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.

For more general information, please visit the Course Essentials page. This gives you an introduction to studying at the ICR and explains the requirements of the MSc programme, drawing your attention to important procedures and regulations.

 

More about modules:  

• Part A - Basic Sciences
• Part B - Clinical Sciences
• Part C - Dissertation

 

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PART A - Basic Sciences

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.

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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.

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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.

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

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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).

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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.

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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 

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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.

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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

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PART C - Dissertation

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.

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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.