Course summary

Between 2015 and 2017, there were over 367,000 new cases of cancer in the UK alone and, according to Cancer Research UK, 38% of cases were preventable. This MREs in Biomedical Science (Molecular Mechanisms of Cancer) will prepare you to conduct pioneering research into the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer. You will study clinical and pathological aspects of cancer, and the molecular mechanisms that establish and promote cancer, as well as exploring some of the current treatments used and how research translates into novel treatments. We offer four specialist postgraduate pathways in Biomedical Science – in Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), Infection and Immunity, Molecular Mechanisms of Cancer, and Reproduction and Development. Core modules, common to each pathway, provide advanced training in the practice of biomedical research across a broad range of laboratory and computer-based biomedical science, while the specialist module prepares you to conduct high-calibre in-depth research in your chosen research field. Unlike many other courses, our Research Project offers a chance to spend up to nine months working as part of an active research team. This may provide an opportunity to work with clinical staff on our hospital sites. For example, one past research project investigated the role of the human TTC4 protein – a gene previously linked to breast cancer and the progression of malignant melanoma – in cell death, rapid reproduction and cancer. Another project examined DNA polymerases, enzymes essential for DNA replication, mutations of which have been identified as causative for colorectal cancer. The course provides excellent preparation for PhD study, which around a fifth of our students complete here at St George’s or elsewhere, and this can lead to a research career within academia or industry. Alternatively, on completion, you could pursue a career in the biomedical and medical sector in roles where some research background is required but not necessarily at PhD level. This may include job opportunities as research support staff, technicians, medical laboratory assistants, specialist services provision, equipment operators and laboratory management. St George’s University of London is the UK’s only university dedicated to medical and health sciences education, training and research. We share our site with a major London teaching hospital which is both on the clinical frontline for a diverse local community and a centre of excellence for specialist conditions. You’ll study in a clinical setting with like-minded individuals, mixing with the many different healthcare professionals you will go on to work alongside throughout your career.