Cancer Biology and Therapy MSc

Course overview

Cancer is one of the biggest health challenges facing the world today, accounting for nearly one in six deaths. Our innovative MSc in Cancer Biology and Therapy gives you the opportunity to kick start a career in research and stand at the forefront of the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of cancer. With us, you will be equipped with the knowledge and skills to make an impact and improve patient outcomes.

Our course is suited to clinicians and academics interested in a career in Cancer Biology and Research, and science graduates looking to further their studies via doctoral research, enter academic medicine or pursue a career in industry, clinical service (NHS trust diagnostic departments) or a related discipline (become a technician developing assays and reagents for cancer research in industry).

Change the future of cancer

• Join a network of leading experts and prepare for a career as a leading researcher.
• Develop and study in an internationally renowned research centre, making significant contributions to the understanding and treatment of cancer.
• Build a solid understanding of the application of molecular approaches to the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of cancers.
• Undertake a research project, targeting a specific area of cancer biology alongside our team of leading experts.
• You’ll develop a research proposal and then deliver a project that entails 4 months of full-time work investigating a topic related to discovery and/or translational cancer research.
• Projects are different every year as they are integrated into ongoing programmes of research.

Facilities

• You’ll access research-active, state-of-the-art laboratories during your research project.

Course details and modules

Founded in applied biomedical science theory, the course explores the molecular mechanisms of cancer and how these apply in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of the disease.

You'll gain an in-depth knowledge and understanding of:

• the principles and application of cancer research
• the basis of cancer therapy
• the method by which new treatments are developed.

This is an exciting opportunity to:

• gain an advanced understanding of cancer biology and therapy underpinned by cutting-edge research
• apply the latest techniques in molecular biology, immunology, cell biology and chemistry applicable to cancer biology and therapy
• undertake your own research project within one of our internationally renowned institutes
• generate results with scientific impact and have the potential to improve cancer outcomes
• evaluate some of the toughest challenges in cancer research and translate research findings into therapeutic applications.

Our teaching is research-led and delivered by cancer research academics and clinicians at the University of Leeds.

The course structure is built around a condensed timetable between September and April, where most of the teaching is delivered between 10am and 3pm. Advanced notice is provided in the timetable for sessions outside of these core hours. The research project runs from early April to the end of July, with full time working hours.

Course structure

The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our terms and conditions.

For more information and a full list of typical modules available on this course, please read Cancer Biology and Therapy MSc in the course catalogue

The course structure is built around a condensed timetable between September and April, where most of the teaching is delivered between 10am and 3pm. Advanced notice is provided in the timetable for sessions outside of these core hours. The research project runs from early April to the end of July, with full time working hours.

You will be required to study the following compulsory modules:

Research Informatics and Dissemination (15 credits) – This module equips students with some of the more generic skills needed for a successful career in the biomedical sciences. The module teaches two key aspects: informatics training is given in computational biology resources and tools; and coaching in dissemination pertains to how to both effectively assimilate, and subsequently present, scientific knowledge.

The Molecular Biology of Cancer (15 credits) – This module will provide an essential core understanding of cancer molecular biology and how it relates to disease progression and patient outcomes. Particular focus will be placed upon the classical cancer hallmarks.

Methods in Biomedical Research (15 credits) – The module covers essential aspects of biomedical research, starting with the fundamentals of project planning and experimental design, including the considerations necessary for effective and ethical research involving animals and patients. Students will explore various methodological approaches and the corresponding data types they generate, with an emphasis on rigorous data analysis using appropriate statistical methods.

Preparing for the Research Project (15 credits) – You’ll learn about Health and Safety in research laboratories, standard laboratory techniques, record keeping and data interpretation. You’ll also develop a research proposal alongside your project supervisor.

Stem Cell Biology: A Genomics and Systems Biology Approach to Haematopoiesis (15 credits) – This module will provide students with a current knowledge of the fundamental principles of stem cell biology using the haematopoietic system as a model for exploring the mechanisms by which stem cells can generate multiple cell lineages. The latest experimental approaches (ChIP-seq, genome engineering) and emerging areas (cancer stem cells, induced pluripotent stem cells, regenerative medicine) in stem cell research will be discussed.

Cancer Drug Development (15 credits) – The cancer drug development module provides an overview of current anti-cancer treatments and the challenges that exist for successful treatment. Importantly, this module explores preclinical cancer drug development pathways and the challenges associated with identifying effective anti-cancer drugs for translation these into clinical trials. This includes multiple considerations including cancer drug pharmacology and toxicology, experimental in vitro and in in vivo cancer models, cancer prevention and the design of early and late clinical trials.

Research Project (75 credits) – The Research Project module provides students with the opportunity to develop and undertake a four-month long, full-time biomedical research project. You’ll conduct an individual laboratory or analytical project as part of a larger research group and develop cutting-edge technical and/or analytical skills.

