Undergraduate students in Clinical Skills lab C1A, University Park

Cancer Sciences BSc

Medical School and University Park Campus, Nottingham, UK

Qualification	Entry Requirements	Start Date	UCAS code	Duration	Fees
BSc Hons	ABB	September 2025	B131	3 years full-time	£9,250 per year

How to apply

Get in touch

Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences

Qualification	Entry Requirements	Start Date	UCAS code	Duration	Fees
BSc Hons	ABB	September 2025	B131	3 years full-time	£9,250 per year

How to apply

Get in touch

Course information

Are you an international student?

Qualification:
Bachelor of Science with Honours

Bachelor of Science with Honours
Start date:
September 2025

September 2025
IB score

30 points overall or 6,5,5 in three HL certificates

IB requirements

HL5, HL5 in biology or chemistry and a second science

IELTS

6.5 (no less than 6.0 in each element)

English language requirements

As well as IELTS (listed above), we also accept other English language qualifications. This includes TOEFL iBT, Pearson PTE, GCSE, IB and O level English. Check our English language policies and equivalencies for further details.

For presessional English or one-year foundation courses, you must take IELTS for UKVI to meet visa regulations.

If you need support to meet the required level, you may be able to attend a Presessional English for Academic Purposes (PEAP) course. Our Centre for English Language Education is accredited by the British Council for the teaching of English in the UK.

If you successfully complete your presessional course to the required level, you can then progress to your degree course. This means that you won't need to retake IELTS or equivalent.

High school qualifications

Check our country-specific information for guidance on qualifications from your country

A level

ABB

Required subjects
Must include two science subjects, one of which must be biology or chemistry.

A pass is normally required in science practical tests, where these are assessed separately.

We will not accept citizenship studies, critical thinking, general studies, or global perspectives as your third A.
- GCSEs (or equivalent)
- Grade 4 (C) in English
- Grade 4 (C) in maths
Excluded subjects

NA

Additional entry requirements

Please note: Applicants whose backgrounds or personal circumstances have impacted their academic performance may receive a reduced offer. Please see our contextual admissions policy for more information.

Non-UK entry requirements
Alternative qualifications

We recognise that applicants have a wealth of different experiences and follow a variety of pathways into higher education.

Consequently we treat all applicants with alternative qualifications (besides A-levels and the International Baccalaureate) on an individual basis, and we gladly accept students with a whole range of less conventional qualifications including:
- RQF Level 3 BTEC National Extended Diploma at DDD.
- RQF Level 3 BTEC National Diploma at DD plus 1 A Level at B.
- RQF Level 3 BTEC Subsidiary Diploma at D plus 2 A Levels at BB. All BTEC's considered on case by case basis.
- Access to HE Diploma with a minimum of 24 Level 3 graded credits at Distinction and 21 at Merit. Considered on a case by case basis.
This list is not exhaustive. The entry requirements for alternative qualifications can be quite specific; for example you may need to take certain modules and achieve a specified grade in those modules. Please contact us to discuss the transferability of your qualification. Please see the alternative qualifications page for more information.

Foundation progression options

Cancer Sciences is one of the progression pathways for our Science with a Foundation Year course.

In order to progress on to the course you will be required to achieve the following scores:
- 60% in either Foundation Biological Science or Foundation Chemistry
- 55% in English Language modules (if they are taken)
- 60% Overall average
Mature Students

At the University of Nottingham, we have a valuable community of mature students and we appreciate their contribution to the wider student population. You can find lots of useful information on the mature students webpage.

Visa restrictions

International students must have valid UK immigration permissions for any courses or study period where teaching takes place in the UK. Student route visas can be issued for eligible students studying full-time courses. The University of Nottingham does not sponsor a student visa for students studying part-time courses. The Standard Visitor visa route is not appropriate in all cases. Please contact the university’s Visa and Immigration team if you need advice about your visa options.
Work experience

NA
A level

ABB

Required subjects
Must include two science subjects, one of which must be biology or chemistry.

A pass is normally required in science practical tests, where these are assessed separately.

