The MSc(Res) in Cancer Medicine will provide students with new knowledge of how precision medicine can improve and shape future healthcare. Students will gain hands-on experience of molecular techniques and the equipment/devices used in a modern molecular laboratory; the course will provide training in laboratory and research skills that are applicable across multiple scientific disciplines in a supportive learning environment. Central to this research-intensive programme is a 24-week Research Project (which runs throughout both semesters) where students undertake hands-on research training within active research teams. Through taught modules students will be able to evaluate how novel therapeutic approaches can be used to stratify patients into treatment groups for better clinical management (a concept known as stratified / precision medicine). They will observe the delivery of precision medicine through tours of the Northern Ireland Cancer Centre.
There are optional modules in the second semester allowing students to explore the fundamental principles of carcinogenesis and the translational approaches (including cutting edge technologies) which allow cancer scientists and clinicians to advance our understanding and treatment of cancers.
The Precision Cancer Medicine stream provides a comprehensive overview of the current understanding of the hallmarks of cancer from the role of genetic/epigenetic alterations, cell cycle control and metastases/angiogenesis to the development of applications to help diagnose cancers earlier, improve treatments, rationally design clinical trials and reduce chemotherapy drug resistance.
The Radiation Oncology and Medical Imaging (ROMI) stream will develop skills in understanding the biological principles of radiotherapy and its clinical applications in the treatment of cancer. This will include the physical and chemical basis of radiation interactions and the biological consequences of radiation exposures. Clinical aspects of Radiation Oncology will be covered including principle of advanced radiotherapy delivery, cancer imaging techniques and biomarker discovery.
The Oncology Drug Discovery (ODD) stream will give an insight into both academic and biotech drug development. The course will provide an understanding of what makes an interesting anti-cancer drug target and how, as researchers, we validate this target for clinical use. In addition, you will also gain an understanding of the different drug development platforms that are currently employed for hit identification, hit to lead development and pre-clinical candidate selection.
Importantly, all streams show how our improved understanding of the molecular processes driving cancer growth and spread can be ‘translated’ through research-intensive MSc projects to improve the treatment and survival of cancer patients.
Applicants are advised to apply as early as possible and ideally no later than 31st July 2024 for courses which commence in late September. In the event that any programme receives a high number of applications, the University reserves the right to close the application portal. Notifications to this effect will appear on the Direct Application Portal against the programme application page.
Please note a deposit will be required to guarantee a place on the course. Due to high demand, applications may not be considered if the course has reached its maximum class size and will be placed on a waiting list. Please see deposit terms and conditions for more details.
The strong links between us and the biotech and biopharmaceutical sectors provides a stimulating translational environment, while also expanding your career opportunities.
Cancer Medicine highlights
Industry Links
The strong links between us and the biotech and biopharmaceutical sectors provides a stimulating translational environment, while
also expanding your career opportunities.
World Class Facilities
The Programme will be taught in the Patrick Johnston Centre for Cancer Research a purpose-built institute at the heart of the Health Sciences Campus, boasting state-of-the-art research facilities.
Internationally Renowned Experts
We have an international reputation in this area, achieved through; high-impact peer review publications; significant international research funding and the establishment of successful spin-out companies.
Student Testimonials
I have really enjoyed my time over the past year spent in the lab as part of the McCloskey Research group; my group have helped me to build confidence, notably in my lab work, scientific presentation skills, and scientific reasoning. I feel I have got an excellent opportunity to better understand academic research as my group have involved me in all aspects from day-to-day lab maintenance right up to giving and receiving feedback on my own and my fellow research group members research. I feel that each member of my group has provided me with invaluable advice and an unparalleled support network throughout the course of my Masters. I feel this course has prepared me well for a future career in research with hands-on training, continued advice with troubleshooting throughout my research, and a renewed interest and curiosity in science as a whole. Overall, I feel that I would definitely recommend this course to prospective students based on my own experience.
I have thoroughly enjoyed my year so far at QUB studying Cancer Medicine. I chose to study the Precision Cancer stream and have enjoyed being able to translate the theoretical learning in the lecture rooms to practical aspects of my research project. I particularly enjoyed the Cancer Genetics and Genomics module where I learned R programming language and was able to transfer this learning across to my research project data analysis. The year-round research project was an amazing opportunity to develop my practical skills and advance my knowledge in the field of prostate cancer. My research project supervisors have provided invaluable support, advice, and training throughout the year and provided me with an insight into a research career.
