Online course
Transformative Oncology
- Qualification: MSc, PGDip, PGCert
- Duration: 12 - 36 months, depending on the qualification level
- Delivery: 100% online
- Workload: Approx 15-20 hours per week
- Next enrolment: September 2025
Introduction
Shaping the future of cancer treatment
In 2022, there were an estimated 20 million new cancer cases worldwide. There is a global need to better understand the underlying biology of cancer and the diversity of tumours and patients through multidisciplinary, innovative approaches. Adopting a holistic view to develop personalised strategies for cancer treatment is vital.
Our Transformative Oncology course brings together the excellence and global approach of The University of Manchester, The Manchester Cancer Research Centre and The Christie Hospital among other organisations to empower you to take the next step in your career.
Whether you are keen to further develop your understanding of the current models you are using in a pre-clinical setting or are looking to move towards discovery, translational or data science or even into a patient-facing role, this programme will equip you with the knowledge and skills to make a difference in the oncology field.
Key features
Build a global network
Learn from the leading lights in oncology from across the world
Learn on the job
Combine your studies with your work and implement change from day one
Practise new skills
Use state-of-the-art simulations to experience and practise real-world scenarios
This degree is delivered in collaboration with the Manchester Cancer Research Centre
Benefits of our collaborative approach
- Draw on the strengths of world-leading specialist oncology researchers, scientists and clinicians.
- Develop skills from a multi-disciplinary team, linked to The Christie Hospital and other leading cancer organisations.
- The Division of Cancer Sciences is home to world experts in radiotherapy, early detection of cancer and personalised medicine.
- Build diverse, global relationships and open doors to the future.
Key information
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Delivery
100% online courses developed to fit around your lifestyle and circumstances.
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Duration
1-3 years to complete the PGCert, 2-4 years to complete a PGDip and up to 3-5 years to complete the MSc.
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Enrolment dates
September 2025
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Apply
Apply here or complete the contact form below and we'll email you with the details about the course.
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Workload
Approx 15-20 hours per week
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Course director
Dr Suzanne Johnson
Fees and funding
Total course tuition fees for September 2025 are:
- MSc - £16,500
- PGDip - £11,000
- PGCert - £5,500
Course fee discounts are available.
Please see our fees and funding section below for more details. We offer payment by instalments , so you can spread the cost of studying with us.
Explore a range of scholarships and bursaries available for this course below.
Entry requirements
We require an honours degree (minimum Upper Second) or overseas equivalent in:
- medical
- dentistry
- subject allied to medicine such as biosciences, nursing or pharmacy
with sufficient evidence of the relevant units taken.
Request information
Course overview
Hear from our students
The main thing that attracted me to this course was its accessibility and autonomy. I was able to access outstanding educational resources from leading industry professionals without geographical or time zone barriers.
Cathy Tsang, Registered nurse at The University of Hong Kong
Who this course is for
“Our flagship Master's in Transformative Oncology is unlike other courses. It’s a portal to Manchester’s leading cancer researchers and offers inspirational insights into how research and clinical decision making work synergistically to improve outcomes for cancer patients" - Professor Stephen Taylor, Head of Division of Cancer Sciences, The University of Manchester
If you want to make a significant impact to the future of healthcare by delving into the world of translational cancer research, this course is right for you. This course is designed to provide training and skills to scientists interested in gaining a greater understanding of the clinical implications of cancer treatments and patient experiences, and appealing to clinicians who want to develop their understanding of tumour biology and how this translates into successful treatments.
Whether trainee doctor, a biomedical scientist, a clinical nurse specialist or another clinical care professional, studying this course will empower you to specialise and branch out professionally and upskill, transforming clinical outcomes for patients with cancer in the process. Whichever pathway you choose, studying Transformative Oncology will give you the tools to lead the next wave of cancer specialists and revolutionise the oncology field to effectively transform clinical outcomes for patients with cancer.
