Postgraduate taught  

Cancer Research & Precision Oncology MSc

Cancer research splash image

Watch our latest webinar to find out more about this programme.

From 'bench to bedside,' this multidisciplinary programme prepares graduates to tackle cutting-edge challenges in cancer research alongside world-leading scientists and specialists.

Please note: to allow for essential maintenance our Online Application Form and Applicant Self Service are currently unavailable. We expect this to be completed by Monday 14 April.

We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause, and should you wish to contact Admissions please use our Enquiry Form.

Why this programme

https://vimeo.com/740700594
  • Comprehensive learning: develop a strong foundation in cancer research and precision oncology, covering the latest advancements and technologies in the field.
  • Multidisciplinary approach: learn from and collaborate with world-leading scientists and clinicians across diverse disciplines, preparing you for real-world challenges.
  • Learn from the best: connect with experts from leading research centres, universities, and hospitals across Glasgow, whose teams have pioneered major advances in cancer research, including the Cancer Research UK Scotland Institute.
  • Innovative training: gain hands-on experience with cutting-edge techniques and approaches driving the future of cancer research and treatment.
  • Career versatility: equip yourself with the knowledge and skills to excel in academia, industry, or clinical research settings.
  • Make a lasting impact: contribute meaningfully to the cancer research sector by advancing knowledge and helping to shape the future of cancer treatment.
  • Professional recognition: accredited by the Royal Society of Biology for the purpose of meeting, in part, the academic and experience requirement for the Membership and Chartered Biologist (CBiol).

Programme structure

Compulsory courses

**Note: students must have a minimum of grade C in semesters 1 and 2 in order to proceed to the research project.

Programme alteration or discontinuation
The University of Glasgow endeavours to run all programmes as advertised. In exceptional circumstances, however, the University may withdraw or alter a programme. For more information, please see: Student contract.

Career prospects

MSc Cancer Research & Precision Oncology equips you for a range of career paths, whether you’re pursuing a PhD, further medical studies, or roles in the health services, life sciences, biotechnology, or pharmaceutical sectors.

The knowledge and transferable skills developed in this programme will be suitable for those who wish to undertake:

  • a PhD or further medical studies
  • careers in the health services sector
  • roles within life sciences, biotechnology, or pharmaceutical industries, including contract research organisations (CROs)

Related job positions include:

  • Cancer Research Scientist
  • Haematology Doctor (NHS)
  • Medical Laboratory Scientist
  • Microbiologist
  • Scientific Officer
  • Scientific Publishing Assistant
  • Medical Oncology Researcher
  • Clinical Trials Coordinator (Oncology)
  • Pharmacogenomics Specialist
  • Biomarker Discovery Scientist
  • Oncology Data Analyst
  • Pharmaceutical/Biotech Researcher

Fees & funding

Tuition fees for 2025-26

MSc

UK

  • Full-time fee: £11820

International & EU

  • Full-time fee: £31800

Deposits

International and EU applicants are required to pay a deposit of £2000 when an offer is made.

Deposits: terms & conditions

Additional fees

  • Fee for re-assessment of a dissertation (PGT programme): £370
  • Submission of thesis after deadline lapsed: £350
  • Registration/exam only fee: £170

Funding opportunities

GREAT Scholarships 2025

Banco de Mexico

Erasmus+ Master Degree Loans

DAAD-University of Glasgow 1-year Master’s grant

Colfuturo Fundacion para el Futuro de Colombia

Commonwealth Scholarship Schemes

Chevening Scholarship

CONICyT (La Comsion Nacional de Investigacion Cientifica y Tecnologica de Chile)

University of Glasgow African Excellence Award

CONACyT (Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnologia) / FUNED Agreement

University of Glasgow Caribbean Excellence Award

World Changers Glasgow Scholarship

Postgraduate Student Loan (Scotland and EU)

Postgraduate Tuition Fee Loans England only (PTFL)

Postgraduate Loans for Welsh Students

Alumni Discount

Postgraduate Access Scholarship

Global Leadership Scholarship

Glasgow Excellence Award (UK)

HESPAL Scholarship

Postgraduate Student Loan (NI)

World Changers Glasgow Scholarship PGT (EU)

The Clan Gregor Society Prize

The Dima Alhaj Scholarship

Sanctuary Scholarships

Travel Bursary for Forced Migrants

Glasgow Highland Society Scholarship

The scholarships above are relevant to this programme. For more funding opportunities search the scholarships database

Entry requirements

2.1 Hons (or non-UK equivalent) in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Immunology, Biomedical Sciences, or Genetics with at least 30% of credit bearing modules in Molecular Biology and/or Cellular Biology at an average grade of 2.2 or non-UK equivalent.

We may also accept degrees in Medicine, Pharmacy, Dentistry, Chemistry, or Bioengineering.