1. Students may enrol on a full time (1 year) basis. Students will undertake 3 core modules (40 CATS), 2 of which are in Semester 1 and the 3rd core module is taken throughout the year.
There are three optional streams within Semester 2 but optional modules (ie. Streams) will only run with a minimum of 6 participants. In the event that either the ROMI or ODD streams do not achieve 6 students, students within that stream will be automatically enrolled onto the Precision Cancer Medicine stream in Semester 2.
1. Precision Cancer Medicine Stream (20 CATS)
2. Radiation Oncology and Medical Imaging (ROMI) Stream (20 CATS)
3, Oncology Drug Discovery (ODD) stream (20 CATS)
Students also undertake an intensive 24 week research project (60 CATS)
The MSc(Res) is awarded to students who successfully complete 120 CATS of taught modules and a Research Project. (60 CATS)
A Diploma Exit qualification is available to those students who have successfully completed 120 CATS points.
A Certificate Exit qualification is available to those students who have successfully completed 60 CATS points.
Semester 1
SCM8096 Research Translational: from Concept to Commercialisation (Full Year) – 20 CATS
This module covers the principles of disease biology and new technological developments that increase our understanding of disease processes. It develops an appreciation of the importance of innovation, business awareness and leadership skills in the translation of discovery science to clinical implementation.
SCM8144 Diagnosis and Treatment of Cancer (Semester 1) – 10 CATS
This module provides a comprehensive overview of the diagnosis and treatment of the common solid and haematological malignancies, including breast, ovarian, genitourinary and gastrointestinal cancers as well as the leukaemias. An overview of the common diagnostic pathways in clinical practice will be provided, and this will include gaining an understanding of imaging modalities and histopathological techniques in routine use.
SCM8065 Cancer Biology (Semester 1) – 10 CATS
This module provides a comprehensive overview of the fundamental principles of carcinogenesis highlighting how normal control processes are bypassed during tumour formation. The pathogenic mechanisms to be discussed will range from genomic alterations in key gene families, to epigenetic mechanisms of gene control, alterations in kinase activities or protein turnover, or activation of aberrant phenotypes such as invasion and angiogenesis.
Semester 2
Students will chose one of the following 3 streams:
1) Precision Cancer Stream
SCM8142 Cancer Genetics & Genomics – 10 CATS
This module will provide students with a comprehensive foundation of concepts in genetics and genomics pertaining to cancer aetiology and molecular pathology with emphasis on both inherited predisposition to cancer mediated by germline genetic variation and consideration of the contribution of the tumour genome to disease pathogenicity.
SCM8066 Translational Cancer Medicine – 1O CATS
This module provides a comprehensive overview of current cancer treatments and their limitations. The principles of resistance to standard chemo- and radio-therapies will be addressed and how new targeted therapies are being developed to overcome this resistance. Students will also be introduced to the principles of stratified or precision medicine, using molecular biomarkers to select patients most likely to respond to particular therapies.
In addition, students will learn how high throughput technologies such as transcriptome profiling and next generation sequencing can be utilised to identify new biomarkers and anti-cancer drug targets. The module will also cover how novel pre-clinical discoveries are developed and applied in prospective clinical trials.
OR
2) Radiation Oncology and Medical Imaging Stream (ROMI)
SCM8141 Biology of Radiotherapy – 10 CATS
This module is taught through a series of lectures and tutorials and will enable students to develop knowledge and skills in understanding the principles of radiation interactions and the molecular basis of radiation response in cells, tissues and tumours. Through the delivery of a multidisciplinary taught programme, students will cover how radiation affects and disrupts cellular processes and use established theoretical models to explore the concepts behind the use of radiation for cancer treatment.
SCM8143 Clinical Radiation Biology and Imaging – 10 CATS
Building on the biological basis of radiotherapy, this module will develop knowledge and skills in understanding clinical radiotherapy and medical imaging. Through the delivery of a multidisciplinary taught programme, students will cover clinical tumour and normal tissue biology, radiological imaging and the design of radiotherapy treatment plans. This will develop the clinical rationale for radiotherapy in the treatment of cancer and highlight emerging treatment combinations and techniques for biomarker discovery in radiation oncology.
