Medical Oncology MSc
Validated by University of Buckingham
With 18.1 million cases around the world in 2020, every healthcare professional will care for patients who are living with cancer. This MSc oncology from Learna | Diploma MSc will give you the knowledge and skills you need to provide the very best care for your patients and make sure you are up to date with the latest developments in this constantly evolving field. The master's in oncology is led by world renowned oncologists who have specifically designed this programme to give students everything they need to improve their knowledge, career prospects and most importantly clinical outcomes for their patients.
Our unique online learning platform encourages students from multidisciplinary backgrounds to learn from one another and develop their knowledge across a range of topics including cancer biology, cancer care and the various types of cancer you may encounter. This 100% online and flexible oncology master’s degree is designed for doctors, nurses and allied health professionals who wish to receive a thorough grounding in oncology that will help you succeed in your career tackling one of the world's biggest killers.
Next intake: March 2025Key Facts
Our medical oncology courses are validated by the University of Buckingham, who hold a General Medical Council accreditation. The GMC has high standards and an exceptionally rigorous process for accreditation giving confidence that doctors trained in a GMC accredited medical school will hold the skills and experience needed to meet the high standards that patients expect.
Our master's oncology programme aims to:
- Extend student knowledge of research methods and application to practice.
- Extend the scope of practice in medical oncology by exploring a complex issue in more depth, utilising knowledge gained in the previous modules.
- Create and interpret knowledge in settings related to complex cancer treatment issues using appropriate enquiry methods.
- Enable students to critically analyse and evaluate a range of research tools and their relevance to address research issues in cancer treatment.
Faculty
Programme Leader
Prof Wolfram Dempke
Prof Dempke has developed and published research in the field of Oncology and surrounding areas over a significant period of time and in recent years has held...
Deputy Programme Leader
Professor Ramon de Mello
- Director of the Precision Oncology and Health Economics Research Group
- Senior Consultant Medical Oncologist
- Professor in Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
- Extensive experience in the...
Validating partner
University of Buckingham
The University of Buckingham is the only independent university in the UK with a Royal Charter, and also one of the smallest with around 2,700 students, who study for honours degrees in two intensive years of study. The University houses its own medical school and was ranked first for student satisfaction in 2018, 2019 and 2020 by the Complete University Guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
For a full list of our FAQs visit our FAQs page.
As each Medical Council has their own rules/regulations with regard to Postgraduate study we recommend that you contact your local Medical Council with regard to recognition.
Upon completion of the course the University would invite you to a graduation ceremony and provide your certificate which makes no reference to the fact that the course was studied online and is therefore typically recognised the same as any other UK University qualification.
Rest assured, the overall Postgraduate Diploma carries a total of 1,200 CPD points, with the MSc an additional 600 CPD points, and all official certifications are issued directly by the University.
When you study one of our programmes you may be surprised to find that there are no lectures or seminars. Your learning will be self-directed meaning that rather than being told information you find it for yourself (with tutor guidance and support). We do this via a series of clinically rich scenarios which your tutor will post on our academic forum which you and your classmates will research, respond to and discuss.
You will be assessed through the Academic Forum, Reflective Journal and Assignments. Learning will be carried out using our online learning platform: Moodle.
You can study whenever and wherever you want - our programmes are totally flexible to fit around your other work and life commitments.
The course is specifically designed so that part of your study is the application of theory to practice in your day job.
We typically suggest that students aim to log into the Moodle platform daily. We recommend a "little and often" approach for reading, reflection and/or posting. High achieving students will typically spend 1-2 hours dedicated to their studies a day; 10 hours per week is sufficient time to spend on the platform.
Those who cannot dedicate more time than once/twice per week may struggle with the demands of this postgraduate programme.
Yes, everything is done entirely online through our learning platform, Moodle. You do not need to attend the University.
Postgraduate Diploma courses
In order to be eligible for our Postgraduate Diploma courses you need to hold a medical degree or undergraduate degree in a health related science and be working within the field that you wish to study, as the course is designed to further your knowledge within your chosen subject and is not designed to introduce these as new topic areas.
We have two intakes a year in March and September. Click the following link for the up to date application deadlines and module dates: Module Dates.
The Action Taker Discount offers savings based on your programme: £150 off for PGCert and £250 off for PGDip/2-year MSc programmes. To qualify, you must pay the deposit within 7 days of acceptance. This discount is not available during February and August and not available in combination with the Early Bird Discount. The Action Taker Discount will be applied to your final payment. To take advantage, act quickly after acceptance to secure your savings.
