New Masters in Cancer Biology and Precision Oncology aims to support the drive for personalised patient treatment

The MSc in Cancer Biology and Precision Oncology is one of the few online programmes in the world that will provide you with an in-depth understanding of the molecular biology of cancer.

The programme is designed to help bridge the gap between laboratory research and clinical practice to translate research discoveries into personalised cancer treatment.

Precision oncology is increasingly the preferred approach when treating cancer patients. It involves the consideration of factors such as genetics, molecular characteristics and environment to understand tumor progression and devise a treatment plan specific to each patient’s individual tumour.

The three-year online-programme will explore new methodologies used to gain insight into tumour progression on an individual basis, and the steps required to translate this information to individual patient treatment. It will suit professionals who want to better understand the links between cancer biology and cancer treatments.

Designed to meet evolving needs and employment opportunities in the industry

The programme has been developed closely with feedback from practitioners in the oncology sector, and a programme team with an enviable list of accolades.

Cancer related morbidity and mortality is set to increase significantly in the next 20 years. This programme aims to develop practitioners and researchers who are focused on making a significant contribution to reducing the burden of this disease globally.

Lesley Stark 
Programme Director

Oncology Lead, David Cameron, brings a wealth of expertise to the programme. As joint lead for the Edinburgh Experimental Cancer Medicine Centre and part/time deputy director within the Scottish Government funded Innovative Health Care Delivery Programme (IHDP), David plays an integral role in shaping the direction of cancer treatment in the UK.

We wanted to create a programme that will make a real impact on personalised cancer treatment. Crucially, to achieve this, specialist skills are needed that allow health professionals, laboratory researchers, drug developers, indeed anyone and everyone involved in developing and delivering cancer patient care to understand research into the molecular basis of cancer and be able to translate these data to apply it to patients.

David Cameron
Oncology Lead

Edinburgh is a world leader in advancing research into real-world applications

The Edinburgh Medical School is internationally renowned in the fields of cancer cell biology and precision oncology. Students on this programme will have direct access to experts in the field, building a network of like-minded peers, while developing a career that they are passionate about.

Alongside academic learning, students will develop research techniques, and learn how to effectively present data to peers, to the public, and to patients. Students will also learn from success stories of local drug discovery and benefit from input from specialist nurses, trial coordinators, and patients.

The programme is completed online over three years, enabling busy professionals to study where and when they like, at their own pace. As well as access to the University’s award-winning Virtual Learning Environment, students will have access to the interactive Lt Virtual Laboratory Platform.

Related Links

Biomedical Sciences 

Cancer Biology and Precision Oncology study programme