Cancer MPhil, PhD, MD
Source: https://www.ncl.ac.uk/postgraduate/degrees/8300f-127/ Parent: https://www.ncl.ac.uk/postgraduate/degrees/
Postgraduate Study
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Join our funding and scholarship webinars.](https://belong.ncl.ac.uk/pg-online-webinar)
Overview
Our staff and postgraduate students work in the Faculty of Medical Sciences or the School of Natural and Environmental Sciences. The Newcastle University Centre for Cancer operates right across the cancer research pathway with strengths ranging from cell biology and clinical trials to healthcare research and cancer research training, including:
- cancer discovery bioscience
- translational cancer research
- population-based cancer research
We're a major training base for the next generation of cancer researchers. Our Centre covers many areas of cancer research, including:
- childhood cancers
- drug discovery and therapeutics
- clinical trials, biomarkers and pharmacology
Exploratory biology, target and biomarker discovery
Molecular genetic and mechanistic studies identify critical molecular changes in cancer. It identifies the relevance to disease development and progression. We use these biomarkers and targets for therapeutic intervention. We use a wide range of techniques, including:
- contemporary 'omics
- bioinformatics, AI and machine learning
- molecular biology
- biochemistry
- cell biology and immunology
- disease modelling and single cell biology
Studies focus on:
- haematological malignancies (leukaemia and lymphoma)
- paediatric and adult solid tumours (prostate, colorectal, bladder and liver and brain cancers)
We exploit critical molecular defects as biomarkers to enhance:
- disease detection and diagnosis
- prediction of disease course
- sensitivity to specific drugs
- therapeutic monitoring
We play leading roles in molecular diagnostics, biomarker assessment and therapeutic monitoring. This is for national and international clinical trials.
The use of rational drug design helps achieve the exploitation of novel targets. Approaches include:
- structure-based design
- medium-throughout screening
- target molecule synthesis
- candidate drug assessment in cell-free and whole-cell target-based assays
We undertake clinical trials (Phase I/II/III) are undertaken in both adults and children. Our trials have a strong hypothesis-testing translational research component. These are delivered through our leading roles in:
- national or international research networks (eg CR–UK, Children's Cancer)
- Leukaemia Group, European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer)
- collaboration with the pharmaceutical industry
Population - Based Cancer Research
We aim to understand and improve the whole cancer patient journey. We're working across:
- adult and childhood cancers
- risk factors
- screening
- early diagnosis
- treatment utilisation
- survivorship
We explore this through:
- working with patients, patient groups and charities
- using NHS and international data to identify trends in diagnosis and survival and highlighting inequalities
- using qualitative research methods to understand patient, carer and healthcare professional experiences
- designing, developing and evaluating interventions for within the NHS (Theoretically and co-design driven)
Within this area we are a multi-disciplinary team coming from a range of backgrounds:
- statistics
- epidemiology
- health psychology
- sport and exercise science
- nutrition
- speech and language
- medicine and health services research
We are one of the few academic centres in the UK able to undertake this specialist cancer research. We achieve this through:
- our expert staff
- state of the art facilities
- close working relationships with the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors
- clinical trials networks
We offer approximately 15 MD, PhD and integrated MRes/PhD studentships each year. This includes the Newcastle Cancer Centre training programme. Projects in all research areas are available to fully-funded international students.
Members of our postgraduate community come from a variety of subject backgrounds. This includes:
- biological and biomedical sciences
- chemistry
- genetics
- pharmacy
- medicine
- dentistry
- veterinary medicine
READ MORE
Important information
We've highlighted important information about your course. Please take note of any deadlines.
Your course and study experience - disclaimers and terms and conditions
Please rest assured we make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the programmes, services and facilities described. However, it may be necessary to make changes due to significant disruption, for example in response to Covid-19.
View our Academic experience page, which gives information about your Newcastle University study experience for the academic year 2025-26.
See our terms and conditions and student complaints information, which gives details of circumstances that may lead to changes to programmes, modules or University services.
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Qualifications explained
Find out about the different qualification options for this course.
Cancer MPhil, PhD, MD
An MPhil is available in all subject areas. You receive research training and undertake original research leading to the completion of a 40,000 - 50,000 word thesis.
Find out about different types of postgraduate qualifications.