What you will learn
- You will develop a solid understanding of tumour biology and why that is important to understand specific tumour composition to inform treatment strategies.
- You will explore the role of cancer genomics and why the ability to understand genetic diversity is an important breakthrough in the cancer field.
- This course covers the principles and real-world clinical applications of established and innovative treatments but also focuses on how multi-disciplinary team approaches, including patient engagement, can be used to effectively deliver personalised care.
- You will understand the patient pathway to develop personalised strategies for cancer treatment.
- This course will enable you to develop critical insight into the physical principles underpinning radiotherapy, medical imaging for radiotherapy, treatment planning and future developments of radiotherapy.
Where and when you will study
Studying part-time alongside your current role will enable you to integrate your learning directly into your practice. Overall, this fully online MSc course provides a holistic and comprehensive understanding of the field of oncology and where it is going.
You can take 1-3 years to complete the PGCert, 2-4 years to complete a PGDip and up to 3-5 years to complete the MSc. You'll learn through a mix of interactive teaching and have plenty of opportunities to work collaboratively with your peers.
How it will benefit your career
- Build a professional network across the globe and be in prime position to hear about the latest international opportunities.
- Through our highly-interactive teaching platform, learn from the experiences of researchers and colleagues in diverse settings and gain a broader perspective.
- Use skills and knowledge acquired through the course in your job from day one to start advancing in your role and beyond.
- Practise applying your skills in real-life scenarios through our simulation platform, and be prepared for a range of situations.
Course units
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Understanding the Challenges of Tumour Biology (15 credits)
Mandatory for: MSc, PGDip, PGCert
- Gain critical insights into diverse tumour types and how tissue, stage and cell of origin can affect both detection and treatment success.
- Appreciate the impact and effect of toxicity resulting from different therapeutic strategies and combinations.
- Consider the differences in the biological understanding and detection of rarer cancer types and non-palpable tumours.
This unit will provide an appreciation of tumour diversity and intra-tumour heterogeneity. Building on your background knowledge of basic tumour biology, this unit will extend and update your understanding of how the underlying biology of any tumour might impact detection and treatment success. We will introduce the concept of heterogeneity within individual tumours including cellular composition and how this might affect tumour growth and detection. We will differentiate between different tumour types and explore how these present challenges within the clinical setting. You will learn current strategies, methods and approaches used to inform key decision making.
Knowledge and understanding
- Describe different tumour types and discuss intra-tumoural cellularity
- Explain the relationship between cells in the tumour microenvironment
- Demonstrate a mechanistic understanding of cytotoxicity
- Identify biomarker sources and methods of analysis
Intellectual skills
- Evaluate the importance of understanding tumour heterogeneity
- Critically appraise the challenges presented by different tumour types
- Reflect on the key issues of tumour/host toxicity
- Understand the limitations of current techniques used for screening including biomarkers
Practical skills
- Plan and execute guided and independent research
- Constructively debate current clinical approaches to different tumour types
- Retrieve relevant, supplementary information from a variety of sources (library, electronic and online)
- Report findings in a concise and structured manner
Transferable skills and personal qualities
- 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 show evidence of scheduling tasks in order of importance
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Cancer is an Individualised Disease (15 credits)
Mandatory for: MSc, PGDip, PGCert
- Appreciate the underlying complexity of the human genome and how it can impact treatment success.
- Explore the implications of underlying health issues on choosing the correct cancer therapy and predicting outcome.
- Explore the influence of underlying molecular characteristics and lifestyle choices on treatment options.
This unit will provide an appreciation of the underlying complexity of individual tumours and an understanding that every patients’ cancer experience and treatment journey is different. Through consideration of a patients’ heritage, environmental exposure and the presence of pre-existing illness, you will learn the potential impact on stage at diagnosis and subsequent treatment options.
You will gain critical insights into the importance of treating each cancer case as unique as we build towards precision medicine.
