Translational Oncology

Course Overview

Cancer research is a significant strength at Trinity College Dublin and a major focus at its associated teaching hospitals, including St. James’s Hospital. Global cancer incidences are rising rapidly each year and research exploring the underlying causes, mechanisms of tumour progression and response to treatments are vitally important.



This M.Sc. programme in Translational Oncology focuses on the cellular and molecular basis of cancer. The course also covers the scientific and clinical challenges pertinent to the management of site-specific cancers, and all aspects of cancer treatment from standard therapies to ‘individualised’ molecular targeted and immune-based therapies.



Is This Course For Me?

This one-year programme is aimed at scientists, clinicians and other healthcare professionals and provides students with an in-depth understanding of the theoretical and practical aspects of the causes and treatment of cancer.



Course Structure

An induction day will be held for students in September, where the course structure, timetables, assessments and content will be explained in detail to the students.



Semester 1: formal lectures will take place Monday to Thursday (normally 10am-12pm and 1pm-3pm). However, it may be necessary to schedule lectures outside these times to accommodate visiting and clinical lecturers. Students will be notified of all changes to the timetable. Students are also expected to attend tutorial sessions outside these normal lecturing hours.



Semester 2: Formal lectures take place Monday to Friday (10am-12pm and 1pm-3pm). However, it may be necessary to schedule lectures outside these times to accommodate visiting and clinical lecturers. Students will be notified of all changes to the timetable. Students are also expected to attend tutorial sessions outside the normal lecturing hours.





Research Skills modules will run over semester 2 to the research project.



Research projects and dissertations will begin after the taught modules are complete and run for 12 weeks. Students are required to be in their designated laboratories full time Monday to Friday.

The M.Sc. in Translational Oncology consists of eleven taught modules, which can include: Cellular and Molecular Basis of Cancer; Disease-Specific Cancers: Scientific and Clinical Perspectives; Tumour Immunology; Radiation, Chemotherapy and Molecular Targeted Therapies; Cancer Epigenetics, Gene Regulation and Stem Cells; Clinical Trials and Health Economics; Oncology Research Skills and Statistics; Obesity, Metabolism and Physical Activity; Drug Development from Discovery to Commercialization; Cellular and Genomic Instability; and Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutic Toxicity.



Each student is also required to undertake a twelve-week research project and submit a dissertation based on the outputs from this research project. The twelve-week research project will begin in Semester 2 once all the taught modules have been completed.

Admission Requirements

This programme is open to candidates with qualifications in science, medicine, or a related discipline. Scientific, dental or equivalent candidates must have a minimum upper second-class (2.1) degree. Medical graduates must have a M.B., B.Ch., B.A.O. or equivalent from a recognised medical school.



All applicants should provide two academic or clinical references. Applicants should also include a 500 word personal statement addressing why they are interested in the programme and their suitability.

Closing Date: 31st July 2025

1 year full-time

Next Intake: September 2025

Career Opportunities

Recognised by many academic and industry partners as a source of high-quality students, this course has had an employment rate above 92% in its last four years. Careers our graduates pursued span further research (including Ph.Ds) through to employment in hospitals, university and medical centres. Additionally, a significant number of students have secured positions in pharmaceutical and clinical trial companies, both nationally and internationally.