Optional modules:

Immunity and Disease (15 credits) – This module provides an in-depth view of immune function at the cellular and molecular level. It will detail the key features of the immune system, their mechanisms of action and how these are relevant to health and the progression of disease, with a particular focus on infection, autoimmunity and cancer.

Animal Models of Disease (15 credits) – This module will provide insights into the use of vertebrate animal models in disease research. Areas of focus will be the ways models are generated and their use in particular key fields.

Learning and teaching

You’ll be taught by active scientists and clinicians who are world-leading in their research fields via lectures, workshops, computational and laboratory practicals, seminars and tutorials.

Teaching will mainly take place at St James's University Hospital, a busy research facility with research laboratories and teaching spaces, a PC cluster, a library and meeting rooms.

We will encourage you to participate in the School of Medicine Institutes’ activities, such as the invited speaker seminar series, and you may get the opportunity to present your work at lab meetings. You’ll also have access to all the wider University of Leeds facilities.

On this course you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.

The taught components of the course provide a solid knowledge base and research training foundation to excel in your research project.

On this course, you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.

Assessment

Key objectives of the course are for students to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of cancer biology and therapy, research methodology and data analysis applied to biomedical research, as well as to use reasoning and scientific judgement to draw logical conclusions and generate and express original hypotheses. These skills will be assessed throughout the course.

A typical module will be assessed by two assignments. Assessments include written assignments, as well as delivering presentations and posters, and leading discussions.

The MSc course comprises 180 credits. You may choose to exit the programme at an earlier stage, with a PG Certificate (60 credits).

Applying

Entry requirements

BSc 1st class or 2i, or equivalent in a relevant scientific discipline which would normally be one of the biological sciences but a natural sciences graduate will be considered.

This course is also available as an intercalated programme to students who have completed three years of a UK medical degree and are normally ranked in the top 50% of their year of study. Read more at Intercalation.

Students taking this course as an intercalated degree are subject to different deadlines of application.

Find out more about applying to intercalate.

English language requirements

IELTS 7.0 overall, with no less than 6.0 in writing and 6.5 in all other components.

Improve your English

International students who do not meet the English language requirements for this programme may be able to study our postgraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.

This pre-sessional course is designed with a progression route to your degree programme and you’ll learn academic English in the context of your subject area. To find out more, read Language for Science (6 weeks) and Language for Science: General Science (10 weeks). 

We also offer online pre-sessionals alongside our on-campus pre-sessionals. Find out more about our six week online pre-sessional and our 10 week online pre-sessional. 

You can also study pre-sessionals for longer periods – read about our postgraduate pre-sessional English courses.

How to apply

Applications are considered on the basis of the applicant’s qualifications and experience. Applications may close before the deadline date if numbers accepted reach capacity.

Application deadlines: 31st July 2025 (international students), 29th August 2025 (UK students).

The ‘Apply’ link at the top of this page will take you to information on applying for taught programmes and to the University's online application system.

If you're unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.

Documents and information you’ll need:

• One reference is required at the point of application from a discipline related to the course you are applying to. If you are a recent graduate, the reference should be an academic referee. The reference should be provided on a headed document with either a stamp from the institution or an electronic signature.

• A CV or supporting personal statement, including the list of research projects you have undertaken to date.

• Your degree certificate (if you have graduated) and your official degree transcript. Your degree transcript must be signed and stamped. If you have not yet graduated, please provide your official interim transcript, showing the modules you are currently studying and the marks you have achieved to date.

Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.

Admissions policy

School of Medicine Taught Postgraduate Policy 2025

This course is taught by

School of Medicine

Contact us

School of Medicine Postgraduate Admissions

Email: pgmed-admissions@leeds.ac.uk
Telephone:

Fees

UK: £14,250 (Total)

International: £31,500 (Total)

Read more about paying fees and charges.

For fees information for international taught postgraduate students, read Masters fees.

Additional cost information

There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more on our living costs and budgeting page.

Scholarships and financial support

If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There may be help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government.  Find out more at Masters funding overview.

Career opportunities

This exciting course provides exceptional training for:

• science graduates looking to pursue doctoral research, enter academic medicine or follow a career in industry, clinical service or a related discipline
• clinicians interested in a clinical academia career in the fields of cancer biology and research
• individuals intending to secure clinical fellowships.

Many of our graduates are undertaking PhDs both within the UK and internationally. Talented graduates from the MSc will be supported to join PhD courses in the institutes here at the University.

You’ll receive support from a personal tutor, who’ll offer specialist guidance to make sure your hard work during your studies translates into career success.

Careers support

We provide sessions on how to apply for a PhD, as well as a career advice session led by academics and the University of Leeds Careers Service. The Careers Service is also available to our students for advice and appointments.