Knowledge and understanding
- Describe different methodological approaches used to explore genomic medicine
- Explain the relationship between genetic profiling and treatment options
- Understand genetic predisposition to common cancers
- Gain a broad understanding of co-morbidity in cancer patients
Intellectual skills
- Evaluate the importance of understanding genetic diversity
- Critically appraise the challenges presented by co-morbidity
- Reflect on the key issues of cancer prevention and lifestyle choices
- Understand the limitations of current models used in molecular cancer research
Practical skills
- Plan and execute guided and independent research
- Constructively debate current clinical approaches to consider underlying health, genetics and lifestyle choices
- Retrieve relevant, supplementary information from a variety of sources (library, electronic and online)
- Report findings in a concise and structured manner
Transferable skills and personal qualities
- 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 show evidence of scheduling tasks in order of importance
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Established and Experimental Therapeutics (15 credits)
Mandatory for: MSc, PGDip, PGCert
- Gain a valuable understanding of the relationship between the immune system, prognosis and treatment outcomes.
- Evaluate the principles and applications of targeted therapies in cancer treatment.
- Consider how existing drugs might be repurposed for the effective treatment of cancer.
This unit will explore the principles which underpin the rapidly expanding field of Immuno-Oncology and other targeted therapies. You will gain a solid understanding from our experts on the methodologies and how cutting-edge, translational research contributes directly to clinical decision making. Through increased understanding of this crucial partnership between research and clinical practise, you will also develop the skills and insights to explore ways to repurpose existing drugs to target new tumour types and learn about novel approaches. You will gain critical insights into the types of targeted therapy and new medical products that use gene therapy, cell therapy and tissue engineering.
Knowledge and understanding
- Describe the immune system and how it can be utilised in cancer treatment
- Explain the relationship between the immune system and prognosis
- Outline the principles of targeted therapy
- Define the process from discovery to novel therapy
Intellectual skills
- Demonstrate reasoned arguments for the development of novel therapies
- Critically appraise the challenges presented by immunotherapy
- Demonstrate efficient and effective problem solving regarding treatment selection based on clinical evidence
- Appraise current strategies for tumour specific therapies
Practical skills
- Plan and execute guided and independent research
- Audit current thinking in the development of medical products
- Retrieve relevant, supplementary information from a variety of sources (library, electronic and online)
- Report findings in a concise and structured manner
Transferable skills and personal qualities
- 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 show evidence of scheduling tasks in order of importance
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The Branches of Oncology (15 credits)
Mandatory for: MSc, PGDip, PGCert
- Learn the key approaches to non-surgical management of malignant disease (curative and palliative).
- Explore the essential balance between radiotherapy and systemic therapies.
- Learn about innovations in surgical oncology from prehabilitation to robotics to artificial intelligence.
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 specialty 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 skills required to manage each individual cancer case. This enhanced understanding of how these specialties 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.
Knowledge and understanding
- 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 and innovation in Oncology
Intellectual skills
- 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
Practical skills
- 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
Transferable skills and personal qualities
- 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 show evidence of scheduling tasks in order of importance
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The Science of Radiotherapy (15 credits)
Mandatory for: MSc, PGDip
- Learn critical insights into the technical principles underlying radiotherapy.
- Understand the rationale underpinning current radiotherapy technologies, scheduling and delivery to limit toxicity.
- Explore the technical and operational requirements of imaging in radiotherapy.
This unit will provide an essential understanding of the physics underlying radiotherapy. You will learn about the key developments and current challenges facing the field and how research in Manchester is leading the way with innovative approaches. Gaining an understanding of the physics underpinning radiotherapy treatments will provide you with a deeper understanding of how complementary techniques such as imaging are changing the way cancer patients are benefitting from radiotherapy. Further, you will gain a greater understanding of methods used to increase accuracy and precision of radiotherapy through robust evaluation.
