Overview
Unlock the science behind one of the world’s most pressing health challenges with Brunel’s Cancer Research MSc - a programme designed to equip you with the knowledge, skills, and hands-on experience to make a real-world impact in cancer biology, diagnostics, and therapy.
This programme offers a deep dive into the genetic and epigenetic foundations of cancer, alongside innovative approaches to diagnosis and treatment. Whether you're an aspiring scientist or healthcare professional, you’ll gain the expertise needed to contribute to cutting-edge cancer research and clinical advancements.
You'll gain specialist training on the genetic and epigenetic hallmarks of cancer, tumour microenvironments, and key signalling pathways. You’ll explore cutting-edge diagnostics like liquid biopsies and therapies, including immunotherapy and targeted treatments - plus, critically evaluate current research through journal clubs.
On this degree, we explore the molecular and cellular basis of disease, covering key topics in genetics, epigenetics, immunology, and pharmacology. You’ll investigate how gene regulation, chromatin structure, and non-coding RNA influence disease, and how model systems - from cell lines to organoids - are used to investigate new therapies.
We'll teach you how to design and conduct robust scientific studies, meaning you'll gain practical experience in lab techniques, statistical analysis, and omics technologies, while also learning about research ethics, data integrity, and the responsible use of AI in science. You’ll also develop the ability to present complex scientific ideas clearly and persuasively to both expert and public audiences. From journal articles to media releases, you’ll learn how to tailor your message and make your research matter.
Whether you’re aiming for a career in biomedical research, clinical diagnostics, or the pharmaceutical industry, this degree will prepare you to make a real-world impact in science and medicine.
You can explore our campus and facilities for yourself by taking our virtual tour.
Course content
On this course, you’ll receive core training in molecular medicine, research methods, and scientific communication modules, alongside gaining specialist knowledge in cancer biology, as well as conducting a research dissertation project.
You’ll develop a comprehensive suite of scientific and professional skills. These include advanced laboratory techniques, bioinformatics, critical analysis of scientific literature, and the ability to communicate complex ideas to both specialist and non-specialist audiences.
Your dissertation is your chance to contribute to real-world scientific inquiry. Under expert supervision, you’ll design and execute an independent research project using Brunel’s cutting-edge facilities - preparing you for a career in academia, industry, or clinical research.
Compulsory
- BB5607 - Cancer Biology
This module aims to provide an understanding of the biology of human cancer, the genetic and epigenetic hallmarks of cancer, the Cell Signalling pathways involved, Cancer diagnosis, prognosis and therapeutic approaches to the clinical treatment of cancer.
- BB5606 - Molecular Medicine
This module will provide the students with the principle concepts of genetics and cell biology, cancer/disease, immunology and microbiology, together with the model organisms and in vitro models used in the molecular medicine field.
- BB5605 - Research Skills
This module will provide the framework for understanding the landscape of how to conduct research, its ethical implications and experimental techniques. It will also provide students with practical lab experience.
- BB5610 - Scientific Communication
This study block is designed to provide an overview of the professional science communication landscape. Starting with the understanding of the research structure and its planning, the course provides an opportunity to learn the principles and variety of Scientific Writing. Different scientific writing styles will be explored, including writing for Social media, Science Blogging, public relations and educational purposes. Attendance to scientific seminars will provide the opportunity to understand how to communicate research data. It will also train in Literature Searching and in analysing research papers via TBL sessions.
- BB5604 - Dissertation Research Project
This module provides students with an opportunity to undertake an independent, in-depth research study of a topic relevant to the course.
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Please note that all modules are subject to change.
Read more about the structure of postgraduate degrees at Brunel
Careers and your future
Graduates of Brunel’s Cancer Research MSc are highly sought after across a wide range of scientific and healthcare sectors. Whether you're aiming to work at the forefront of cancer research innovation or pursue further academic study, this programme opens the door to exciting and impactful career paths.
