Code

REY01S

Start

September 2026

Fees

£6,400 (UK) £17,000 (INT)

Duration

1 year full-time, 2 years part-time

Location

Hendon campus

Why study Oncology MSc by Research at Middlesex University?

During the course, you'll gain an understanding of the scientific basis of cancer and its treatments, and will learn the laboratory skills needed to evaluate the potential efficacy of new therapeutics. You'll be encouraged to attend workshops, tutorials and seminars covering the range of specific skills and resources you'll need during your research journey.

This programme is a unique, research-based course, which does not follow the traditional model of lectures and exams. You'll have the opportunity to pursue specific study areas in oncology such as:

Epigenetic regulation of cancer
Immuno-oncology
miRNAs and cancer
Cancer stem cells
Genome-wide regulation of cancer
Mechanisms of metastasis
Chemoresistance

In addition to an in-depth knowledge of the subject matter, you'll also learn the practical skills and analytical skills required for a research career in oncology. You'll join the postgraduate student research community through an ongoing series of workshops and seminars, building to your final thesis.

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Excellent career opportunities

Be equipped with the knowledge and research skills to pursue a research career in the field of oncology.

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Hands-on experience

Gain hands-on research experience whilst working with experts in the field.

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Opportunities

Have the opportunity to publish your work and attend conferences.

Student stories and experiences

Centre for Investigative & Diagnostic Oncology

Student life

Find out how student life is at Middlesex.

Diversity at Middlesex University

Teaching

You'll be taught by an experienced teaching team with a wide range of expertise and professional experience.

This programme is a unique, research-based course, which does not follow the traditional model of lectures and exams. Instead, you'll undertake a year-long research project in the laboratory, supervised by one of our internationally recognised academic researchers.

You'll be based at our Hendon campus, north London.

Assessment will be based on a final dissertation of approximately 20,000 words, and an oral defence of your work (Viva Voce). Two independent examiners will be appointed to read and evaluate the dissertation and will also attend and examine your oral defence.

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How can the Oncology MSc by Research support your career?

This programme is well suited to those who wish to pursue a research career in academia. However, the skills acquired can be applied to a broad range of different careers, including working in industry or in public service.

Our employability service Careers and Futures will help you make the most of your experience and connections to achieve your career goals. You'll have unlimited access to one-to-one advice and support from specialists in your sector plus 24/7 online support. You can also make the most of events and networking opportunities, on and off campus.

As an alumni, we offer you lifetime career support so we can help you as your progress.

MDXcelerator student start-up support

We can help you bring your business idea to life with our MDXcelerator programme which includes masterclasses with high-profile entrepreneurs, workshops, mentoring opportunities and competitions to secure seed funding.

Students at Middlesex span 122 countries and you will be part of our thriving global network. After you graduate, you'll join our alumni network. You will get access to:

Lifetime careers support from the Careers and Futures employability service;
Raise your personal profile as one of our featured alumni;
Continued limited usage of the Sheppard Library;
Exclusive MDX alumni networks to connect with your peers.

Entry requirements

Qualifications

We normally require an upper second class honours degree (2:1) or above in molecular biology, biomedical science, biology, or a related subject.

If you have relevant qualifications or work experience, academic credit may be awarded towards your application.

Qualifications

We accept the equivalent of a 2:1 degree or above in molecular biology, biomedical science, biology, or a related subject from a recognised overseas qualification.

To find out more about the qualifications we accept, visit your country support page. If you are unsure about the suitability of your qualifications or would like help with your application, please contact your nearest regional office for support.

If you have relevant qualifications or work experience, academic credit may be awarded towards your application.

Visas

You will not need a visa to study in the UK if you are a citizen of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland. If you are a national of any other country you may need a visa to study in the UK.

International students who require a Student route (formerly tier 4) visa to progress on a course at Middlesex University must apply for study on a full-time basis. However, this course is offered part-time so you are eligible to apply on a part-time basis.

Part-time study

International applicants can apply for a Student Route (formerly tier 4) visas for part-time postgraduate study (courses leading to a qualification at RQF level 7 or SCQF level 11 and above).

