MSc Cancer Molecular Pathology and Therapeutics

This is for you if... you want to study the molecular pathology, biology and therapeutics of cancer at an advanced level and develop a dynamic career in biological research or continue with further postgraduate study. Join a world-leading cancer research centre by studying MSc Cancer Molecular Pathology and Therapeutics at one of the top research universities in the UK. The University of Leicester has a truly global reputation for its research into a range of clinical disciplines including molecular cancer therapeutics, heart disease, diabetes and genetics. The University is also home to the prestigious Leicester Cancer Research Centre, which conducts real-life trials and lifesaving research into this terrible disease. By studying Cancer Molecular Pathology and Therapeutics at postgraduate level, you will be taught by internationally-renowned researchers and clinicians at the forefront of cancer research and treatment, being equipped with the knowledge, expertise and experience to make a real positive contribution towards the future research and treatment of cancer. You will study the mechanistic nature of cancer biology and apply that knowledge to better understanding and developing the future diagnosis, prognosis therapy and prevention of cancer. Building on a solid foundation of learned basic cancer cell biology, you will consider and experience the design of treatment modalities and prevention strategies, including the mechanisms of action of anti-cancer drugs and radiation treatment, therapy resistance and biomarker discovery. This Cancer Therapeutics Masters degree course comprises three months of intensive lectures, tutorials and taught lab work, followed by a further month of advanced topic lectures delivered by scientists at the cutting-edge of translational research, focusing on therapeutics and prevention. A key component of the course is then the five to six month research project, which will give you the opportunity to study and research one of the department’s key research areas in much greater depth. As well as developing your understanding of the processes and techniques used in cancer research, you will learn how to critically analyse research data and research papers and how to communicate complex scientific concepts and processes, as well as contributing to the world-leading research that each laboratory undertakes.

Assessment method

The taught phase consists of lectures, tutorials, demonstrations and intensive laboratory classes comprising six practicals each lasting either four-to-six days. Successful completion of the taught phase is required to proceed to the project stage. You will be trained in lab techniques and will develop your proficiency in experimental design. These skills will then be put into practice in the five to six month lab-based research project which comprises two-thirds of the credits for your course. The core lecture programme, which is shared between our various postgraduate lab-based courses, will develop your specialist knowledge. There are also optional lectures in fields related to your own, which will allow you to increase your understanding of the interdisciplinary aspects of your specialty. On days when there are no lectures, structured lab practicals are run in the first semester, alongside tutorials and seminars, plus training and employability sessions. Assessment is a mix of formal exams (MCQ, short-answer and long-answer/essay) and coursework including practical reports, presentations and other written tasks. Assessment of the laboratory research project is based on your lab performance, the written dissertation and the project presentation.