergraduate degrees (e.g. Biomedical Science, Dietetics) or equivalent professional qualifications and background experience 
  • junior doctors 
  • NHS staff 
  • international students with appropriate qualifications 
  • international doctors or healthcare professionals

English Language Requirements  

For those who do not have IELTS or an acceptable in-country English language qualification, the University of Chester has developed its own online English language test which applicants can take for just £50. 

For more information on our English Language requirements, please visit International Entry Requirements

Where you'll Study Exton Park, Chester

Fees and Funding

£8,505 per year (2024/25)

Guides to the fees for students who wish to commence postgraduate courses in the academic year 2024/25 are available to view on our Postgraduate Taught Programmes Fees page.

£14,750 per year (2024/25)

The tuition fees for international students studying Postgraduate programmes in 2024/25 are £14,750. 

The University of Chester offers generous international and merit-based scholarships for postgraduate study, providing a significant reduction to the published headline tuition fee. You will automatically be considered for these scholarships when your application is reviewed, and any award given will be stated on your offer letter.  

For more information, go to our International Fees, Scholarship and Finance section.

Irish Nationals living in the UK or ROI are treated as Home students for Tuition Fee Purposes.  

Your course will involve additional costs not covered by your tuition fees. This may include books, printing, photocopying, educational stationery and related materials, specialist clothing, travel to placements, optional field trips and software. Compulsory field trips are covered by your tuition fees. 

If you are living away from home during your time at university, you will need to cover costs such as accommodation, food, travel and bills. 

The University of Chester supports fair access for students who may need additional support through a range of bursaries and scholarships.

Full details, as well as terms and conditions for all bursaries and scholarships can be found on the Fees & Finance section of our website.

Your future Career

Careers service

The University has an award-winning Careers and Employability service which provides a variety of employability-enhancing experiences; through the curriculum, through employer contact, tailored group sessions, individual information, advice and guidance.

Careers and Employability aims to deliver a service which is inclusive, impartial, welcoming, informed and tailored to your personal goals and aspirations, to enable you to develop as an individual and contribute to the business and community in which you will live and work.

We are here to help you plan your future, make the most of your time at University and to enhance your employability. We provide access to part-time jobs, extra-curricular employability-enhancing workshops and offer practical one-to-one help with career planning, including help with CVs, applications and mock interviews. We also deliver group sessions on career planning within each course and we have a wide range of extensive information covering graduate jobs .