Knowledge and understanding
- Examine and discuss the science underpinning different radiotherapy equipment
- Demonstrate an understanding of the importance of robust clinical evaluation and integration of imaging to improve accuracy and precision
- Appraise and critique the major medical imaging methods used in radiotherapy
- Explain the interaction of radiation and human tissue and describe the necessary safety precautions
Intellectual skills
- Describe the fundamental principles of physics underpinning radiotherapy
- Critically appraise the challenges of radiation toxicity
- Demonstrate efficient and effective problem solving regarding treatment selection based on clinical evidence in radiotherapy physics
- Understand the limitations associated with current radiotherapy techniques and new developments in the field
Practical skills
- Plan and execute guided and independent research
- Audit current thinking in the development of radiotherapy strategies
- Retrieve relevant, supplementary information from a variety of sources (library, electronic and online)
- Report findings in a concise and structured manner
Transferable skills and personal qualities
- 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 show evidence of scheduling tasks in order of importance
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Delivering the Best Cancer Care (15 credits)
Mandatory for: MSc, PGDip
- Appreciate the importance of patient involvement throughout a cancer journey.
- Explore the approaches to achieve effective treatment delivery and response.
- Learn the key principles for an effective multidisciplinary team.
The purpose of this unit is to reflect back on all the aspects of Transformative Oncology: the tumour biology, research, treatment and innovations you have learned on this programme and begin to consider your practice-changing priorities.
Using a patient-centered approach, we will explore the importance of listening to patients, ensuring clear and appropriate communication and the case for shared decision making. You will also learn about the value of multidisciplinary team working and how to establish or improve working practices in your institution to become more inclusive. Ultimately, this Unit will build your skills to enable you to influence and deliver the best possible cancer care.
Knowledge and understanding
- Appraise the benefits and challenges associate with shared decision making
- Develop communication skills and approaches to inclusive practise
- Understand the value and importance of patient involvement
- Define strategies to support cancer patients and survivorship beyond the clinic
Intellectual skills
- Draw on learning and define key priorities for new approaches
- Understand how to adapt treatment delivery to suit the individual patient
- Analyse and evaluate findings from qualitative research
- Critically reflect on current practise to seek new approaches
Practical skills
- Plan and execute guided and independent research
- Retrieve relevant, supplementary information from a variety of sources (library, electronic and online)
- Report findings in a concise and structured manner
- Communicate clear concepts and detail in lay language
Transferable skills and personal qualities
- 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 show evidence of scheduling tasks in order of importance
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Strategies for Early Detection (15 credits)
Optional for: MSc, PGDip
- Gain critical insights into the key considerations when establishing cancer screening programmes for early detection.
- Understand how molecular imaging techniques can directly improve quantitative measurements of physiological functions and assessment of molecular pathways in cancer.
- Learn how imaging biomarkers can enable more rapid and precise diagnosis and inform decision making in drug development programmes.
This unit will provide a fundamental understanding of the importance of early detection as a power tool to revolutionise cancer patient outcomes. You will learn about different approaches, benefits and methodologies for population screening programmes to detect precancerous change or early-stage disease using case studies from Manchester. The Unit will cover insights into effective risk stratification as well as new and emerging technologies in digital medicine, Imaging tools and smart systems. Throughout the Unit, there will be critical insights into the importance of directed research, patient involvement, public awareness of risk and health data considerations, all of which are essential to ensure the success of early detection strategies.
Knowledge and understanding
- Demonstrate an understanding of the importance of early detection strategies
- Gain critical insights into appropriate methodologies and key considerations
- Appraise the effectiveness of cancer screening programmes in improving patient outcomes
- Identify where technology can improve current screening programmes
Intellectual skills
- Evidence-reasoned argument to implement population screening using country-specific case studies
- Demonstrate efficient and effective problem-solving strategies related to cancer early detection
- Analyse and evaluate molecular imaging techniques and their applications in cancer early detection
- Critically reflect on current practise to seek new approaches
Practical skills
- Plan and execute guided and independent research
- Audit current thinking in the development of early detection strategies
- Retrieve relevant, supplementary information from a variety of sources (library, electronic and online)
- Report findings in a concise and structured manner
Transferable skills and personal qualities
- 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 show evidence of scheduling tasks in order of importance
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Principles of Personalised Medicine (15 credits)
Optional for: MSc, PGDip
- Explore the key concepts of personalised medicine: more precise diagnosis, prognosis and prevention.
- Learn how identifying distinct mechanisms of disease or treatment response in a population can improve individual outcomes.
- Understand the basic mechanisms of drug resistance and how it can affect treatment planning.
This unit focusses on key principles and discoveries which underpin the drive towards personalised medicine. In the technological era, both biological and genetic understanding and technological capability are evolving at a rapid rate. We will cover current approaches to identify treatment-sensitive cancer subtypes, the benefits of accessing and integrating big data to inform new personalised strategies and look at innovative approaches to assess cancer risk in specific populations. We will also explore the essential role of patient and public involvement and reflect on the importance of taking steps to address cancer disparities as we strive for precision medicine for all.
Knowledge and understanding
- Demonstrate an understanding of the key concepts of personalised medicine
- Gain critical insights into appropriate methodologies and key considerations
- Appraise current approaches to cancer risk stratification
- Understand the ethical considerations attached to personalised medicine
Intellectual skills
- Draw on learning to make critical judgement on the current strategies for precision oncology
- Demonstrate efficient and effective problem solving strategies related to population based research
- Analyse and evaluate multi-modal data to identify high risk populations
- Critically reflect on current practise to seek new approaches
Practical skills
- Plan and execute guided and independent research
- Audit current thinking in the development of precision oncology
- Retrieve relevant, supplementary information from a variety of sources (library, electronic and online)
- Report findings in a concise and structured manner
Transferable skills and personal qualities
- 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 show evidence of scheduling tasks in order of importance
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Experimental Cancer Medicine (15 credits)
Optional for: MSc, PGDip
- Develop an overview of the stages of clinical drug development in oncology
- Gain an understanding of key concepts in first in human trial design
- Understand the phases of preclinical drug development and how the data informs first in human trial design
This unit will provide you with a grounding in the key concepts involved in the development of novel systemic anticancer treatments with more in-depth knowledge about the design and delivery of early phase trials. You will develop an understanding of how the fundamental trialobjectives of safety, efficacy and pharmacokinetics are investigated in Phase 1 clinical studies. The role preclinical data plays in designing first in human trials will also be outlined including the potential limitations of this data. The key roles that translational data can play in optimising trial design will also be highlighted.
Knowledge and understanding
- Describe the phases of drug development in oncology
- Appraise the key design challenges for a first in human clinical trial
- Comprehend the pre-clinical data required to develop a phase I trial
- Gain critical insights into the potential utility of translational assays to aid the development of novel therapies
Intellectual skills
- Appraise and synthesise information from a variety of sources to develop a coherent critical analysis of issues relating to testing therapeutic interventions in human subjects
- Translate knowledge and understanding obtained from other disciplines and make connections to experimental medicine
- Critique relevant research methodologies and techniques and their appropriate application to clinical research
- Evaluate how pre-clinical experiments can inform the key design challenges and thus optimise for success; yet balance with the limitations of pre-clinical data
Practical skills
- Plan and execute guided and independent research
- Audit current thinking in the development of novel systemic anticancer treatments
- Retrieve relevant supplementary information from a range of sources (library, electronic and online)
- Report findings in a concise and structured manner
Transferable skills
- Demonstrate research and enquiry skills by accessing and analysing literature to inform research and develop strategies
- Manage resources and time effectively enabling the prioritisation of key tasks
- Use logical and systematic approaches to problem-solving and decision-making
- Demonstrate initiative and self-direction in academic and professional development through reflective practice
- Develop an overview of the stages of clinical drug development in oncology
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Understanding Advanced Therapies in the Cancer Setting (15 credits)
Optional for: MSc, PGDip
- Gain critical insights into tumour biology and the microenvironment and their impact on Advanced Therapy development
- Learn about viral and non-viral vectors and their production and use in cell and gene therapy manufacturing
- Appreciate the challenges of clinical deployment and management of an Advanced Therapy
This unit will examine the scientific rationale which underpins Advanced Therapy development and delivery, with a focus on cell and gene therapies. You will develop an understanding of the preclinical requirements of advanced therapy development and the translation from bench to clinic.