OR
3 Oncology Drug Discovery Stream (ODD)
SCM8138 Target Identification and Hit ID – 10 CATS
Using the knowledge gained on the Cancer medicine modules in semester 1, we will look at what makes a good anti-cancer drug target and how we start to validate that target biologically. With the early validation of a potential drug target completed, we will look at the different approaches that can be used to identify chemical starting points, more commonly referred to as ‘hits’ against this target. This will be followed up with approaches employed within drug development to validate these chemical ‘hits’ to underpin future research.
SCM8139 Drug Optimization, Drug Delivery and Clinical Trials – 10 CATS
The second module will cover the processes around further optimising validated ‘hit’ matter and how this leads to the identification of in-vivo compatible tools compounds. We will also cover what are the additional challenges in converting these tool compounds into pre-clinical drug candidates, such as drug delivery, formulation and patentability. There will also be lectures on the use of nanoparticle delivery systems that are used to overcome toxicity and/or lack of efficacy in disease and patient systems.
FULL YEAR modules (all students)
SCM8067 Research Project – 60 CATS
You will undertake a 24 week project in the Patrick G Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, which will run throughout both semesters.
SCM8147 Dissertation – 60 CATS
This module comprises the write-up contribution to the overall research element of the programme, with the Research Project (SCM 8067). The Dissertation will represent the student’s personal studies in the literature, a description of their experimental execution of their project, data presentation, analysis and interpretation, followed by critical discussion and conclusions.
Learning opportunities associated with this course are outlined below:
Introduction
At Queen’s, we aim to deliver a high-quality learning environment that embeds intellectual curiosity, innovation and best practice in learning, teaching and student support to enable student to achieve their full academic potential.
On this course we do this by providing a range of learning experiences which enable our students to engage with subject experts, develop attributes and perspectives that will equip them for life and work that enhances their development as independent, lifelong learners.
Class times vary throughout morning, afternoon and evening, and through a combination of course lectures, practical experiences and Self-directed study to enhance employability.
Students perform their research project throughout the programme, which may necessitate working (under supervision) at out-of-hours times, including weekends.
Assessment
Introduction
Assessment is by a combination of oral presentations and written assignments. The research project is written up as a dissertation.
The information below is intended as an example only, featuring module details for the current year of study (2024/25). Modules are reviewed on an annual basis and may be subject to future changes – revised details will be published through Programme Specifications ahead of each academic year.
This module provides a comprehensive overview of current cancer treatments and their limitations. The principles of resistance to standard chemo- and radio-therapies will be addressed and how new targeted therapies are being developed to overcome this resistance. Students will also be introduced to the principles of stratified or precision medicine, using molecular biomarkers to select patients most likely to respond to particular therapies. In addition, students will learn how high throughput technologies such as transcriptome profiling and next generation sequencing can be utilised to identify new biomarkers and anti-cancer drug targets. The module will also cover how novel pre-clinical discoveries are developed and applied in prospective clinical trials.
In taught sessions, the students will learn about the molecular basis of resistance to chemo- and radio-therapies, approaches to biomarker and anti-cancer drug discovery, stratified/precision medicine approaches to cancer treatment and novel clinical trial designs that can exploit new laboratory discoveries. The module will be delivered as lectures, workshops and tutorials and will include a journal club session.
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this module, successful students will be able to:
1) Summarize the difference between inherent and acquired drug/radio-resistance.
2) Describe potential mechanisms of drug/radio-resistance.
3) Discuss several different classes of molecularly-targeted therapy.
4) Explain the principles of “stratified/precision medicine” and the use of biomarkers.
5) Summarize how recent developments in high throughput technologies have revolutionised cancer diagnoses, patient stratification and treatment.
6) Describe the pros and cons of different in vivo models of cancer.
7) Summarize what is meant by an “adaptive clinical trial”.
