Cancer Biology and Precision Oncology MSc, PgCert, PgDip
The University of Edinburgh
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( 4.2) View reviews

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Qualification

MSc - Master of Science

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Location

Main Campus

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Study mode

Part Time

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Start date

SEP-26

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Duration

3 Years

Course info

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Qualification

MSc - Master of Science

Location

Main Campus

Study mode

Part Time

Start date

SEP-26

Duration

3 Years

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Course info

This new programme will equip students with the knowledge and skills required to tackle the challenges related to cancer diagnosis and treatment in the 21st Century. The programme will integrate an in-depth understanding of the molecular basis of cancer with the knowledge and skills required to rapidly translate this understanding to new personalized treatment protocols and diagnostic tools. Individuals with this dual expertise are essential in the rapidly advancing field of precision oncology. ...Read more

This new programme will equip students with the knowledge and skills required to tackle the challenges related to cancer diagnosis and treatment in the 21st Century. The programme will integrate an in-depth understanding of the molecular basis of cancer with the knowledge and skills required to rapidly translate this understanding to new personalized treatment protocols and diagnostic tools. Individuals with this dual expertise are essential in the rapidly advancing field of precision oncology. Courses will be delivered by expert scientists and clinicians from the world-renowned Edinburgh Medical School. This is a three-year online programme with the option of graduating after: year 1 with a postgraduate certificate (60 credits required) year 2 with a postgraduate diploma (120 credits required) year 3 with a Masters (180 credits required) Year 1 In Year 1, you will study 5 courses: Molecular Biology of Cancer 1: the hallmarks of cancer You will cover the hallmarks of cancer and learn how these influence the aetiology and treatment of the most common cancer types. Precision Oncology I: Multi-omics approaches in oncology You will learn the basics of multi-omic technologies (to explore epigenome, transcriptome, proteome, and metabolome) and be able to demonstrate how these are being used to improve patient outcomes. Core Data Analysis and Presentation Skills in Cancer You will be given an omics dataset and be taught how to analyse the data with statistics in R, bioinformatic analysis, and digital pathology software. You will learn how to present the data to peers and to the public, and how to write reports. Molecular Biology of Cancer 2: tumour host interactions You will explore tumor intrinsic and extrinsic conditions of the host that impact tumor initiation, progression, and therapeutic response. Specifically, you will investigate immune evasion and immunotherapies, the tumour microenvironment, and how metabolic and hormonal changes influence tumour growth. How this knowledge can be harnessed to improve therapies will also be discussed. Precision oncology II: cancer drug discovery and clinical application This course will focus on drug design and mechanism of action from chemistry, phenotypic screening to clinical trials and biomarker identification. You will learn from success stories of local drug discovery and benefit from input from specialist nurses, trial coordinators, and patients. Year 2 You will select six electives from a choice of ten: Cancer vaccine sciences Reproductive tract cancers Comparative oncology and veterinary cancer Epigenomics and cancer Lifestyle, genes, and cancer Infectious causes of cancer Data analysis with R Innovative approaches to health challenges across disciplines Science communication and engagement for practice Fundamentals of cancer with focus on infectious causes Year 3 In your third year, you will undertake an original research project with the support of a dissertation supervisor. The dissertation is an opportunity to further develop your expertise in an area of interest through an independent and original piece of research. You will develop skills in research techniques, analysing data, report writing and presentation. Why Choose this Programme? Study something you are passionate about Cancer related morbidity and mortality are set to increase significantly in the next 20 years. This programme aims to develop practitioners and researchers who are focused on making a significant contribution to reducing the burden of the disease globally.

Key stats

Medicine
  IDP Connect
CUG Subject Ranking
CUG Subject Ranking
Source: Complete University Guide 2026
10th
CUG Ranking
CUG Ranking
Source: Complete University Guide 2026
18th
What students say
SR
Student Reviewer
02 Apr 21

Overall experience this year had been pretty good considering we have been left with only online lectures and seminars could have been better if there was more interaction between..Read more

SR
Student Reviewer
09 Mar 15

The university has a good, welcoming atmosphere. Overall the staff (both academic and non-academic) are very keen to help with any issue and in any way they can. The university..Read more

Modules

Modules (Year 1)
Modules (Year 2)
Modules (Year 3)
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Entry requirements

A UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent, in a biomedical, medical, public health, veterinary or relevant bioscience topic.

We may also consider your application if you have a UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent, in other STEM subjects relevant to precision oncology such as physics, chemistry, statistics, bioinformatics, mathematics or informatics, or if you have 3-5 years of relevant work experience. Please contact the programme team to check before you apply.

Tuition fees

Students living in

Rest of World

£6,370 per year

This information is updated by IDP Connect, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: The fees might vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from International

The amount you'll pay if you come to study here from a country outside the EU.

The amount you'll pay if you come to study here from a country outside the EU.

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Latest reviews

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SR
Student Reviewer
02 Apr 21
Neuroscience
Overall experience this year had been pretty good considering we have been left with only online lectures and seminars could have been better if there was more interaction between...
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SR
Student Reviewer
09 Mar 15
Biological Sciences with Management
The university has a good, welcoming atmosphere. Overall the staff (both academic and non-academic) are very keen to help with any issue and in any way they can. The university...
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Uni info

The University of Edinburgh
Old College, South Bridge Edinburgh EH8 9YL United Kingdom
Nearest train station: Edinburgh Waverley  0.2 miles away
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