Clinical Oncology MSc / PGDip

Our programme is designed for medical professionals with an interest in clinical, medical, surgical and translational oncology.

You'll gain insights into the research process through examples from our renowned research department and its associated Clinical Trials Unit, one of the largest in the country.

Course Structure

What makes this course different?

Birmingham is a major centre for both adult and paediatric cancer treatment and is home to the West Midlands Genomic Medicine Centre, a key player in the groundbreaking 100,000 genomes project led by University Hospital Birmingham.

Our exciting programme provides a scientific understanding of cancer’s cellular basis and how molecular pathology can aid in personalised cancer therapy and disease management. Enhance your expertise in clinical oncology and elevate the standards of care at your workplace.

You can also customise the programme by selecting modules that match your own interests.

• We provide overseas full-time students with the unique opportunity to gain clinical observership status and log their hours observing in a UK based hospital.
• Learn from experts within the Department of Cancer and Genomic Sciences and clinical staff from Birmingham Hospitals.
• Meet the training requirements of the FRCR part I exams.
• Hear from invited speakers from across the country.
• Block weeks of teaching to allow for flexible learning for part time students.

This course consists of seven taught modules plus a research project.

• Taught modules – these include lectures, small group tutorials and group discussions.
• Research project – this will be on a topic of your choice and you’ll be under the supervision of leading clinicians and scientists.
• Assessments – these will include written assignments, presentations and unseen exams.

The modules listed below are an indication only and may be subject to change. Occasionally, it may be necessary to make changes to modules, for example, to ensure they remain current and relevant.

As a research-intensive University, our teaching is informed by the latest academic thinking and expertise of our staff. For more information on the circumstances in which the University may need to make changes to modules, please refer to the Terms and Conditions for applicants.

MSc Full-time

2027/28 Session: Year 1

The following must be taken:

Choose 30 credits of modules from the following, unless you are a FRCR student, in which case Radiation Physics and Radiobiology are compulsory. Students can also choose to do modules from other MSc programmes within CMDS (such as 26723 - Evidence Basis and Systematic Review or 33207 - Early Clinical Trials).

MSc Part-time

2027/28 Session: Year 1

The following must be taken:

Choose 30 credits of modules from the following, unless you are a FRCR student, in which case Radiation Physics and Radiobiology are compulsory. Students can also choose to do modules from other MSc programmes within CMDS (such as 26723 - Evidence Basis and Systematic Review or 33207 - Early Clinical Trials).

Year 2

2028/29 Session: Year 2

The following must be taken:

Choose 30 credits of modules from the following, unless you are a FRCR student, in which case Radiation Physics and Radiobiology are compulsory. Students can also choose to do modules from other MSc programmes within CMDS (such as 26723 - Evidence Basis and Systematic Review or 33207 - Early Clinical Trials).

Other Entry Requirements:

To be eligible for this programme, applicants must hold an undergraduate degree in a relevant subject such as medicine, radiography, pharmacy, biomedical sciences, or other related fields, or possess equivalent professional qualifications or experience in the field of oncology.

While not mandatory, applicants with a combination of academic qualifications and professional experience are particularly encouraged to apply. Relevant experience may include roles in medicine, surgery, pharmacy and the pharmaceutical industry, nursing, radiography, clinical trials, or other oncology-related disciplines.

English language requirements

If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification or a Presessional English course.

For this course we require IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band, which is equivalent to:

• TOEFL iBT taken before January 2026: 88 overall with no less than 21 in Reading, 20 Listening, 22 Speaking and 21 in Writing
• TOEFL iBT taken from January 2026: 4.5 Overall with no less than 4.5 in any 2 skills and 4 in the other two skills
• Pearson Test of English (PTE): Academic 67 with no less than 64 in all four skills
• Cambridge English: C1 Advanced - minimum overall score of 176, with no less than 169 in any component
• LanguageCert ESOL SELT (UKVI): B2 'Communicator' with no less than 33 in each skill

English presessional programmes

If you have a conditional offer for Birmingham where English is a requirement, you can take a Presessional English course as an alternative to retaking IELTS or a similar qualification. We offer on-campus courses all year round starting from September including additional online courses in the summer term.  Teaching takes place in small classes with no more than 18 students to maximise class participation.

Fees for September 2027

Home fees

MSc (full-time): £13,790 (including 2,000 premium fee)

MSc (Part-time): £5,895 (per year)

PG Diploma (Full-time): £7,860

PG Diploma (Part-time): £3,930 (per year)

International fees

MSc (full-time): £36,830 (including 2,000 premium fee)

MSc (Part-time): £17,415 (per year)

PG Diploma (Full-time): £23,220

PG Diploma (Part-time): £11,610 (per year)

We charge an annual tuition fee. Fees for 2027 entry are above.

The fees quoted are for one year only. For those studying courses that are longer than one year, tuition fees will also be payable in subsequent years of your programme.

Paying your tuition fees

Tuition fees can either be paid in full or by instalments. You can check whether you are eligible for UK or international fees with our admissions team.

Learn more about postgraduate tuition fees and funding.

Tuition fee deposits for international students

International students undertaking a postgraduate taught degree are required to pay a tuition fee deposit before an electronic Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) can be issued.

Scholarships

To help you afford your studies, we offer a range of scholarships and funding opportunities. We also offer advice and guidance on searching for funding and managing your finances.

Graduate Destinations

The career success of MSc Clinical Oncology graduates from the University of Birmingham highlights the rising demand for skilled professionals in oncology, healthcare management, and research. Alumni have secured roles at prestigious institutions like The Royal Marsden, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire (UHCW) NHS Trust, University Hospitals Southampton, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Genève and King Saud Medical City as well as top pharmaceutical companies including Roche and Bristol Myers Squibb.

The programme's emphasis on clinical oncology and research has allowed graduates to step into impactful roles such as Assistant Clinical Oncologists, Clinical Trial Managers, and Senior Clinical Scientists. Their wide-ranging career paths reflect the versatility and real-world relevance of the skills gained through the MSc.

Furthermore, the programme provides a pathway for graduates to contribute to advancements in oncology treatments and improve patient care, both within established healthcare institutions and through innovative healthcare start-ups and pharmaceutical companies. The versatility of the qualification and the recognition by leading employers in healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and research further highlight the strong career prospects for MSc Clinical Oncology graduates.

Your careers toolkit

Gain skills, confidence and experiences ready for the world of work with your dedicated careers toolkit. With Careers Network, your dedicated careers service, and the variety of opportunities available at Birmingham, you can build your own toolkit of skills and experiences to get you ready for an ever-changing world after graduation.

Your careers toolkit connects you with the opportunities, support and experiences across the university, including:

• Careers support services and Careers Network
• Work experience and placements
• Enterprise and entrepreneurship
• Alumni and employer connections
• Global opportunities and life experience
• Careers in the curriculum

Our bustling campus with its beautiful grounds, friendly community and excellent facilities will quickly make you feel at home. We offer you a huge variety of accommodation options in the UK’s second city, exciting activities to get involved in outside your studies, as well as all the support and advice you need.