Program Overview

Cancer Cell and Molecular Biology MSc

Course Description

Discoveries in cell and molecular biology underpin most of what is known about the development of cancer. Analysis of alterations in diverse cell functions including cell communication, cell division, cell metabolism, cell movement, genetic modifications and changes in gene expression are central to our understanding of the disease and ultimately its treatment. This full-time postgraduate degree will provide you with cutting-edge knowledge and practical training in those aspects of molecular and cell biology which are required to understand the current approaches to cancer research.

Entry Requirements

• 2:2 degree (or equivalent) in Biological Sciences or related subject.
• We will also consider appropriate experience in industry.
• IELTS 6.5 or equivalent. If your first language is not English, you may need to provide evidence of your English language ability.
• International Qualifications: Find your country in this list to check equivalent qualifications, scholarships and additional requirements.

Fees and Funding

• UK Students: £10,950 (starting in January 2026)
• International Students: £23,650 (starting in January 2026)
• 20% alumni discount
• International student information
• Government Postgraduate Loan: Find out if you’re eligible.

Careers and Employability

• International students who study at the University of Leicester may be eligible for a Graduate Visa which grants permission to stay in the UK for at least 2 years after successful completion of their course.
• The research training you receive and the research project you conduct will provide you with skills that PhD supervisors and employers value highly when recruiting their postgraduate research students from around the world.

Course Structure

Modules

• Introduction to Molecular Techniques
• Research Methods in Cancer Biology
• Advanced Topics in Cancer Biology

Research Project

• One of the most valued features of this course is the Research Project, in which you will put your newly acquired practical skills and knowledge to the test.
• For up to six months, you will work as a member of a dedicated research team, designing and conducting your own research, culminating in the production of a dissertation.
• You will choose your laboratory research placement from projects covering a broad range of disciplines.

Teaching and Learning

• Teaching consists of lectures, tutorials, demonstrations and intensive laboratory classes comprising six distinct practicals each lasting either four or eight days.
• Successful completion of the taught phase is required to proceed to the project stage.
• Assessment is a mixture of written lab reports, a 3,000-word essay and three formal exams.
• Assessment of the independent laboratory research project is based on your lab performance, the written dissertation and the project presentation.

Key Dates

• January 2026 start:
  • Application deadline: 16 November 2025
  • Deposit payment deadline: 30 November 2025
  • CAS request deadline: 14 December 2025
  • 70% tuition payment deadline: 14 December 2025

Why Leicester?

• A practically-orientated, full-time Masters comprising four months of intensive, taught lab work together with lectures, workshops, tutorials and seminars.
• A unique opportunity to learn about the contemporary approaches to cancer research from some of the UK's leading researchers.
• As well as your core lectures, there are optional lectures in related fields which will increase your understanding of the interdisciplinary aspects of your speciality.
• To bring you right up-to-date with your chosen topic, there are Departmental Seminars and College Research Theme Days featuring visiting and internal speakers.