Through the appraisal of the current clinical landscape, we will investigate the challenges associated with clinical delivery of complex advanced therapies in cancer care. Considering the broad landscape of Advanced Therapy pathways, we will cover licenced products and clinical trials with a focus on interaction with nationally important key stakeholders and the related regulatory and governance frameworks.
Knowledge and understanding
- Explain the nomenclature and principles of cell and gene-based cancer therapeutics and novel target identification
- Demonstrate an understanding of the scientific basis for target identification and selective targeting
- Describe novel approaches in Advanced Therapies, includingdesign and development
- Identifythe principles of ATMP delivery, the challenges and applications
Intellectual skills
- Evaluate the importance of manufacturing methodologies and regulations
- Understand the regulatory requirements and frameworks across ATMP development and delivery
- Reflect on the health economic impact and constraints of delivering an Advanced Therapy within a healthcare system
- Critically evaluate and interpret the evidence presented in pivotal studies and seminal literature to identify current challenges related to Advanced Therapy clinical development
Practical skills
- Plan and execute guided and independent research
- Constructively debate current approaches to devise new ATMPs to address clinical need
- Retrieve relevant, supplementary information from a variety of sources (library, electronic and online)
- Report findings in a concise and structured manner
Transferable skills and personal qualities
- 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 show evidence of scheduling tasks in order of importance
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Final Project (60 credits)
Practise or Lab-based Research Project aligned with a chosen theme (60 credits)
or
Research Skills in Practise (60 credits)
Course structure
Taught from a progressive, patient-focussed and research-guided perspective, Transformative Oncology aims to equip you with the skills to effectively transform clinical outcomes for patients with cancer. The course is designed to reflect the changing needs of healthcare and appeal to a global audience consisting of clinicians, registered nurses, radiographers and other allied health professionals who wish to upskill and specialise in the field of oncology.
The course content is medically applicable, balanced with cutting edge research, therapeutic strategies and approaches to achieve effective personalised cancer care. The format allows flexibility of learning at a time and pace which suits you. You can choose to take 1-3 years to complete the PGCert, 2-4 years to complete a PGDip and up to 3-5 years to complete the MSc. You’ll learn through a mix of interactive teaching and self-study. There will be plenty of opportunities to work collaboratively with your peers.
Teaching and learning
You will be provided with a comprehensive set of course materials at the beginning of each course unit from the institution teaching the unit. These interactive, specially designed materials provide an introduction to the issues and skills central to each unit and direct you to other study components such as further reading.
Each unit is supported by a virtual learning environment (VLE) where you can access all course materials, online reading lists, podcasts, and the University's extensive online library .
Academic teaching start dates:
September 2025 entry for MSc/PGDip/PGCert - 29 September 2025.
The welcome event and induction take place one week before the academic teaching start date. Our admissions team will confirm your induction date closer to the time.
Please ensure that you complete your registration ahead of your chosen entry date to gain access to the online learning material and library services.
Technical requirements
Please review the technical requirements to prepare for a successful learning journey with us.
Admissions information
From your initial expression of interest right through to graduation, you’ll receive all the support you need. We can support you with enrolment and subject assistance, administrative logistics and fee options, online learning skills, workload management and special circumstances including a possible professional entry route.