Our graduates go on to thrive in careers such as:
- Cancer-related Biomedical and Clinical Researcher
- Analytical Development Scientist
- Senior Scientist in Biotech
- Cancer Therapy Clinical Trials Manager
- Science Communicator or Medical Writer
- Physician Associate or Healthcare Professional
Previous Biomedical Sciences postgraduate graduates have secured positions at leading organisations including Touchlight, MeiraGTx, and The Hillingdon Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, while others have progressed to PhD programmes at Brunel, UCL, and top international universities. Many have also taken on leadership roles in scientific communications and biotechnology firms.
This degree also provides a strong foundation for further education and specialisation, including PhDs in cancer biology, postgraduate certificates in cancer-related clinical research, bioinformatics, or science communication and professional training in healthcare, data science, or regulatory affairs.
Whether you’re looking to enter the lab, the clinic, or the boardroom, Brunel’s Cancer Research MSc will prepare you to lead, innovate, and make a difference in the world of science and medicine.
UK entry requirements
2025/6 entry
A 2.2 (or above) UK Honours degree in the field of Biosciences.
Other qualifications including equivalent internationally recognised qualification or relevant experience from health professionals (e.g. doctors, nurses, MLSOs) will be assessed on an individual basis and a request for completion of an online biological test in molecular and cell biology may be required.
Applicants with a third class honours degree or other lower qualifications will be considered if supported by science A-levels (or equivalent) and relevant work experience. Such applicants may be required to attend an interview.
EU and International entry requirements
If you require a Tier 4 visa to study in the UK, you must prove knowledge of the English language so that we can issue you a Certificate of Acceptance for Study (CAS). To do this, you will need an IELTS for UKVI or Trinity SELT test pass gained from a test centre approved by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) and on the Secure English Language Testing (SELT) list. This must have been taken and passed within two years from the date the CAS is made.
English language requirements
- IELTS: 6.5 (min 6 in all areas)
- Pearson: 59 (59 in all subscores)
- BrunELT: 63% (min 58% in all areas)
- TOEFL: 90 (min 20 in all)
You can find out more about the qualifications we accept on our English Language Requirements page.
Should you wish to take a pre-sessional English course to improve your English prior to starting your degree course, you must sit the test at an approved SELT provider for the same reason. We offer our own BrunELT English test and have pre-sessional English language courses for students who do not meet requirements or who wish to improve their English. You can find out more information on English courses and test options through our Brunel Language Centre.
Please check our Admissions pages for more information on other factors we use to assess applicants. This information is for guidance only and each application is assessed on a case-by-case basis. Entry requirements are subject to review, and may change.
Fees and funding
2025/26 entry
UK
£13,280 full-time
£6,640 part-time
International
£24,795 full-time
£12,395 part-time
More information on any additional course-related costs.
Fees quoted are per year and are subject to an annual increase.
See our fees and funding page for full details of postgraduate scholarships available to Brunel applicants.
Scholarships and bursaries
Teaching and learning
You’ll learn from internationally recognised researchers and gain hands-on experience in state-of-the-art laboratories. Our research-led teaching is complemented by strong industry links and proximity to world-class hospitals, biotech firms, and research institutes, providing unique opportunities for collaboration with NHS and industry partners.
You’ll also benefit from personalised academic support through one-on-one mentorship, career development workshops, guest lectures, and networking events in London - one of the world’s most dynamic and diverse cities.
Your course will be delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars, tutorials, practical laboratory sessions. A number of sessions will be interactive and involve informal student presentations and journal clubs.
Assessment and feedback
Your assessments are designed to reflect real-world scientific practice and help you build a broad and versatile skill set.
Throughout the programme, you’ll be evaluated through a variety of coursework that mirrors the tasks of professional researchers. These include lab reports, data analysis, and even a grant proposal, giving you experience in the kinds of work you’ll encounter in research and industry.
You’ll also develop your communication skills through written assignments, such as essays and articles tailored for both scientific and general audiences. An oral presentation will help you refine your public speaking and science communication abilities.
To test your integrated knowledge, you’ll complete a synoptic exam, while a reflective seminar portfolio will encourage you to critically assess real-world scientific presentations and develop your analytical thinking.
Your final challenge is the research dissertation - a substantial independent project where you’ll design, conduct, and communicate your own research, showcasing everything you’ve learned and your readiness for the next step in your scientific career.
Read our guide on how to avoid plagiarism in your assessments at Brunel.