Radiation Oncology

This course is designed for DPhil students who recognise the benefit of having a much broader understanding of the multi-disciplinary field of radiation biology and oncology. This will not only enable the student to have a greater understanding of the context of their research project but also will be helpful in identifying future career opportunities. Only one application is needed and following your successful completion of the MSc your place on the DPhil is confirmed the following year

The MSc

The MSc is a one-year, full-time, taught course which leads to an MSc in radiation biology, which comprises a five-month core theoretical lecture-based syllabus followed by a six-month research project.

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 treatments in development. The 12 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 and oncology.

The high-quality laboratory research project in basic or clinically applied research lasts approximately six months. The project will be hosted in the same research group in which they will be registered for their DPhil. Specific training and guidance is provided to enable students to complete the research project. The training, experience and techniques gained during the project will also be invaluable for the subsequent DPhil project.

The DPhil

On successful completion of the MSc taught programme, students progress to the full-time DPhil in Oncology. Their doctoral research is conducted under the supervision of same academic that oversaw the student’s MSc project.

Students begin the three-year DPhil in Oncology programme as a probationary research student (PRS). Towards the end of the first year, students are required to write a report prior to transfer to DPhil (PhD) status. Progress is evaluated by two academic assessors, who are not directly involved in the student’s supervision. Continuation on the DPhil programme is subject to passing the Transfer of Status assessment.

Students must confirm their DPhil status and are encouraged to do so during their eighth term and by no later than the end of the ninth term. Students are expected to submit their thesis between the ninth and twelfth terms from being admitted as a PRS.

In addition to the standard University milestones described above, a student’s progress is formally recorded via supervisor feedback forms submitted termly, ie three times per year. The University has a code of practice for supervision of research under which supervisors must:

• advise, guide and support the student in all aspects of their research project
• identify a clear plan of research
• draw up a timetable for research
• have regular meetings
• report on the student’s progress
• identify the student's training needs
• encourage the student to participate in the wider Oxford community.

After completion of their doctoral training, graduates of the Department of Oncology progress to postdoctoral research positions in Oxford, elsewhere in the UK or internationally (around 50%), to study medicine (around 25%), or to employment in medical charities and other professional organisations (around 25%).

Research students are expected to leave the DPhil in Oncology equipped with the scientific knowledge and cutting-edge technical skills that enable them to become the scholars, teachers and researchers of the next generation, both in the UK and globally.

The allocation of graduate supervision for this course 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 supervisor will work with them to ensure that they have additional support.

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