Course details
- Full-time: 12 months
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The Cancer Biology and Therapy MSc will provide you with a high level understanding of the theory and practice of cancer research and how to connect cancer-related biomedical research with clinical applications.
The city of Liverpool is a centre for excellence in cancer care. This, coupled with the University’s strong links with the new Clatterbridge Cancer Centre, makes it the perfect place to hone your knowledge and skills in this area. You will be taught by both internationally renowned biomedical scientists and clinicians in practice, providing in-depth scientific knowledge of the molecular mechanisms driving different cancer diseases and their relevance to clinical treatment options.
The core element of the programme covers a wide spectrum of research activities, starting from the identification of novel targets, through their validation in pre-clinical tumour models, and ultimately their validation in early phase clinical trials.
Our “bench to bedside” approach will enable you to work within a multidisciplinary environment of world leading scientists and cancer specialists to address the latest challenges in cancer research.
As part of this programme you will have the opportunity to join a cancer research team and pursue a research project where you will be exposed to the latest cutting edge technologies used for cancer research.
Please note that this programme is suitable for intercalating medical students.
This master’s is for graduates from a Biomedical Sciences background who want to pursue a career in cancer research.
Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.
This module will prepare students for their MSc research project. Students will work under the guidance of their research project supervisor to acquire the knowledge and skills they will need for their MSc research project. Students will work in collaboration with their supervisor to identify skills and knowledge essential for their MSc research project and to devise a plan of work to address these. Students are expected to work independently through their plan of work, with guidance provided by their supervisor at regular meetings. Students will create a reflective portfolio of work which will highlight how and where the skills have been developed. Students will perform a literature search and write a literature review based on their project area, as well as write a grant proposal. Upon completion of this module, students will progress on to their MSc research project module.
Modern biotechnology and bioimaging applies novel tools and approaches to address today’s global challenges.
You will learn a variety of methods in mammalian cell biotechnology as well as imaging technologies that range from the microscopic scale to cellular and organ imaging in vivo. You will develop knowledge of a diversity of cell analysis techniques. Furthermore, the use of reporter genes for various types of imaging will be explained, including imaging technologies for cell analysis on the microscopic level as well as for cell imaging and functional analysis in animal models of disease.
The lectures will convey basic knowledge and include examples of applications from actual research publications, or the lecturer’s own research work, in equal measure. The students will have learning tutorials on critical appraisal of literature. There will also be a practical workshop on contemporary microscopy.
The module will be taught through a combination of lectures, workshops and practical exercises. There are two written assessments in this module.
Data skills are essential for a career in modern biology. Biological studies increasingly involve the generation of large or complex sets of data, and the ability to analyse data is a core component of a successful biologist’s skill set. Digital fluency is also required more widely outside biological research and a grounding in data analysis is in demand by a broad range of employers. Here you will learn the ability to visualise data, critically test hypotheses, and to interpret and present results.
The learning and teaching materials are delivered as an online set of resources (available through Canvas) coupled with computer-based practical workshops. The module will also introduce students to the powerful open access statistical software package, R.
The module will be assessed by a written data analysis report and an open-book exam
For any students studying off-campus – due to a placement in industry or studying at an overseas University – on-line drop-in sessions will be provided instead of the practical workshops.
Bioinformatics is a key skill needed in many research settings. This module gives students a theoretical and technical grounding in a range of application areas including bioinformatics-related topics such as sequence analysis, phylogenetics, and the modelling of proteins, and others. While lectures are provided on core topics, there is a strong emphasis on practical exercises to demonstrate the application of common tools and data sources in these contexts. Teaching is delivered in the form of a weekly lecture and workshops. Students will be given guided reading and online activities to support their learning. The module will be assessed by two coursework assessments. The assessments will allow students to demonstrate their understanding of the tools used in workshops and interpretation of results.
This module will prepare students for their MSc research project. Students will work under the guidance of their research project supervisor to acquire the knowledge and skills they will need for their MSc research project. Students will work in collaboration with their supervisor to identify skills and knowledge essential for their MSc research project and to devise a plan of work to address these. Students are expected to work independently through their plan of work, with guidance provided by their supervisor at regular meetings. Students will create a reflective portfolio of work which will highlight how and where the skills have been developed. Students will perform a literature search and write a literature review based on their project area, as well as write a grant proposal. Upon completion of this module, students will progress on to their MSc research project module.
The module will address three main topics: hallmarks of cancer, cancer diagnosis and biomarkers, and cancer therapies & current challenges. These topics will be taught using various cancer models that have been selected based on the expertise at the University of Liverpool and to illustrate research, diagnostic and therapeutic problems.
This module will be taught by both scientists and clinicians who are experts in cancer research. The module will be taught through a combination of lectures, seminars, case-based learning tutorials and workshops. The lectures will convey basic knowledge and include examples of applications from actual research publications and the lecturer’s own research work.
The students will take part in case-based learning tutorials on critical appraisal of scientific seminars provided by cancer researchers. Workshops will cover literature search, referencing, and preparation of oral scientific presentations in preparation for the final assignment which is a conference style talk. A practical workshop will also cover tumour pathology and will train students in the identification and interpretation of tumour biopsies.
The module will be assessed via two assessments. The first assessment consists of a seminar report, based on a pre-recorded seminar provided by a cancer researcher. The final assessment will be an oral presentation, in which students will be required to give a conference-style lecture on an emerging cancer research topic related to one of the lectures and provide an abstract of their presentation.
Clinical trials are the key final step to translate medical research into the benefit of patients. The Liverpool Clinical Trials Unit is one of the largest in the UK, running a wide variety of surgical and oncology studies, that range from phase I studies to large, practice-changing phase III studies, as well as more novel trial designs. Since new therapies have become available in the treatment of cancer, the methods used in clinical trials have also evolved. The module in Cancer Clinical Trials is aimed at developing the knowledge and understanding of decisions affecting the design, delivery and assessment of clinical trials. This module will be taught by clinicians, researchers, statisticians and trial methodologists at the Liverpool Trials Unit, and cover fundamentals of clinical trials and designs, as well as the challenges that arise at each of these strategies. The module in Cancer Clinical Trials is ideal for current in-service health professionals looking to broaden their role in the design, management, analysis and reporting of clinical trials. It is also suited to those wishing to gain an understanding of clinical trials. The module will be taught through a combination of lectures, case-based learning tutorials and workshops, and assessed via a poster presentation and a written assessment, involving the design of a clinical trial.
With the advent of genomics and functional genomics, biology has become a quantitative data-rich discipline. This has created unprecedented opportunities in virtually every area of life sciences. With the right tools, it is now possible to address fundamentally important biological questions simply analysing already available datasets. This module is designed to prepare students for this very challenge. The module covers the most important aspects of computational biology. These range from the analysis of large datasets to infer biological mechanisms to the use of mathematical modelling to conceptualize and simulate complex biological phenomena. In addition to providing an intuitive overview of the basic theoretical principles, the module will focus on real life applications through multiple cases studies. Among these, students will learn how to identify drug targets and mechanisms of drug resistance and how to understand mathematical models of biological systems. They will then learn aspects of quantitative system pharmacology and physiologically based pharmacokinetic modelling pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic modelling.
The module will be taught through a combination of lectures, workshops and seminars. The module will be assessed via two written reports.
In this module students will work on a research project in their chosen area of study under the supervision of a project supervisor. Students are expected to work independently, with guidance provided by their supervisor. Students will create a plan of work at the start of the project, and will present their work orally, as well as write a final project report. Students will also be assessed on their approach and technique during the project. Students will defend their work in a viva at the end of the module. This module will give students experience in conducting their own independent research project, and the presentation of this work through oral and written formats.
You will experience a range of teaching and learning methods, including lectures, seminars, workshops, group discussion and e-learning.
Programme modules encourage individual and group work where you will tackle problems by developing ideas and hypotheses, design learning strategies to solve problems, and then analyse and interpret your findings.
Course material is available 24-hours a day on Canvas, our online learning platform. One-to-one meetings with your research supervisor will allow you to discuss science, develop your critical thinking and creativity through an ongoing feedback model.
Your master research project provides a full academic research experience, including the planning, execution and communication of scientific research.
