Female postgraduate student using immunohistochemistry and western blot in the Tissue Culture Laboratory, D floor, Nottingham Medical School, Queens Medical Centre

Cancer Sciences MSci

Medical School and University Park Campus, Nottingham, UK

Qualification	Entry Requirements	Start Date	UCAS code	Duration	Fees
MSci Hons	AAA	September 2025	B130	4 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
MSci Hons	AAA	September 2025	B130	4 years full-time	£9,250 per year

How to apply

Get in touch

Course information

Are you an international student?

Qualification:
Master in Science with Honours

Master in Science with Honours
Start date:
September 2025

September 2025
IB score

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

IB requirements

HL6, HL5 in biology or chemistry and a second science in any order

IELTS

6.5 (no less than 6.0 in any 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

AAA

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.

GCSEs (or equivalent)
- Grade 4 (C) in English
- Grade 4 (C) in maths
Excluded subjects

We will not accept citizenship studies, critical thinking, general studies, or global perspectives as your third A.

Additional entry requirements

All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements below apply to 2023 entry.

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 D*DD.
- RQF Level 3 BTEC National Diploma at D*D plus 1 A Level at A.
- RQF BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma at D plus 2 A Levels at AA.
- All BTEC's considered on case by case basis.
- Access to HE Diploma with a minimum of 36 Level 3 graded credits at Distinction and 9 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.

Interview

If you apply to study the MSci, you will be required to have an interview.

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.
Other requirements
GCSEs (or equivalent)
- Grade 4 (C) in English
- Grade 4 (C) in maths
A level

AAA

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.

GCSEs (or equivalent)
- Grade 4 (C) in English
- Grade 4 (C) in maths
Excluded subjects

We will not accept citizenship studies, critical thinking, general studies, or global perspectives as your third A.

IB score

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

IB requirements

HL6, HL5 in biology or chemistry and a second science in any order

Additional entry requirements

All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements below apply to 2023 entry.

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 D*DD.
- RQF Level 3 BTEC National Diploma at D*D plus 1 A Level at A.
- RQF BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma at D plus 2 A Levels at AA.
- All BTEC's considered on case by case basis.
- Access to HE Diploma with a minimum of 36 Level 3 graded credits at Distinction and 9 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.

Interview

If you apply to study the MSci, you will be required to have an interview.

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.
Other requirements
GCSEs (or equivalent)
- Grade 4 (C) in English
- Grade 4 (C) in maths
UCAS Code:
B130

B130
Study abroad

Our MSci course offers the chance to travel abroad to complete a placement overseas in some of the world's most advanced cancer labs including in the USA, Australia, and Europe.

Optional placement year

On this course, you could join a research project as part of a nine-month placement. This could take place in world-renowned labs in academia, industry, or research institutes as part of teams carrying out the latest cancer research or translational science/product development.

The placement could be in Nottingham, elsewhere in the UK or even overseas including opportunities in the USA, Australia, and Europe.

Please note:

In order to undertake a placement, you will need to achieve the relevant academic requirements as set by the University and meet any requirements specified by the placement host. There is no guarantee that you will be able to undertake a placement as part of your course.

Study abroad

Our MSci course offers the chance to travel abroad to complete a placement overseas in some of the world's most advanced cancer labs including in the USA, Australia, and Europe.

Optional placement year

On this course, you could join a research project as part of a nine-month placement. This could take place in world-renowned labs in academia, industry, or research institutes as part of teams carrying out the latest cancer research or translational science/product development.

The placement could be in Nottingham, elsewhere in the UK or even overseas including opportunities in the USA, Australia, and Europe.

Please note:

In order to undertake a placement, you will need to achieve the relevant academic requirements as set by the University and meet any requirements specified by the placement host. There is no guarantee that you will be able to undertake a placement as part of your course.
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.

International scholarships

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

This four-year degree studies the same course content as our three-year Cancer Sciences BSc, but it gives you the opportunity to gain hands-on experience while undertaking a guaranteed nine-month placement in industry or in a research laboratory during your fourth year.

Cancer drug development is a long and expensive process. The hunt for new treatments for cancer is still in full force. With many avenues and roles needed to meet this challenge, it’s imperative that there are trained specialists who can tackle it.

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.

Course overview

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 MSci will give you training in the biomedical sciences 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 embark on, and progress to careers in cancer sciences research, in the pharmaceutical industry, biotechnology, finance and contract research industries, as well as in the academic cancer research industry.

Choosing the BSc or the MSci

Choose to study either our four-year Cancer Sciences MSci or our three-year Cancer Sciences BSc. The BSc course offers you the same course content, just without the placement. MSci students can transfer to the BSc during their studies.

Why choose this course?

Guaranteed placement - you'll have hands-on experience with a nine-month placement in Industry or a research laboratory either in the UK or abroad.  
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

Year four

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

Mandatory

Year 4

Current Advances in Oncology

Mandatory

Year 4

Industrial / Research Placement Dissertation

Mandatory

Year 4

Placement Proposal

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 Wednesday 25 October 2023. 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.

Current Advances in Oncology Industrial / Research Placement Dissertation Placement Proposal

Hear from experts in cancer research on cutting-edge technologies. You'll complement this with your own research through review articles and primary papers from the current scientific literature related to the research seminars.

This module will see you complete your placement and then write a dissertation about your research placement.

In this module, you’ll conduct in-depth research into your placement in order to plan a research project. You’ll use the information you gain to produce a grant application. This should explain the aims of the project, its background, the methods you’ll use, the expected outcomes, the value of the research, and the safety and ethical considerations of the project.

Teaching methods

Case-based learning
eLearning
Lab sessions
Lectures
Placement
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 to 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).

Your Campus - University Park

University Park Campus covers 300 acres, with green spaces, wildlife, period buildings and modern facilities. It is one of the UK's most beautiful and sustainable campuses, winning a national Green Flag award every year since 2003.

I was looking for a very specific course and knew I wanted to go into either genetics or cancer, and this course is everything in one that I was looking at doing so it seemed like a no brainer. On the course, it’s professionals in the field giving you the information on the topics we’re learning and you always come out of lectures and seminars with something. Plus, the uni campus is definitely up there with my favourite campuses too.

Rowan Hill

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 MSci

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

Your Campus - University Park

Your Campus - University Park

Course data

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Help and support

Help and support