Next intake: March 2025 Key Facts
Programme Leader
Prof Wolfram Dempke
Prof Dempke has developed and published research in the field of Oncology and surrounding areas over a significant period of time and in recent years has held leading positions as an Executive Medical Director Global Clinical Deve ment (Head of Global Clinical Development in EU) and in Novartis Oncology Global Clinical Development from 2019 to 2021. In his present position, he is currently Vice President for Scientific Solutions (Worldwide Clinical Trials, Nottingham, UK) where he is responsible for the review of submitted clinical trial proposals from pharmaceutical companies.
Deputy Programme Leader
Professor Ramon de Mello
- Director of the Precision Oncology and Health Economics Research Group
- Senior Consultant Medical Oncologist
- Professor in Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
- Extensive experience in the screening, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer patients, especially breast and gastrointestinal cancers.
Professor Ramon Andrade de Mello graduated in Medicine from the Federal University of Ceará, in Fortaleza, Brazil, and completed the CCT equivalent training in Medical Oncology at the Instituto Português de Oncologia do Porto, Portugal, acquiring substantial experience in different types of malignant tumors.
Professor de Mello has clinical skills in prescribing and handling oncological therapies (chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapies) and clinical management of cancer patients and their complications. He completed a PhD in Oncology at the University of Porto, Portugal, and an ESMO-supported Clinical Fellowship Visit at the Royal Marsden Hospital, London, UK, where he learned the principles of translational research and had the opportunity to increase his experience in more than 40 clinical trials sponsored by the pharmaceutical industry. He has more than 200 scientific publications in indexed journals, conference proceedings, chapters, and books, and participates in the editorial board of several internationally reputed scientific journals, where he consolidates a vast academic experience.
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Why Study an Oncology Master's with Learna
We have over 10 years’ experience delivering online courses, giving you access to flexible, affordable distance learning in partnership with world-leading educators.
100% Flexible
Our courses are 100% online. No fixed study times mean you can log in and learn whenever and wherever.
Multidisciplinary - study in a group of doctors, nurses, pharmacists and other healthcare professionals.
Expert Led
All of our programmes are authored and developed by world leading experts in their field.
Our faculty are selected due to their subject expertise, experience and teaching abilities to ensure the highest standards of educational excellence.
Career Boosting
Get a University Validated postgraduate qualification in just 1 calendar year instead of 2 academic years.
40% of our alumni reported an increase in salary 2 years after studying with us.
Who is this course for?
The master's oncology programme is applicable to all GPs, Practice Nurses, Specialist Nurses and Pharmacists.
How Will I Learn?
You'll learn through our flexible, interactive online platform, which allows you to engage with clinical cases, complete assignments, and collaborate with fellow students at times that suit your schedule. There's no fixed timetable—simply log in daily to participate in the week's activities.
Learn through engaging discussion
Our teaching approach is highly interactive, using small groups of 10-20 students to foster a collaborative environment where you can engage in thoughtful discussions and receive guidance from your tutor. You'll have access to learning resources and discussion forums that encourage ongoing interaction and deeper engagement with the material.
Throughout your studies, you'll receive support from a dedicated expert tutor and our Student Support Team, ensuring you have the resources needed to navigate the course successfully.
Curriculum
The online Medical Oncology MSc is a two year course, consisting of eight modules (180 credits) with the first 120 credits deriving from the Postgraduate DiplomaYear 1
Module Aims
To demonstrate independent learning skills in tackling and solving complex problems in Medical Oncology.
Module Content
- Understanding the molecular biology of the process of carcinogenesis will help to pave the way for novel compounds for cancer treatment; immune-oncology and tyrosine kinase inhibitors are striking examples.
- It can be expected that our increased knowledge of carcinogenesis and cancer risk factors will provide the basis for the concept of ‘personalised medicine’ in oncology, which will be a paradigm shift towards tailor-made cancer therapy.
Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the risk factors for cancer, causes of cancer and multi-step carcinogenesis.
- Critically Apply an in-depth knowledge of tumour immunology and principles of immunotherapy and novel targets.
Module Aims
To develop an in-depth knowledge and understanding to demonstrate the ability to lead complex tasks and processes in the delivery and advancement of cancer-related care.
Module Content
- Understand the pathogenesis of breast and skin cancers
- Understand different treatment options for breast and skin cancers
- Understand novel treatment opportunities (e.g. immuno-oncology, hormone therapy, etc.)
Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of Overview of breast and skin cancer and the underlying genetics.
- Critically apply an in-depth knowledge of oncological emergencies with breast and skin cancer and palliative care.
Module Aims
To develop an in-depth knowledge and understanding of patient management across the spectrum of medical specialties caring for patients with prostate and genitourinary cancers (kidney, bladder, testis).
Module Content
- Understand different treatment approaches for prostate and genitourinary tumours.
- Understand the basic role of chemotherapy for testicular cancers (first curable cancer).
- Understand the role of immune-oncology and targeted therapy concepts for these tumours.
Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge of prostate and genitourinary malignancies and genetics.
- Focusing in particular on the role of immune checkpoint inhibitors in both early- and late-stage urologic malignancies.
Module Aims
To develop an in-depth knowledge and understanding of a wide range of malignant tumours, gastrointestinal cancers as a group form the second most prevalent cancers worldwide.
Module Content
- Understand specific diagnostic procedures for GI tumours.
- Combined modality approaches for GI tumours.
- The current treatment situation for pancreatic carcinomas.
- Understand the emerging role of immune-oncology therapies for some GI tumours.
Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of diagnosis, staging, screening, referral and surgical intervention, prognosis.
- Critically apply an in-depth knowledge of GI cancers cancer and genetics.
Module Aims
To develop an in-depth knowledge and understanding of thoracic cancer and the underlaying genetics. To develop an understanding of resistance to therapy and the emergence of immunotherapy for lung cancer.
Module Content
- Understand the role of environmental factors (e.g., smoking and asbestos).
- Combined modality approaches for lung cancers.
- Understand the paradigm shift for treatment of lung cancers (chemotherapy → immunotherapy and targeted therapies).
Learning Outcomes
- Equip students with the ability to implement best practice and innovation in complex medical oncology scenarios.
- To evaluate practice critically in relation to the evidence base in cancer treatment.
- Critically apply an in-depth knowledge of diagnosis and treatment into their practice as a Medical Oncologist.
Module Aims
To develop an in-depth knowledge of haematological malignancies and the underlying genetics. To improve the understanding of emerging therapies: CAR-T and stem cell transplantation.
Module Content
- Understand the principles of current diagnostic procedures.
- Understand the principles of cell-based therapies (e.g., stem cell transplantation, CAR-T cells).
- The major therapy pillars of haematological malignancies.
- TUnderstand the novel treatment approaches for these malignancies.
Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the recent developments in stem cell biology with increased emphasis on genomic and proteomic techniques in the diagnosis of haematological malignancies.
- Demonstrate a critical knowledge, understanding of the advances in treatment of leukaemias and lymphomas.
- Critically apply knowledge of cancer diagnosis, staging, screening, referral and prognosis.
Year 2
Module Aims
To prepare students for an independent research-based project by developing skills in selecting, appraising, discriminating, using evidence and appropriate research/investigative methods to address relevant topics for investigation.
Module Content
- Qualitative research methods.
- Fundamentals of evidence-based practice and its application into the clinical setting.
- Principles of health economics, audit and quality improvement/assurance systems.
- Establishing patient registers and the value of disease-specific registers.
- Research into educational principles for both healthcare practitioner and patient.
Learning Outcomes
- Select and apply different methodological perspectives and tools to answer research questions in medical oncology.
- Critically analyse and interpret research in cancer care.
Module Aims
To develop students’ ability to critically appraise specific areas of clinical, research and/or organisational practice and develop skills in independent research, study and writing for publication.
Module Content
- Literature review and appraisal of the evidence.
- Audit of practice including organisational or clinical.
- Review and implementation of evidence-based practice.
- Qualitative or quantitative research (formal research involving human subjects is not anticipated).
- Case(s)-based and quality of service review with critical appraisal.
Learning Outcomes
- Design and undertake a research/development project related to medical oncology.
- Critically evaluate practice and suggest improvements or change.
- Incorporate knowledge of the research process in developing services appropriately.
Assessment Methods
This programme emphasises learning through active participation in case-based discussions, reflection, and real-life scenarios. Students engage with clinical cases that mirror everyday practice, fostering problem-solving and evidence-based application from the very beginning.
Across the modules, assessments are integrated with learning. Each week, you will work through two to three clinical cases, discussing and reflecting on them with peers under the guidance of an expert tutor. These discussions form the core of your learning and are also the basis for your assessments.
Our innovative teaching methods are designed to help you translate this learning into real-world clinical practice. You'll need to regularly log in to participate in discussions, ideally on a daily basis, and commit approximately two hours per day to your studies. Our dedicated Student Support Team is available to assist with any challenges you may encounter, from navigating our online platform to managing deadlines.
How Foundational Knowledge is Developed
The programme is structured so that foundational knowledge is introduced through carefully designed clinical cases. Each case is crafted to highlight essential concepts and progressively deepen your understanding as you apply critical thinking and evidence-based analysis. This hands-on approach ensures that you are not only acquiring theoretical knowledge but also learning how to apply it in a practical, clinical setting.
This programme is suited for professionals who thrive in an online, discussion-based learning environment. Please note that this course focuses on interactive, applied learning through peer collaboration and case discussions. You will be fully supported, encouraged and led through the programme to success and graduation!
- Case problems reflective of day-to-day practice/research will be presented for the students to consider and answer every week.
