From MSc to PhD: Erin’s Journey in Precision Cancer Medicine

The MSc in Precision Cancer Medicine is a two-year, part-time, distance learning course which equips students with the multidisciplinary skills and knowledge required to design, conduct and lead precision medicine research, and to deliver precision medicine in the health service. The unique curriculum attracts professionals from a variety of backgrounds with an interest in genomics and precision medicine in cancer.  For Senior Research Technician Erin Jarvis, the flexibility of the course offered the perfect opportunity to enhance her knowledge and skills, while continuing her work in the lab.

Erin shares insights into her experience of the course and the support she received as she prepared to pursue a PhD.

Can you tell us about your background?

I studied Biomedical Science at the University of the West of Scotland, graduating in 2020. I worked in industry after graduating, with a role in Quality Control testing at Thermo Fisher Scientific. After two years there, I left for the NHS, working in Blood Transfusion as a trainee Biomedical Scientist. I decided I missed the challenges of academia and wanted to get back into research, so I became a Senior Research Technician at the University of Birmingham. Now, I am still at the University of Birmingham studying for a PhD in Chemistry.

How did you hear about the MSc Precision Cancer Medicine course and what made you decide to apply?

I had initially wanted to pursue a Masters degree after my Bachelors, but the COVID-19 pandemic meant that lots of courses were not running, so I delayed for two years whilst working and deciding what I wanted to do next. At this point, I had expenses like housing and a car to consider so did not want to go back to full-time study, and after some searching I found the MSc in Precision Cancer Medicine. Studying part-time meant I would be able to continue working, which was perfect for me, so I stopped considering other courses and applied!

What did you enjoy most about the course?

I really enjoyed the tutorial sessions – it was lovely to meet people on the course and feel like part of a community even though we were distance learners. I liked that we had group working elements on the course too, allowing us to meet people with a wide range of experiences and backgrounds. The residential week was brilliant too, there was lots of revision but also lots of time to meet the full cohort and get together.

What were your next career steps after completing the MSc in Precision Cancer Medicine?

Studying the MSc in Precision Cancer Medicine helped re-ignite my passion for further study, and I decided to pursue a PhD. I received lots of support from the course staff with writing references for my applications or helping me fine tune personal statements! I was delighted to receive an offer from the University of Birmingham, where I’m now in my first year of my PhD. As well as this, I have begun writing a paper on my dissertation work I conducted with the supervision of Prof Sarah Wordsworth and Dr James East, which we can hopefully publish soon.

How has the MSc in Precision Cancer Medicine helped you to achieve your career goals?

I found that studying part-time enabled me to gain vital research laboratory experience and time-management skills which helped me immensely in PhD applications. Everyone I spoke to was very impressed I had managed to study whilst working full time in a demanding environment! I learned lots on the course too, through a series of interesting modules (particularly the genomics and health economics modules) and importantly learned how to apply this new knowledge in the field of precision cancer medicine. I also found learning about how to conduct a systematic review was very helpful, as I am now writing one with my current lab group.

Would you recommend the course?

Absolutely! I loved studying on the MSc Precision Cancer Medicine – it is tough balancing the coursework with other commitments but really rewarding, and the chance to study under world leading experts is unmatched. It’s a very varied course with lots of new information to learn but it’s a brilliant experience. The opportunity to study at the University of Oxford isn’t something everyone experiences, so grab the chance with both hands and go for it.

What is your top tip for students wanting to study here?

Embrace the experience! The course is interesting, the lectures are fantastic and watching them at your own pace gives you lots of time but use it wisely, as you’ll have to be very organised. The residential week is incredible, and the course staff really put in lots of their own time to help you through the exam so make the most of it and ask all the questions you have. Make friends with your cohort too, they’ll be people from all different countries and backgrounds with lots of experience, and you never know who you might meet.

The MSc in Precision Cancer Medicine gives students from around the world the opportunity to learn from renowned experts driving innovation in precision oncology. For Erin, balancing her studies with a full-time lab role reignited her love of academia and inspired her to pursue a PhD.

For more information and application details, please visit the Graduate Admissions webpage.