The Institute of Cancer Research (ICR), London, is a world-leading higher education institution and a college of the University of London, specialising in research and postgraduate education in cancer. We have a strategic goal to educate and train the next generation of cancer researchers and clinicians.

The purpose of this Charter is to provide a set of expectations through which:

• students commit to actively engage with and contribute to the shaping of both their learning experience and life at the ICR;
• the ICR commits to enabling students to do this, both individually and collectively, and to providing an inclusive and stimulating learning environment.

The Charter does not constitute a legally binding contract. It is reviewed every four years and changes are agreed by the Research Degrees Student Liaison Committee and the Taught Course Student Liaison Committees.

Download the Student Charter (PDF) 

All students (along with all staff and visitors) are responsible for familiarising themselves with, and following, the ICR’s Equality of Opportunity policy.

The ICR's commitments

The ICR will provide:

• a supportive, high-quality learning environment where all students can reach their full potential;
• training in research and transferrable skills, and the opportunity to be consulted about training as appropriate;
• access to activities that enhance employability and personal development including careers support and advice;
• access to library and journal resources;
• academic support in planning your work and regular opportunities to discuss progress with your supervisor or Course Director;
• personal support or welfare advice when necessary, via Course Directors, supervisors, members of the Academic Dean’s Team, or the Registry / MSc Course Team;
• a fair assessment process as outlined in the Code of Practice or Handbook for each degree programme;
• timely consideration of all submitted documentation, with feedback and decisions communicated as quickly as possible;
• opportunities to comment: on the standard of teaching or supervision you receive, on access to the relevant learning resources, and on other issues relevant to student life;
• fair, prompt handling of any complaint or appeal in accordance with the relevant procedure.

The ICR will provide students with the following information:

• accurate and accessible outlines of each programme of study available including details of assessment and progress monitoring, and contact hours for taught course students;
• stipends, fees, payment deadlines, and estimates of necessary additional costs;
• how the ICR ensures teaching or supervision is of appropriate quality and appropriately planned and conducted;
• feedback on all proposals made and concerns raised by students, including details of subsequent decisions or actions taken.

Your commitments

Students will:

• take responsibility for their own learning and development, proactively seeking academic advice and support as required;
• meet expected deadlines and respond promptly to any ICR communications;
• attend induction, prescribed training and classes, laboratory work and supervisory meetings as required;
• provide all necessary documentation for registration (including payment of fees);
• familiarise themselves with and adhere to the requirements and guidance in the Handbooks, Codes of Practice and Regulations;
• abide by all relevant ICR policies, including those around:
  • good research practice,
  • health and safety,
  • the environment,
  • data, and
  • intellectual property;
• provide constructive feedback on their experience and participate in mechanisms (such as surveys and questionnaires) that will lead to improvements in the quality of teaching;
• be proactive in raising any issues or concerns as they arise, with a Course Director, supervisor, a member of the Academic Dean’s Team, a member of Registry staff, or the Student Committee as appropriate;
• act on any feedback received;
• conduct themselves in a professional way and represent the ICR positively when attending conferences or events outside the ICR;
• prepare for assessments in a timely manner and in accordance with requirements.

The Student Committee and all student representatives will:

• attend and contribute to relevant meetings and, so far as possible, seek to represent students as a whole or the relevant sub-group as appropriate;
• communicate to students any student-related business of ICR committees that have student representatives (confidentiality constraints permitting);
• elect student representatives to a range of appropriate roles;
• take measures to remove any barriers to the participation of any student in activities and events where appropriate.

Agreed in 2018 by:

• Academic Dean
• Student President
• Registrar
• Taught Course Student Academic Board Representative

Key contacts

• MSc in Oncology students; [email protected]
• Research degree students: [email protected]