Skills
1. Knowledge base – identifying resources, gathering information, extracting important information, information management
2. Cognitive abilities – critical thinking, synthesis of information and ideas and solving problems
3. Creativity – initiating and expressing new ideas, argument construction
4. Personal qualities – responsibility and self-motivation, self-confidence, personal integrity
5. Self-management – setting goals, time management,
6. Professional and career development – networking
7. Communication and dissemination – speaking effectively, writing concisely, listening attentively, persuading.
8. Working with others – collaboration, awareness of equality and diversity, leadership skills
This module provides a comprehensive overview of the diagnosis and treatment of the common solid and haematological malignancies, including breast, ovarian, genitourinary and gastrointestinal cancers as well as the leukaemias. An overview of the common diagnostic pathways in clinical practice will be provided, and this will including gaining an understanding of imaging modalities and histopathological techniques in routine use. The principles of surgical, medical and clinical oncology techniques underpinning the treatment of these malignancies will be taught. The management of metastatic cancer, including strategies for the palliation of advanced disease will also be covered. Students will learn how these treatment pathways interface with the translational researcher in order to facilitate both clinical and translational research, and how research impacts on the clinical care of oncology patients. They will develop an appreciation of the benefits to the clinician, the patient and the scientist of a well-developed, coherent translational research programme.
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this module, successful students will be able to:
Describe the main diagnostic modalities used in contemporary oncology practice.
Explain the principles, benefits and drawbacks of cancer screening programmes.
Discuss the principles underlying the treatment of common solid and blood cancers.
Show an understanding of the management of advanced solid tumours, including the main palliative treatments used in metastatic cancer.
Identify future critical research questions facing clinicians treating common solid tumours.
Appreciate the role of the broader clinical team and the tissue pathologist in the collection and pre-analytical handling of biological research specimens
Explain how engagement of clinicians and patients is key to development of successful translational research programmes.
Critically evaluate the opportunities for translational and clinical research arising from patient treatment pathways in surgical, medical and clinical oncology.
Describe the scientific, clinical and organisational benefits arising from a well-coordinated programme of translational research.
Skills
1) A comprehensive understanding of how clinical diagnoses and treatments are integrated to deliver effective healthcare
2) A deeper understanding of how the principles of surgical, medical and clinical oncology techniques are required for effective treatment of cancer patients
3) Written and oral communication skills
4) Effective time management
This module provides a comprehensive overview of the fundamental principles of carcinogenesis, highlighting how normal control processes are bypassed during tumour formation. The module will outline how the molecular events such as mutations and chromosome damage are involved in the transformation from normal to malignant cells, cancer initiation and disease progression in acquired and familial cancers. The pathogenic mechanisms to be discussed will range from genomic alterations in key gene families, epigenetic mechanisms of gene control, aberrations in kinase activities or protein turnover, or activation of aberrant phenotypes such as invasion and angiogenesis.The module will also introduce how tumours use the immune system to evade detection.
In taught sessions the students will learn about our current knowledge of the molecular basis of cancer, the signalling mechanisms underpinning cancer pathogenesis and a brief introduction to drug discovery, including examples of novel targets that have been identified for cancer treatment.
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this module successful students will be able to:
• Explain how critical processes in cellular biology contribute to the development of cancer.
• Critically appraise key processes involved in DNA replication, damage and repair.
Describe how epigenetic processes contribute to the regulation of cell signalling and other molecular pathways.
• Describe the different types of oncogenic activation and the genomic alterations that contribute to their activation.
Summarize the concepts of tumour suppressor genes, Knudson’s 2 hit hypothesis, familial versus sporadic mutations and Gatekeepers versus Caretaker TSGs.
• Describe and understand the mode of action of the major DNA repair pathways and how their dysfunction leads to different cancers.
• Describe the different modes of chromatin modifications, the enzymes involved and how these can be targeted in cancer.
• Summarize the basis of the cell cycle, how it is deregulated in cancer cells and to discuss the implications for chemotherapy treatments.
• Describe how tumours evade apoptosis and develop chemotherapy resistance.
• Explain the mechanisms driving cancer associated processes such as metastases and angiogenesis.
• Describe the features of a good anti-cancer target and give examples of drugs which exploit these features to effectively kill tumour cells.
• Describe how tumours cells interact with the immune system to establish immune-evasion and how this can be targeted by immune checkpoint therapies.
Skills
• Knowledge base – identifying resources, gathering information, extracting important information, information management
• Cognitive abilities – critical thinking, synthesis of information and ideas and solving problems
• Creativity – initiating and expressing new ideas, argument construction
• Personal qualities – responsibility and self-motivation, self-confidence, personal integrity
• Organisational and personal skills – including responsibility and self-motivation, self-confidence, personal integrity, setting own goals and time management,
• Self-management – setting goals, time management,
• Professional and career development – networking
• Communication and dissemination – speaking effectively, writing concisely, listening attentively, persuading.
• Working with others – collaboration, awareness of equality and diversity, leadership skills.
In this module students will be required to join an established research team under the supervision of the principal investigator and carry out a Research Project through a series of experiments dictated by a clearly defined hypothesis and modified only by real-time data-based decisions and financial or logistic constraints. This module represents the practical component of the overall research element of the programme.
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this module successful students will be able to:
1) Undertake basic or clinical research under appropriate supervision.
2) Critically evaluate their data in light of experimental conditions and the literature in the field.
3) Contribute to experimental design and protocol development.
4) Apply research ethics in relation to studies in humans and animals and correctly apply established principles and legislation to both.
5) Apply statistical principles in the design of studies and experiments.
6) Carry out a safety assessment of their project in terms of COSHH legislation and environmental considerations.
7) Present their research as written and oral presentations.
Skills
On completion of this course successful students will have gained an increased competence in:
1) Critical, analytical and creative thinking
2) Practical skills (laboratory skills or advanced data management/ data–base interrogation and analysis skills, according to the nature of the project)
3) Problem solving abilities
4) Data management skills
5) Organisational skills
6) General IT skills
7) Time management skills
This module will provide students with a comprehensive foundation of concepts in cancer genetics and genomics including the role of common genetic variation in cancer aetiology, epigenetic determinants of cancer risk and progressionand the characterisation and translation of somatic mutations in cancer genomes for patient benefit.
Introduction to cancer genetics, applications in risk prediction, prevention and treatment
Types of inherited variation that influence cancer predisposition
Detecting genetic determinants of cancer risk using genetic epidemiology
Approaches to determine the molecular mechanisms that underpin risk
The role of epigenetics and non-coding genetic variation in cancer.
Analysis of cancer genomes including methods for assaying mutations, structural aberrations, transcriptional profiling, chromatin interactions and epigenetic features
Clinical application of cancer genomics
Manipulation and analysis of complex datasets
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this module students will be able to:
1) Describe in detail the spectrum of inherited and acquired genetic and genomic events that influence cancer predisposition and outcome
2) Conduct studies to detect associations between germline genetic variation and cancer risk
3) Outline opportunities and examples of the application of cancer genetic risk factors in the context of prevention
4) Describe approaches used to understand the functional consequences of genetic and genomic drivers of cancer predisposition and pathogenicity
5)Data manipulation and analysis using appropriate tools with emphasis on R
Skills
Skills
1) Critically evaluate data during practical sessions, assignments and during appraisal of scientific literature
2) Demonstration proficiency in data analysis using commonly used software packages
3) Written and oral communication skills
4) Effective time management
This module will provide students with a clear understanding of how discovery science is translated into clinical utility, while also increasing their knowledge on how new products (biomarkers, medicines) and processes (medical devices, technologies) are developed in the biotech and bio-pharmaceutical sector and utilised in translational medicine. It will provide detailed information on the critical translational technologies that are currently employed; it will provide exemplars of best practice in the development of diagnostic, prognostic and predictive biomarkers and it will enhance the student’s knowledge on the drug discovery and drug development process and the use of radiotherapy and medical imaging.
The module will outline the principles of clinical trial design and describe how trials can support translational research studies; in particular, enabling the students to evaluate regulatory issues associated with clinical trials and gain greater knowledge of what legal requirements are needed to translate discovery science into the clinic. This module will also provide valuable training in the creation of grant proposals the writing of scientific papers and presentations. The module will also support students as they develop skills for self-directed and life-long learning
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module students will be able to:
1. Explain the translational pipeline from discovery to clinical application.
2. Critically appraise the key processes involved in clinically driven translational research.
3. Appraise the key steps in development of a biomarker test.
4. Describe the differences between prognostic and predictive biomarkers.
5. Compare and contrast the key processes in drug discovery and development.
6. Understand the principles and concepts underpinning the use of radiation in cancer treatment and imaging.
7. Evaluate the principles of clinical trial design and describe how trials can support translational research.
8. Give an informed account of the regulatory requirements needed for clinical trials.
9. Explain the regulatory and quality aspects of biomarker development.
10. Provide the skills necessary for the development of a research funding proposal
Skills
1.Knowledge base – identifying resources, gathering information, extracting important information, information management
2. Cognitive abilities – critical thinking, synthesis of information and ideas and solving problems
3. Creativity – initiating and expressing new ideas, argument construction
4. Personal qualities – responsibility and self-motivation, self-confidence, personal integrity
5. Self-management – setting goals, time management,
6. Professional and career development – networking, team building
7. Communication and dissemination – speaking effectively, writing concisely, listening attentively, persuading.
8. Working with others – collaboration, awareness of equality and diversity.
This module comprises the write-up contribution to the overall research element of the programme, with the Research Project (SCM 8067). The Dissertation will represent the student’s personal studies in the literature, a description of their experimental execution of their project, data presentation, analysis and interpretation, followed by critical discussion and conclusions.
The dissertation will be presented as a 15,000-20,000 word thesis and contain the following elements:
• A 300 word abstract that concisely summarises the objectives, experimental design and main findings of the research.
• Clearly defined objectives and working hypothesis.
• An in depth logically structured and up to date review of the research literature pertaining to the student’s project which should demonstrate an ability to efficiently summarise and critically analyse the major themes within the work. Where possible original reports, rather than reviews should be employed.
• A detailed and transparent description of the experimental design and techniques employed, including statistical analysis where appropriate.
• A well ordered and transparent description of the experimental results, illustrated by tables, diagrams, charts and micrographs where appropriate.
• A discussion/conclusions section that offers a critical evaluation of the results and their significance in light of published literature on the topic and a rational justification of the conclusions drawn from the results.
• A full bibliography of the literature cited in the text
Learning Outcomes
LEARNING OUTCOMES
On completion of this module successful students will be able to:
1) Research, summarise and offer an orderly presentation of the research literature underpinning their investigation.
2) Critically assess published research in a specialised discipline within biomedical research.
3) Correctly cite published research in an honest and transparent manner.
4) Develop the particular writing skills dictated by the discipline imposed by a 300 word summary of a large document, technical descriptions, and reasoned argument.
5) Apply appropriate statistical analysis to their data.
6) Explain the relevance of their data to established concepts and accepted models in their field.
7) Critically assess whether their data supports their conclusions and rationalise discrepancies between their work and the published results of others.
8) Suggest logical extension of their work for future studies.
Skills
On completion of this course successful students will have gained or increased competence in:
1) Critical, analytical and creative thinking.
2) Analyse and synthesise concepts derived from a large body of published material.
3) Problem solving abilities
4) Data management
5) Organisational skills
6) General IT skills
7) Use of reference management/bibliographic software
8) Written communication
9) Time management
Normally a minimum of a 2.1 Honours degree or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University in a relevant biological subject. Evidence of equivalent professional qualifications (MBBS, BDS or BVSc) or experience will be considered on an individual basis.
Intercalating Medical and Dental Applicants:
i) QUB:
Intercalating medical and dental students within QUB will be considered if:
A) they have successfully completed the third year of their course at first attempt and
B) have achieved at least an Upper Second Class Honours degree standard.
C) have permission to intercalate from either the Director of Medical Education or Dentistry as appropriate.
ii) External:
An external medical or dental student wishing to intercalate will be considered if:
A) They have successfully completed all assessments at first attempt for the year in which they are applying.
B) Achieved at least an overall Upper Second Class Honours degree standard as determined by their University
iii) International:
• Applicants who are currently studying an overseas Medical (e.g. MBBS or MBChB) or Dental degree at a recognised institution acceptable to the University, may apply.
• Applicants must have passed all assessments at first attempt for the year in which they are applying, normally 3rd year for those completing a 5 year programme or 4th year for those completing a 6 year programme.
• Applicants may be required to provide details of the medical or dental curriculum they are studying in order to confirm compatibility.
Applicants are advised to apply as early as possible and ideally no later than 31st July 2024 for courses which commence in late September. In the event that any programme receives a high number of applications, the University reserves the right to close the application portal.
Please note: A deposit will be required to secure a place on this course.
International Students
Our country/region pages include information on entry requirements, tuition fees, scholarships, student profiles, upcoming events and contacts for your country/region. Use the dropdown list below for specific information for your country/region.
English Language Requirements
An IELTS Academic test score of 6.5 overall with a minimum of 6.0 in each of the four elements or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University (taken within the last 2 years). IELTS test result/qualification must be submitted by 30 June 2024.
