MSc in Applied Cancer Science
The MSc in Applied Cancer Science is a one-year, full-time course, designed to prepare students for careers in cancer science research, whether in academia or industry.
This course aims primarily to prepare students for careers in cancer science research, whether in academia or industry. Students will develop the necessary skills for doctoral research in cancer science, including laboratory techniques and research skills. The course is designed mainly for new graduates in biomedical sciences, biochemistry, cell biology and related subjects; it will also appeal to medical students wishing to specialise in cancer, either as an intercalated year or before starting their studies, and to mature students looking to enhance their expertise for career progression.
The course is firmly rooted in three core research areas: DNA damage and repair, the tumour niche, and tumour immunology. The content focuses on fundamental cancer science in these areas, and on using that science in cutting-edge research towards future therapies.
Leadership team:
Professor Eric O'Neill, Course Director, Director of Education, and Professor of Cell and Molecular Biology, Department of Oncology.
Dr Kerry Fisher, Deputy Course Director, Associate Professor, Department of Oncology.
Dr Marco Pontecorvi, Director of Studies and Senior Teaching Fellow, Department of Oncology.
STUDENT EXPERIENCE
After studying the MSc Applied Cancer Science in 2024-2025, Lauren Woodman began her career as a Trainee Patent Attorney. In this blog, she shares her experience of the course and how it inspired her interest in intellectual property law.
Beyond the Bench: Lauren's Journey From Cancer Research to Patent Law
Pablo Lopez Ribelles was part of the first MSc Applied Cancer Science cohort in 2023-2024, attracted to the cutting-edge curriculum and wealth of networking opportunities available at Oxford. Since completing his master's, Pablo has started an industrial DPhil in Advanced Bioscience of Viral Products, working on the development of viral vectors for CAR T-cell therapies. Pablo shares his experience of the MSc Applied Cancer Science programme and how it helped to fuel his career aspirations.
An Inside Look at the MSc in Applied Cancer Science
Ellena O'Keefe studied the MSc in Applied Cancer Science in 2023-2024, having developed an interest in cancer treatment during her undergraduate research into chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity. The course equipped Ellena with the knowledge and transferable skills to apply her expertise to different disciplines and she is now pursuing a DPhil focused on cardiac regeneration following myocardial infarction.