Assessment of knowledge and understanding, practical skills and transferrable skills is through a blended mix of coursework that may include practical and project reports, essays, completion of workbooks, talks, data handling sessions and posters.
All modules will provide you with feedback on your learning progress and allow for adjustment of your learning. Electronic resources available on the University virtual learning environment support learning and teaching.
We have a distinctive approach to education, the Liverpool Curriculum Framework, which focuses on research-connected teaching, active learning, and authentic assessment to ensure our students graduate as digitally fluent and confident global citizens.
Studying with us means you can tailor your degree to suit you. Here's what is available on this course.
As a Cancer Biology and Therapy student, you will benefit from the School of Biosciences experience in delivering dynamic, world-class, inspirational research-led teaching. We are a melting-pot for the study of the biological sciences, and have been for over 140 years.
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The Cancer Biology and Therapy MSc will provide you with the necessary knowledge and skills to become a professional scientist in the area of cancer research.
If you’re committed to a career as a research scientist, this programme will enable your to continue your studies to PhD level and go on to apply for research posts in academia or industry. Similarly, it’ll allow you to apply for management posts in clinical trial units.
In the public sector, researchers are in demand in research institutes, government departments, the Health Service, forensic science and the Environment Agency.
The MSc Cancer Biology and Therapy prepares you for a diversity of job opportunities in the public and private sector. Potential career pathways include, but are not limited to, the roles of:
Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.
UK fees (applies to Channel Islands, Isle of Man and Republic of Ireland) | |
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Full-time place, per year | £12,400 |
International fees | |
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Full-time place, per year | £26,400 |
Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support.
If you're a UK national, or have settled status in the UK, you may be eligible to apply for a Postgraduate Loan worth up to £12,167 to help with course fees and living costs. Learn more about paying for your studies..
We understand that budgeting for your time at university is important, and we want to make sure you understand any course-related costs that are not covered by your tuition fee. This could include buying a laptop, books, or stationery.
Find out more about the additional study costs that may apply to this course.
We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries that could help pay your tuition and living expenses.
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The qualifications and exam results you'll need to apply for this course.
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Your qualification | Requirements |
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Postgraduate entry requirements |
Normally, at least a 2.1 Honours degree in a Biological Sciences subject or equivalent. Candidates must have a scientific background acceptable to the Programme Director. We are able to offer a level of flexibility for applicants. Those with a 2:2 honours degree will be considered on an individual basis. |
International qualifications |
If you hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, but don’t meet our entry requirements, a Pre-Master’s can help you gain a place. This specialist preparation course for postgraduate study is offered on campus at the University of Liverpool International College, in partnership with Kaplan International Pathways. Although there’s no direct Pre-Master’s route to this MSc, completing a Pre-Master’s pathway can guarantee you a place on many other postgraduate courses at The University of Liverpool. |
You'll need to demonstrate competence in the use of English language, unless you’re from a majority English speaking country.
We accept a variety of international language tests and country-specific qualifications.
International applicants who do not meet the minimum required standard of English language can complete one of our Pre-Sessional English courses to achieve the required level.
English language qualification | Requirements |
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IELTS | 6.5 overall, with no component below 6.0 |
TOEFL iBT | 88 overall, with minimum scores of listening 19, writing 19, reading 19 and speaking 20 |
Duolingo English Test | 120 overall, with no component below 105 |
Pearson PTE Academic | 61 overall, with no component below 59 |
LanguageCert Academic | 70 overall, with no skill below 65 |
PSI Skills for English | B2 Pass with Merit in all bands |
INDIA Standard XII | National Curriculum (CBSE/ISC) - 75% and above in English. Accepted State Boards - 80% and above in English. |
WAEC | C6 or above |
Do you need to complete a Pre-Sessional English course to meet the English language requirements for this course?
The length of Pre-Sessional English course you’ll need to take depends on your current level of English language ability.
Find out the length of Pre-Sessional English course you may require for this degree.
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Liverpool bursts with diversity and creativity which makes it ideal for you to undertake your postgraduate studies and access various opportunities for you and your family.
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Last updated 30 September 2024 / / Programme terms and conditions