Cancer Medicine

The MSc (Res) in Cancer Medicine will provide students with new knowledge of how precision medicine can improve and shape future healthcare. Students will gain hands-on experience of molecular techniques and the equipment/devices used in a modern molecular laboratory; the course will provide training in the latest laboratory and research skills that are applicable across multiple scientific disciplines in a supportive learning environment. Central to this research-intensive programme is a 24-week Research Project (which runs throughout both semesters) where students undertake hands-on research training within active research teams. Through taught modules students will be able to evaluate how novel therapeutic approaches can be used to stratify patients into treatment groups for better clinical management (a concept known as stratified / precision medicine). They will observe the delivery of precision medicine through tours of the Northern Ireland Cancer Centre.



In the second semester the programme explores the fundamental principles of carcinogenesis and the translational approaches (including cutting edge technologies) which allow cancer scientists and clinicians to advance our understanding and treatment of cancers.



This includes a comprehensive overview of the current understanding of the hallmarks of cancer from the role of genetic/epigenetic alterations, cell cycle control and metastases/angiogenesis to the development of applications to help diagnose cancers earlier, improve treatments, rationally design clinical trials and reduce chemotherapy drug resistance.



Radiation Oncology lectures will develop skills in understanding the biological principles of radiotherapy and its clinical applications in the treatment of cancer. Also covered will be principles of advanced radiotherapy delivery, cancer imaging techniques and biomarker discovery.



Oncology Drug Discovery lectures will provide insights into both academic and biotech drug development, including an understanding of what makes interesting anti-cancer drug target and how these can be validated for clinical use.



This programme will show how our improved understanding of the molecular processes driving cancer growth and spread can be ‘translated’ through research-intensive MSc projects to improve the treatment and survival of cancer patients.



Intercalated Medical and Dental Students

Completing an intercalated degree will boost your CV when applying for postgraduate training. Depending on the discipline, selection panels look for completion of an additional degree, or for publications or posters. An intercalated degree gives you the opportunity to improve your chances of future success.

Core Modules

Translational Cancer Medicine (10 credits)

Research Project (60 credits)

Dissertation (60 credits)

Cancer Biology (10 credits)

Research Translation: from Concept to Treatment (20 credits)

Cancer Genetics and Genomics (10 credits)

Diagnosis and Treatment of Cancer (10 credits)

Graduate

Normally a minimum of a 2.2 Honours degree or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University in a relevant biological subject. Evidence of equivalent professional qualifications (MBBS, BDS or BVSc) or experience will be considered on an individual basis.



Intercalating Medical and Dental Applicants:

i) QUB:

Intercalating medical and dental students within QUB will be considered if:

a) QUB 3rd year students – must pass all 3rd year modules at first attempt achieving an overall profile of 2.2 equivalent *.

b) QUB 4th year students – must pass all 3rd year modules at first attempt achieving an overall profile of 2.2 equivalent * and also pass 4th year modules at first attempt.

c) have permission to intercalate from either the Director of Medical Education or Dentistry as appropriate.



ii) External:

An external medical or dental student wishing to intercalate will be considered if:

a) they have successfully completed all assessments at first attempt for the year in which they are applying.

b) they have achieved at least an overall Lower Second Class Honours degree standard as determined by their University

c) they have permission to intercalate from their Medical or Dental School, as appropriate.



iii) International:

a) Applicants who are currently studying an overseas Medical (e.g. MBBS or MBChB) or Dental degree at a recognised institution acceptable to the University, may apply.

b) Applicants must have passed all assessments at first attempt for the year in which they are applying, normally 3rd year for those completing a 5 year programme or 4th year for those completing a 6 year programme.

c) Applicants may be required to provide details of the medical or dental curriculum they are studying in order to confirm compatibility.

d) Have permission to intercalate from their Medical Dental School, as appropriate.



International Students

Our country/region pages include information on entry requirements, tuition fees, scholarships, student profiles, upcoming events and contacts for your country/region at https://www.qub.ac.uk/Study/international-students/your-country/



English Language Requirements

Evidence of an IELTS* score of 7.0, with not less than 6.0 in any component, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University is required (*taken within the last 2 years).



International students wishing to apply to Queen's University Belfast (and for whom English is not their first language), must be able to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study or research. Non-EEA nationals must also satisfy UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) immigration requirements for English language for visa purposes.



For more information on English Language requirements for EEA and non-EEA nationals see: www.qub.ac.uk/EnglishLanguageReqs.



If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this degree programme, INTO Queen's University Belfast offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for admission to this degree.

Applicants are advised to apply as early as possible and ideally not later than 31st July 2026. In the event that any programme receives a high number of applications, the University reserves the right to close the application portal prior to the deadline stated on course finder. Notifications to this effect will appear on the application portal against the programme application page.



Please note: A deposit will be required to secure a place on this course.

1 year full-time.

Entry Year: Academic Year 2026/27

Career Prospects

This programme will equip you with the skills to work in a translational medicine setting in an academic or hospital environment and in the biotech/ pharmaceutical industries. You will gain an insight into the financial, management and entrepreneurial aspects of translational research, so you may end up working in industry or potentially initiating a spin-out company of your own. You will also be able, should you wish, to apply for entry onto a PhD studentship programme in a biomedical discipline.



Queen's postgraduates reap exceptional benefits. Unique initiatives, such as Degree Plus and Researcher Plus bolster our commitment to employability, while innovative leadership and executive programmes alongside sterling integration with business experts helps our students gain key leadership positions both nationally and internationally. In addition to the comprehensive training offered by this Master’s programme, the Graduate School at QUB offers a range of supplementary courses ranging from Project Management and Leadership qualifications to development of personal proficiencies such as Academic Writing and Presentation skills.



Employment after the Course

As this is a research intensive degree many of our students go on to pursue further PhD study in healthcare research within the Institute of Health Sciences here at Queen’s and further afield at other academic institutions. Others go on to work in a wide variety of roles in both the private and public sector here in Northern Ireland and internationally. The following are some of the jobs they have taken on:



Scientist, Randox

Research Assistant Curtin University, Perth, Australia

Assistant Peer Review Officer- BBSRC

Project Coordinator Almac Group

Research Project Coordinator, Almac Diagnostics

Graduate Software Engineer BT TSO