About this course
Embark on a career in cancer research with a focus on the latest research advances and novel technologies. This master’s degree in cancer biology and immunology is suitable for science graduates or those with an industrial, pharmaceutical or clinical and healthcare background.
You'll be embedded within the School for Cancer Sciences. You'll work alongside scientific and clinical experts in the field of cancer research. The course programme is driven by the latest cutting edge research. You'll also have access to the Centre for Cancer Immunology, the UK’s first dedicated hub for cancer immunology research.
You'll develop an in-depth understanding of the biological and immunological mechanisms of cancer. You'll explore basic concepts and how these are translated into treatment in the clinic.
You'll study modules on:
- basic immunology
- cancer genomics
- cellular and molecular biology of cancer
- stratified medicine
- cancer immunology and immunotherapy
You'll also investigate the technologies and approaches used to translate lab-based discoveries into cancer immunotherapies or treatments.
As part of this course you'll:
- develop the fundamental research skills important for future careers in science
- gain practical laboratory experience through dedicated skills modules
- carry out an 18-week research dissertation project
- engage with different scientific and clinical sectors such as academic, clinical, NHS and industrial
- take advantage of state-of-the-art research facilities
We regularly review our courses to ensure and improve quality. This course may be revised as a result of this. Any revision will be balanced against the requirement that the student should receive the educational service expected. Find out why, when, and how we might make changes.
BOB体育登录网址_欧宝体育官网平台-APP|下载 courses are regulated in England by the Office for Students (OfS).
Course lead
Dr Dean Bryant is a lecturer in computational cancer biology and Dr Emma Reeves is a lecturer in cancer immunology.
Learn more about these subject areas
Course locations
This course is based at University Hospital BOB体育登录网址_欧宝体育官网平台-APP|下载 and Highfield.
Awarding body
This qualification is awarded by the University of BOB体育登录网址_欧宝体育官网平台-APP|下载.
BOB体育登录网址_欧宝体育官网平台-APP|下载 the Course Description Document
The Course Description Document details your course overview, your course structure and how your course is taught and assessed.
Entry requirements
You'll need at least a 2:2 degree in a related subject but other subjects will be considered on a case by case basis. You must demonstrate scientific knowledge in at least one key area of cell biology, cancer biology and or immunology.
If you have any questions regarding your eligibility for the programme, please contact us in advance of your application to discuss.
This course is also available as an intercalation degree for undergraduate medical students.
You must submit all supporting documents, including evidence that you can satisfy our English language requirement, when you submit your application.
Find the equivalent international qualifications for your country.
English language requirements
If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need all of the following scores as a minimum:
IELTS score requirements
- overall score
- 7.0
- reading
- 6.5
- writing
- 6.5
- speaking
- 6.5
- listening
- 6.5
If you don’t meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
Pre-masters
If you don’t meet the academic requirements, you can complete a pre-master's programme through our partnership with OnCampus. Learn more about the programmes available.
Got a question?
Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
Course structure
Your studies will run for a full year, from September through to the following September.
You'll study modules in:
- cancer biology
- immunology
- cancer genomics
- cancer immunology and immunotherapy
- stratified medicine
- laboratory skills
- research skills
Over the last summer term, you’ll complete a dissertation on an area of cancer biology and immunology that interests you.
Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.
Modules
The modules outlined provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. As a research-led University, we undertake a continuous review of our course to ensure quality enhancement and to manage our resources. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand. Find out why, when and how we might make changes.
For entry in academic year 2025 to 2026
Year 1 modules
You must study the following modules :
Cancer Biology
This module is designed to provide an overview of the cellular and molecular biology of cancer and will run alongside the Immunology module in semester 1 to provide the foundations for the cancer immunology and immunotherapy module in semester 2. As a mu...
Cancer Biology and Immunology Dissertation by Research
Dissertation by research is a research based module where students develop and apply the skills and subject knowledge acquired during the taught components of the programme to real world research questions. Students will be embedded in research groups wit...