A PhD is a doctorate or doctoral award. It involves original research that should make a significant contribution to the knowledge of a specific subject. To complete the PhD you will produce a substantial piece of work (80,000 – 100,000 words) in the form of a supervised thesis. A PhD usually takes three years full time.
Find out about different types of postgraduate qualifications
An MD is a doctorate or doctoral award. It combines your research findings with clinical practice. To complete the MD you will produce a substantial piece of work (80,000 – 100,000 words) in the form of a supervised thesis. For professionally qualified doctors, an MD (Doctor of Medicine) is awarded.
Find out about different types of postgraduate qualifications
How you'll learn
Depending on your modules, you'll be assessed through a combination of:
- Thesis
- Viva
Additional assessment information
We offer a wide range of projects for the thesis. These will be provided by our academics. You can also propose your own topic.
Postgraduate research student support
Our mission is to help you:
- stay healthy, positive and feeling well
- overcome any challenges you may face during your degree – academic or personal
- get the most out of your postgraduate research experience
- carry out admin and activities essential to progressing through your degree
- understand postgraduate research processes, standards and rules
We can offer you tailored wellbeing support, courses and activities.
You can also access a broad range of workshops covering:
- research and professional skills
- careers support
- wellbeing
- health and safety
- public engagement
- academic development
Find out more about our postgraduate research student support
Your development
Faculty of Medical Sciences (FMS) researcher development programme
Each faculty offers a researcher development programme for its postgraduate research students. We have designed your programme to help you:
- perform better as a researcher
- boost your career prospects
- broaden your impact
- Through workshops and activities, it will build your transferable skills and increase your confidence.
You’ll cover:
- techniques for effective research
- methods for better collaborative working
- essential professional standards and requirements
- Your programme is flexible. You can adapt it to meet your changing needs as you progress through your doctorate.
Find out more about the FMS researcher development programme
Doctoral training and partnerships
There are opportunities to undertake your PhD at Newcastle within a:
- Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT)
- Doctoral Training Partnership (DTP) / Doctoral Landscape Award (DLA)
Being part of a CDT or DTP/DLA has many benefits:
- they combine research expertise and training of a number of leading universities, academic schools and academics.
- you’ll study alongside a cohort of other PhD students
- they’re often interdisciplinary
- your PhD may be funded
Find out more about doctoral training and partnerships
If there are currently opportunities available in your subject area you’ll find them when you search for funding in the fees and funding section on this course.
The following centres/partnerships below may have PhD opportunities available in your subject area in the future:
- [Discovery Medicine North - MRC DiMeN Doctoral Training Partnership](http://www.dimen.org.uk/)
- EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Molecular Sciences for Medicine (MoSMed)
- Newcastle Liverpool Durham BBSRC Doctoral Training Partnership
Your future
Our Careers Service
Our expert Careers Service is here to help you take the next steps in your professional life. We will support you while you’re studying with us and for up to three years after you graduate.\ \ You will have access to expert one-to-one advice and guidance through our campus careers centre and online, along with digital resources, workshops, networking opportunities, and careers and recruitment events.\ \ We’ve been awarded 5 QS Stars for Student Employability (2025). Many of our degrees are shaped by strong links with national and international businesses. We are committed to helping you access real-world experience opportunities and develop key skills through paid work placements and internships.
Visit our Careers Service website
Quality and ranking
- Global Top 140 University - QS World University Rankings 2026
- Top 95 for Life Sciences and Medicine - QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025
- Top 25 in the UK and Top 200 in the world for sustainable development – Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2025
- 42% of our research is classified as 4* world-leading research – Research Excellence Framework 2021
- 65% increase in research power since 2014 – Research Excellence Framework 2021
- Global Top 145 University - Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026
- Joint 64th in the world and 22nd in the UK for sustainability – QS World University Rankings: Sustainability 2026
- Top 5 city for affordability in the UK – QS Best Student Cities 2026
- World Top 50 and UK Top 5 student city – QS Best Student Cities 2026
- 89th in the world - TIME Magazine: World’s Top Universities 2026
Recognition of professional qualifications outside of the UK
If you’re studying an accredited degree and thinking about working in Europe after you graduate, the best place to find current information is the UK Government’s guidance on recognition of UK professional qualifications in EU member states. This official resource explains whether your profession is regulated in another country, what steps you need to take, and which organisation you should contact.
