Cancer Sciences
University of Nottingham
UCAS Code: B131 | Bachelor of Science (with Honours) - BSc (Hons)
University of Nottingham
UCAS Code: B131 | Bachelor of Science (with Honours) - BSc (Hons)
Entry requirements
A level
A levels to include at least two science subjects, one of which must be Biology or Chemistry. A pass is required in science practical tests, if assessed separately. Accepted second science subjects include: Physics, Maths, Further Maths, Geography, Engineering, Psychology, Geology, Environmental Science, Statistics. We will not accept Citizenship Studies, Critical Thinking, General Studies or Global Perspectives as your third A level.
Access to HE Diploma
These qualifications will be considered on an individual basis. Please contact the University for more information.
Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal
including two sciences, one of which must be Biology or Chemistry. Accepted second science subjects include: Physics, Maths, Further Maths, Geography, Engineering, Psychology, Geology, Environmental Science, Statistics.
GCSE/National 4/National 5
Grade 4 (C) is required in English and maths or equivalent.
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
Including 6, 5, 5 at Higher Level including Biology or Chemistry and a second science at Higher level. Accepted second science subjects include: Physics, Maths, Further Maths, Geography, Engineering, Psychology, Geology, Environmental Science, Statistics.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
These qualifications will be considered on an individual basis, alongside an A Level at grade B. Please contact the University for more information.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
These qualifications will be considered on an individual basis. Please contact the University for more information.
Pearson BTEC Subsidiary Diploma (QCF)
These qualifications will be considered on an individual basis, alongside A Levels at BB. Please contact the University for more information.
Scottish Advanced Higher
Including two sciences, one of which must be Biology or Chemistry. Plus ABBBB in Scottish Highers. Accepted second science subjects include: Physics, Maths, Further Maths, Geography, Engineering, Psychology, Geology, Environmental Science, Statistics.
Scottish Higher
Plus AB in Advanced Highers including two sciences, one of which must be Biology or Chemistry. Accepted second science subjects include: Physics, Maths, Further Maths, Geography, Engineering, Psychology, Geology, Environmental Science, Statistics.
T Level
These qualifications will be considered on an individual basis. Please contact the University for more information.
Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (first teaching September 2015)
Considered alongside two A Levels grade AB. A levels to include at least two science subjects, one of which must be Biology or Chemistry. A pass is required in science practical tests, if assessed separately. Accepted second science subjects include: Physics, Maths, Further Maths, Geography, Engineering, Psychology, Geology, Environmental Science, Statistics.
UCAS Tariff
We've calculated how many Ucas points you'll need for this course.
About this course
Cancer drug development is a long and expensive process that provides many employment opportunities. It is imperative that there are trained specialists who can tackle the complexities of this ever-evolving set of diseases.
Are you ready to join them?
Gain a thorough understanding of the fundamentals of cancer sciences. From its basic scientific principles through to translation into therapeutics and drug development. Our Cancer Sciences BSc will give you training in the biomedical sciences in areas such as cell and molecular biology, immunology, and human physiology.
You’ll be supported by internationally recognised researchers and clinicians, and you’ll be equipped with the core scientific skills necessary to progress to specialisms in cancer sciences research, in the pharmaceutical industry, biotechnology, finance and contract research industries, as well as in academic cancer research. You will also be well placed for opportunities in the management, regulation, and exploitation of research and Graduate Entry Medicine or other related fields.
At Nottingham, you’ll be part of ground-breaking cancer research that is the basis for new treatments.
BSc students can transfer to the MSci (UCAS code: B130) at the end of their second year if they are meeting the entry requirements and a placement is available (although this is not guaranteed). The integrated MSci course gives you a guaranteed nine-month placement in industry or in a research laboratory. This placement can be in the UK or abroad.
Modules
In your first year, you will learn the characteristics of cancer, its causes, how it progresses, and how it affects a person's health. You will also learn the human physiology and fundamental cell and molecular biology that you need to understand cancer and its causes and treatments.
Your second year looks more closely at how different cancers form, grow, and spread, specifically focusing on lung, breast, and ovarian cancer. Themes this year include epidemiology and public health, as well as cancer cell genetics. The Patient-Centred Library Project module gives you the chance to study a different type of cancer and provides an overview of the patient journey through healthcare interactions.
Your final year focuses on the advanced study of the biology of cancer cells, immunology and the development of new cancer therapies. You'll have the opportunity to apply for one of our studentships, which will see you work alongside real cancer scientists during a 12-week placement. This is an exciting chance to contribute to discoveries in real-world cancer research.
If you choose to study the integrated masters (MSci), you’ll experience an extensive placement in your fourth year. This could be in an industry, research or academic setting - in the UK or overseas.
For the most up-to-date module information and full details, please visit the course page on our website.
Assessment methods
You'll be assessed through a variety of methods, including: essays, coursework, exams, lab report, presentations, practical write-ups, and a dissertation.
Tuition fees
Select where you currently live to see what you'll pay:
The Uni
University Park Campus
School of Medicine
What students say
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Most popular A-Levels studied (and grade achieved)
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Looking further ahead, below is a rough guide for what graduates went on to earn.
Medicine by specialism
The graph shows median earnings of graduates who achieved a degree in this subject area one, three and five years after graduating from here.
£39k
£49k
£53k
Note: this data only looks at employees (and not those who are self-employed or also studying) and covers a broad sample of graduates and the various paths they've taken, which might not always be a direct result of their degree.
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