Accepted modules

We may also accept applicants with significant relevant experience in addition to lower qualifications.

All applicants must provide a personal statement showing interest and motivation to study Cancer Sciences.

English language requirements

International students

We are proud of our diverse University community that includes students and staff from more than 140 different countries.

How to apply

Please note: to allow for essential maintenance our Online Application Form and Applicant Self Service are currently unavailable. We expect this to be completed by Monday 14 April.

We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause, and should you wish to contact Admissions please use our Enquiry Form.

To apply for a postgraduate taught degree you must apply online. We cannot accept applications any other way.

Please check you meet the Entry requirements for this programme before you begin your application.

Documents

As part of your online application, you also need to submit the following supporting documents:

  • A copy (or copies) of your official degree certificate(s) (if you have already completed your degree)
  • A copy (or copies) of your official academic transcript(s), showing full details of subjects studied and grades/marks obtained
  • Official English translations of the certificate(s) and transcript(s)
  • One reference letter on headed paper
  • Evidence of your English language ability (if your first language is not English)
  • Any additional documents required for this programme (see Entry requirements for this programme)
  • A copy of the photo page of your passport

You have 42 days to submit your application once you begin the process.

You may save and return to your application as many times as you wish to update information, complete sections or upload supporting documents such as your final transcript or your language test.

For more information about submitting documents or other topics related to applying to a postgraduate taught programme, see how to apply for a postgraduate taught degree

Guidance notes for using the online application

These notes are intended to help you complete the online application form accurately; they are also available within the help section of the online application form. 

If you experience any difficulties accessing the online application, see Application System Help.

  • Name and Date of birth: must appear exactly as they do on your passport. Please take time to check the spelling and lay-out.
  • Contact Details: Correspondence address. All contact relevant to your application will be sent to this address including the offer letter(s). If your address changes, please contact us as soon as possible.
  • Choice of course: Please select carefully the course you want to study. As your application will be sent to the admissions committee for each course you select it is important to consider at this stage why you are interested in the course and that it is reflected in your application.
  • Proposed date of entry: Please state your preferred start date including the month and the year. Taught masters degrees tend to begin in September. Research degrees may start in any month.
  • Education and Qualifications: Please complete this section as fully as possible indicating any relevant Higher Education qualifications starting with the most recent. Complete the name of the Institution (s) as it appears on the degree certificate or transcript.
  • English Language Proficiency: Please state the date of any English language test taken (or to be taken) and the award date (or expected award date if known).
  • Employment and Experience: Please complete this section as fully as possible with all employments relevant to your course. Additional details may be attached in your personal statement/proposal where appropriate.

Reference: Please provide one reference. This should typically be an academic reference but in cases where this is not possible then a reference from a current employer may be accepted instead. Certain programmes, such as the MBA programme, may also accept an employer reference. If you already have a copy of a reference on letter headed paper then please upload this to your application. If you do not already have a reference to upload then please enter your referee’s name and contact details on the online application and we will contact your referee directly.

Application deadlines

September 2025

International & EU applicants

Due to demand for degree places on this programme, the University has an application process with application rounds which recognises that different geographical areas complete and submit their applications at different times of the year. This process aims to ensure fairness and equity to applicants from all geographic regions.

Round 1 application dates: 1 October 2024 to 4 November 2024

All international applications submitted within these dates will be reviewed with no priority given to any geographic region. You will receive our decision on your application by 15 January 2025.

Round 2 application dates:5 November 2024 to 16 December 2024

All international applications submitted within these dates will be reviewed with no priority given to any geographic region. You will receive our decision on your application by 10 March 2025.

Round 3 application dates: 17 December 2024 to 3 February 2025

Priority will be given to under-represented geographic regions. You will receive our decision on your application by 14 April 2025.

Round 4 application dates: 4 February 2025 to 24 March 2025

Priority will be given to under-represented geographic regions. You will receive our decision on your application by 5 May 2025.

Round 5 application dates: 25 March 2025 to 12 May 2025

Priority will be given to under-represented geographic regions. You will receive our decision on your application by 16 June 2025.

Round 6 application dates: 13 May 2025 to 7 July 2025

Priority will be given to under-represented geographic regions. You will receive our decision on your application by 28 July 2025.

All international applications submitted by 16 December 2024 will be reviewed and processed normally with no priority given to any geographic region. From 17 December 2024, priority will be given to applications from geographic areas which have been unable to submit applications before that point.

As we receive a great number of applications, prospective students are only allowed to apply once per year.

UK applicants

  • 22 August 2025

Please note: to allow for essential maintenance our Online Application Form and Applicant Self Service are currently unavailable. We expect this to be completed by Monday 14 April.

We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause, and should you wish to contact Admissions please use our Enquiry Form.

More information about this programme