MSc in Applied Cancer Science

High-quality understanding of fundamental cancer science is the bedrock of future cancer innovations. The main aim of this course is to provide you with an in-depth understanding of the principles of DNA damage and repair processes, the tumour microenvironment, and tumour immunology and to discuss how this science is used in cutting-edge research towards future therapies.

The course is based on a series of overarching learning outcomes, which you will be able to demonstrate on completion of your studies:

• Critically analyse the importance of understanding the DNA damage repair response for cancer research and treatment
• Evaluate how in-depth knowledge of tumour characteristics can be utilised in targeting cancer therapy
• Critically discuss the application of principles of immunology when studying and developing treatments for cancer
• Conduct, and explain the principles behind, essential experimental techniques required in modern cancer science
• Demonstrate originality in the application of existing knowledge and established techniques to create and interpret new developments in cancer science
• Critically discuss the challenges of translating new discoveries in therapeutics for clinical use
• Apply the scientific method to address research questions within the field of cancer science

Compulsory modules

You will take eight compulsory modules, which are delivered in two-week blocks, following on from each other:

1. Genome Regulation
2. The Cancer Cell
3. The Tumour Niche
4. Cancer Immunology
5. DNA and Cellular Targeted Therapies
6. Tumour Microenvironment Targeted Therapies
7. Immunological Therapies
8. Translational Research Methods and Applications

Modules one to four are delivered in Michaelmas term and cover the underpinning principles of cancer biology, starting at the level of the DNA before covering the behaviour of individual cancer cells, then tumours, and extending out to discuss the interactions between cancer and the immune system by the end of the term.

Modules five to eight are delivered in Hilary term and cover the application of the underpinning principles of cancer science from the previous term to the development of therapeutic strategies to target different characteristics of cancer.

Balance of teaching

You can expect to receive seven to eight lectures and three to four tutorial or practical classes per module. There will also be preparatory reading, independent study tasks, and formative assessments set throughout the course, to be completed in the non-contact hours. Alongside the module specific tutorials, you will also attend a series of compulsory Directors’ Tutorials throughout the year. These cover overarching themes such as critiquing a scientific paper, or essay writing skills, and help to prepare you for specific assessment methods, including the dissertation.

Attendance

Resources to support your study

You will have access to the Oncology Education Hub, which includes dedicated lecture and tutorial rooms at the heart of the department, alongside an open plan, unassigned seating workspace for masters and first year DPhil students.

There is a programme of departmental seminars and poster presentation events, which are open to staff and students. The Oncology Student Network coordinate a programme of student only activities, including both academic and social events.

Supervision

The allocation of graduate supervision is the responsibility of the Department of Oncology and it is not always possible to accommodate the preferences of incoming graduate students to work with a particular member of staff. Under exceptional circumstances a supervisor may be found outside the Department of Oncology.

You will be assigned a Director of Studies from the course team, who will help you review your progress, and discuss any concerns you have; your Director of Studies and the course administration team will usually be your first port of call for any queries about your studies. You will also have an advisor at your Oxford college, to whom you can turn if you feel you need to discuss your progress, or anything else pertinent to your study, away from the course team. During the research project you will be allocated a project supervisor who will be responsible for your supervision and training. It is recommended that you arrange meetings with your supervisor to take place at least every two weeks.

Assessment

Taught modules are assessed by a mixture of submitted coursework, presentations, and timed assessments such as examinations. The taught modules are assessed at the end of the term in which they are delivered. The dissertation is assessed by a written thesis and a poster presentation at the end of the academic year.

You will have the opportunity to submit formative assignments to develop your writing and presenting skills and receive feedback prior to completing your summative assessed work.

Graduate destinations

Typically, approximately 40-50% of MSc graduates in the Department of Oncology go on to study for a doctoral level qualification (DPhil, PhD) and around 30% go on to clinical work in some capacity. Many of our students use the MSc qualification to support their application for medical school, and we often se students who take a year out between pre-clinical and clinical elements of a medical degree to complete the MSc.

College preference

The following colleges accept students on the MSc in Applied Cancer Science: