MSc Oncology Research

• Learn the key approaches to non-surgical management of malignant disease (curative and palliative)
• Critically review the principles of systemic therapy in reference to chemotherapy and hormone therapy
• Discover new approaches to biological therapies including antibodies and small molecule
• Evaluate the principles and applications of radiotherapy in cancer treatment (Photon and proton therapy)
• Explore the essential balance between radiotherapy and systemic therapies
• Gain critical insights into the informed consent process and key insights into challenges of specific cancer types
• Critically evaluate surgical interventions using cancer specific case studies
• Learn about innovations in surgical oncology from prehabilitation to robotics to AI
• Gain insights into conducting clinical trials in surgical oncology

This unit will provide you with a thorough understanding of how the 3 branches of oncology: Medical, Clinical and Surgical can complement each other to provide the best possible outcome for patients. You will gain critical insights into each speciality and a clear understanding of how each one has a place in the clinical management of cancer, whilst gaining an appreciation of how interpretation, communication and decision making are key sills required to manage each individual cancer case. This enhanced understanding of how these specialities can be synergistically delivered with patient care will broaden your understanding of current practises in a way which can be integrated directly into your practice.

Students' learning for the taught element of this course unit is 100% online (distance learning). There will be a combination of online materials provided that students must engage with, including podcasts, videos, lectures and interviews. Students will complete diverse online tasks to monitor and evidence their achievement of the learning objectives. Students will learn through engaging in directed and independent wider reading. Whilst the majority of this unit will be accessible in an asynchronous manner increasing the agility and flexibility of learning, there will be opportunities to interact with Unit leads and peers during synchronous teaching sessions. We will use online tools to facilitate peer-peer interaction and small group activities.

An important differentiating element of this course unit is the students' requirement to keep a reflective learning journal which will create their portfolio of knowledge enabling direct reference and integration into clinical or research practise. Students will make notes on their day-to-day experiences of key aspects learned within the unit. Through this, they will learn to be present in and conscious of their practice, which will inform their assessment and provide a practice-based context for their learning and assessment.

Students should/will be able to:

• Describe the key aspects of the oncology disciplines and how they can work synergistically
• Explain the principles of each treatment approach in oncology
• Assess the treatment needs of individual patients and construct an appropriate treatment plan
• Demonstrate an understanding of new technologies in Oncology

Students should/will be able to:

• Critically appraise the challenges presented by combining therapeutic interventions
• Demonstrate reasoned arguments for the development of AI technologies and novel therapies
• Interpret clinical and lifestyle observations to formulate the best therapeutic approach
• Demonstrate efficient and effective problem solving regarding treatment selection based on clinical evidence

Students should/will be able to:

• Plan and execute guided and independent research
• Audit current thinking in the development of therapeutic strategies
• Retrieve relevant, supplementary information from a variety of sources (library, electronic and online)
• Report findings in a concise and structured manner

Students should/will be able to:

• Present findings in a clear and concise way using appropriate media
• Constructively deliver feedback to peers
• Demonstrate independent thinking and evidence integration to formulate hypotheses
• Manage time and schedule tasks in order of importance

Other = Online tests (MCQs): 30%

Feedback will be provided within the required timeframes.