Cancer Genomics
This module will provide a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental principles of genomics and the high throughput technologies used in cancer genomics research. We will explore the structure and organisation of the human genome, the concepts of ger...
Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy
This module is designed to build upon knowledge gained from BIOL6038 Immunology module in Semester 1, providing an in-depth overview of the role of the immune system in cancer and targets for immunotherapeutic strategies. This module is taught by world le...
Immunology
This module covers the major topics in cellular and molecular immunology, including antigen recognition, antigen processing and presentation to B and T cells, the molecular events leading to the generation of antibody and T cell receptor diversity, antibo...
Laboratory Skills
This module will put into practice the theoretical concepts gained from Research Skills module in semester 1 and aims to provide a foundation for practical laboratory skills including; good laboratory practice and an appreciation for laboratory safety and...
Research Skills
This module is designed as an introduction to the different aspects that comprise cancer research, allowing students to gain critical thinking, effective communication and study design skills that will prepare the students to undertake and direct a signif...
Stratified Medicine
This module is only compulsory for the MSc Genomics (Medicine) pathway, and optional for other pathways. This module will cover the use of omics in stratified medicine. It will explore the different molecular and cellular actions of treatments, the genom...
Learning and assessment
Learning
This MSc is delivered in person at our BOB体育登录网址_欧宝体育官网平台-APP|下载 campuses. You'll be supported by our extensive e-learning resources throughout.
Your exact learning activities will depend on the modules you take. As well as lectures and tutorials led by subject experts you'll learn through:
- workshops
- journal clubs
- group work
- guest seminar
- laboratory practical skills sessions
- data analysis workshops
You’ll be expected to undertake a significant amount of independent learning.
Assessment
Your assessment will depend on the modules you take and could include:
- essay
- critical evaluation of research articles
- design of research study and proposal
- group presentation
- poster presentation
- laboratory skills portfolio
- data interpretation and analysis
Dissertation
Your dissertation can be either a research or a professional project. You’ll need to complete a 6,000-word report and a mini viva voce
Academic Support
You'll be supported by a personal academic tutor and have access to a senior tutor.
When you write your dissertation you’ll be supported by a primary supervisor on a one-to-one basis.
Careers and employability
Employability skills
This degree will allow you to develop and evidence subject-specific and targeted employability skills. This includes the required skill set for a range of future careers, further study, or starting your own business.
The skills you can expect to focus on and gain from this course include:
- Research
- Critical thinking
- Self-management
- Communication
- Teamwork
- Problem solving
The employability and enterprise skills you'll gain from this course are reflected in the BOB体育登录网址_欧宝体育官网平台-APP|下载 skills model. When you join us you'll be able to use our skills model to track, plan, and benefit your career development and progress.
BOB体育登录网址_欧宝体育官网平台-APP|下载 skills overview
Career pathways
Graduates commonly work in a range of organisations or sectors including:
NHS,
Pharmaceutical companies,
Research institutes,
universities,
Government departments.
- Academic researcher
- Biotechnologist
- Medical microbiologist
- Pharmacologist
- Research scientist (life sciences)
- Scientific laboratory technician
- Clinical scientist
- Neuroscientist
- Science writer
- University lecturer
- Consultant
- Data analyst
- Data scientist
- Research integrity specialist
- Research scientist
- Associate Practitioner
- Data analyst
- Associate scientist
- Dispensary supervisor
- Healthcare partner
- Laboratory technician

Work experience opportunities
Choosing to do work experience is a great way to enhance your employability, build valuable networks, and evidence your potential. Learn about the different work and industry experience options at BOB体育登录网址_欧宝体育官网平台-APP|下载.
Careers services and support
We are a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022). BOB体育登录网址_欧宝体育官网平台-APP|下载 Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise team will support you. This support includes:
- work experience schemes
- CV and interview skills and workshops
- networking events
- careers fairs attended by top employers
- a wealth of volunteering opportunities
- study abroad and summer school opportunities
We have a vibrant entrepreneurship culture and our dedicated start-up supporter, Futureworlds, is open to every student.
