2026/27 Taught Postgraduate Programme Catalogue

MSc Molecular Medicine (Cancer Biology and Therapy)

Programme overview

Programme code
MSC-MMED/CBT
UCAS code
Duration
12 Months
Method of Attendance
Full Time
Programme manager
Dr Milene Volpato
Contact address
M.Volpato@leeds.ac.uk
Total credits
180
School/Unit responsible for the parenting of students and programme
School of Medicine - Leeds Institute of Medical Research
Examination board through which the programme will be considered

Entry requirements

  • BSc 2.1 or equivalent in a relevant scientific discipline which would normally be one of the biological sciences but a natural sciences graduate will be considered. Subject to University regulations MBChB or BDS students who had completed 3 years of study would be eligible to intercalate in this programme.
  • English language requirements: An overall score of 6.5 on IELTS (International English Language Testing System) with at least 6.0 in writing and 6.5 in all other components.

Programme specification

Be part of our world-renowned School of Medicine and learn from internationally recognised scientists. Our flexible course allows you to develop core scientific skills and follow your professional interests with a choice of optional modules. You’ll also carry out a research project as part of an innovative research group with supervision from academics and clinicians working on cutting-edge research.

Engage in research projects using the latest technologies to generate scientifically impactful results to improve human health.

Work as part of a research team in a cutting-edge discipline.

Optional modules are available to further reflect your personal and professional interests

Our teaching is research-led and delivered by research academics and clinicians at the University of Leeds.

You will access research active, state-of-the-art laboratories where you will develop a research proposal and then deliver a 4-month research project as part of an active research group in a research area related to human disease, from fundamental research to translational research. Projects are different every year as they are integrated into ongoing programmes of research.

Examples of past research projects include:
The regulation of metabolism on drug response in cancer

Evaluating the use of colorectal cancer organoids in photodynamic therapy

Identification of gene expression changes due to over-expression of the tumour suppressor gene HPGD in a breast cancer cells.

Decoding the effects of nuclear receptors in cancer (Bioinformatics project)

Identifying biomarkers of DNA repair pathways in Ewing sarcoma using high-content imaging

The role of Wnt signalling in glioblastoma therapeutic resistance

Re-sensitising chemotherapy resistance tumour cells with miRNA mimics

Modelling the tumour microenvironment of Multiple Myeloma

Investigating vitamin C and decitabine as a combination therapy for colorectal cancer

Investigating the untranslated regions of hereditary cancer susceptibility genes (Bioinformatics project)

How do T cells integrate environmental signals?

Effects of blood flow on BACE1: new implications for atherosclerosis

Real time tracking of cell cycle transitions reveals the invasive capacity of 4N/G2 glioblastoma cells

Our graduates have become

PhD students at the University of Leeds and elsewhere
Medical writers
Research scientists in industry (Nikon, Cyprotex, Lonza)
Research assistants in academia
Healthcare technicians and scientists working for the NHS

Year 1

[Learning Outcomes, Transferable (Key) Skills, Assessment]
View Timetable

Compulsory Modules

Candidates will be required to study the following compulsory modules:

CodeTitleCreditsSemesterPass for Progression
MEDM5101MResearch Informatics and Dissemination15Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)
MEDM5141MThe Molecular Biology of Cancer15Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)PFP
MEDM5161MMethods in Biomedical Research15Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)
MEDM5202MPreparing for the Research Project30Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)
MEDM5211MStem Cell Biology: A Genomics and Systems Biology Approach to Haematopoiesis15Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)
MEDM5231MCancer Drug Development15Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)PFP
MEDM5304MResearch Project601 Sep to 31 Aug (12mth)PFP

Optional Modules

candidates will be required to study 15 credits from the following

CodeTitleCreditsSemesterPass for Progression
MEDM5121MImmunity and Disease15Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)
MEDM5134MModels of Human Disease for Translational Research15Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)

Last updated: 19/05/2026 16:43:07

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