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Queen's University Belfast

Molecular Pathology of Cancer - Blended Learning

Overview
Molecular Pathology (MP) is a rapidly growing discipline in 21st century medicine. It integrates genomics and bioinformatics with modern pathology to underpin molecular diagnostics, theranostics and clinical trials delivery within the academic, health services and industry sectors in an era of precision medicine.

These exciting, innovative blended and distance learning programmes are aimed to enhance the participants theoretical knowledge and practical skills in MP and to empower them to pursue a career in academia, healthcare or industry. The programmes have a strong focus on innovation and entrepreneurship.

The programmes have been developed with a number of options in order to provide maximum flexibility of training. PgCert Molecular Pathology of Cancer candidates take the three modules delivered between September and January. PgDip candidates can take the Diploma in Molecular Pathology of Cancer and if successful can chose to progress to Masters level instead of graduating with the award. MSc candidates can take the Certificate/Diploma/MSc in Molecular Pathology of Cancer, which will provide a solid foundation for those wishing to study MP at PhD level. The full-time MSc is also available as an intercalated degree for Medical and Dental students.

In additional to the Molecular Pathology programmes, the three modules which are offered by Distance Learning are available as a stand-alone Certificate in Pathology Informatics and Business Application.

Why queen's?
Queens University Belfast (QUB) has an international reputation for the application of MP in high quality translational research. An integrated MP research environment has been established within the QUB Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology (CCRCB) through the creation of the Northern Ireland Molecular Pathology Laboratory (NIMPL) and the Northern Ireland Biobank (NIB). This enhanced research infrastructure also hosts a regional NHS Molecular Diagnostics service for solid tumours.

Molecular Pathology of Cancer has a clear resonance with the Doctoral Training Programme in Precision Cancer Medicine in the Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology; it also complements the School of Medicine Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences MRes in Translational Medicine (with which it shares teaching) and the MSc in Bioinformatics and Computational Genomics.

Entry requirements

A minimum 2.2 Honours degree or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University in a relevant biological subject is required. Evidence of equivalent professional qualifications (MBBS, BDS or BVSc) or experience will be considered on an individual basis. Intercalating students are encouraged, see our Intercalated section for more details. Applicants may be required to undertake an interview.

International Qualifications For information on international qualification equivalents please select Your Country from the list on our International Students website.

Additional Information for International Students
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. Evidence of an IELTS* score of 6.5, with not less than 5.5 in any component, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University is required. *Taken within the last 2 years.

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

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

For additional information, please visit our website.
English for University Study - an intensive English language and study skills course for successful university study at degree level.
Pre-sessional English - a short intensive academic English course for students starting a degree programme at Queen's University Belfast and who need to improve their English
See Also The Into Graduate Diploma In Finance Which Combines Academic Study, Intensive English Language Teaching And Study Skills To Prepare You For Entry Into A University Masters Degree.

Duration

Less than 1 year.
Candidates applying for this Certificate are required to be in attendance in Belfast from September to January. Teaching takes place during the day.

Careers or further progression

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.

Further enquiries

School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences
Postgraduate and Professional Development
Whitla Medical Building
97 Lisburn Road Belfast BT9 7BL
www.qub.ac.uk/schools/mdbs/
http://go.qub.ac.uk/mscclinicalanatomy
Tel: +44 (0) 28 9097 2615
Email: pgoffice.smdb@qub.ac.uk

Subjects taught

Course Details
All candidates will undertake traditional face to face teaching for the three modules in Semester 1. This will be timetabled teaching. Some of the teaching sessions within the modules also form aspects of formal teaching for other PG programmes, providing the students with the opportunity to interact with other Masters students from different disciplines, which we feel enhances the student experience.

(1) Cancer Biology, Immunology and Genomics (15 CATs)
(2) Molecular Pathology Diagnostics and Technologies (25 CATs)
(3) Translational Research (20 CATs)

Comment

Learning and Teaching
At Queens, we aim to deliver a high quality learning environment that embeds intellectual curiosity, innovation and best practice in learning, teaching and student support to enable student to achieve their full academic potential.

Examples of the learning opportunities on this course include; lectures, practical experiences, using E-Learning technologies, Self-directed study all of which give experiences to enhance employability.

Assessment method

Assessment is by a combination of oral presentations and written assignments. The research project is written up as a dissertation.

Application date

Postgraduate Taught
In general, there are no closing dates for the majority of courses (those with closing dates will be highlighted in the Course Finder). However we advise you to apply as early as possible, particularly for those courses where there is a high demand for places. Early application is also important for international applicants to allow sufficient time to obtain a student entry visa.

Postgraduate Research
There is no standard closing date. You should however check both the Universitys website and refer to the relevant School/Institute webpage for information on deadline dates for postgraduate funding applications, as these will also determine when your application for admission should be submitted.