Entry requirements
Academic entry qualification overview
We require an honours degree (minimum Upper Second) or overseas equivalent in:
- medical
- dentistry
- subject allied to medicine such as biosciences, nursing or pharmacy
with sufficient evidence of the relevant units taken. We may also consider exceptional applicants with a Lower Second if you have research experience or equivalent professional experience.
Please providea copy of your CV detailing your full work experience. You will also need to provide a personal statement (approx. 500 words) detailing why you're interested in studying on the course.
AP(E)L will be considered on a case-by-case basis for whole course units and specify the limits for this specific15 credit structure. Please refer to the University APL regulations here which outline the limits.
English language
International students must demonstrate English proficiency through a secure and approved testing system. We ask for English language proof if you are from non-majority English speaking countries (a list of majority English speaking countries, as defined by the UK Home Office, can be found here ).
Specifically, we require a minimum of:
- IELTS (Academic): 6.5 overall (and a minimum of 6 for writing) or equivalent
- TOEFL Internet Based Test 90 overall with 20 in writing
English language test validity
Application and selection
How to apply
The deadline for applications is 15 September 2025.
Advice to applicants
Please use the online application form to apply.
You'll need to submit:
A completed application form
Personal statement (maximum 500 words) answering the following questions:
- What attracts you to apply to this course?
- How does your work experience support you in applying for this course?
- What do you hope to gain from this course?
- How will this help you achieve your future aims and aspirations?
A recent copy of your CV detailing your professional experience
Degree certificate and official transcripts
Evidence of English language (if applicable, see entry requirements above for more information)
If we need any additional information or documents, our Admissions Team - worldwideapplications@manchester.ac.uk will contact you directly.
If you have any questions regarding the course or application process, please contact us on studyonline@manchester.ac.uk
Scholarships and bursaries
If you're an English or EU student living in the UK, you may be eligible for a loan.
Manchester Master's Bursary (UK)
We're committed to helping students access further education.
If you're joining us from Uganda, Ethiopia, Rwanda or Tanzania, you can apply for this scholarship.
Funding for students with disabilities
If you have a disability, we can help you apply for relevant funding.
Fees and funding
Total course tuition fees for September 2025 are:
- MSc - £16,500
- PGDip - £11,000
- PGCert - £5,500
Tuition fee discount
- Manchester Alumni Loyalty Discount (10%): Available for courses starting between September 2025 and August 2026. If you've finished your undergraduate degree at The University of Manchester (or one of its predecessors like The Victoria University of Manchester or UMIST), or a degree we've licensed or validated, you can receive a 10% discount on the tuition fees
- NHS employee discount (10%)Corporate discount (up to 10%: If 5-9 staff are sent from the same organisation: 5% discount, if 10-14 staff: 7% discount, if 15+ staff are sent: 10% discount.
Discount policy: Manchester Alumni Loyalty Discount (10%) can be combined with the NHS employee discount (10%). However, discounts and scholarships are not accumulative
Please visit Manchester Alumni Loyalty Discount webpage for additional terms and conditions.
Speak to a member of our team regarding eligibility for NHS employee discount.
Additional cost information
Policy on additional costs
All students should normally be able to complete their programme of study without incurring additional study costs over and above the tuition fee for that programme. Any unavoidable additional compulsory costs totalling more than 1% of the annual home undergraduate fee per annum, regardless of whether the programme in question is undergraduate or postgraduate taught, will be made clear to you at the point of application. Further information can be found in the University's Policy on additional costs incurred by students on undergraduate and postgraduate taught programmes (PDF document, 91KB).
Regulated by the Office for Students
The University of Manchester is regulated by the Office for Students (OfS). The OfS aims to help students succeed in Higher Education by ensuring they receive excellent information and guidance, get high quality education that prepares them for the future and by protecting their interests. More information can be found at the OfS website.
You can find regulations and policies relating to student life at The University of Manchester, including our Degree Regulations and Complaints Procedure, on our regulations website.