Facilities
Our staff and postgraduate students work in:
- the Northern Institute for Cancer Research (NICR)
- the School of Natural and Environmental Sciences (medicinal chemistry students).
Our laboratories contain a full range of contemporary equipment used in:
- genomic
- bioinformatic
- proteomic
- synthetic chemistry
- pharmacology
- clinical research facilities
You'll work in the Faculty of Medical Sciences. This is part of our city-centre campus.
The Faculty is also home to:
- dentistry
- medicine
- psychology
- pharmacy
It is on the same site as Newcastle’s Royal Victoria Infirmary hospital. We are one of the largest integrated teaching/hospital complexes in the country.
Our facilities include:
- individual research laboratories where students carry out their projects
- a dedicated medical library with a wide range of specialist books and journals
- hi-tech computer clusters and study spaces
- dedicated facilities for a range of key bioscience applications. This includes flow cytometry, bioinformatics, imaging, genomics and proteomics
Fees, Funding and Scholarships
Tuition fees for 2026 entry (per year)
| Qualification: MPhil Full time | |
|---|---|
| Home students Full time: 12 months | Tuition fees (per year) Not set |
| International students Full time: 12 months | Tuition fees (per year) £31,900-£46,000 |
| Qualification: MPhil Part time | |
|---|---|
| Home students Part time: 24 months | Tuition fees (per year) Not set |
| Qualification: PhD Full time | |
|---|---|
| Home students Full time: 36 months | Tuition fees (per year) Not set |
| International students Full time: 36 months | Tuition fees (per year) £31,900-£46,000 |
| Qualification: PhD Part time | |
|---|---|
| Home students Part time: 72 months | Tuition fees (per year) Not set |
| Qualification: MD Full time | |
|---|---|
| Home students Full time: 24 months | Tuition fees (per year) Not set |
| International students Full time: 24 months | Tuition fees (per year) £31,900-£46,000 |
| Qualification: MD Part time | |
|---|---|
| Home students Part time: 48 months | Tuition fees (per year) Not set |
Why is this fee shown as a range?
We are unable to give an exact fee, this is why the fee is shown as a range. This fee range takes into account your research topic and resource requirements.
Your research topic is unique so it will have unique resource requirements. Resources could include specialist equipment, such as laboratory/workshop access, or technical staff.
If your research involves accessing specialist resources then you're likely to pay a higher fee. You'll discuss the exact nature of your research project with your supervisor(s). You'll find out the fee in your offer letter.
Home fees for research degree students
For 2025-26 entry, we've aligned our standard Home research fees with those set by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). For 2026-27 entry, we will again be aligning our standard Home research fees with UKRI. They will announce their fees in Spring 2026.
As a general principle, you should expect the tuition fee to increase in each subsequent academic year of your course, subject to government regulations on fee increases and in line with inflation.
EU, other EEA and Swiss nationals - tuition fee status
Depending on your residency history, if you’re a student from the EU, other EEA or a Swiss national, with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, you’ll normally pay the ‘Home’ tuition fee rate and may be eligible for Student Finance England support.
EU students without settled or pre-settled status will normally be charged fees at the ‘International’ rate and will not be eligible for Student Finance England support. You may be eligible for a scholarship worth 25% off the international fee. Search our funding database.
If you are unsure of your fee status, check out the latest guidance here.
Scholarships
We support our EU and international students by providing a generous range of Vice-Chancellor's automatic and merit-based scholarships. See our searchable postgraduate funding page for more information.
What you're paying for
Tuition fees include the costs of:
- matriculation
- registration
- tuition (or supervision)
- library access
- examination
- re-examination
- graduation
Find out more about:
If you are an international student or a student from the EU, EEA or Switzerland and you need a visa to study in the UK, you may have to pay a deposit.
You can check this in the How to apply section.
If you're applying for funding, always check the funding application deadline. This deadline may be earlier than the application deadline for your course.
For some funding schemes, you need to have received an offer of a place on a course before you can apply for the funding.
Search for funding and scholarships
Find funding available for your course
Select your country
Entry requirements
The entrance requirements below apply to 2026 entry.