Your career ideas and graduate job opportunities may change while you're at university. So it is important to take time to regularly reflect on your goals, speak to people in industry and seek advice and up-to-date information from Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise professionals at the University.
Fees, costs and funding
Tuition fees
Fees for a year's study:
- UK students pay ?13,400.
- EU and international students pay ?30,300.
Deposit
If you're an international student on a full-time course, we'll ask you to pay ?2,000 of your tuition fees in advance, as a deposit.
Your offer letter will tell you when this should be paid and provide full terms and conditions.
Find out about exemptions, refunds and how to pay your deposit on our tuition fees for overseas students page.
What your fees pay for
Your tuition fee covers the full cost of tuition and any exams. The fee you pay will remain the same each year from when you start studying this course. This includes if you suspend and return.
Find out how to pay your tuition fees.
Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. There may also be extra costs for retake and professional exams.
Explore:
10% alumni discount
If you’re a graduate of the University of BOB体育登录网址_欧宝体育官网平台-APP|下载, you could be eligible for a 10% discount on your postgraduate tuition fees.
Postgraduate Master’s Loans (UK nationals only)
This can help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate master's course. Find out if you're eligible.
BOB体育登录网址_欧宝体育官网平台-APP|下载 Medicine Postgraduate International Scholarship
A scholarship of ?3,000 is available to international students studying for a postgraduate master’s in Medicine.
Find out more about the BOB体育登录网址_欧宝体育官网平台-APP|下载 Medicine Postgraduate International Scholarship, including eligibility and conditions.
Other postgraduate funding options
A variety of additional funding options may be available to help you pay for your master’s study. Both from the University and other organisations.
Funding for EU and international students
Find out about funding you could get as an international student.
How to apply
- Use the blue 'apply for this course' button on this page to take you to our postgraduate admissions system.
- Create an account which gives you access to your own application portal. .
- Search for the course you want to apply for.
- Complete the application form and upload any supporting documents.
- Pay the ?50 application assessment fee, (there are some exemptions, check terms and conditions).
- Submit your application.
For further details of our admission process, read our step by step guide to postgraduate taught applications.
Application deadlines
UK students
The deadline to apply for this course is Tuesday 9 September 2025, midday UK time.
We advise applying early as applications may close before the expected deadline if places are filled.
International students
The deadline to apply for this course is Tuesday 26 August 2025, midday UK time.
We advise applying early as applications may close before the expected deadline if places are filled.
Application assessment fee
We’ll ask you to pay a ?50 application assessment fee if you’re applying for a postgraduate taught course.
This is an extra one-off charge which is separate to your tuition fees and is payable per application. It covers the work and time it takes us to assess your application. You’ll be prompted to pay when you submit your application which won’t progress until you've paid.
If you're a current or former University of BOB体育登录网址_欧宝体育官网平台-APP|下载 student, or if you’re applying for certain scholarships, you will not need to pay the fee. PGCE applications through GOV.UK and Master of Research (MRes) degree applications are also exempt. Find out if you’re exempt on our terms and conditions page.
Single module (CPD) applications
To apply for a single module (CPD), you'll need to fill in a physical application form that you can download from our continuing professional development pages.
Supporting information
When you apply you’ll need to submit a personal statement explaining why you want to take the course.
You’ll need to include information about:
- your knowledge of the subject area
- why you want to study a postgraduate qualification in this course
- how you intend to use your qualification
You'll also need to submit two academic references.
Please include the required paperwork showing your first degree and your IELTS English language test score (if you are a non-native English speaker) with your application. Without these, your application may be delayed.
You may also be asked to provide:
- a degree transcript
- a reference
- a personal statement
- evidence of professional qualifications
What happens after you apply
You'll be able to track your application through our online Applicant Record System.
We will aim to send you a decision 6 weeks after you have submitted your application.
If we offer you a place, you will need to accept the offer within 30 working days. If you do not meet this deadline, we will offer your place to another applicant.
Unfortunately, due to number of applications we receive, we may not be able to give you specific feedback on your application if you are unsuccessful.
Equality and diversity
We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.
Got a question?
Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000