PGCert Cancer Biology and Radiotherapy Physics

University of Manchester

Course description

Our MSc in Cancer Biology and Radiotherapy Physics is ideal if you wish to pursue a career in cancer research and/or cancer therapy involving ionising radiation.

With around 40% of all cancer cure cases involving radiotherapy and the UK soon to have a proton therapy service, the need for multidisciplinary scientists in this field has never been greater.

We aim to develop multidisciplinary scientists to create the necessary skill base that will drive radiotherapy forward in the UK.

This course will enable you to train as a multidisciplinary scientist in this area by covering a variety of subjects in content that is delivered by staff with a range of expertise, including physicists, biologists, engineers, clinicians and oncologists.

Our collaboration with The Christie will allow you to undertake unique research projects in its radiotherapy facilities that cannot be carried out anywhere else in the UK or most of Europe.

Aims

This course aims to help you develop:

• a sound scientific knowledge of cancer biology and radiotherapy physics;
• the confidence to apply the scientific principles of radiotherapy to practical situations;
• the multidisciplinary skills required for world-leading cancer research and treatment delivery;
• a knowledge of cancer biology that can form a basis for research into existing and future treatment modalities.

Teaching and learning

You will be taught by academics from the University and clinical scientists at The Christie, meaning both fundamental science and its clinical application will be covered equally.

Units are delivered in one-week blocks with a mix of face-to-face content delivery and hands-on practical sessions.

There will be a number of assessed and non-assessed activities to develop your key skills and expand your knowledge base.

There is an also online pre-course element, which will be the beginning of your multidisciplinary scientific journey.

After the taught units, there is an supervised research project that will put into practice the key skills and knowledge acquired in the taught component.

Coursework and assessment

The taught units will be assessed through multiple choice exams and practical assessments.

The research project will be assessed through the submission of a short report and oral presentation.

Career opportunities

This course will help you gain the knowledge and skills to become a leading healthcare scientist in the public or private sector.

It may also be of interest if you are a healthcare worker in the field of radiotherapy who wishes to advance your career.

The master's qualification gained could act as a stepping stone to further academic qualifications or careers involving medical science research.