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 during which time students complete a formal assessment of 2,500 to 3,500 words.
The modules each carry 15 FHEQ Level 7 credits (equivalent to 150 hours of learning).
Assignment deadline: approximately 4 weeks after the 1-week taught sessions conclude.
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 Postgraduate Certificate in Genomic Medicine
- 2 modules at a total of 30 credits may be transferred forward into the Postgraduate Diploma in Genomic Medicine or MSt in Genomic Medicine
Please note: 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, please consult the University where you wish to study as different criteria may apply.
We welcome applications from students with a variety of backgrounds and professional experiences. As part of our admissions process, you’ll need to meet certain requirements and make sure you’re able to attend teaching sessions in the UK.
Standard entry requirements
Typically, we expect a good UK undergraduate degree, such as a 2.1, or international equivalent.
English language requirements
Our courses are taught in English and require a good level of fluency. If English is not your first language, you'll need to prove you have sufficient fluency before admission. If we offer you a place, it will be subject to you meeting this requirement. For more information, visit Postgraduate and Master's admissions and the University’s English language requirements.
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 external funding and stay up to date on our concessions and bursaries.
Funding from NHS England (NHSE) 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.
NHSE funding is limited and subject to approval by NHSE. For full details of eligibility, the application procedure and FAQs, please refer to the NHSE website. 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)/PGCert or PGDip/Master’s applications’ to view a useful overview of the application procedure.
Considering applying? We look forward to receiving your application.
Key timings for your application
- The application deadline is 13 December 2026.
- We’ll hold interviews for shortlisted candidates on 18 December 2026.
- If you're shortlisted, we'll contact you to arrange a time and format for yours.
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.
Qualifications and transcripts
Upload details of degree-level courses you have completed or are studying.
Evidence of funding, if applicable
Upload details for any funding you have secured for this course.
References
Submit contact details for 2 referees, who we will contact on your behalf.
English language proficiency, if applicable
Select your nationality to check if you might need to do an English language test. You can also upload a copy of your results if you’ve taken one. We’ll let you know if you need to prove your English language proficiency.
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.
