Radiation Biology

The five-month core theoretical course covers the emerging areas of fundamental radiation biology for oncology and its treatment by radiotherapy, along with the hazards associated with radiation exposure. Lectures will also introduce students to key areas of research and innovative developments in treatment.

The modules are:

• Physics and Chemistry of Radiation Action
• Molecular Radiation Biology
• Cellular Radiation Biology
• Normal Tissue and Applied Radiation Biology
• Whole Body Exposure and Carcinogenesis
• Radiation Epidemiology
• Imaging Technologies
• Tumour Microenvironment
• Applications of Radiation Therapy
• Translational Radiation Biology
• Clinical Radiation Biology
• Radiation Protection

Each module is delivered over a period of one or two weeks and together the 12 modules comprise the core content of the course. Lectures will be led by local, national and international experts, with time allocated for questions and informal discussion. These lectures are supported by additional tutorials, practical sessions and demonstrations given by local staff to provide a wide knowledge and understanding of radiation biology.

The high-quality laboratory research project in basic or clinically applied research lasts approximately six months and projects are hosted by active research groups. Specific training and guidance is provided to enable students to complete the research project.

To complete the MSc you need to submit the following summative assessments that contribute to your final degree:

• Qualifying examination (December)
• Extended essay and written examination (March)
• Dissertation (August)
• Viva (September)

Full details of the syllabus, schedule and assessments can be found on the course webpage on the Department of Oncology's website.

This MSc is designed for individuals who are interested in a career in academic research in radiation biology, radiation oncology or a career in professions that require knowledge of radiation biology (eg academic personnel associated with radiation protection issues). The MSc provides excellent training and experience for students interested in studying academic research at a PhD/DPhil level and forms the first year of training for students enrolled on the DPhil in Radiation Oncology (1+3).

Applicants are recommended to visit the Department of Oncology website to review the range of radiation research undertaken within the department before they apply.

The allocation of graduate supervision is the responsibility of the Department of Oncology and it is not always possible to accommodate the preferences of incoming graduate students to work with a particular member of staff. Under exceptional circumstances a supervisor may be found outside the Department of Oncology.

In the case of students who require specific help to adjust to an academic programme or to a new range of skills, the MSc course director and administrator will work with them to ensure that they have additional support.

Many of the Department of Oncology's former students have continued academic studies towards a PhD/DPhil, applied to study medicine or returned to finalise their clinical training or become academic professionals in the area of radiation protection.

Changes to this course and your supervision

The University will seek to deliver this course in accordance with the description set out in this course page. However, there may be situations in which it is desirable or necessary for the University to make changes in course provision, either before or after registration. In certain circumstances, for example due to visa difficulties or because the health needs of students cannot be met, it may be necessary to make adjustments to course requirements for international study.

Where possible your academic supervisor will not change for the duration of your course. However, it may be necessary to assign a new academic supervisor during the course of study or before registration for reasons which might include sabbatical leave, parental leave or change in employment.

For further information, please see our page on changes to courses.

Other courses you may wish to consider

Applicants are strongly advised to visit the Medical Sciences Graduate School website to help them identify the most suitable course and supervisors.

If you're thinking about applying for this course, you may also wish to consider the courses listed below. These courses may have been suggested due to their similarity with this course, or because they are offered by the same department or faculty.

All graduate courses offered by the Department of Oncology

Experimental and Translational Therapeutics MSc

Oncology DPhil

Oncology MSc by Research

Precision Cancer Medicine MSc

Radiation Biology MSc

Radiation Oncology combined MSc and DPhil

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Entry requirements