MRes Oncology

at University of Manchester

Course unit details

The course features the following components:

• Research Methods course unit - 15 credits
• Clinical Masterclass course unit - 15 credits
• Lecture Series course unit - 15 credits
• Tutorial course unit - 15 credits
   

Two research placements (1 x 10 week - 30 credits; 1 x 25 week - 90 credits)

The  Research Methods  course unit covers topics relating to:

• Critical analysis of scientific/medical research and literature
• Information management
• Study design
• Basic statistical analysis
• Ethics, fraud, plagiarism and medical and academic misconduct
• Presentation skills
• Scientific writing and publishing skills
   

The  Clinical Masterclass  course unit provides a truly multidisciplinary foundation in the key issues in oncology. Delivery is by lectures and site tours and these classes will offer the student the chance to debate with internationally recognised experts in their field. Areas covered include:

• Cancer epidemiology, screening and prevention
• Diagnosis
• Chemotherapy
• Radiotherapy
• Hormonal therapy
• Surgery
   

Following attendance at these classes, you will be able to understand how cancer is diagnosed and the principles of cancer surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy.
 

The  Lecture Series  course unit comprises two intensive one-week courses, one in November and the other in February. The November course covers the biological basis of chemotherapy, pharmacology and cancer biology. The February course covers the biological basis of radiotherapy and translational aspects of cancer research, including biomarkers and new technologies.
 

The  Tutorial  course unit allows students to choose from a selection of clinical and academic oncology topics. The unit aims to improve ability to interpret and criticise literature as well as improve verbal communication skills in a small group setting.
 

Course unit list

The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.
 

Title

• Tutorial Unit
• Research Project 2
• Clinical Masterclass
• Lecture Series
• Research Project 1
• Research Methods

Academic entry qualification overview
 

We require an undergraduate honours degree (Upper Second or above), or the overseas equivalent in:

• medicine

• biomedical sciences
   

Relevant experience and commitment to oncology research will be beneficial.
 

This course is also available for intercalating medical students, both from the University of Manchester and other UK universities.
 

For intercalating medical students (after Year 3 or 4), we require satisfactory achievement in Years 1 to 3 or 4 of the undergraduate MBChB course, with no failure at any examination in the past two academic years.
 

For University of St Andrews students, this includes the three-year degree and the following two years spent in Manchester (Years 3 and 4 of the Manchester course).
 

English language
 

International students must demonstrate English proficiency through a secure and approved testing system.
 

We ask for English language proof if you are from non-majority English speaking countries (a list of majority English speaking countries, as defined by the UK Home Office, can be found here ).
 

Specifically, we require a minimum of:

• IELTS : 6.5 overall with 6.5 in all components

• TOEFL: 90 internet-based (with no less than 24 in all components)

• MRes (full-time)
  
  UK students (per annum): £12,500
  
  International, including EU, students (per annum): £27,000

MRes is ideal for high calibre graduates, students and professionals wishing to undertake directly channelled research training in the clinical and medical oncology field.

If you are a medical student, the MRes will help you to decide whether to pursue a medical career in oncology or in clinical academia.

For biomedical science graduates, the MRes offers the research experience increasingly needed for successful application to a PhD programme in cancer research.

Our previous students have used the knowledge gained from the course to pursue careers in academia, the pharmaceutical industry, clinical trials management and medicine.