Cancer Sciences

Cancer drug development is a long and expensive process that provides many employment opportunities. It is imperative that there are trained specialists who can tackle the complexities of this ever-evolving set of diseases.

Are you ready to join them?

Gain a thorough understanding of the fundamentals of cancer sciences. From its basic scientific principles through to translation into therapeutics and drug development. Our Cancer Sciences BSc will give you training in the biomedical sciences in areas such as cell and molecular biology, immunology, and human physiology.

You’ll be supported by internationally recognised researchers and clinicians, and you’ll be equipped with the core scientific skills necessary to progress to specialisms in cancer sciences research, in the pharmaceutical industry, biotechnology, finance and contract research industries, as well as in academic cancer research. You will also be well placed for opportunities in the management, regulation, and exploitation of research and Graduate Entry Medicine or other related fields.

At Nottingham, you’ll be part of ground-breaking cancer research that is the basis for new treatments.

BSc students can transfer to the MSci (UCAS code: B130) at the end of their second year if they are meeting the entry requirements and a placement is available (although this is not guaranteed). The integrated MSci course gives you a guaranteed nine-month placement in industry or in a research laboratory. This placement can be in the UK or abroad.

In your first year, you will learn the characteristics of cancer, its causes, how it progresses, and how it affects a person's health. You will also learn the human physiology and fundamental cell and molecular biology that you need to understand cancer and its causes and treatments.

Your second year looks more closely at how different cancers form, grow, and spread, specifically focusing on lung, breast, and ovarian cancer. Themes this year include epidemiology and public health, as well as cancer cell genetics. The Patient-Centred Library Project module gives you the chance to study a different type of cancer and provides an overview of the patient journey through healthcare interactions.

Your final year focuses on the advanced study of the biology of cancer cells, immunology and the development of new cancer therapies. You'll have the opportunity to apply for one of our studentships, which will see you work alongside real cancer scientists during a 12-week placement. This is an exciting chance to contribute to discoveries in real-world cancer research.

If you choose to study the integrated masters (MSci), you’ll experience an extensive placement in your fourth year. This could be in an industry, research or academic setting - in the UK or overseas.

For the most up-to-date module information and full details, please visit the course page on our website.

You'll be assessed through a variety of methods, including: essays, coursework, exams, lab report, presentations, practical write-ups, and a dissertation.