This module aims to equip the student with detailed knowledge and understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in cancer development. This will include the ways in which interrogation of a person’s own genome and the genome of tumour cells can facilitate the diagnosis and treatment of cancer.
This module covers the molecular mechanisms that underlie cancer development, growth and metastasis, and the differences between different cancers. It will explore the different molecular and cellular actions of anti-cancer treatments, the genomic factors affecting response and resistance to treatment, and the research approaches to anti-cancer drug design and development. Broad situations which confer a high cancer risk to a person and/or to other members of the same family will be discussed in the context of how genomic information may be integrated into cancer screening programmes.
Information on other modules can be accessed here.
Course Dates
Course details
Tutors
Key Features
All Genomic Medicine modules run as one week, in-person teaching sessions (>30 contact hours), followed by a further four weeks of guided study using a Virtual Learning Environment during which time students complete a formal assessment of 2500-3500 words.
The modules each carry 15 FHEQ Level 7 credits (equivalent to 150 hours of learning).
Module delivery: In person teaching
Progression
Below are the options for transfer forward of credit/modules into a Cambridge award:
- 1 module at 15 credits may be transferred forward into the PG Certificate
- 2 modules at a total of 30 credits may be transferred forward into the PG Diploma or Masters [MSt]
NB: The transferring of modules towards an award can only be brought forward from modules studied at The University of Cambridge in the previous Academic Year.
For transfer of credit towards non Cambridge awards, you are advised to consult the University where you wish to study as different criteria may apply.
Apply by: Friday 12 December 2025
Module dates: Monday 2 to Friday 6 February 2026
Assignment deadline: Monday 9 March 2026
Academic requirement
Applicants are normally expected to a hold a 2i degree or higher from a UK university or an equivalent from an overseas university.
Language requirement
All applicants are required to demonstrate competency in English at a high level before commencing the programme; students whose first language is not English must be able to satisfy the requirements below.
- IELTS Academic: Overall score of 7.0 (a minimum of 7.0 in Listening, Writing and Speaking; 6.5 in Reading)
- TOEFL Internet: Overall score of 100 (a minimum of 25 in each individual component)
- CAE: Grade A or B (with at least 193 in each individual element) plus a Language Centre assessment
- CPE: Grade A, B, or C (with at least 200 in each individual element)
Note that: International students must ensure they have the appropriate immigration status to undertake the course, and this will need to be checked by the University. Students who do not hold an immigration status that permits study and work in the UK will be based overseas and attendance on modules can be supported as a visitor to the UK. There are restrictions on using the visitor route for study and this may restrict the number of modules that can be undertaken across one year. Further information is provided on the International Students website and prospective students are advised to read this in full.
The fee for 2025-26 will be £1,462.50 for home students and £3,809.25 for overseas students.
Participants will be expected to cover the costs of travel, accommodation and subsistence incurred during teaching sessions in Cambridge.
HEE funding is available for NHS staff wishing to apply to study Genomic Medicine at The University of Cambridge. It is available for study of individual modules or modules as part of a Postgraduate Certificate, Postgraduate Diploma or part-time Masters in Genomic Medicine. Limited funding is also available for those wishing to extend their study from a Postgraduate Certificate or 4 modules to a Postgraduate Diploma or MSt.
HEE funding is limited and subject to HEE approval. For full details of eligibility, the application procedure and FAQs, please refer to the HEE website here. Click on a module, read the information on the tabs titled, ‘Funding rules’ and ‘FAQs’ tabs. At the bottom of the ‘Funding rules’ tab click the link to view the ‘the application process for CPPD module(s) or postgraduate certificate’ to view a useful flowchart showing the application procedure.
Applications will be accepted until Friday 12 December 2025
Your application must include:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Copies of relevant qualification certificates and transcripts
- Language proficiency (if required)
- Contact details of two referees who will be contacted on your behalf
- Evidence of funding (if applicable)
