Postgraduate research  

Cancer Sciences PhD/iPhD/MD/MSc (Research)

cancer sciences

Our School of Cancer Sciences is a broad-based, research intensive institution with a global reach. We span fundamental cancer biology, translational and clinical cancer research. And focus on cancer genomics and disease-specific research. Our primary goal is to deliver world-class research that can be translated to patient benefit and to provide a leading-edge environment for research and training.

  • PhD: 3-4 years full-time; 5 years part-time;
  • IPhD: 5 years full-time;
  • MSc (Research): 1 year full-time; 2 years part-time;

Research projects

All self-funded projects can be applied to throughout the year. Please note that not all projects are available in the IPhD route. 

Investigating the Colonic Microbiome – Immune Interactions to Prevent Colorectal Cancer

Integrated PhD (October-April)

Our Integrated PhD combines an MSc and PhD project in a 1+3+1 format. There are two options when choosing to apply for the IPhD and these are shown below. Please review how to apply section for more information. 

Option A: Choose from the listed projects.

You can select from the listed projects below and choose your MSc from the options listed on that project. 

Investigating the prognostic value of spatial immunophenotypes in lung cancer (available as IPhD)

Investigating the role of autophagy and mitochondrial function in leukaemic stem cells (available as IPhD)

Investigation of new therapeutic approaches to combat viral-associated cancer (available as IPhD)

Mechanisms of metastasis: Defining how the sialomucin Podocalyxin drives metastatic colorectal cancer (available as IPhD)

Microenvironment in paediatric and adult acute myeloid leukaemia (available as IPhD)

Role of Mitochondrial Reprogramming in PPARG Driven Prostate Cancer (available as IPhD)

Understanding and exploiting immunogenic cell death to treat cancer (available as IPhD)

Option B: Create your own research proposal

You can create your own project, source a supervisor and they will choose an MSc programme that aligns with your research proposal. 

Create your own PhD proposal

Overview

We are part of a national centre of excellence in the fight against cancer carrying out a programme of world-class science directed at understanding the molecular changes that cause cancer. We are working to translate scientific discoveries into new drugs or diagnostic and prognostic tools that benefit cancer patients, taking new therapies through preclinical and clinical trials.

The School of Cancer Sciences is a major component of the Cancer Research UK West of Scotland Cancer Centre. There are currently 51 research groups housed in magnificent new research buildings at the Beatson Institute for Cancer Research, the Paul O’Gorman Leukaemia Research Centre, the CRUK clinical trials unit (CTU) and the Wolfson Wohl Cancer Research Centre. Our facilities house a number of state-of-the-art technologies that underpin our key research themes.

Individual research projects are tailored around the expertise of principal investigators within our Schools. Basic and clinical projects are also available for study.

A variety of approaches are used, including molecular biology, biochemistry, bioinformatics, genetics, cancer modelling and cell biology (including advanced in vitro and in vivo imaging), immunology and polyomics (genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics and metabolomics).

Specific areas of interest include:

  • cancer biology and cell signalling
  • epigenetics
  • cancer stem cell biology
  • cancer imaging
  • chemoresistance in cancer
  • cancer and ageing
  • regulation of cancer cell death processes
  • genetics, genomics and systems medicine 
  • immunotherapy for cancer
  • cancer clinical trials

Study options

PhD

  • Duration: 3/4 years full-time; 5 years part-time

Individual research projects are tailored around the expertise of principal investigators.

Integrated PhD programmes (5 years)

Our Integrated PhD allows you to combine masters level teaching with your chosen research direction in a 1+3+1 format. 

International students with MSc and PhD scholarships/funding do not have to apply for 2 visas or exit and re-enter the country between programmes. International and UK/EU students may apply.

Year 1

Taught masters level modules are taken alongside students on our masters programmes. Our research-led teaching supports you to fine tune your research ideas and discuss these with potential PhD supervisors. You will gain a valuable introduction to academic topics, research methods, laboratory skills and the critical evaluation of research data. Your grades must meet our requirements in order to gain entry on to your pre-selected PhD research project. If not, you will have the options to pay outstanding MSc fees and complete with masters degree only.

Years 2, 3 and 4

PhD programme with research/lab work, completing an examinable piece of independent research in year 4.

Year 5

Thesis write up.

MSc (Research)

  • Duration: 1 year full-time; 2 years part-time

MD (Doctor of Medicine)

  • Duration: 2 years full-time; 4 years part-time (for medically-qualified graduates only)

Entry requirements

A 2.1 Honours degree or equivalent.

English language requirements

Fees and funding

Fees

2025/26

  • UK: £5,005
  • International & EU: £31,800

Prices are based on the annual fee for full-time study. Fees for part-time study are half the full-time fee.

Irish nationals who are living in the Common Travel Area of the UK, EU nationals with settled or pre-settled status, and Internationals with Indefinite Leave to remain status can also qualify for home fee status.

Alumni discount

We offer a 20% discount to our alumni on all Postgraduate Research and full Postgraduate Taught Masters programmes. This includes University of Glasgow graduates and those who have completed Junior Year Abroad, Exchange programme or International Summer School with us. The discount is applied at registration for students who are not in receipt of another discount or scholarship funded by the University. No additional application is required.

Possible additional fees

  • Re-submission by a research student £540
  • Submission for a higher degree by published work £1,355
  • Submission of thesis after deadline lapsed £350
  • Submission by staff in receipt of staff scholarship £790

Depending on the nature of the research project, some students will be expected to pay a bench fee (also known as research support costs) to cover additional costs. The exact amount will be provided in the offer letter.

Funding

The IPhD is not supported by University of Glasgow Scholarship/Funding

Support

The College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences Graduate School provides a vibrant, supportive and stimulating environment for all our postgraduate students. We aim to provide excellent support for our postgraduates through dedicated postgraduate convenors, highly trained supervisors and pastoral support for each student.
 
Our overarching aim is to provide a research training environment that includes:

  • provision of excellent facilities and cutting edge techniques
  • training in essential research and generic skills
  • excellence in supervision and mentoring
  • interactive discussion groups and seminars
  • an atmosphere that fosters critical cultural policy and research analysis
  • synergy between research groups and areas
  • extensive multidisciplinary and collaborative research
  • extensive external collaborations both within and beyond the UK 
  • a robust generic skills programme including opportunities in social and commercial training

How to apply

Identify potential supervisors

IPhD & research projects

Gather your documents

Apply now

Contact us