Expand your knowledge of theoretical and practical aspects of oncology! Take advantage of our network of University Hospitals, which offer cutting-edge oncology treatments. These treatments are driven by innovative clinical trials, a multidisciplinary approach, and advanced molecular stratification techniques.
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.
The taught clinical content is fantastic, engaging, relevant and varied. This programme at University of Birmingham is well structured and contained everything I was looking to learn clinically.
This course will run over two and a half years, part-time, with intakes in February and October. While the exact content may change, here’s what you can expect to study each year.
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.
in the world for Life Sciences and Medicine (2024 QS World Rankings)
global univeristy (2024 QS World Rankings)
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.
The Clinical Oncology MSc programme is available both full-time and part-time. You’ll learn from world-leading academics and researchers at a top 100 UK university. From the outset we’ll challenge and encourage you to become an independent and self-motivated learner.
This course consists of seven taught modules plus a research project.
This programme comprises 120 credits of taught material and a 60 credit research project.
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.
Year: 1
2025/26 Session
The following must be taken:
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| Cellular and Molecular Basis of Cancer | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Cancer Therapy | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Molecular Pathology in Stratified Cancer Medicine | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Perioperative Management of oncology patients undergoing surgery | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Research Methods and Statistics (Cancer) | 10 | Semester 1 |
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).
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| Haemato-Oncology | 10 | Semester 2 |
| Paediatric Oncology | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Palliative Care of Cancer Patients | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Radiation Biology | 10 | Semester 1 |
| Radiation Physics | 20 | Semester 2 |
Year: 2
2026/27 Session
The following must be taken:
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| Cellular and Molecular Basis of Cancer | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Clinical Oncology Dissertation | 60 | Semester 2 |
| Cancer Therapy | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Molecular Pathology in Stratified Cancer Medicine | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Perioperative Management of oncology patients undergoing surgery | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Research Methods and Statistics (Cancer) | 10 | Semester 1 |
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).
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| Haemato-Oncology | 10 | Semester 2 |
| Paediatric Oncology | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Palliative Care of Cancer Patients | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Radiation Biology | 10 | Semester 1 |
| Radiation Physics | 20 | Semester 2 |
To gain a place at Birmingham you will need to meet our general entry requirements, as well as those specific to your course. Your application will be reviewed by the course’s Admissions Tutor, who will decide whether your application should receive an offer.
in medicine, radiography, pharmacy or other relevant subject.
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.
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.
For this course we require IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band, which is equivalent to:
Improve your knowledge of spoken and written English in preparation for studying at Birmingham with our pre-sessional English courses. If you have a conditional offer, you can take one of these courses as an alternative to retaking IELTS or other similar qualifications.
Part-time
We charge an annual tuition fee. Fees for 2025 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.
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.
To help with the cost of studies, this loan is available to all UK students. You can use this loan towards fees, maintenance or other costs at your own discretion. It’s available for all full-time, part-time and distance learning Masters programmes, as long as you don’t already have a Masters qualification (or equivalent).If you’re a student from Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, you can apply for Masters loans from your country’s government.
To help you afford your studies, we’ve put more than £33 million into student support and scholarships. We also offer a range of advice on searching for funding and managing your finances.
We want to welcome the brightest talent to our postgraduate community. That’s why our Birmingham Masters Scholarships award £3,000 to more than 300 students each year.
To apply for a postgraduate programme, you will need to submit your application and supporting documents online.
Select whether you are a UK student or an international student for relevant application deadlines.
Application deadline for UK and non-tier 4 applicants. We will close applications as soon as the programme is full. Early applications are encouraged.
Find out how to apply to our postgraduate taught programmes. Please read this information carefully before completing your application.
If you have a question about our admissions process, including how to apply, your offer and how to track your application, please visit our admissions portal.
Our programme has significantly supported health care professionals from various backgrounds, including medical and oncology trainees, nurses, pharmacists, radiographers, veterinarians, and clinical trial coordinators. Being a clinical oncologist is demanding, but your skills and expertise will greatly impact your patients' lives, making it an immensely rewarding career. After graduation, you could specialise in specific cancers, teach medical or postgraduate students, or engage in research within universities, the NHS, or the private sector. Many of our graduates have published papers based on their dissertations.
Get ready for tomorrow, with advice, guidance and opportunities at every step of your studies. From developing new skills to preparing for a PhD, our Careers Network can help you gain an advantage in the job market or advance in your field.
Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network offers a range of events and support services including networking opportunities, career coaching, one-to-one guidance, careers fairs and links with leading graduate recruiters. We also offer subject-specific careers consultants and a dedicated careers website for international students.
Find out why we are the most targeted UK university by top graduate employers (High Fliers report, The Graduate Market 2024) by meeting some of our successful alumni.
At Birmingham, your university experience isn’t just about studying. You will have the opportunity to discover new experiences, develop different skills and make friends for life.
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.
Coming to Birmingham to study might be your first time living away from home. Our student accommodation will allow you to enjoy your independence in safe, welcoming and sociable surroundings.
As one of the original pioneering cities, Birmingham is a melting pot for shopping, food and drink, nightlife, sport, culture, and industry. It’s no wonder our students fall in love with the city.
Whoever you are and wherever you come from, we are committed to providing the best possible support to all of our students so that you can get the most out of your university experience.
Our green and spacious campus is the place where our community comes together to learn, relax and socialise. Like a town of its own, just minutes from the hustle and bustle of the UK’s second city.
Explore our beautiful campus from wherever you are. Get a feel for the wide range of historic and modern spaces and state-of-the-art facilities.
