The Oncology program at the University of Cambridge is a comprehensive postgraduate course designed to equip students with an advanced understanding of cancer biology, diagnosis, treatment, and research. This program caters to healthcare professionals, researchers, and graduates aiming to develop specialized expertise in oncology. Throughout the course, students explore the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying cancer development, progression, and metastasis, integrating foundational biological principles with clinical applications. The curriculum emphasizes multidisciplinary approaches, including medical oncology, radiation therapy, surgical oncology, and emerging targeted therapies, preparing graduates to contribute effectively to cancer research and patient care.

The program combines rigorous theoretical instruction with practical training, offering opportunities for laboratory research, clinical placements, and collaborative projects with leading experts in the field. Students will gain insight into current innovations in cancer diagnostics, personalized medicine, and novel therapeutic strategies, enabling them to understand the complexities of tailoring treatments to individual patient profiles. The program also stresses ethical considerations, health policy, and the importance of multidisciplinary teamwork in managing cancer patients.

Participants will benefit from the university’s extensive resources, including state-of-the-art laboratories, comprehensive libraries, and connections with prominent cancer research institutes. The program culminates in a research dissertation or project, allowing students to contribute original insights to the field of oncology. Designed for maximum interaction and experiential learning, the course prepares graduates for careers in clinical oncology, academic research, healthcare policy, or further postgraduate study. Graduates will leave equipped with critical skills and knowledge to innovate and improve cancer care, embodying the university’s commitment to advancing medical science and public health.

The PhD course is a full time research course, with no formal taught elements. The project and supervisor are determined during the application process. Most research training is provided within the structure of the student’s research group and is overseen by their supervisor. Informal opportunities to develop research skills also exist through mentoring by fellow students and members of staff.

To enhance their research, students are expected to attend seminars and graduate courses relevant to their area of interest.  Students are also encouraged to undertake transferable skills training provided by the Graduate School of Life Sciences.  At the end of the course, examination for the MPhil degree involves submission of a written dissertation, followed by an oral examination based on both the dissertation and a broader knowledge of the chosen area of research.

Feedback

The student will receive the following feedback on their progress:

• One month after starting the course, the student is required to submit a preliminary dissertation plan. The Principal Supervisor will meet with the student to assess the plan and to provide direction and constructive input. 
• Throughout the course, the Principal Supervisor and student should meet formally about once a month to discuss how the research is progressing (meetings  may be more or less frequent, depending on how well the research project is going).
• An online feedback report is provided each term by their Principal Supervisor.
• Students are not at first registered for the PhD, they must undergo a PhD registration assessment process to ensure they are progressing well enough to proceed to their second year. The assessment process begins 9 months after starting the course and must be completed before the start of the second year. The assessment process involves producing a written report and undergoing an oral examination with two examiners.
• Students undergo an internal departmental assessment towards the end of their second year. This involves producing a written report, which is assessed by the Principal Supervisor and Adviser; there is no formal examination.
• Three months before the end of the course, students are required to produce a final dissertation plan and meet with their Principal Supervisor, who is expected to provide constructive input. 
• There is also oversight of student progress by our local Cancer Biology Graduate Education Committee, which operates within the policies directed by Graduate School of Life Sciences and the Board of Graduate Studies.

Assessment

Thesis

Examination for the PhD degree involves submission of a written dissertation of not more than 60,000 words in length (excluding figures, tables, footnotes, appendices and bibliography), on a subject approved by the Degree Committee for the Faculties of Clinical Medicine and Veterinary Medicine. This is followed by an oral examination based on both the dissertation and a broader knowledge of the chosen area of research.

The oral examination is conducted by two Examiners, one from the University of Cambridge and one external to the University of Cambridge, neither of whom may have any direct involvement with the student or the work being examined. The dissertation should provide evidence to satisfy the Examiners that the student can design and carry out investigations, assess and interpret the results obtained, and place the work in the wider perspectives of the subject.

