MSc in Radiobiology
The MSc in Radiobiology is a one-year, full-time course, designed for individuals who are interested in a career in academic research in radiation oncology or radiobiology, or have an interest in professions that require relevant knowledge, such as radiation protection.
The main aim of this course is to provide a grounding in the principles that underpin radiation oncology. This includes an understanding of the relevant physics of radiotherapy, the impact of radiation at a molecular and cellular level, and detailed insight into their clinical applications. The diverse range of laboratory and clinically related research projects available provides opportunities for students to explore areas that are of particular interest to them. The course provides a thorough overview of radiobiology for MSc students, with previous students having gone on to complete a research degree, undertake a medical degree, or work in an industry role or allied profession.
The MSc leadership team is comprised of two Academic Course Directors and a Director of Studies:
- Dr Monica Olcina, Course Co-Director and Group Leader in the Department of Oncology (Olcina Group).
- Dr Gonzalo Rodriguez-Barriguete, Course Co-Director and Senior Postdoctoral Researcher (Higgins Group).
- Dr Tom Whyntie FHEA, MIPEM, Director of Studies and Senior Teaching Fellow in the Department of Oncology, advising researcher in MR Linac (imaging physics); and data management consultant (clinical trials, imaging data).
2024-25 Cohort
STUDENT TESTAMONIALS
Alice Conner studied the MSc in Radiobiology in 2023-24, having completed a BMedSci in Physiology at the University of Sydney. Alice was awarded the Radiobiology course prize for her outstanding academic achievements. Having gained a broad knowledge of cancer science and radiation oncology, Alice was inspired to further specialise in metabolic imaging and has begun a DPhil focused on Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy techniques in liver cancer.
Discovering Radiobiology: Insights from 2023-24 MSc Course Prize Winner Alice Conner
Ian Chai studied MSc Radiobiology in 2022-2023. After completing the course, he spent a year as a Research Assistant working in Dr Monica Olcina’s research group, focusing on Immune Radiation Biology. Ian has now begun a PhD project at the Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) in London, working on imaging techniques to characterise tumour stiffness and its association with the immune profile of tumours in the context of radiotherapy.
Reflections from an MSc Radiobiology Graduate: How Oxford Shaped My Career in Cancer Research
Claire Lewis studied MSc Radiobiology in 2022-2023, having developed an interest in medical physics during her undergraduate degree. Since graduating, Claire has worked as a Research Assistant at the Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, investigating the mechanisms of neurotoxicity caused by radiotherapy in childhood brain cancer. She has how started a DPhil in the paediatric cancer field.
Reflections from an MSc Radiobiology Graduate: From Physics to Cancer Science