Academic entry requirements
MPhil - a 2:1 honours degree, or international equivalent, in a science or medicine related subject.
PhD - a 2:1 honours degree, or international equivalent. Further research experience or a master’s degree would be advantageous.
MD - an MBBS, or an equivalent medical degree.
Qualifications from outside the UK
Select your country
English Language requirements
Select your qualification IELTSPearsonsDuolingo English TestTOEFLOtherPre-Sessional Entry - 6 weeksPre-Sessional Entry - 10 weeks
Admissions policy
This policy applies to all undergraduate and postgraduate admissions at Newcastle University. It is intended to provide information about our admissions policies and procedures to applicants and potential applicants, to their advisors and family members, and to staff of the University.
University Admissions Policy and related policies and procedures
Credit transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) can allow you to convert existing relevant university-level knowledge, skills and experience into credits towards a qualification. Find out more about the RPL policy which may apply to this course
How to apply
Before you start
Start Dates
There are usually three possible start dates, although in some circumstances an alternative start date can be arranged:
- September
- January
- April
Closing Dates
There is no application closing date for this course, but specific deadlines for funding may apply.
We suggest international students apply at least two months before the course starts. This is so that you have enough time to make the necessary arrangements.
Specialised application information
You do not need to identify a supervisor prior to submitting your application via the applicant portal.
As part of your application, please upload a short (non-binding) research proposal to indicate your broad area of interest (outline any proposed methods if applicable). This helps us assess both your suitability for a research degree and whether we can offer supervision.
If your application is successful and we can match you with a supervisor, you will normally be invited to attend a selection interview (either on campus, by video-conferencing or Skype).
Deposit
All International students
If you are an international student or a student from the EU, EEA or Switzerland and you need a visa to study in the UK, you must pay a deposit or submit an official letter of sponsorship. The deposit is payable after you receive an offer to study with us. This deposit is non-refundable and will be deducted from your tuition fees when you register. You may also be subject to academic and English language qualification verification, confirmation of funds and credibility interviews.
International students who received an offer before 18 March 2026
- You are required to pay a £1,500 deposit or submit an official letter of sponsorship.
International students Bangladesh, Ghana, Myanmar, Nigeria, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan who received an offer after 18 March 2026
- You are required to pay a deposit of £5,000 or submit an official letter of sponsorship by 01 August 2026.
All International students (excluding those from the markets above) who received an offer after 18 March 2026
- You are required to pay a deposit of £1,500 or submit an official letter of sponsorship by 01 August 2026.
ATAS (Academic Technology Approval Scheme)
You may need an ATAS (Academic Technology Approval Scheme) clearance certificate. You'll need to get this before you can get your visa or study on this programme. We'll let you know about the ATAS requirement in your offer letter.
Programme codes
| Qualification: MPhil Full time | |
|---|---|
| Full time: 12 months | Programme Code: 7300F |
| Qualification: MPhil Part time | |
|---|---|
| Part time: 24 months | Programme Code: 7300P |
| Qualification: PhD Full time | |
|---|---|
| Full time: 36 months | Programme Code: 8300F |
| Qualification: PhD Part time | |
|---|---|
| Part time: 72 months | Programme Code: 8300P |
| Qualification: MD Full time | |
|---|---|
| Full time: 24 months | Programme Code: 8800F |
| Qualification: MD Part time | |
|---|---|
| Part time: 48 months | Programme Code: 8800P |
Using the application portal
The application portal has instructions to guide you through your application. It will tell you what documents you need and how to upload them.
You can choose to start your application, save your details and come back to complete it later.
If you’re ready, you can select Apply Online and you’ll be taken directly to the application portal.
Alternatively you can find out more about applying on our applications and offers pages.
Open days and events
Find out about how you can visit Newcastle in person and virtually
Overseas events
We regularly travel overseas to meet with students interested in studying at Newcastle University.
Visit our events calendar for the latest events
Get in touch
Questions about this course?
If you have specific questions about this course you can contact:
Postgraduate secretary\ Centre for Cancer\ Telephone: +44 (0) 191 246 4300
General enquiries
For more general enquiries, you could also complete our online enquiry form.
Application enquiries
If you've got a question about your application, send us an enquiry via the application portal you applied through.
If you haven't applied yet, you can send your questions via our enquiry form.
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