The MPhil in Cancer Biology and Medicine aims to equip students with in-depth, cutting-edge understanding of the molecular, cellular, genomic, and pathophysiological basis of cancer, and how this knowledge can be translated into clinical and population health benefit for those with cancer and those at risk of cancer. Building on Cambridge’s international leadership in cancer research and its unique life sciences ecosystem, the programme is designed to provide an integrated, multidisciplinary foundation spanning cancer prevention, early detection, diagnosis, and treatment.
A substantial research project embedded in a world-class laboratory forms the backbone of the programme, enabling students to apply theoretical knowledge in a real research environment. Through expert-led teaching and training in quantitative, experimental, and professional skills, the programme prepares graduates for impactful careers across cancer research, clinical training, policy, and the life sciences sector.
The educational aims of the course are to:
give students with relevant experience at first-degree level the opportunity to carry out focused research in the discipline under close supervision; and
give students the opportunity to acquire or develop skills and expertise relevant to their research interests.
The course will also:
provide a strong foundation in the fundamentals of cutting-edge cancer biology and biomedicine;
Enable hands-on practical training in cancer biology and oncology research methods and advanced analyses;
allow flexibility for students to explore their specific research interests via independent projects and journal clubs;
train students in academic scientific writing and oral and poster presentation.
Learning outcomes
Knowledge and Understanding
Students will be able to:
demonstrate advanced knowledge and understanding of the core science underpinning cancer biology and oncology research, with knowledge acquired in the taught elements of the course and applied during their research project;
develop in-depth knowledge of the background to their selected research project including the research methods and methods of data analysis used;
acquire a broad understanding of modern research techniques applicable to cancer research from the series of technical lectures;
demonstrate knowledge of the theoretical approaches relevant to their specialisation and training in critical thinking in the area, assessed by the written and oral presentations;
gain expertise in research methods, data analysis and statistics, assessed by the short biostatistics assessment and application of the methods to interpret the data collected during the research project;
demonstrate originality in the application of knowledge, together with the practical understanding of how research and enquiry are used to create and interpret knowledge in the field, obtained through undertaking the prolonged research project.
Skills and other attributes
Students will be able to:
analyse critically research literature and contemporary topics in the areas of their specialisation, and present such analyses in written and oral formats;
explain the importance and impact of topics in their area of specialisation to specialist and non-specialist audiences;
demonstrate proficiency in experimental and data analysis techniques;
demonstrate critical thinking and problem-solving approaches to experimental data;
participate in scientific discourse through discussion with their peers and other scientists, written material, oral and poster presentations.
Continuing
Those who wish to progress to a PhD after completing an MPhil will be required to apply through the standard PhD application process and satisfy their potential supervisor, Head of Department and the Faculty Degree Committee that they have the skills and ability to achieve the higher degree.
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