Cancer Biology and Precision Oncology (Online Learning) MSc, PgCert, PgDip

Level: Postgraduate taught

Subject: Medicine

Year of entry: 2026

Study options

Mode of study

Online learning

Part-time
  • MSc | 3 years | Start date: September 2026
  • PgCert | 1 year | Start date: September 2026
  • PgDip | 2 years | Start date: September 2026

Key facts

School

Edinburgh Medical School

College

College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine

Programme website
Accreditation

Not available

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About the degree programme

Do you want to deepen your understanding of cancer biology and transform the field of precision oncology? The MSc in Cancer Biology and Precision Oncology (Online Learning) at the University of Edinburgh gives you the opportunity to explore the latest breakthroughs in oncology, wherever you are in the world.  

This innovative programme is one of the only fully online degrees globally to combine the latest in molecular cancer research with real-world applications in precision oncology. Designed for professionals from across the cancer landscape, including clinicians, biomedical scientists, data analysts, and communicators, it equips you with the knowledge and hands-on skills to drive forward cancer research, diagnostics and personalised treatment.

The programme is led by a passionate, research-active academic team based at the Edinburgh Cancer Research Centre. Their commitment to advancing cancer research and education is reflected in a cutting-edge curriculum that integrates the latest developments in cancer biology, precision medicine, and translational science. 

You will benefit from interactive online learning through podcasts, live sessions, clinical case studies and group discussions, all designed to fit around your professional life. With a strong focus on practical skills, you will build expertise in data analysis with R, interpreting real-world datasets, and communicating science to diverse audiences, ensuring your learning is immediately applicable in your workplace. A substantial final-year research project is also a strong draw for those aiming to progress to PhD study or further academic work.

Whether you aim to move into cancer research, prepare for a PhD, transition into biotech, or expand your clinical expertise, this programme will give you the tools and confidence to progress your career. You will join a global community of students and experts, united by a mission to improve cancer outcomes through innovative science.

Study options

This fully online programme is designed to be taken part-time over three years with the option of graduating after:

  • Year 1 with a Postgraduate Certificate (60 credits)
  • Year 2 with a Postgraduate Diploma (120 credits)
  • Year 3 with a Masters (180 credits)

Programme benefits

  • Join one of the only online MScs worldwide combining cancer biology and precision oncology, offered by a top-ranked global university.
  • Learn from internationally recognised scientists and clinicians at the Edinburgh Cancer Research Centre and build valuable professional connections.
  • Gain cutting-edge insights from the latest cancer research, from molecular mechanisms to personalised treatments and real-world applications in care.
  • Develop career-ready skills through authentic assessments and a final-year research project, which offer excellent progression to PhD study, research, or leadership roles in oncology.
  • Enjoy the flexibility of fully online, part-time study, designed for working professionals anywhere in the world.

I have been working as a lab technician for 15 years now in Canada. I wanted to find a different way to contribute. So finding this program has been the best thing ever. It is been so rewarding to get into the details of the molecular biology of cancer. One of the things I have really enjoyed in the programme so far is seeing all the different perspectives from all the different students. We have such a huge variety of people with experiences that I would have no idea of. Seeing everybody's perspectives and seeing how they are putting their knowledge into use has been really cool. 

Jene Weatherhead Cancer Biology and Precision Oncology online student
Profile picture of Jene Weatherhead - Cancer Biology and Precision Oncology student

Tuition fees

Tuition fees by award and duration

Tuition fees for full-time and part-time options are listed for one academic year.

Part-time

Graduate discount

If you are a University of Edinburgh graduate, you will be eligible for a 10% discount on your tuition fees for this programme. You may also be eligible if you were a visiting undergraduate student.

Find out how to receive your graduate discount

Deposit

You do not have to pay a deposit to secure your place on this programme.

Funding opportunities

Funding for postgraduate study is different to undergraduate study, and many students need to combine funding sources to pay for their studies.

Most students use a combination of the following funding to pay their tuition fees and living costs:

  • borrowing money
    • taking out a loan
    • family support
  • personal savings
  • income from work
  • employer sponsorship
  • scholarships

Explore sources of funding for postgraduate study

If you live in the UK, you may be eligible for a postgraduate loan for online study from one of the UK’s governments.

If you intend to apply for a UK government loan you should apply for the 3-year Masters option.

View details: UK government loans

Search for other funding opportunities

You can find scholarships, bursaries and other funding you might be eligible for on our Scholarships and Student Funding site.

Postgraduate funding opportunities

These entry requirements are for the 2026-27 academic year and requirements for future academic years may differ. Entry requirements for the 2027-28 academic year will be published on 1 Oct 2026.

