Studying cancer at Bristol
Bristol's world-class learning experience encourages students to become independent thinkers, equipped to respond to the intellectual, social and personal challenges they encounter throughout their lives and careers and become leaders in their chosen fields.
To find out more, or to view all the courses on offer, click on the appropriate link and type in "cancer" for a listing of relevant programmes:
All degree enquiries should go through the appropriate Study at Bristol team via their contact details page; eligibility and the application process are detailed for each programme.
Further postgraduate support is offered by the Bristol Doctoral College.
Listen to some of our PhD students talk about their research and Bristol experiences:
Examples of undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes which include cancer are listed below. Please search the full catalogue on the links above for all the options.
BSc Cancer Biology and Immunology (B131)
In your first year, you will gain a broad understanding of the biology of normal and cancerous cells. In addition to studying the immune system, you will take pathology, microbiology and biochemistry units.
In the second year, you will study the cellular and molecular basis of cancer and its therapy, as well as autoimmune diseases, such as multiple sclerosis, diabetes and arthritis, and human cancers caused by viruses, such as papillomavirus and hepatitis B. You will take molecular genetics and an optional unit, possibly biochemistry, from a selection offered.
All practical teaching in years one and two is supported by the eBiolabs dynamic laboratory manual.
In the final year, you will undertake a research project or scientific dissertation, working in a research or teaching laboratory in our Biomedical Sciences building or in one of the hospitals. Your work may even be published in scientific literature.
BSc Cancer Biology and Immunology with Study in Industry
This four-year course is similar to BSc Cancer Biology and Immunology but will give you the opportunity to gain valuable experience in cellular and molecular medicine in commercial or government research as an employee during your third year. This may be in a biotech or pharmaceutical company or a research institute.
Entry to the Study in Industry course is by transfer after you have secured a placement. Applications are made in the second year.
MSci Cancer Biology and Immunology (B132)
Our MSci course is ideal if you want to continue in research or to stand out when applying for a PhD.
In your first year, you will gain a broad understanding of the biology of normal and cancerous cells. In addition to studying the immune system, you will take pathology, microbiology and biochemistry units.
In the second year, you will study the cellular and molecular basis of cancer and its therapy as well as autoimmune diseases, such as multiple sclerosis, diabetes and arthritis, and human cancers caused by viruses, such as papilloma and hepatitis B. You will take molecular genetics and an optional unit, possibly biochemistry, from a selection offered.
All practical teaching in years one and two is supported by the eBiolabs dynamic laboratory manual.
You will progress to undertake a research project or scientific dissertation, working in a research or teaching laboratory in our Biomedical Sciences building or in one of the hospitals. Your work may even be published in scientific literature.
The additional, fourth year includes an extended research project and advanced research skills training with an emphasis on enterprise. You will plan projects, communicate with a variety of audiences and learn to translate and commercialise research.
The School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine focuses on turning science into medicine and these courses aim to launch you into a research career with an emphasis on translational research.
MSc / PhD Cellular and Molecular Medicine
The School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine is an internationally recognised centre of excellence for the study of cancer biology, infection and immunology, and regenerative medicine.
Ongoing refurbishment of our immunology, microbiology, virology, regenerative medicine and cancer research laboratories has created an outstanding working environment with state-of-the-art facilities. Researchers in the school also have access to facilities within the Faculty of Life Sciences, for example the Molecular Recognition Centre and Cell Imaging, Proteomics and Wolfson Bioimaging Facility.
The school combines basic research with a focus on translation, in other words turning basic scientific discoveries into something that is clinically useful. Key successes of this type include the development of novel drugs, therapies and diagnostic tests, and the implementation of changes to clinical practice. Several members of staff in the school are clinicians.
MSc / PhD in Biochemistry
As a school, we believe that part of our mission is to train the next generation of life scientists. We take great pride in the standard of our postgraduate provision and offer both three- and four-year PhD programmes. It is also possible to pursue a one-year master's by research (MScR). Competition for places on our postgraduate programmes is high, but we believe that we offer a unique and nurturing environment for talented students.
You will receive extensive research training that covers methodology, critical interpretation and problem-solving, as well as transferable skills training in communication, presentation, teamwork, time management and teaching. You will also be encouraged to participate in personal development planning, which is considered a valuable adjunct of your professional development. Training is also available in enterprise and entrepreneurship.
You will have access to the world-class Wolfson Bioimaging Facility and GW4 high-resolution cryoEM facility, which provides a suite of state-of-the-art light and electron microscopes. In addition, the Proteomics Facility offers bespoke proteomics services for researchers.
MSc / PhD in Oral and Dental Sciences
The school combines laboratory-based and clinically-applied research and fosters a high level of collaboration between research groups in University. The research programme is funded by internal and external grants from charities, research councils, industry and government.
Our postgraduate students belong to broad research communities in the Faculty of Health Sciences and the Bristol Doctoral College, and benefit from the wide training opportunities in addition to their specific subjects.
Open Days and Visits
The University of Bristol hosts a number of open days for prospective undergraduate and postgraduate students: