Program Overview

Cancer Research MSc

The Cancer Research MSc programme at Brunel University is designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and hands-on experience to make a real-world impact in cancer biology, diagnostics, and therapy. This programme offers a deep dive into the genetic and epigenetic foundations of cancer, alongside innovative approaches to diagnosis and treatment.

Overview

Unlock the science behind one of the world's most pressing health challenges with Brunel's Cancer Research MSc. This programme provides specialist training on the genetic and epigenetic hallmarks of cancer, tumour microenvironments, and key signalling pathways. Students will explore cutting-edge diagnostics like liquid biopsies and therapies, including immunotherapy and targeted treatments, and critically evaluate current research through journal clubs.

Course Content

On this course, students will receive core training in molecular medicine, research methods, and scientific communication modules, alongside gaining specialist knowledge in cancer biology, as well as conducting a research dissertation project. The course covers key topics in genetics, epigenetics, immunology, and pharmacology, and investigates how gene regulation, chromatin structure, and non-coding RNA influence disease.

Careers and Your Future

Graduates of Brunel's Cancer Research MSc are highly sought after across a wide range of scientific and healthcare sectors. Whether aiming to work at the forefront of cancer research innovation or pursue further academic study, this programme opens the door to exciting and impactful career paths. Our graduates go on to thrive in careers such as cancer-related biomedical and clinical researcher, analytical development scientist, senior scientist in biotech, cancer therapy clinical trials manager, science communicator or medical writer, and physician associate or healthcare professional.

Entry Requirements

• 2:2 or above (or international equivalent) in a relevant subject.
• English language requirements: IELTS: 6.5 (min 6 in all areas), Pearson: 59 (59 in all subscores), BrunELT: 63% (min 58% in all areas), TOEFL: 90 (min 20 in all).

Fees and Funding

• UK: £13,280 full-time, £6,640 part-time.
• International: £24,795 full-time, £12,395 part-time.
• Scholarships and bursaries available, including The Vice Chancellor's Postgraduate International Excellence Award, Brunel Graduate Discount, and Postgraduate Academic Excellence Scholarship.

Teaching and Learning

You'll learn from internationally recognised researchers and gain hands-on experience in state-of-the-art laboratories. Our research-led teaching is complemented by strong industry links and proximity to world-class hospitals, biotech firms, and research institutes, providing unique opportunities for collaboration with NHS and industry partners.

Assessment and Feedback

Your assessments are designed to reflect real-world scientific practice and help you build a broad and versatile skill set. Throughout the programme, you'll be evaluated through a variety of coursework that mirrors the tasks of professional researchers, including lab reports, data analysis, grant proposals, written assignments, and oral presentations. Your final challenge is the research dissertation, a substantial independent project where you'll design, conduct, and communicate your own research.