Qualifications

A UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent, in a biomedical, medical, public health, veterinary or relevant bioscience topic.

We may also consider your application if you have a UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent, in other STEM subjects relevant to precision oncology such as physics, chemistry, statistics, bioinformatics, mathematics or informatics, or if you have 3-5 years of relevant work experience. Please contact the programme team to check before you apply.

International qualifications

To find international equivalent qualifications, select where you studied from the country or region list.

English language requirements

You must prove that your English language abilities are at a high enough level to study this degree programme.

This is the case for all applicants, including UK nationals.

You can meet our English language requirements with one of the following:

  • an English language test
  • a degree that was taught and assessed in English
  • certain professional qualifications

English language tests we accept

We accept any of the following English language tests, at the specified grade or higher:

  • IELTS Academic: total 6.5 with at least 6.0 in each component. We do not accept IELTS One Skill Retake to meet our English language requirements.
  • TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition): total 92 with at least 20 in each component We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements.
  • C1 Advanced (CAE) / C2 Proficiency (CPE): total 176 with at least 169 in each component.
  • Trinity ISE: ISE II with distinctions in all four components.
  • Oxford ELLT: total 7 with at least 6 in each component.
  • Oxford Test of English Advanced: total 145 with at least 135 in each component.
How old your English language tests can be
Tests no more than two years old

The following English language tests must be no more than two years old on the 1st of the month in which your programme starts, regardless of your nationality:

  • IELTS Academic
  • TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition)
  • Trinity ISE
  • Oxford ELLT
  • Oxford Test of English Advanced
Tests no more than three and a half years old

All other English language tests must be no more than three and a half years old on the 1st of the month in which your programme starts, regardless of your nationality.   

Degrees taught and assessed in English

We accept an undergraduate or postgraduate degree that has been taught and assessed in English in a majority English-speaking country, as defined by UK Visas and Immigration.

UKVI list of majority English speaking countries

We also accept a degree that has been taught and assessed in English from a university on our list of approved universities in non-majority English-speaking countries (non-MESC).

Approved universities in non-MESC

How old your degree can be

If you are not a national of a majority English-speaking country, then your degree must be no more than five years old on the 1st of the month in which your programme starts.

This time limit does not apply to your degree if you are a national of a majority English-speaking country.

Find out more about our English language requirements

Find out about other English language qualifications we accept, including professional qualifications.

English language requirements

What you will study

By the end of this programme, you will have built a strong foundation in cancer biology and precision oncology. You will understand the molecular mechanisms of cancer progression, tumour–immune system interactions, and how emerging multi-omic technologies are transforming personalised cancer care. You will also gain practical skills in data analysis using R, alongside key competencies in experimental design and science communication. 

The compulsory modules prepare you to critically evaluate research, translate scientific advances into clinical practice, and effectively present complex findings to varied audiences. These skills are essential for careers in cancer research, oncology, healthcare, and the wider biomedical and life sciences sectors.

Year 1

In Year 1, you will take five compulsory courses. 

  • Molecular Biology of Cancer I and II: You will develop a critical understanding of the key drivers of cancer initiation and progression. You will explore the complexities of tumour–host interactions, with a particular focus on the role of the immune system, and examine how advances in these areas are leading to more effective and targeted cancer treatments.
  • Precision Oncology I and II: You will learn the principles, theories, and concepts behind multi-omic technologies, and how advancements at the bench are translated into clinical benefit. Local success stories are used to illustrate the real-world impact of precision medicine and to highlight how research can directly inform and improve patient care.
  • Core Data Analysis and Presentation Skills: You will gain hands-on experience using the R programming language and develop a strong foundation in experimental design. The course also introduces key principles of science communication, helping you learn how to present complex research clearly and effectively to a public audience. 

Year 2

In Year 2, you will choose up to six option courses from a list of 12 courses, allowing you to specialise in areas that align with your interests and career goals.

Option courses include: 

  • Cancer Vaccine Sciences
  • Reproductive Tract Cancers
  • Comparative Oncology and Veterinary Cancer
  • Epigenetics and Cancer
  • Lifestyle, Genes and Cancer
  • Cancer Stem Cells
  • Science Communication and Engagement for Practice
  • Fundamentals of Cancer with Focus on Infectious Causes
  • Data Analysis with R
  • Radiobiology
  • Human Genetic Disease: From Mutations to Therapy

Year 3

In Year 3, you will complete a dissertation based on either an original data analysis project, a comprehensive literature review, or the analysis of clinical data. For data-driven dissertations, you will choose from a list of projects provided by researchers at the Edinburgh Cancer Research Centre, offering the opportunity to contribute to real-world cancer research.

