MSc in Oncology

The Taught Course in Oncology is a day-release modular programme designed for medically qualified candidates who intend to pursue a professional career in some aspect of clinical or medical oncology, either as a clinical academic or a clinician.

 

This Course will help you develop your career by equipping you with a high-level understanding of the theory and practice of cancer science, of advanced cancer treatment, and the science of cancer research – all to the benefit of cancer patients.

Course essentials

Course modules

Course videos

This Course is for medically qualified candidates who currently work in the NHS (or a similar clinical service provider) and plan to complete Specialist Registrar training;

The Course adopts a modular, credit accumulation model as follows

  • Postgraduate Certificate in Oncology: 60 credits (One academic year – part-time)
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Oncology: 120 credits (Two academic years – part-time)
  • MSc in Oncology: 180 credits (Four academic years – part-time)

The curriculum will equip students in the field of Clinical Oncology to sit the Part 1 and Part 2 examinations for Fellowship of the Royal College of Radiologists (FRCR). However, the course is not specifically designed as a preparatory or revision course for the FRCR exams. For Medical Oncologists, the Course meets the identified need for a theoretical basis to their structured training.

Important to note

Students will be expected to attend in person twice per month.

The MSc course is designed to be taught in person with attendance in Central London. Since the pandemic, the Course has adapted and from March 2022 the Course has been delivered as a hybrid model and will continue to do so for the next academic year. We aim to deliver the more interactive teaching sessions and workshops face-to-face in the classroom, with the remaining 50% being delivered live via Zoom session.

A recent survey of postgraduate taught students (PTES 2024) showed that the ICR is ranked 1st amongst UK higher education providers (107 institutions) for the overall satisfaction that our MSc students have with the quality of their course (96%). The Course also ranked first for both teaching and organisation.

Ranked 1st for overall satisfaction

96% of MSc Oncology students agreed that the course is well organised

98% agreed that our lecturers are good at explaining concepts

Our students also commend the part-time delivery of the course and praise our high standard of teaching:

“It has been really inspirational to get back to formal education and to have formal theoretical basis of my clinical practice explored via the course. This course will definitely support my clinical practice. All of the lecturers have thus far been very good and the standard of lecturers and professors that deliver the teaching is very high.”
"Course run by hard working and dedicated team who always go above and beyond to provide a stimulating learning environment. This has been especially challenging over the past year with the pandemic and I have been amazed at how they have managed to adapt to continue providing high quality teaching."
“Having a dedicated day each week to studying really encourages learning which might otherwise be neglected in busy clinical jobs. I particularly enjoyed the enthusiasm of the lecturers who were experts in their field but took the time to teach us.”
"The amazing Professors, Senior Consultants, experts in their fields that they get to teach each session. Wide range of people and skills but all up-to-date and leaders in their specific area."

Course modules

The course is made up of three elements, Part A, B, and C, each taking one academic year to complete.

Parts A and B are made up of teaching modules which contribute credits towards the overall course mark. Each module ends in a summative assessment - single best answer papers and/or an essay - which you must successfully complete in order to pass the module. Part A focuses on basic cancer science and is normally studied before Part B, which focuses on the clinical aspects of oncology. Exit after Part A will result in you being awarded the Postgraduate Certificate (PCert). Exit after Part B will result in you being awarded the Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip).

Part C is devoted to the research project. However, mandatory teaching sessions also take place approximately once a month throughout the year and consist of masterclasses on various topics timed to coincide with the progress of the project and/or one-to-one tutorials with Part C tutors. Successful completion of Part C results in being awarded the full Master of Science (MSc) degree.

You can read more about each module below.

All taught modules are compulsory. For Cancer Therapies, you must complete two compulsory topics (C) then choose a pathway to follow by selecting one optional topic (O).

Clinical oncologists will be required to take the Advanced Radiation Sciences pathway, while medical oncologists will be required to take the Experimental Cancer Pharmacology route.

1. Cell and Molecular Biology of Cancer (20 credits)

This module will allow you to better understand the molecular and cellular processes underlying the development of cancer, and will enable you to put this knowledge to use in clinical practice.

The topics covered are wide, ranging from the hallmarks and causes of cancer, to tumour genetics and immunology of cancer.

