Cancer MPhil, PhD, MD

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 genomic
• bioinformatic
• molecular biology
• biochemical
• cell biology

Studies focus on:

• haematological malignancies (leukaemia and lymphoma)
• paediatric solid tumours (neuroblastoma and medulloblastoma),
• adult solid tumours (eg breast, ovarian, prostate, bladder and liver 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. It is through the use of structure-based design, in conjunction with medium-throughout screening. Target molecule synthesis and varied parallel synthesis approaches result in lead optimisation. Candidate drugs undergo evaluation in cell-free and whole-cell target-based assays.

Clinical trials (Phase I/II/III) are undertaken in both adults and children. Trials have a strong hypothesis-testing translational research component. They are performed under:

• national or international research networks (eg CR–UK, Children's Cancer
• Leukaemia Group, European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer)
• in collaboration with the pharmaceutical industry

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

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 2023-24.

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.

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

Depending on your modules, you'll be assessed through a combination of:

• Thesis
• Viva

We offer a wide range of projects for the thesis. These will be provided by our academics. You can also propose your own topic.

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

From 1 January 2021 there is an update to the way professional qualifications are recognised by countries outside of the UK

Check the government’s website for more information.

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 2024-25 entry, we will be aligning our standard Home research fees with those set by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). The standard fee will be confirmed in Spring 2024 by UKRI. The Home tuition fees for this course will be updated after this confirmation. 

If your studies last longer than one year, your tuition fee may increase in line with inflation.

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.

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. 

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.