Throughout the programme, you will learn to apply knowledge from a range of discipline-specific sources to develop original, evidence-based hypotheses. You will gain experience communicating with diverse audiences, including peers, researchers, and the public.

Find courses for this programme

Find out what courses you can study on this programme and how each of them are taught and assessed.

The courses on offer may change from year to year, but the course information will give you an idea of what to expect on this programme.

Part-time

We link to the latest information available. This may be for a previous academic year and should be considered indicative.

Teaching and assessment

Teaching

Teaching is fully online, using the modern and user-friendly Blackboard Learn Ultra platform.

Materials are released weekly and include:

  • recorded lectures
  • podcasts (a student favourite)
  • interactive learning tools
  • curated reading lists

These are supported by discussion boards and live synchronous sessions, providing regular opportunities for you to connect with peers, scientists, and clinician-scientists.

Assessment

Years 1 and 2

Assessments in Years 1 and 2 are designed to consolidate subject knowledge while building practical skills relevant to cancer research, treatment, and communication. Examples include:

  • assessed discussion boards
  • poster and oral presentations
  • patient newsletters
  • data analysis projects
  • clinical trial synopsis

All assessments are structured to allow you to work at your own pace and balance study alongside professional commitments. Full details and submission dates are provided at the start of each course block, giving you control and flexibility in managing your workload. 

Year 3

In Year 3, you will complete a 10,000 to 15,000-word dissertation, developed over the academic year from September to June.

Video: Why I love studying Cancer Biology and Precision Oncology?

Jelena Sassmann shares what she enjoyed the most about the Year 1 and 2 assessments in the Cancer Biology and Precision Oncology online programme.

Learning outcomes

By the end of this programme, you will be able to:

  • Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the molecular basis of cancer and a critical appreciation of how this understanding is translated to a clinical setting.
  • Analyse and critically evaluate complex research outputs and apply creative and inventive thinking to develop appropriate hypothesis/solutions.
  • Explain and communicate both basic and clinical cancer research effectively in multiple situations to diverse audiences.
  • Apply an innovative and creative approach to problem solving.
  • Plan and lead projects on the molecular and clinical aspects of cancer research with increased confidence in your professional ability.
  • Analyse, interpret, and present "big data" using a variety of applications.

Support for your studies

You will have access to a range of support services if you need them throughout your degree.

We will assign you to a student adviser, and this should be the first person to contact if you need help. They can guide you to other University service teams depending on what support you need.  

How we support you

Our academic staff

Courses will be delivered by expert scientists and clinicians from the world-renowned Edinburgh Medical School.

The courses are designed and delivered by academics based at the Edinburgh Cancer Research Centre, Institute of Genetics and Cancer. 

Our core team combines academic teaching expertise and specialist oncologist experience.

How online learning works

Online programmes are delivered through the University's Virtual Learning Environment, LEARN. Our award-winning, online learning technology is fully interactive, and enables you to communicate with our highly qualified teaching staff from the comfort of your own home or workplace.

Our online students not only have access to the University of Edinburgh’s excellent resources, but also become part of a supportive online community, bringing together students and tutors from around the world.

Watch our video to see how online learning works.

Time commitment

This programme is designed to be fully flexible to fit around your schedule. You can study in your own time and access all your learning resources, such as reading lists, discussion forms and slides from anywhere in the world.  

If there are live online sessions, you can watch a recording later in the virtual learning environment at a time convenient to you.    

Typically, you will need to dedicate around 10 to 20 hours per week to your programme although managing this is up to you. This may also vary from course to course, and the time commitment may increase when assignments are due.  

See 'Find courses' in Programme details for more information about study time commitment

Equipment and software needs

To study this online programme, you will need access to:   

  • a computer or laptop  
  • the internet  
  • the latest version of a web browser  

As an online student, you will have access to a range of software you can download to help you complete your coursework, including Microsoft Office 365. 

IT support is available if you have technical difficulties.  

IT and computing help

Support for online students

Career opportunities

This programme is designed to enhance your career prospects and strengthen your ability to apply cutting-edge research to personalised cancer treatment. 

The programme may be especially valuable for:

  • health professionals working in clinical environments, including:
    • hospital doctors
    • specialist nurses
    • GPs
    • veterinarians
    • pharmacists
  • professionals collaborating with research and development teams who wish to deepen their understanding of how research translates into patient care
  • biomedical science graduates working in academic or clinical labs who see this as a stepping stone to a PhD
  • professionals in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries seeking to advance in oncology-related roles
  • mathematicians, chemists, or physicists looking to transition into cancer research or biomedical science
  • pharmaceutical and medical affairs professionals, including those in sales or liaison roles, who regularly engage with scientists and clinicians

Many of our students have achieved significant career progression during the programme, demonstrating the value of combining work and study.

