Experimental Therapeutics

Oxford has made a major contribution to modern molecular medicine and our senior scientists have provided significant insights to our understanding of cancer, diabetes, and cardiac, haematological and infectious diseases. There is now an opportunity to harness these advances and translate them into therapeutic benefits for patients.

The Department of Oncology and the Department for Continuing Education’s CPD Centre offer a part-time MSc in Experimental Therapeutics that brings together some of Oxford's leading clinicians and scientists to deliver an advanced modular programme designed for those in full-time employment, both in the UK and overseas.

The Programme draws on the world-class research and teaching in experimental therapeutics at Oxford University and offers a unique opportunity to gain an understanding of the principles that underpin clinical research and to translate this into good clinical and research practice.

The MSc is a part-time course consisting of six modules and a research project and dissertation. The programme is normally completed in two to three years, but up to a maximum of four years may be taken. You will be a full member of the University of Oxford and matriculated as a member of a college.

To complete the MSc, you need to attend the six modules and complete an assessed written assignment for each module, and complete a dissertation on a topic chosen in consultation with a supervisor and the Course Director. The six modules are:

• The Structure of Clinical Trials and Experimental Therapeutics 
• Drug Development, Pharmacokinetics and Imaging 
• Pharmacodynamics, Biomarkers and Personalised Therapy 
• Adverse Drug Reactions, Drug Interactions, and Pharmacovigilance 
• How to do Research on Therapeutic Interventions: Protocol Preparation 
• Biological Therapeutics

The class-based taught modules consist of five days of intensive face-to-face lectures and tutorials, and are followed by a period for assignment work. Attendance at modules is a requirement for study. Some non-classroom activities are provided at laboratory facilities elsewhere in the University. A virtual learning environment (VLE) provides between-module support, and assignments are submitted online.

The modules include group work, discussions, guest lectures, and interaction and feedback with tutors and lecturers, as well as practical work that develops your knowledge and understanding of the subject.

The dissertation is founded on a research project that builds on material studied in the taught modules. The dissertation should not exceed 15,000 words. The project is normally supervised by an academic supervisor from the University of Oxford, and an employer-based mentor.

Applicants are normally expected to be predicted or have achieved a first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours (or equivalent international qualifications), as a minimum, in a biological science or medical science subject, including pharmacy and nursing, or an equivalent level of demonstrable understanding and competence as a result of training.

For applicants with a degree from the USA, the minimum GPA normally sought is 3.6 out of 4.0.

If you hold non-UK qualifications and wish to check how your qualifications match these requirements, you can contact the National Recognition Information Centre for the United Kingdom (UK NARIC).

Professional experience may be accepted as a substitute for a relevant undergraduate degree where an equivalent level of understanding and competence can be demonstrated.

Applicants should have some practical experience in research and/or development, usually via employment in a medical science-based company, research establishment or facility. 

No Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or GMAT scores are sought.

• Official transcript(s)
• CV/résumé
• Statement of purpose: Around one page
• References/letters of recommendation:Three overall, generally academic

ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS

Higher level

• Global Education
• Hill Foundation Scholarships