Radiation Biology

The one-year, full-time, taught course in radiation biology leading to an MSc awarded by the University of Oxford. The MSc in Radiation Biology comprises a five-month core theoretical course covering the emerging areas of fundamental biology for oncology and its treatment by radiotherapy and a six-month high-quality basic and clinically-applied research project.

Graduates move to PhD/DPhil positions both in Oxford, across the UK and internationally. Among other destinations, many students go into, or back to, medicine.

Applicants are strongly advised to visit the Medical Sciences Graduate School website to help them identify the most suitable course and supervisors.

The MSc can form the first year of training for students who may wish to continue in academic research at the DPhil/PhD level at the University of Oxford or elsewhere.

It will also provide a MSc degree for individuals who wish to continue in academic research in radiation biology at other universities or to start a career in other professions that require knowledge of radiation biology, eg academic personnel associated with radiation protection issues.

Fundamental radiation biological science and laboratory methods/practical skills are taught in the first term (Michaelmas) and the first half of Hilary term, over a series of 12 modules. Each module is delivered over a period of one or two weeks and together the 12 modules comprise the core content of the course.

Lectures will be given by local, national and international experts, with additional tutorials and practical sessions given by local staff. Sessions using distance learning material will complement these and give you a wide knowledge and understanding of radiation biology.

Demonstration and practical sessions will enable you to learn particular techniques that are used in this speciality subject area.

The remaining six months is allowed for a high quality laboratory research project.

Five short essays and a series of journal clubs will be assessed to provide formative assessment of your progress. You will also sit a qualifying examination in week 9 of Michaelmas term based upon modules 1 to 6, normally in an MCQ format. You will submit an extended essay in week 6 of Hilary term and a second examination comprising short questions is sat in week 9 of Hilary term. You will submit an assignment and the research dissertation of approximately 10,000 words based on your project and you will be examined by research dissertation, by oral presentation and by a short viva voce.

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, medical, chemical, mathematical and physical science background.

For applicants with a degree from the USA, the minimum GPA sought is 3.5 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).

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

However entrance is highly competitive and most successful applicants have a first-class degree or the equivalent.

• Official transcript(s)
• CV/résumé
• Personal statement:1,000 words
• Written work:Either one essay of 4,000 words or two essays of 2,000 words each
• References/letters of recommendation:Three overall, generally academic

ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS

Higher level

• Global Education
• Hill Foundation Scholarships