I’m a third-year student from Colombia. I am a medical doctor and I'm a general physician here in my country, and I work at a cancer research and treatment centre. This is definitely the best decision I have ever made in my career. The masters programme has really helped me to evolve in my career. I got promoted this year, and it was related to the masters that I'm taking. So it's been amazing. 

Maria Alba Bernal Cancer Biology and Precision Oncology online student

Further study

After completing this programme, you may wish to consider applying for a PhD or other research programme.

Applying for research degrees

Moving on to a PhD (advice from the University's Careers Service)

Careers Service

Our Careers Service can help you to fully develop your potential and achieve your future goals. 

The Careers Service supports you not only while you are studying at the University, but also for up to two years after you finish your studies. 

With the Careers Service, you can: 

  • access digital resources to help you understand your skills and strengths
  • try different types of experiences and reflect on how and what you develop
  • get help finding work, including part-time jobs, vacation work, internships and graduate jobs
  • attend careers events and practice interviews
  • get information and advice to help you make informed decisions 

Visit the Careers Service website 

How to apply

You apply online for this programme. After you read the application guidance, select your preferred programme, then choose 'Start your application' to begin.

If you are considering applying to more than one programme, you should be aware that we cannot consider more than 5 applications from the same applicant.

When to apply

Programme start date Application deadline
14 September 2026 21 August 2026

We encourage you to apply as soon as possible so that we have enough time to process your application. This is particularly important if you are also applying for funding. Applications may close earlier than published deadlines if there is exceptionally high demand.

For an application to be reviewed, it must be a complete application by the application deadline with all supporting documentation uploaded, including references and transcripts.

If you already have evidence that you meet the English language entry requirements, such as via an approved English language test, please upload this evidence at the time of your application. If you have not already met your English language requirements, please upload that evidence as soon as you have it.

Application fee

There is no fee to apply to this programme.

What you need to apply

As part of your online application, you will need to provide: 

You will also need to submit some or all of the following supporting documents:

When you start your application, you will be able to see the full list of documents you need to provide.

References

You must submit one reference with your application.

Apply

Select the award, duration and delivery mode you want to study. Then select the start date you want to apply for.

After you apply

Once you have applied for this programme, you will be able to track the progress of your application and accept or decline any offers.

Checking the status of your application

We will notify you by email once we have made a decision. Due to the large number of applications we receive, it might take a while until you hear from us.

Receiving our decision

What to do if you receive an offer:

What our students say

Our students come from a wide range of professional backgrounds, including:

  • clinicians
  • healthcare professionals
  • lab scientists
  • medical writers
  • financial analysts working in healthcare
  • data specialists

Some join the programme to deepen their expertise in their current roles; others use it as a springboard to transition into new careers in oncology, research, or the biotech sector. Many are driven by personal or professional experiences with cancer and are motivated to make a meaningful difference in patient outcomes. 

Coming from a background in finance and statistics, I was initially unsure how I would adapt to a biomedical programme. But the programme’s supportive environment and well-structured curriculum made the transition smooth. As someone working in a private equity investment fund, I’m keen to identify high-value pipelines in the healthcare sector. This programme has deepened my understanding of the science—from bench to bedside—and has already made a tangible, positive impact on my professional outlook.

Yiwei Zhao Cancer Biology and Precision Oncology online student

I found the first year of the programme to be very pleasurable. The CBPO podcasts were the best part. It was fascinating to hear research scientists and clinicians discussing how laboratory research is applied to the field of medicine and the treatment of patients.

Faizan Butt Biomedical scientist, Pakistan

Video: Studying cancer biology online

Cancer Biology and Precision Oncology MSc student, Rachel, shares her experience, why she chose to study the programme, what interests her about cancer research, and the support she has received as an online student.

Blog post: A Year on - the online MSc in Cancer Biology and Precision Oncology 

Read Professor Lesley Stark's reflections on the programme

General enquiries

Postgraduate Admissions Office

College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine

CMVM College Office

Usher Institute, Usher Building, The University of Edinburgh

5-7 Little France Road, Edinburgh BioQuarter – Gate 3

Edinburgh

EH16 4UX

futurestudents@ed.ac.uk
Phone:+44 (0)131 651 7998

Academic contact

Professor Lesley Stark

Programme Director

  • Edinburgh Medical School
  • College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine
  • University of Edinburgh

Contact details

Address

College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine
University of Edinburgh
Teviot Place
Central Campus
Edinburgh
EH8 9AG

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