Cancer Biology and Immunology (MSc)

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:

We accept other English language tests. Find out which English language tests we accept.

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

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.

Learning

This MSc is delivered in person at our Southampton 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.

Completing a degree in MSc Cancer Biology and Immunology will give you an in-depth knowledge of this rapidly advancing field. You'll graduate with skills well suited for future careers in research, industrial, pharmaceutical, or clinical settings.

You'll benefit from:

• experience working in modern facilities in the Centre for Cancer Immunology
• dedicated careers sessions and small networking groups within the relevant modules
• signposting to the relevant careers sessions organised by the Life Sciences Postgraduate Society throughout the academic year
• practical laboratory experience, as well as fundamental research skills necessary for future careers

You'll have the opportunity to explore your future career by engaging with these different areas of the scientific and clinical sectors.

Alternatively, you'll also be well positioned to progress onto our PhD programmes.

We're a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022). Our Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise team will support you throughout your time as a student and for up to 5 years after graduation. This support includes:

• work experience schemes
• CV/resume and interview skills workshops
• networking events
• careers fairs attended by top employers
• a wealth of volunteering opportunities
• study abroad and summer school opportunities

We have a thriving entrepreneurship culture. You'll be able to take advantage of:

• our dedicated start-up incubator, Futureworlds
• a wide variety of enterprise events run throughout the year
• our partnership in the world’s number 1 business incubator, SETsquared

Tuition fees

Fees for a year's study:

• UK students pay £13,400.
• EU and international students pay £30,300.

Check fees for other versions of this course.

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:

• accommodation costs
• living costs
• budgeting advice
• fees, charges and expenses regulations

10% alumni discount

If you’re a graduate of the University of Southampton, 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.

Funding your postgraduate studies

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.

1. Use the blue 'apply for this course' button on this page to take you to our postgraduate admissions system.
2. Create an account which gives you access to your own application portal. . 
3. Search for the course you want to apply for.
4. Complete the application form and upload any supporting documents.
5. Pay the £50 application assessment fee, (there are some exemptions, check terms and conditions).
6. Submit your application.

For further details of our admission process, read our step by step guide to postgraduate taught applications.

Application deadlines

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 Southampton 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.

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