Radiation Oncology

The department offers a four-year combined MSc and DPhil programme. Subject areas for the three-year DPhil portion cover the spectrum of oncology relevant to the treatment of cancer by radiotherapy and its underlying biological mechanisms.

Graduates move to postdoctoral research positions both in Oxford, across the UK and internationally (50%), to medicine (25%), and to medical charities and other professional organisations (25%).

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

The four-year (1+3) programme in radiation oncology comprises the MSc in Radiation Biology in the first year followed by the DPhil in Oncology.

The one-year MSc is a 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

Upon successful completion of the MSc, students progress onto the full-time DPhil in Oncology; you will work on a research project proposed by an Oxford Institute for Radiation Biology supervisor. You will have a supervisor who is responsible for your scientific training and in identifying the appropriate external courses that you should attend. In addition, you will be assigned a second supervisor and a further mentor this will make up your thesis committee.

The University has a code of practice for supervision of research under which supervisors must advise, guide and support you in all aspects of your research project; identify a clear plan of research; draw up a timetable for research; have regular meetings; report on your progress; identify your training needs; and encourage you to participate in the wider Oxford community.

You can contact the supervisors listed against currently available research projects for more information on what each specific project will entail. The department has a broad area of research interests in the fields of oncology, including DNA damage and repair, tumour microenvironment and metastasis, angiogenesis and hypoxia, molecular determinants of radiosensitivity or resistance, experimental radiation therapeutics and cancer imaging.

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, as appropriate for the projects offered.

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. A previous master's degree is not required, but is an advantage.

• Official transcript(s)
• CV/résumé
• Personal statement:1,000 words
• References/letters of recommendation:Three overall, generally academic

ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS

Higher level

Want to improve your English level for admission?
Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• Flexible study schedule
• Experienced teachers
• Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

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