MRes + PhD in Cancer Biology (part-time)

The MRes in Cancer Biology (part-time) is offered by the Cancer Research UK Cambridge Centre (CRUK CC) as a part-time course incorporating two long research placements with three short periods out of the lab;  an intense taught course in cancer genomics,  ‘Transferable Skills’ sessions and the third short period offering industry shadowing opportunities. There is also a 36 week course (1 lecture per week) covering general principles of cancer biology as well as insight into how cancers that arise at different sites differ.  

The programme aims to introduce clinicians  and non-clinicians to research skills and specialist knowledge as well as a more general grounding in cancer biology. Its main aims are:

to give students with relevant experience the opportunity to carry out focussed research in the discipline under close supervision; and

to give students the opportunity to acquire or develop skills and expertise relevant to their research interests; and

to give students a broad grounding in both the theory of cancer genomic medicine and also more insight into the practicalities of clinical cancer treatment and care. 

Learning Outcomes

Students should leave the MRes in Cancer Biology (part-time) course with an overview of the basic biology of cancer and of diagnosis, treatment and research frontiers across the range of different tumour types covered by the CRUK Cambridge Centre. Students should also obtain a better understanding of the relationship with industry for the treatment of cancer.

By the end of the MRes programme, students will have:

An understanding of the molecular basis of cancer formation.

Insight into clinical issues related to cancer diagnosis, prognosis and treatment.

Experience of research in two different cancer-related laboratories.

Written two research reports describing their research placements.

Written a PhD proposal that will form the basis of their PhD in the CRUK Cambridge Centre, the expected next destination for the vast majority of this MRes cohort.

Continuing

The MRes is a part-time 24-month programme that, upon successfully completing to a satisfactory standard, including submission and examination of a suitable PhD proposal, leads directly on to a three-year PhD.

For continuation from the MRes to a probationary PhD, an overall mark of at least 70% is required across the three pieces of work: two research reports and a PhD proposal.  The PhD proposal and oral defence thereof must be at the level of distinction (75%).

Open Days

The Postgraduate Virtual Open Day usually takes place at the end of October. It’s a great opportunity to ask questions to admissions staff and academics, explore the Colleges virtually, and to find out more about courses, the application process and funding opportunities. Visit the Postgraduate Open Day page for more details.

See further the Postgraduate Admissions Events pages for other events relating to Postgraduate study, including study fairs, visits and international events.