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.
For information on other modules, go to the Cambridge Genomic Medicine Programme: modular study.
Course Dates
Course details
Academic team
Course information
All genomic medicine modules run as one week, in-person teaching sessions (>30 contact hours), followed by a further 4 weeks of guided study using a Virtual Learning Environment.
This module is taught at FHEQ Level 7 and is for CPPD only. Students do not complete an assessment and there is no credit awarded, however you’ll receive a certificate of attendance.
Should you decide that you would like to study the module for credit, either during the module or at a later date, you’ll have to repeat the module again and pay the relevant module/course fee. You would also need to submit a new application and meet the entry requirements. Likewise, if you select this module as part of the Postgraduate Certificate in Genomic Medicine, Postgraduate Diploma in Genomic Medicine or MSt in Genomic Medicine, you’ll need to repeat the teaching before submitting the assignment.
For details of the ‘for credit’ module, see Molecular pathology of cancer and application of genomics in cancer (for credit).
We welcome applications from students with a variety of backgrounds and professional experiences. As part of our admissions process, you’ll need to make sure you’re able to attend teaching sessions in the UK.
Academic experience
There are no formal academic entry requirements for this course. Given the postgraduate level of the course and subject matter, we recommend that applicants hold a good UK undergraduate degree, such as a 2.1, or international equivalent.
Teaching in English
To get the most from this course, you’ll need to be confident in understanding and communicating in English at postgraduate level. While we do not require proof, if English is not your first language, we recommend a near-native level of fluency. For more information, see Postgraduate and Master's admissions for the tests and scores we require for our award-bearing postgraduate courses.
Visa information
We welcome applications from international students. If you’re coming from overseas, you would attend the in-person teaching sessions for this course with visitor immigration permission.
It's important to be aware that entering the UK as a visitor for study purposes comes with certain expectations and restrictions that may limit the number of modules you can take in one year. To make sure you understand the requirements, we advise you to read the in-depth information on the University’s International Students website.
Fees
The total fees for this course are shown above in 'Course details'.
To understand which fee status applies to you, whether as a home or overseas student, visit the University’s fee status page.
See how to pay for more information on paying for your course.
You’ll need to cover any travel, accommodation and subsistence costs for the teaching sessions held in Cambridge.
Funding
We're dedicated to reducing and removing financial barriers to learning. Visit financial support ahead of the application deadline to find out what options may be available to help you in your studies. You can explore funding and stay up to date on our concessions and bursaries.
NHSE funding is not available for CPPD study. If you wish to apply for NHSE funding, you should apply for a place on the 'for credit' course, Molecular pathology of cancer and application of genomics in cancer (for credit).
Considering applying? We look forward to receiving your application.
The application deadline is 13 December 2026.
How to apply and what you'll need
Click ‘Apply now’ and follow the instructions on our PACE student portal. There, you can:
- create, save, and submit your application
- upload your supporting documents
- track your application
Supporting documents
When you submit your application, you’ll need to provide supporting information.
CV
Upload an up-to-date resume.
Evidence of funding, if applicable
Upload details for any funding you have secured for this course.
We're committed to supporting you in your learning journey, and we offer a variety of support opportunities to meet individual needs. Visit student support to find out more about how we can help.
