Everything you need to know...
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What is the fee?
Home: £10,620 for the course
International/EU: £17,725 for the course -
How long will I study?
1 Year
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Where will I study?
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When do I start?
September 2025
Course summary
- Explore cell biology and the molecular processes driving cancer.
- Develop applied research techniques using state-of-the-art laboratory facilities.
- Build confidence in presenting your work to academic and professional audiences.
- Enhance your investigative skills, including the design, execution and interpretation of practical work.
Cancer remains a significant global challenge and a growing area of research. Our MSc version of the course provides an in-depth knowledge of cell biology and the molecular changes leading to cancer, alongside approaches to diagnosis and treatment. You'll be taught by research-active staff and practising clinicians, gaining laboratory and research skills at the forefront of the cancer field.
To complete an extended research project, see our MRes Cancer and Cell Biology course.
How you learn
You’ll study in an engaging and supportive environment, designed to develop your independence, critical thinking and professional skills. The course follows our Hallam Model, ensuring an applied, collaborative and industry-relevant approach to your learning.
Lectures introduce key concepts, with interactive discussions and problem-solving exercises to encourage deeper learning. You'll engage with recent scientific developments and apply theoretical knowledge in practical settings, reflecting on your learning through discussions with peers and tutors.
Key skills are embedded throughout the course to enhance your employability – including scientific writing, literature and database searching, data handling and critical analysis. These skills are particularly developed in your research project, where you'll gain experience in designing, managing and conducting independent research.
You learn through:
- lectures and seminars
- interactive workshops
- practical laboratory classes
- an independent research project
- small group academic tutorials
Key themes
You’ll study current and developing cellular and molecular concepts that underpin cell behaviours, and the processes that lead to cancer. You'll progress from tutor-led learning to student-centred exploration, supported by continuous guidance and constructive feedback.
In trimester 1, you’ll develop underpinning knowledge alongside structured laboratory classes, gaining techniques to prepare you for practical cancer research. In trimester 2, you’ll build on this knowledge to explore therapeutic approaches, as well as taking elective modules to explore cutting-edge concepts in big data analysis or translational research.
You’ll also prepare for a research project in trimester 3, building critical literature analysis skills that help you to undertake genuine research in the fields of cellular and cancer biology, under the supervision of our research-active staff.
Course-level support
You’ll be supported in your learning journey towards highly skilled, graduate-level employment through a number of key areas. These include:
- access to academic and career development support
- one-to-one guidance from student support advisers
- online and in-person resources from the Skills Centre, including assignment planning and structuring assistance
Course leaders and tutors
Dr Nicholas Peake
Senior Lecturer in Biomedical SciencesAfter supporting cell biology, musculoskeletal biology and bioengineering courses as a temporary lecturer, I moved to Sheffield Hallam in 2015 as a lecturer in Biome … Read more
Applied learning
Networking opportunities
You'll benefit from strong links with Sheffield Teaching Hospitals and industry professionals, ensuring that your learning aligns with employer needs. Career fairs, mentoring schemes and leadership programmes provide opportunities to connect with experts in cancer research and biotechnology.
Future careers
This course prepares you for a career in:
- the health biotechnology sector
- the industrial biotechnology sector
- the pharmaceutical industry
- academic research
Previous graduates have gone on to work for:
- academic research labs
- the NHS
- AstraZeneca
Where will I study?
You study at City Campus through a structured mix of lectures, seminars and practical sessions as well as access to digital and online resources to support your learning.
City Campus
City Campus is located in the heart of Sheffield, within minutes of the train and bus stations.
City Campus map | City Campus tour
Adsetts library
Adsetts Library is located on our City Campus. It's open 24 hours a day, every day.
Learn moreEquipment and facilities
Teaching takes place in lecture theatres, seminar rooms and specialist laboratory facilities. Our virtual learning environment Blackboard provides remote access to learning materials, interactive resources and course information.
You’ll also have access to industry-standard equipment, gaining experience in scenario-based practical sessions. You’ll gain the technical expertise and practical experience needed for a career in analytical chemistry, using facilities such as:
- award-winning cell culture suites
- high-powered fluorescent microscopes for cell and tissue analysis
- state-of-the-art mass spectrometry equipment
- molecular biology facilities allowing quantification of nucleic acids and proteins
- an extensive range of analytical equipment, such as high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and gas chromatography (GC)
Entry requirements
All students
A 2:1 in a relevant Honours degree is normally accepted as the entry requirement for the course. Applicants with a 2:2 are also actively encouraged to apply and will be considered on an individual basis. Applicants with alternative qualifications with academic attainment or skills in subjects which are directly relevant to the course will also be considered.
If English is not your first language you will need an IELTS score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in all skills, or a recognised equivalent.
Additional information for EU/International students
If you are an International or non-UK European student, you can find out more about the country specific qualifications we accept on our international qualifications page.
For details of English language entry requirements (IELTS), please see the information for 'All students'.
Modules
Module and assessment information for future years is displayed as currently validated and may be liable to change. When selecting electives, your choices will be subject to the core requirements of the course. As a result, selections may be limited to a choice between one of two or more specified electives in some instances.
Final year
Compulsory modules
Advanced Laboratory And Research Practice
Applied Laboratory Practice
Cellular And Molecular Basis Of Cancer
Research Project
Therapeutic Targeting Of Cancer
Elective modules
Data Science
Translational Research
Fees and funding
Home students
Our tuition fee for UK students starting full-time study in 2025/26 is £10,620 for the course. The tuition fee displayed above is for the full course. If the full course is more than one year in duration, the fee will be divided into annual payments which will then be rounded. This may mean the total fee you pay is slightly higher than the fee stated above. If you take a break in study or have to re-take part of the course, you may also be charged an additional fee and will be notified of this at the time.
If you are studying an undergraduate course, postgraduate pre-registration course or postgraduate research course over more than one academic year then your tuition fees may increase in subsequent years in line with Government regulations or UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) published fees. More information can be found in our terms and conditions under student fees regulations.
International students
Our tuition fee for International/EU students starting full-time study in 2025/26 is £17,725 for the course. The tuition fee displayed above is for the full course. If the full course is more than one year in duration, the fee will be divided into annual payments which will then be rounded. This may mean the total fee you pay is slightly higher than the fee stated above. If you take a break in study or have to re-take part of the course, you may also be charged an additional fee and will be notified of this at the time.
Postgraduate student loans
Up to £12,858 is available in 2025/26 for home students on most masters courses.
Additional course costs
The links below allow you to view estimated general course additional costs, as well as costs associated with key activities on specific courses. These are estimates and are intended only as an indication of potential additional expenses. Actual costs can vary greatly depending on the choices you make during your course.
General course additional costs
Additional costs for Biosciences and Chemistry (PDF, 131.3KB)Legal information
Any offer of a place to study is subject to your acceptance of the University’s Terms and Conditions and Student Regulations.