International students wishing to apply to Queen's University Belfast (and for whom English is not their first language), must be able to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study or research. Non-EEA nationals must also satisfy UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) immigration requirements for English language for visa purposes.
If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this degree programme, INTO Queen's University Belfast offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for admission to this degree.
Academic English: an intensive English language and study skills course for successful university study at degree level
Pre-sessional English: a short intensive academic English course for students starting a degree programme at Queen's University Belfast and who need to improve their English.
This programme will equip you with the skills to work in a translational medicine setting in an academic or hospital environment and in the biotech/ pharmaceutical industries. You’ll gain an insight into the financial, management and entrepreneurial aspects of translational research, so you may end up working in industry or potentially initiating a spin-out company of your own. You will also be able, should you wish, to apply for entry onto a PhD studentship programme in a biomedical discipline.
Queen's postgraduates reap exceptional benefits. Unique initiatives, such as Degree Plus and Researcher Plus bolster our commitment to employability, while innovative leadership and executive programmes alongside sterling integration with business experts helps our students gain key leadership positions both nationally and internationally. In addition to the comprehensive training offered by this Master’s programme, the Graduate School at QUB offers a range of supplementary courses ranging from Project Management and Leadership qualifications to development of personal proficiencies such as Academic Writing and Presentation skills.
Employment after the Course
As this is a research intensive degree many of our students go on to pursue further PhD study in healthcare research within the Institute of Health Sciences here at Queen’s and further afield at other academic institutions. Others go on to work in a wide variety of roles in both the private and public sector here in Northern Ireland and internationally. The following are some of the jobs they have taken on:
Scientist, Randox
Research Assistant Curtin University, Perth, Australia
Assistant Peer Review Officer- BBSRC
Project Coordinator Almac Group
Research Project Coordinator, Almac Diagnostics
Graduate Software Engineer BT TSO
Graduate Plus/Future Ready Award for extra-curricular skills
In addition to your degree programme, at Queen's you can have the opportunity to gain wider life, academic and employability skills. For example, placements, voluntary work, clubs, societies, sports and lots more. So not only do you graduate with a degree recognised from a world leading university, you'll have practical national and international experience plus a wider exposure to life overall. We call this Graduate Plus/Future Ready Award. It's what makes studying at Queen's University Belfast special.
1EU citizens in the EU Settlement Scheme, with settled status, will be charged the NI or GB tuition fee based on where they are ordinarily resident. Students who are ROI nationals resident in GB will be charged the GB fee.
2 EU students who are ROI nationals resident in ROI are eligible for NI tuition fees.
3 EU Other students (excludes Republic of Ireland nationals living in GB, NI or ROI) are charged tuition fees in line with international fees.
All tuition fees quoted relate to a single year of study unless stated otherwise. Tuition fees will be subject to an annual inflationary increase, unless explicitly stated otherwise.
Students have the option to hire a locker, at a cost of £5 per student, per year.
Terms and Conditions for Postgraduate applications:
1.1 Due to high demand, there is a deadline for applications.
1.2 You will be required to pay a deposit to secure your place on the course.
1.3 This condition of offer is in addition to any academic or English language requirements.
Depending on the programme of study, there may be extra costs which are not covered by tuition fees, which students will need to consider when planning their studies.
Students can borrow books and access online learning resources from any Queen's library. If students wish to purchase recommended texts, rather than borrow them from the University Library, prices per text can range from £30 to £100. Students should also budget between £30 to £75 per year for photocopying, memory sticks and printing charges.
Students undertaking a period of work placement or study abroad, as either a compulsory or optional part of their programme, should be aware that they will have to fund additional travel and living costs.
If a programme includes a major project or dissertation, there may be costs associated with transport, accommodation and/or materials. The amount will depend on the project chosen. There may also be additional costs for printing and binding.
Students may wish to consider purchasing an electronic device; costs will vary depending on the specification of the model chosen.
There are also additional charges for graduation ceremonies, examination resits and library fines.
How do I fund my study?
The Department for the Economy will provide a tuition fee loan of up to £6,500 per NI / EU student for postgraduate study. Tuition fee loan information.
A postgraduate loans system in the UK offers government-backed student loans of up to £11,836 for taught and research Masters courses in all subject areas (excluding Initial Teacher Education/PGCE, where undergraduate student finance is available). Criteria, eligibility, repayment and application information are available on the UK government website.