• Magistr (Master's Degree) at Pass level. Diploma Specialista (completed post-1991) with a minimum overall grade of good or 4/5 Bachelor's from Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology and other prestigious institutions with an overall grade of 4/5 Bologna Bachelor's from other institutions with an overall grade of 5/5, Excellent
• Diploma Specialista (completed post-1991) with a minimum overall grade of Excellent or 5/5 Bachelor's from Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology and other prestigious institutions with an overall grade of 5/5
• IELTS (Academic) 7.0
• TOEFL Internet Score 100
• £50 application fee
• First Academic Reference
• Second Academic Reference
• Transcript
• CV/Resumé
• Personal Reference

The financing of the Oncology degree programmes at the University of Cambridge typically encompasses a range of funding options available to prospective students. Tuition fees for international students are set annually and are subject to change; domestic students may have access to various financial support mechanisms. Scholarships and bursaries are available through university funds, external organizations, and specific departmental awards aimed at supporting students pursuing medical sciences or oncology-specific studies. The University of Cambridge offers a variety of scholarships, including the Gates Cambridge Scholarships, Cambridge International Scholarships, and departmental funding opportunities that can significantly reduce the financial burden for talented students. Additionally, students sometimes access government-funded loans or grants depending on their nationality and residency status, which can be used to cover tuition and living expenses during their studies.

For those enrolled in the MPhil, PhD, or other postgraduate research programs related to Oncology, funding packages often include a combination of university-allocated scholarships, research council grants, and departmental bursaries. These awards may also cover research expenses, conference travel, and access to specialized lab resources essential for oncology research. Medical students pursuing clinical oncology pathways often have their tuition fees covered by the NHS or associated funding schemes, although this varies depending on the program structure and student residency status.

Part-time students or those undertaking interdisciplinary studies may have different financial support structures, often tailored to their specific circumstances. It is also common for students to supplement university funding with external grants from charitable foundations interested in cancer research or health sciences. The University’s official website provides detailed information on eligibility, application procedures, and deadlines for various funding options.

Prospective students are advised to explore all available financial aid options early in their application process to ensure they can adequately plan for their studies. The university's financial aid office, as well as departmental administrators, can assist with guidance on securing funding. In some cases, external philanthropic organizations dedicated to cancer research and patient care also offer sponsorship opportunities. Overall, the financing landscape for oncology programmes at Cambridge aims to make advanced medical and research training accessible to a diverse cohort of students through a combination of internal and external funding sources, ensuring that financial barriers are minimized for qualified candidates.

The University of Cambridge offers a comprehensive postgraduate programme in Oncology, designed to equip students with an advanced understanding of cancer biology, treatment strategies, and research methodologies. This programme is ideal for healthcare professionals, scientists, and researchers seeking specialized knowledge in the field of oncology. The curriculum encompasses a broad range of topics, including molecular and cellular biology of cancer, epidemiology, clinical trials, diagnostic techniques, and therapeutic approaches such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapies. Students have opportunities to engage in cutting-edge research projects, often collaborating with leading experts in cancer research and treatment centers affiliated with the university. The programme emphasizes both theoretical foundations and practical skills, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for careers in clinical practice, research, or policy development related to cancer care. Instruction is delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars, laboratory work, and supervised research, fostering an interactive learning environment. The university's state-of-the-art facilities and access to extensive research data enhance the learning experience. Additionally, students benefit from participation in seminars, conferences, and workshops that discuss the latest advances and challenges in oncology. The programme also encourages interdisciplinary collaboration, integrating insights from molecular biology, pharmacology, radiology, pathology, and clinical sciences. Graduates from the Cambridge Oncology programme are equipped to contribute to advances in cancer diagnosis, treatment, and prevention strategies globally. Admission requirements typically include a relevant undergraduate degree in medicine, biology, or related sciences, along with relevant experience or interest in oncology. The duration of the programme varies but generally spans one to two years for full-time students. Overall, the Cambridge Oncology programme aims to develop highly skilled professionals capable of addressing complex cancer-related issues through innovative research and clinical excellence.