Student route visa students studying part-time are subject to certain restrictions:

no work (paid or unpaid)
no work placements as part of the programme
no dependants
no extending under Student Route visa in the UK. This includes Student Route visa applications to work as a Students' Union Sabbatical Officer or for the Foundation Programme for postgraduate doctors and dentists
not eligible for the Student route visa Doctorate Extension Scheme

*Please note that, if the course of your choice involves work experience, unpaid work, placements or internships, we will be unable to sponsor you to study a part- time course under the Student route (formerly tier 4) visa.

English language

You must have competence in English language to study with us. The most commonly accepted evidence of English language ability is IELTS 6.5 (with minimum 6.0 in all components). Visit our English language requirements page for a full list of accepted tests and qualifications.

If you don't meet our minimum English language requirements, we offer an intensive pre-sessional English course.

We recommend that you contact one of our academics (listed under ‘Staff Profiles’) to discuss your research interests before applying.

To apply for this course, please log into the online application system and select the MSc by Research (ST) application option.

You'll also need to:

Write a research proposal. Please view our FAQ focused on writing your proposal
Gather the following compulsory supporting documents, in electronic format:
- all your academic documentation (including transcripts and certificates)
- your passport
- your sponsorship letter (if you are not paying your own fees)
- your IELTS, TOEFL or other equivalent English Language certificates (if your first language is not English)

Further information

Candidates already based in the UK who wish to enrol on this MSc by Research may also apply by the last day of July using our online application system.

You can start your MSc by Research at three specific times of the year. These are September 15th, January 15th and May 15th. In order to start at a particular time you must apply by the previous entry point. For example, if you want to start October 15th, please apply by May 15th.

If your application is suitable, you will be invited for interview (in person or by Skype) within two and a half months of your date of application.

Interviews

Each application will be considered on its individual merits and suitably qualified candidates will be invited for interview. Successful applicants may enrol to begin their studies at the start of any of the three terms during the academic year.

Register your interest

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Fees and funding

The fees below are for the 2026/27 academic year.

UK students

Full-time students: £6,400 per year
Part-time students: £3,200 per year

International students

Full-time students: £17,000 per year
Part-time students: £8,700 per year

The following study tools are included in your fees:

Free access to the resources, learning materials and software you need to succeed on your course;
Free laptop loans for up to 24 hours;
Free specialist software for your course;
Free printing for academic paperwork.

You may be eligible for one of our scholarships including:

The Alumni Postgraduate Award: a 20% fee reduction for UK/EU Middlesex alumni who studied eligible undergraduate courses;
The Chevening Scholarship: full course fees;
The European Academic Awards: £1,000 to £7,000 for students showing academic excellence;
Regional or International Merit Award: up to £2,000 towards course fees.

For international students, we also have a limited number of other awards specific to certain regions, and work in partnership with funding providers in your country to help support you financially with your study.

Find out more about our postgraduate scholarships.

Help from your employer

Your employer can contribute towards the cost of your postgraduate study as part of their staff development programme.

Work while you study

If you are not currently working, we can help you find work that fits around uni and your other commitments. We have hundreds of student jobs on campus that pay the London Living Wage and above.

Fees disclaimers

1. UK fees: The university reserves the right to increase postgraduate tuition fees in line with changes to legislation, regulation and any government guidance or decisions. The tuition fees for part-time UK study are subject to annual review and we reserve the right to increase the fees each academic year by no more than the level of inflation.

2. International fees: Tuition fees are subject to annual review and we reserve the right to increase the fees each academic year by no more than the level of inflation.

Any annual increase in tuition fees as provided for above will be notified to students at the earliest opportunity in advance of the academic year to which any applicable inflationary rise may apply.

Important information

We’ll carefully manage any future changes to courses, or the support and other services available to you, if these are necessary because of things like changes to government health and safety advice, or any changes to the law.

Any decisions will be taken in line with both external advice and the University’s Regulations which include information on this.

Our priority will always be to maintain academic standards and quality so that your learning outcomes are not affected by any adjustments that we may have to make.

At all times we’ll aim to keep you well informed of how we may need to respond to changing circumstances, and about support that we’ll provide to you.