Oncology MSc, PGDip, PGCert

Please rest assured we make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the programmes, services and facilities described. However, it may be necessary to make changes due to significant disruption, for example in response to Covid-19.

View our Academic experience page, which gives information about your Newcastle University study experience for the academic year 2024-25.

See our terms and conditions and student complaints information, which gives details of circumstances that may lead to changes to programmes, modules or University services.

An MSc is a taught Master’s degree. It usually involves the study of a science-related subject. It typically includes:

• subject-specific taught modules
• a dissertation or research project of approximately 15,000 – 18,000 words

You'll usually study an MSc full-time over 12 months.

A Master of Science is typically awarded for the successful completion of 120 credits of taught modules and a 60-credit dissertation or research project.

Find out about different types of postgraduate qualifications.

A PGDip is awarded if you successfully complete all of the taught modules (120 credits).

Find out about different types of postgraduate qualifications

A PGCert is awarded if you successfully complete half of the taught modules (60 credits).

Find out about different types of postgraduate qualifications.

Module information is intended to provide an example of what you will study.

Our teaching is informed by research. Course content changes periodically to reflect developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback.

Full details of the modules on offer will be published through the Programme Regulations and Specifications ahead of each academic year. This usually happens in May.

To find out more please see our terms and conditions.

Optional modules availability

Some courses have optional modules. Student demand for optional modules may affect availability.

You'll study various complementary modules. They address the learning objectives specific to oncology.

Each module structure has topic areas to guide you through your studies. They contain a mixture of individual and collaborative learning activities including:

• reading
• reflection
• tutorials
• videos
• discussions
• quizzes

These activities provide opportunities to:

• broaden your knowledge
• share experiences
• ask questions
• build enduring networks of collaboration and support

Modules bear either 10 or 20 credits and students may take between 10 and 40 credits each Semester. You'll complete a short induction module and then move to our compulsory modules. They will guide you through the programme’s core learning objectives.

Each 10-credits of learning equals roughly 100 hours of study (or about one day a week). This comprises:

• studying the course materials
• online networking with fellow students
• directed reading
• research
• interactive and collaborative activities
• preparing for assessments

You'll learn online and should feel comfortable using the internet and virtual networking. You don't have to be a technical expert. We provide support and guidance during an online induction and throughout your studies. You’ll use several interactive tools including:

• discussion boards
• reflective journals
• blogs
• presentation software
• collaborative learning spaces, e.g. Microsoft OneNote

You'll complete the course on Canvas, Newcastle University’s Virtual Learning Environment. You’ll use Canvas to access:

• coursework
• assessments
• communication tools

It is accessible across a wide range of devices, operating systems and browsers. You'll have a University email address and can contact teaching staff via email.

Depending on your modules, you'll be assessed through a combination of:

• Case study
• Computer assessment
• Design or creative project
• Dissertation
• Essay
• Oral presentation
• PC examination
• Poster
• Portfolio
• Report
• Reflective log
• Research proposal
• Written examination

You'll be assessed in a variety of ways including:

• multiple choice question exams
• essays
• presentations
• case studies

Your teaching and learning is also supported by Canvas. Canvas is a Virtual Learning Environment. You'll use Canvas to submit your assignments and access your:

• module handbooks
• course materials
• groups
• course announcements and notifications
• written feedback

Throughout your studies, you’ll have access to support from:

• peers
• academics
• personal tutors
• our University Student Services Team
• student representatives

You'll also be assigned an academic member of staff. They will be your personal tutor throughout your time with us. They can help with academic and personal issues.

You'll benefit from the extensive oncological expertise of Newcastle and the North East of England. Our teaching staff are healthcare professionals and involved in research. This knowledge base provides a comprehensive and useful educational experience.

Our course leaders include:

• Dr Charles Kelly, Oncology Strand Lead and Consultant Clinical Oncologist
• Dr Victoria Hewitt, Curriculum Director and Palliative Care Specialist Physician
• Fiona Holdsworth, Senior Teacher and Chemotherapy Specialist Nurse

From 1 January 2021 there is an update to the way professional qualifications are recognised by countries outside of the UK

Check the government’s website for more information.

As a general principle, you should expect the tuition fee to increase in each subsequent academic year of your course, subject to government regulations on fee increases and in line with inflation.

Depending on your residency history, if you’re a student from the EU, other EEA or a Swiss national, with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, you’ll normally pay the ‘Home’ tuition fee rate and may be eligible for Student Finance England support.

EU students without settled or pre-settled status will normally be charged fees at the ‘International’ rate and will not be eligible for Student Finance England support.

If you are unsure of your fee status, check out the latest guidance here.

Scholarships

We support our EU and international students by providing a generous range of Vice-Chancellor's automatic and merit-based scholarships. See our searchable postgraduate funding page for more information. 

If you are an international student or a student from the EU, EEA or Switzerland and you need a visa to study in the UK, you may have to pay a deposit.

You can check this in the How to apply section.

If you're applying for funding, always check the funding application deadline. This deadline may be earlier than the application deadline for your course.

For some funding schemes, you need to have received an offer of a place on a course before you can apply for the funding.