2. Statistics for the Oncologist (10 credits)

This module is designed to help you understand the fundamental statistical principles used in the assessment of cancer epidemiology and treatment.

Taking part in this module will support you in developing the valuable skills used in implementing and assessing new treatments, and will help you learn to critically appraise published papers.

3. Cancer Therapies (30 credits)

The Cancer Therapies module provides you with an introduction to the fundamentals of both Radiation Science and Clinical Pharmacology as treatment options. You will study both these areas initially by taking compulsory module sections in each. You are then given the opportunity to deepen your knowledge in one of the areas by taking one to an advanced level, through an optional pathway choice.

  • Introduction to Radiation Sciences (C)
  • Clinical Pharmacology (C)
  • Advanced Radiation (O)
  • Experimental Cancer Pharmacology (O) 

All taught modules are compulsory. For Cancer Therapies, you must complete two compulsory topics (C) then choose a pathway to follow by selecting one optional topic (O).

Clinical oncologists will be required to take the Advanced Radiation Sciences pathway, while medical oncologists will be required to take the Experimental Cancer Pharmacology route.

1. Cell and Molecular Biology of Cancer (20 credits)

This module will allow you to better understand the molecular and cellular processes underlying the development of cancer, and will enable you to put this knowledge to use in clinical practice.

The topics covered are wide, ranging from the hallmarks and causes of cancer, to tumour genetics and immunology of cancer.

2. Statistics for the Oncologist (10 credits)

This module is designed to help you understand the fundamental statistical principles used in the assessment of cancer epidemiology and treatment.

Taking part in this module will support you in developing the valuable skills used in implementing and assessing new treatments, and will help you learn to critically appraise published papers.

3. Cancer Therapies (30 credits)

The Cancer Therapies module provides you with an introduction to the fundamentals of both Radiation Science and Clinical Pharmacology as treatment options. You will study both these areas initially by taking compulsory module sections in each. You are then given the opportunity to deepen your knowledge in one of the areas by taking one to an advanced level, through an optional pathway choice.

  • Introduction to Radiation Sciences (C)
  • Clinical Pharmacology (C)
  • Advanced Radiation (O)
  • Experimental Cancer Pharmacology (O)

PART B - Clinical Sciences

All taught modules are compulsory. For Cancer Treatments 1 and 2, you will attend lectures on all topics listed, but will then choose to submit your assessments on one topic from the respective module (and at least one assessment must be related to a core topic).

4. Research Methods (10 credits)

This module is designed to give you a fundamental appreciation of the principles of clinical research and the ethics involved in running trials.

You will also be taught about trial design and the appropriate endpoints to choose, as well as developing the skills to interpret results gained in clinical trials, how to write them up into a paper, and how to consider and understand their implications for clinical practice.

5. Cancer Treatments 1 (20 credits)

This module, like its sister module Cancer Treatments 2, is about developing knowledge and critical understanding of a range of common and rarer malignancy types and tumour sites to aid you in your clinical management of cancer.

Core topics:

  • Principles of Genito-Urinary Cancers
  • Principles of Gastro-Intestinal Cancers
  • Gynaecological Malignancy

Specialist topics:

  • Acute Oncology
  • Palliative Care
  • Sarcoma
  • Skin Malignancy
  • HIV Related Malignancy
  • Living with and Beyond Cancer/Survivorship

6. Cancer in Context (10 credits)

This module considers people with cancer, both individually as they experience the disease as well as in a wider social context.

You will consider topics such as the mainstream concepts and practice in cancer care, including ethical and communication issues which may arise.

7. Cancer Treatments 2 (20 credits)

This module, like its sister module Cancer Treatments 1, is about developing knowledge and critical understanding of a range of common and rarer malignancy types and tumour sites to aid you in your clinical management of cancer.

Core topics

  • Breast Cancer
  • Respiratory and Lung Cancer
  • Head and Neck Cancer

Specialist topics

  • Central Nervous System Cancer
  • Lymphoma / Haematological Cancer
  • Cancer Control in Low and Middle Income Countries
  • Paediatric/Teenage/Young Adult Cancer

The aim of Part C is to advance and define your research skills, through designing research methodologies and/or mastering techniques, to develop you as a researcher. The dissertation, and the skills developed while completing it, are the key components that distinguish the MSc from the Postgraduate Diploma.

8. Dissertation (60 credits)

You will develop and demonstrate advanced skills in research methodologies and techniques through undertaking a research-based dissertation, or equivalent, in a clinical setting.

How to apply

Instructions for applying to the MSc in Oncology taught programme

The application deadline is Tuesday 16th September 2025. All MSc Oncology procedural documents including the entry requirements and the admissions policy are found here.
 
Please make sure you meet the entry requirements and read our admissions policy before you apply.
 

Please ensure the following items are included when submitting your application to  [email protected]

  • x2 references – preferably a supervisor or ST6 and above
  • Passport copy
  • Passport sized photo
  • Degree certification (your highest obtained degree and medical degree)
  • CV

Credit transfer and the Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL)

If you wish to transfer accreditation from other courses, please check the entry requirements and refer to section 8 in the ICR's academic regulations.

Please email your completed forms to the MSc team. Word versions of the forms are available from the team, who can also advise on ensuring the email and documents are received securely.

For general enquiries about the MSc in Oncology, please contact us by email or call us on 020 8722 4434 / 020 7153 5386.

FAQs

The MSc Oncology is not specifically designed as a preparatory or revision course for FRCR exams, although it does cover the curriculum needed to sit the Royal College of Radiologists’ Part One and Part Two examinations in Clinical Oncology. Registration for the FRCR exams is the student’s responsibility. You are asked to contact the Royal College of Radiologists for further details.

The course is taught at the ICR’s purpose-built teaching facility at 123 Old Brompton Road.

Fees for the part-time MSc Oncology course can be accessed on the Tuition Fees page.

You would not be discouraged from applying. However, as this is a part-time, one-day-a-week course you might not be eligible for an appropriate study visa. One of the course requirements is that you have a clinical post in the UK for the duration of the course. We are generally unable to accept your application if you do not have such a post, although we are more than happy to discuss your individual application. Unfortunately we cannot provide any funding assistance for overseas students and you will be required to pay your own fees.

No. The MSc Oncology course is a stand-alone discrete course aimed at specialist registrars who are on their UK training rota. It is a part-time, one-day-a-week course.

Entry requirements

The minimum entrance requirements for doctors wishing to register for the PG Cert / PG Dip / MSc Oncology are as follows:

  • Medical qualifications (graduate medical degree)
  • At least 2 years of postgraduate experience in clinical medicine
  • Current registration with the UK GMC
  • All applicants must meet our English language requirements (see link to the ICR Admissions Policy and Procedure)

Evidence of planning a career in clinical or medical oncology (evidence of NTN registration, or evidence of submittal of application to obtain such registration) is desirable, but not essential.

For Physician Associates wishing to register for the PG Cert / PG Dip / MSc Oncology:

  • PG Diploma in Physician Associate Studies (or equivalent), and a degree passed with First Class or Upper Second-Class honours
  • Or an MSc in Physician Associate Studies (or equivalent)
  • Working as a Physician Associate in an oncology environment
  • Current registration on the Physician Associate Managed Voluntary Register (PAMVR)
  • All applicants must meet our English language requirements (see link to the ICR Admissions Policy and Procedure)

Transferring accreditation

Consideration will be given to the Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) up to a maximum of 50% of the overall credits needed for the award outcome aimed for. 

New students will be allowed to accredit a maximum of 30 credits because the first possible exit outcome from the programme is the PG Certificate (60 credits).

Students transferring from other courses with learning equivalent 60 credits may apply to accredit that learning if the exit outcome is the PG Diploma (120 credits).

The ICR will require a detailed description of the prior learning and transcript of the prior learning the applicant wishes to accredit towards the diploma or degree in order to assess equivalence.

The ICR may ask applicants presenting prior learning for accreditation to undertake assessments to test the equivalence of knowledge to that required by the course.

Watch our MSc videos

Oncology registrar, Leroy, is in the second year of his Oncology MSc at the ICR. Here he describes how the basic science informs what he practices at work every day.

Clinical Oncology Registrar, Dr Sooha Kim talks about the exciting and dynamic Oncology MSc course and how she would recommend studying at ICR because of its great reputation.