We will not accept citizenship studies, critical thinking, general studies, or global perspectives as your third A.
- GCSEs (or equivalent)
- Grade 4 (C) in English
- Grade 4 (C) in maths
Excluded subjects

NA

IB score

30 points overall or 6,5,5 in three HL certificates

IB requirements

HL5, HL5 in biology or chemistry and a second science

Additional entry requirements

Please note: Applicants whose backgrounds or personal circumstances have impacted their academic performance may receive a reduced offer. Please see our contextual admissions policy for more information.

UK entry requirements
Alternative qualifications

We recognise that applicants have a wealth of different experiences and follow a variety of pathways into higher education.

Consequently we treat all applicants with alternative qualifications (besides A-levels and the International Baccalaureate) on an individual basis, and we gladly accept students with a whole range of less conventional qualifications including:
- RQF Level 3 BTEC National Extended Diploma at DDD.
- RQF Level 3 BTEC National Diploma at DD plus 1 A Level at B.
- RQF Level 3 BTEC Subsidiary Diploma at D plus 2 A Levels at BB. All BTEC's considered on case by case basis.
- Access to HE Diploma with a minimum of 24 Level 3 graded credits at Distinction and 21 at Merit. Considered on a case by case basis.
This list is not exhaustive. The entry requirements for alternative qualifications can be quite specific; for example you may need to take certain modules and achieve a specified grade in those modules. Please contact us to discuss the transferability of your qualification. Please see the alternative qualifications page for more information.

Contextual offers

We make contextual offers to students who may have experienced barriers that have restricted progress at school or college. Our standard contextual offer is usually one grade lower than the advertised entry requirements, and our enhanced contextual offer is usually two grades lower than the advertised entry requirements. To qualify for a contextual offer, you must have Home/UK fee status and meet specific criteria – check if you’re eligible.

Foundation progression options

Cancer Sciences is one of the progression pathways for our Science with a Foundation Year course.

In order to progress on to the course you will be required to achieve the following scores:
- 60% in either Foundation Biological Science or Foundation Chemistry
- 55% in English Language modules (if they are taken)
- 60% Overall average
Mature Students

At the University of Nottingham, we have a valuable community of mature students and we appreciate their contribution to the wider student population. You can find lots of useful information on the mature students webpage.
Work experience

NA
UCAS Code:
B131

B131
Placements

While there are no set placements on this course, there is an opportunity for you to apply for one of our studentships. These studentships allow you to join research labs during the summer vacation to gain real hands-on experience of research work in industry.

Placements

While there are no set placements on this course, there is an opportunity for you to apply for one of our studentships. These studentships allow you to join research labs during the summer vacation to gain real hands-on experience of research work in industry.
*For full details including fees for part-time students and reduced fees during your time studying abroad or on placement (where applicable), see our fees page.

If you are a student from the EU, EEA or Switzerland, you may be asked to complete a fee status questionnaire and your answers will be assessed using guidance issued by the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) .

Additional costs

As a student on this course, you should factor some additional costs into your budget, alongside your tuition fees and living expenses such as travel and accommodation.

You should be able to access most of the books you'll need for the course through our libraries, however you may wish to buy your own copies or get more specific titles which may cost up to £80 each.

Scholarships and bursaries

International students

We offer a range of international undergraduate scholarships for high-achieving international scholars who can put their Nottingham degree to great use in their careers.

We offer a range of international undergraduate scholarships for high-achieving international scholars who can put their Nottingham degree to great use in their careers.

*For full details including fees for part-time students and reduced fees during your time studying abroad or on placement (where applicable), see our fees page.

If you are a student from the EU, EEA or Switzerland, you may be asked to complete a fee status questionnaire and your answers will be assessed using guidance issued by the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) .

Additional costs

As a student on this course, you should factor some additional costs into your budget, alongside your tuition fees and living expenses such as travel and accommodation.

You should be able to access most of the books you'll need for the course through our libraries, however you may wish to buy your own copies or get more specific titles which may cost up to £80 each.

Scholarships and bursaries

Home students*

Over one third of our UK students receive our means-tested core bursary, worth up to £1,000 a year. Full details can be found on our financial support pages.

* A 'home' student is one who meets certain UK residence criteria. These are the same criteria as apply to eligibility for home funding from Student Finance.

Course overview

Cancer drug development is a long and expensive process that provides many employment opportunities. It is imperative that there are trained specialists who can tackle the complexities of this ever-evolving set of diseases.

Are you ready to join them?

