About this programme
Cancer affects every family and it’s incidence increases every year. Cancer research is research into how cancer develops, what mutations cause it, how we can prevent it, detect it and treat it. The MSc in Cancer Research provides knowledge about the biology of cancer.
The programme provides detailed knowledge in cancer biology together with extensive research laboratory training in the most advanced technologies used in biomedical and cancer research.
The course gives an internationally recognised MSc degree with broad career opportunities.
Why this programme?
This programme suits all students graduating in life sciences and medical subjects and wish to specialise in the field of biomedical or cancer research. This is a structured research masters programme where the first semester consists of taught modules followed by an 8-month research project from January to August.
Our students learn how to apply knowledge in the laboratory, design and carry out experiments to solve a scientific problem. Our students work in internationally recognised research laboratories and learn by doing research. This programme gives an excellent foundation for PhD training in all fields of biomedical sciences.
Employment &
Career Opportunities
90% of our graduates find a job or academic scholarship in their preferred area within 12 months, be it a PhD training programme, industry research laboratories, teaching etc.
This programme also suits for a career in
clinical research and as clinical scientists and gives a foundation to pursue specialist training in these fields.
Programme Structure & Entry Requirements
Duration: 3 semesters in one year (September to August)
Entry Requirements: Level 8, honours BSc degree (H1, H2.1, H2.2) in a biological, biochemical, medical or biomedical science field.
Fees: €7,450 (EU) & 20,750 (Non-EU). Please visit www.nuigalway.ie/fees for more information on fees.
Enquiries: E-mail to msc.cancerresearch@nuigalway.ie or
michael.carty@nuigalway.ie
Closing date for first round of applications: 31st January 2021.
Programme Structure
Semester 1 consist of taught modules covering:
- Cellular and molecular biology of cancer (10 ECTS)
- Clinical oncology (5 ECTS)
- Research methods, technologies and skills (5 ECTS)
These modules are structured in a way to provide a comprehensive and overarching knowledge in cancer biology. You will learn the material through working in small groups, preparing presentations, assignments and attending lectures.
Semester 2-3 is research project:
All taught modules conclude in semester 1. From January to August, our students join research laboratories where they learn how to carry out scientific research and carry out a research project in their choice of offered topics, acquire a broad range of research skills including state of the art technologies, experience in experimental design, data interpretation and data presentation.
Testimonial from a Past Student
The programme is comprised of both theory and research components which provided each student in our class with an in-depth knowledge in cancer biology, regardless of the level of knowledge we previously held.
Our small class size was a great opportunity to make some close new friends, allowing us to work together in any problems we encountered and for relaxed discussion of topics throughout.
My particular research project took place in the Lambe Institute for Translational Research in the Department of Pathology. I was delighted with this placement as I was given a huge opportunity to work alongside scientists who are experts in their field and to be trained by them. It gave me a real taste for research and insight into what a career in academia may hold. The length of the research element was much greater than other Msc programmes which allowed us to take control of our research projects, producing valuable results for the laboratory, and in some cases included in published papers.
Thanks to the programme, I got the opportunity to pursue a PhD. I am currently conducting this in the Apoptosis Research Centre, in the Bioscience Building, NUIG. As well as PhD’s, many of my classmates pursued positions in academia in research laboratories while others chose the industry route, obtaining positions in pharmaceutical companies, due to the laboratory experience the programme provided.
The Cancer Research MSc programme at NUIG is an extremely worthwhile and rewarding experience, and I would recommend it to anyone interested.
Apply Now
Contact Dr Mary Ní Fhlathartaigh with any questions, or go straight ahead and apply through our online form.