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Cancer Sciences MRes

Overview
Course details
Learning and teaching
Employability

The MRes Cancer Sciences is a 1 year full-time programme that is being introduced in 2013 to offer postgraduate training to suitably qualified science students who are interested in research careers in cancer. It is a standalone programme, but would be of particular interest to you if you wish to apply for further training at PhD level.

Online Chat Opportunity -

Dr Roger Watson, MRes Cancer Sciences programme lead, will be on hand to answer any questions you have about the programme. Just click on the link below, create a username and password and then login at the specified time to start chatting.

Wednesday 15th May, 15.00-17.00 GMT, MRes Cancer Sciences Online Chat

Course fact file

Type of Course: Taught, combined research and taught

Study Options: Full time

Duration: 1 year Full-Time

Start date: September 2013

Contact

Programme Lead:

Roger Watson

r.watson@bham.ac.uk

Course details

Details

The Cancer Sciences MRes programme is designed to offer life and biomedical science graduates the opportunity to gain research training through practical experience in a leading cancer research centre.

The programme consists of three introductory taught modules and an extensive project within a research group in the School of Cancer Sciences. The lecture modules will be taught by leading cancer experts and will cover such topics as the cellular and molecular basis of cancer, the pathology of selected cancers and how translational research is applied to diagnosis and treatment of cancers. The projects will generally be laboratory-based and will provide skills in designing and implementing research strategies to answer fundamental questions relating to cancer causes, diagnosis and/or treatment.

The skills and experience gained will be of particular benefit when applying to PhD programmes in cancer studies and related cell and molecular biology subjects.

Why study this course

Research into the causes of cancer has accelerated rapidly over the past couple of decades to the extent that we now have a good understanding of the genes, signalling pathways and cellular processes involved. A start has been made on using this knowledge to design new and effective therapies, however, there is still much to do.

The Cancer Sciences MRes offers you the opportunity to be actively involved in cancer research at the University of Birmingham, which was ranked as one of the best centres in the UK for number and quality of publications in Cancer in the previous UK Research Assessment Exercise.

The University is the site of the first Cancer Research UK Centre to be opened nationally and has one of the largest cancer research bases in the country. The Birmingham Cancer Research UK Centre unites laboratory researchers with cancer clinicians and clinical trials specialists, and the Cancer Sciences MRes course will allow you to experience the fully translational nature of research within the School of Cancer Sciences.

Modules

You will study three lecture modules in association with MSc Clinical Oncology students, broadening your perspectives by learning alongside students with experience in clinical aspects of oncology. These lectures will be followed up with tutorials specifically for MRes Cancer Sciences students that will develop your skills in critical analysis and presentation of research data.

The taught modules will be:

Cellular and Molecular Basis of Cancer
Introduction to General and Molecular Pathology of Cancer
Translational Research in Cancer

You will select a 30 week research project after consulting with potential supervisors. The project will generally be laboratory-based within one of the research groups in the School of Cancer Sciences.

Being an integral member of an active research group will give you the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to ongoing cancer research in Birmingham, and will provide you with a real insight into how this research is conducted.

This is the module list for 2013, but the programme continues to evolve and you should check the website regularly for any changes for next year.

Fees and funding

2013/2014 course fees are expected to be:

UK/EU £7,500
Non UK/EU £17,250

Further information can be obtained from the course organiser, Dr Roger Watson - r.watson@bham.ac.uk

Entry requirements

A Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in the life sciences or biomedical sciences. We normally expect this to be at the 2(i) level or higher, but will also consider promising students who have not quite achieved this level.

Candidates from overseas for whom English is not their first language must meet the University’s English Language requirement e.g. IELTS 7.0 (with a minimum of 6.5 in any band). Full information on EU/International student entry.

International students:

Academic requirements

We accept a range of qualifications, our country pages show you what qualifications we accept from your country.

English language requirements

You can satisfy our English language requirements in two ways:

by holding an English language qualification to the right level
by taking and successfully completing one of our English courses for international students

English to IELTS 7.0 (with a minimum of 6.5 in each component) or TOEFL Internet based 95 overall with no less than 22 in any band.

How to apply

When clicking on the Apply Now button you will be directed to an application specifically designed for the programme you wish to apply for where you will create an account with the University application system and submit your application and supporting documents online. Further information regarding how to apply online can be found on the How to apply pages

Contact

Programme Lead:

Roger Watson

r.watson@bham.ac.uk

Learning and teaching

As a Birmingham student, you will be joining the academic elite and will have the privilege of learning from world-leading experts, as well as your peers. From the outset you will be encouraged to become an independent and self-motivated learner. We want you to be challenged and will encourage you to think for yourself.

You will have access to a comprehensive support system that will assist and encourage you, including personal tutors and welfare tutors who can help with both academic and welfare issues.

Assessment methods

Assessment of the taught modules is either by a written essay or MCQ exam. The research project is assessed on the basis of a written dissertation that describes and analyses the work done.

Contact

Programme Lead:

Roger Watson

r.watson@bham.ac.uk

Course details

Employability

On completion of the Cancer Sciences MRes programme, students will have developed key research and presentation skills that are sought by many recruiters into further postgraduate study at PhD level. These skills will also be applicable to other career pathways in the biomedical and health sciences sectors.

Careers Support for Postgraduates

Careers Network – We can help you get ahead in the job market and develop your career

We recognise that as a postgraduate student you are likely to have specific requirements when it comes to planning for your next career step. Employers expect postgraduates to have a range of skills that exceed their subject knowledge. Careers Network offers a range of events and support services that are designed for all students, including postgraduates looking to find their niche in the job market.

Here are just a few ways in which we can help postgraduates to get ahead:

Careers Networking opportunities
Effective careers strategy toolkit
Year planner for all postgraduate students
Masters Career Coaching Workshops
One to one careers guidance

The Careers Network also have subject specific careers consultants and advisers for each College so you can be assured the information you receive will be relevant to your subject area. They also have a dedicated careers website for international students where you can find useful resources and information.

Quotes
“We have hired some fantastic Birmingham graduates and postgraduates in the past, and believe that they have the experience and intelligence to understand the challenges of working with Procter and Gamble.”

In an independent survey, over 75% of employers regarded a postgraduate Masters-level qualification as ‘essential’ or ‘preferred’ when recruiting.
‘Talent Fishing: What Businesses want from Postgraduate’ A CIHE Report for Department of Business Innovation and Skills, March 2011.

For more information on the PG Careers Network contact Jenny Mullins-White at j.mullins-white@bham.ac.uk.