- Students discuss the concepts being presented in the case within their online group discussion forum, facilitated throughout the module by their tutor and marked by them at the end of the module.
- The content of the academic forum is based on the learning outcomes for the module.
The online reflective journal is a learning portfolio that requires students to record and critically reflect on their learning. Reflection is an important aspect of the programme since the professionals will be able to spend time considering how their practice compares to the themes being discussed in the module. The tutor provides feedback to the student weekly and marks it at the end of the module. Reflective practice is a requirement for healthcare professionals for professional re-validation and professional development.
This can be either a Group Activity or an Individual Activity:
Group activity
Designed to stimulate and test the students’ ability to work as a team in taking the subject area forward. A group task is set, the group elects a leader using the online forum and the leader allocates tasks to group members. The leader is responsible for managing, collating and submitting the activity (online) at the end of the module. The tutor provides formative guidance part way through the module and marks the assessment at the end.
or
Individual activity
Designed to stimulate and demonstrate personalised learning, creativity and problem solving with application to each student’s own practice area.
Examples of individual activities might include either a written assignment, developing an academic poster presentation, a blog or social media project.
All students must complete the same assignment for each module which is pre-determined by the Programme Leader before the modules commence.
- Case problems in the form of a one-hour timed examination with multiple-choice questions directly test the reasoning and knowledge objectives of the module.
- The online exam is marked automatically.
- The examination tests related theory and problem-solving skills.
Entry requirements
Since our oncology courses are conducted entirely online, they are accessible to both UK and international registered healthcare professionals.
Applicants will typically hold a first degree or equivalent (including international qualifications) in a relevant professional healthcare field, such as a medical or nursing degree.
Registered healthcare professionals without these recognised qualifications will be considered for the MSc oncology programme on an individual basis and a wide range of prior experience may be taken into account. In some cases, applicants may be asked to submit a piece of work for assessment in order to confirm that they are able to work comfortably at postgraduate level, and demonstrate the requisite clinical and professional knowledge.
Documents Required
- A copy of your updated CV including your address and date of birth.
- A copy of your undergraduate degree certificate.
- The name and email address of someone who is able to provide a reference, this can be a work colleague, employer or former tutor.
- A detailed personal statement explaining why you would like to undertake the course.
- A copy of your proof of English competency (see below).
English Language Requirements
Proficiency in the English language is also essential to completing our courses. If English is NOT your first language, we ask for proof of competency during the application process. We are able to accept an IELTS overall score of 6.5 (with a minimum of 6.0 for each band) or an equivalent qualification.
If you do not meet these requirements, please don’t worry. You can also contact our admissions team on admissions@diploma-msc.com for more information on the qualifications we accept.
Course Fees
Option 1: Upfront Payment in full. Option 2: Interest free payments every other month for the duration of the course.
| Date | Instalments | Up-Front Payments |
|---|---|---|
| Deposit | £750 | £8,400 |
| 1st May 2025 | £750 | |
| 1st July 2025 | £750 | |
| 1st September 2025 | £750 | |
| 1st November 2025 | £750 | |
| 1st January 2026 | £750 | |
| 1st March 2026 | £650 | |
| 1st May 2026 | £650 | |
| 1st July 2026 | £650 | |
| 1st September 2026 | £650 | |
| 1st November 2026 | £650 | |
| 1st January 2027 | £650 |
† Deposits are non-refundable
†† Prices are subject to review following each intake
Option 3: Lower your monthly payments by spreading the cost for between 2 and 8 years with a loan from our lending partner Lendwise*.
*Subject to eligibility criteria.
Learna | Diploma MSc has a partnership with Lendwise which is a leading private student loan provider, to help UK students fund their course fees should they require financing. Lendwise is a UK-based education finance platform through which candidates can fund their postgraduate and professional qualification studies at leading educational institutions.
A Lendwise loan comes with a fixed interest rate for the duration of the loan (between 2 and 8 years) and no early repayment penalties. The interest rate offered will depend on the overall applicant profile and the application process is entirely online.*
*Other sources of funding are available.
Learna | Diploma MSc does not offer financial advice, recommend or endorse any financial product. You should always check the suitability of the product that is of interest to you. If you are in any doubt as to its suitability, we suggest that you seek independent professional advice.
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Why Learna
We have over 10 years’ experience delivering online diploma courses, giving you access to flexible, affordable distance learning in partnership with world-leading educators.
Our courses are some of the most affordable of their kind, providing value for money without compromising on quality. We also don't apply an international surcharge. No fixed timetable means you can log in & learn on the go, at your convenience.
Being totally online means we can select the very best tutors and resource editors, no matter where they’re located.
Connect with multidisciplinary people around the world to expand your insights & broaden your career prospects.
Our programmes produce 90% fewer emissions than campus-based learning.