Gain a thorough understanding of the fundamentals of cancer sciences. From its basic scientific principles through to translation into therapeutics and drug development. Our Cancer Sciences BSc will give you training in the biomedical sciences in areas such as cell and molecular biology, immunology, and human physiology.

You’ll be supported by internationally recognised researchers and clinicians, and you’ll be equipped with the core scientific skills necessary to progress to specialisms in cancer sciences research, in the pharmaceutical industry, biotechnology, finance and contract research industries, as well as in academic cancer research. You will also be well placed for opportunities in the management, regulation, and exploitation of research and Graduate Entry Medicine or other related fields.

At Nottingham, you’ll be part of ground-breaking cancer research that is the basis for new treatments.

Course overview

Are you ready to join them?

At Nottingham, you’ll be part of ground-breaking cancer research that is the basis for new treatments.

Choosing the BSc or the MSci

Choose to study either our three-year Cancer Sciences BSc or our four-year Cancer Sciences MSci. The integrated MSci course gives you a guaranteed nine-month placement in industry or in a research laboratory. This placement can be in the UK or abroad.  

BSc students can transfer to the MSci at the end of their second year if they are meeting the entry requirements and a placement is available (although this is not guaranteed).

Equally, students on the MSci can transfer to the BSc course.

Why choose this course?

Gain real expereince in a research lab during your summer vacation, you have the chance to apply for one of a limited number of studentships
One of a kind Take part in one of the only undergraduate cancer research degrees in the UK
Cutting-edge facility Make use of our cutting-edge facilities specifically for the dissection of cancer
Research groups Opportunities to work with Nottingham Breast Cancer Research Centre, our Children's Brain Tumour Research Centre, and other research groups.

Important Information

This online prospectus has been drafted in advance of the academic year to which it applies. Every effort has been made to ensure that the information is accurate at the time of publishing, but changes (for example to course content) are likely to occur given the interval between publishing and commencement of the course. It is therefore very important to check this website for any updates before you apply for the course where there has been an interval between you reading this website and applying.

Indicative modules

Year one

Year two

Year three

Mandatory

Year 1

Causes and consequences of cancer

Mandatory

Year 1

Genes, Molecules and Cells

Mandatory

Year 1

Hallmarks of Cancer

Mandatory

Year 1

Human Physiology

Optional

Year 1

Evolution, Ecology and Behaviour

Optional

Year 1

Fundamentals of Neuroscience

Optional

Year 1

Life on Earth

Mandatory

Year 2

Angiogenesis and Tumour-Host Interactions

Mandatory

Year 2

Cancer Cell Genetics

Mandatory

Year 2

Colorectal Cancer and Ovarian Cancer

Mandatory

Year 2

Epidemiology of Cancer and Population Genetics

Mandatory

Year 2

Lung Cancer, Breast Cancer and Prostate Cancer

Mandatory

Year 2

Patient-centred Library Project

Mandatory

Year 3

Patient Portfolio

Mandatory

Year 3

Practical Project

Optional

Year 3

Cancer Biology and Molecular Therapeutics

Optional

Year 3

Cancer Immunology and Novel Therapies

Optional

Year 3

Paediatric Cancer

Optional

Year 3

Tumour Microenvironment

Optional

Year 3

Advanced Cancer Models and Approaches in Preclinical Research

About modules

The above is a sample of the typical modules we offer, but is not intended to be construed or relied on as a definitive list of what might be available in any given year. This content was last updated on Thursday 20 June 2024. Due to timetabling availability, there may be restrictions on some module combinations.

Angiogenesis and Tumour-Host Interactions Cancer Cell Genetics Colorectal Cancer and Ovarian Cancer Epidemiology of Cancer and Population Genetics Lung Cancer, Breast Cancer and Prostate Cancer Patient-centred Library Project

This module looks at angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels, and how the blood supply and immune system interact when there is a tumour present. You’ll examine the process of neo-angiogenesis in tumour biology and the approaches that have been used to target this process. You’ll study how cancers interact with their host, co-opt and corrupt normal cell processes, and evade detection by the immune system.

Understand what causes genetic changes in cancer cells and the evolution of the cancer cell genome during cancer progression. This module will examine the tools that are used to study the cancer cell genome, epigenome, and transcriptome and how these tools can guide precision medicine.

This module examines how DNA damage can be repaired and the importance of this in tumorigenesis. You’ll also examine cancer progression, invasion and metastasis with colorectal cancer as a focus of study. As well as drug resistance with ovarian cancer as a focus of study.

This module looks at the ways we study the incidence of cancer in specific populations and areas, and how we determine the causes and risk factors associated with cancer. You’ll explore the global cancer burden and the regional variations in cancer incidence and cancer risk factors. As well as the methods used to address cancer prevention, and the importance of public health policy in cancer prevention.

This module studies three of the most common cancers. You’ll examine tobacco-induced mutations in the lung and the role of oncogenes and tumour suppressor genes in this disease.

You will gain an understanding of growth factor signalling in breast cancer, treatment and the evolution of drug resistance and examine the importance of hormones and the role of oestrogen and the use of anti-oestrogens. All the while comparing breast cancer and prostate cancer.

Find out what happens to someone when they get cancer, the journey they go through, and what doctors, nurses, scientists and other health care professionals do to treat the patient.

Teaching methods

Case-based learning
eLearning
Lab sessions
Lectures
Practical classes
Problem-based learning
Self-study
Seminars
Small group learning
Tutorials
Workshops

Assessment methods

Case studies
Coursework
Dissertation
Examinations
Lab reports
Literature review
Portfolio (written/digital)
Poster presentation
Practical write-ups
Presentation

You'll have around 10 hours of contact time per week covering lectures, practicals, workshops, tutorials and seminars.

You're expected to spend around 20 to 30 hours per week on self-study.

Class sizes are two to three for personal tutorials, around 20 to 60 for seminars and workshops, and between 30 and 300 for lectures depending on the module.

Studying Cancer Sciences at Nottingham gives you the perfect grounding to pursue further research through studying a masters or a PhD.

The course also provides you with broader knowledge of biochemistry, immunology, genetics, physiology, pharmacology, pathology, and more. These skills could lead you into jobs in biotechnology, pharmaceutical industries, and other biomedical areas.

Average starting salary and career progression

96.5% of undergraduates from the School of Medicine secured graduate level employment or further study within 15 months of graduation. The average annual starting salary for these graduates was £35,089.

HESA Graduate Outcomes (2017- 2021 cohorts). The Graduate Outcomes % is calculated using The Guardian University Guide methodology. The average annual salary is based on graduates working full-time within the UK.

Studying for a degree at the University of Nottingham will provide you with the type of skills and experiences that will prove invaluable in any career, whichever direction you decide to take.

Throughout your time with us, our Careers and Employability Service can work with you to improve your employability skills even further; assisting with job or course applications, searching for appropriate work experience placements and hosting events to bring you closer to a wide range of prospective employers.

Have a look at our careers page for an overview of all the employability support and opportunities that we provide to current students.

The University of Nottingham is consistently named as one of the most targeted universities by Britain’s leading graduate employers (Ranked in the top ten in The Graduate Market in 2013-2020, High Fliers Research).

Where you'll learn - Queen's Medical Centre

Our Medical School is based in Queen’s Medical Centre, one of the UK’s largest hospitals. There are dedicated clinical skills facilities including a dissection suite and teaching laboratories for medicine and healthcare students.

I wanted to come here because this was the first course of its kind. Since our first lecture, it’s been so focused and we’re learning so much about cancer. The foundation that Nottingham provide to go into cancer research is really good. They’re giving us all of the knowledge we need for the future. "

Aruba Farooq

Cancer Sciences student

Course data

Entry requirements
AAB

UCAS code
B23B

See all

Help and support

If you’re looking for more information, please head to our help and support hub, where you can find frequently asked questions or details of how to make an enquiry.

Cancer Sciences BSc

Course overview

Indicative modules

About modules

How you will learn

Teaching methods

How you will be assessed

Assessment methods

Contact time and study hours

Careers overview

Job prospects

Average starting salary and career progression

Careers advice

Where you'll learn - Queen's Medical Centre

Where you'll learn - Queen's Medical Centre

Course data

Related courses

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Medicine with a Foundation Year BMBS

Graduate Entry Medicine BMBS

Pharmacology BSc Hons

Pharmaceutical Sciences BSc Hons

Pharmaceutical Sciences (with a Year in Industry) MSci Hons

Help and support

Help and support