Overview
The MRes in Cancer Research is designed to provide advanced training in basic and translational research. Through a combination of two specialist taught modules and an extended independent research project (laboratory- or non-lab-based), you will develop the scientific, technical, and analytical skills needed for careers in cancer research, biotechnology, healthcare, and further doctoral study.
This course is designed to provide you with research skills and an in-depth understanding of research methodology with specific relation to cancer sciences. You’ll build your scientific and technical expertise with the aim to understand disease progression, identify diagnostic or prognostic markers, and develop new, more effective treatments using preclinical models.
Brunel’s MRes students receive the same support as PhD students. You’ll benefit from the expertise of our award-winning academic team of leading biomedical scientists specialising in cancer research and receive support from specialist technical staff in a well-equipped research environment.
You can explore our campus and facilities for yourself by taking our virtual tour.
Course content
The main focus of your course is an extended research project. You’ll spend a large proportion of your time planning and conducting research which can be laboratory-based project, or a non-laboratory-based project (i.e. bioinformatics-based). Your research project could cover areas investigating the genetic, epigenetic, and signalling pathways that drive cancer, as well as translational projects using preclinical models to understand disease progression and develop new, more effective treatments.
Compulsory
- BB5605 - Research Skills
This module will provide the framework for understanding the landscape of how to conduct research, its ethical implications, and experimental techniques. It will also provide students with practical lab experience.
- BB5610 - Scientific Communication
This module will provide an overview of professional science communication and scientific writing for different audiences, including scientists, policymakers, industry, and the general public. Students will develop communication skills through workshops, written assessments, literature searching, journal clubs, and departmental seminars, while applying these skills to their own research dissertation topics.
- BB56xx - Dissertation in Cancer Research
This module will provide students with the opportunity to undertake a substantial piece of research in their chosen research topic. The module aims to develop advanced research, analytical, and technical skills, enabling students to design, investigate, and produce an original research project.
This course can be studied undefined undefined, starting in undefined.
Please note that all modules are subject to change.
Read more about the structure of postgraduate degrees at Brunel
Careers and your future
After completing the course, you’ll be equipped with the skills to pursue a range of careers in the wider healthcare sector. Job roles may include: research assistant, laboratory scientist, bioanalytical scientist, clinical data analyst, medical/scientific writer, clinical research associate, pharmaceutical scientist, scientific sales specialist, technical support scientist. If you’re considering progression to PhD level, then an MRes is the perfect stepping stone as you’ll graduate with an in-depth knowledge and understanding of research.
UK entry requirements
2026/7 entry
2:2 or equivalent internationally recognised qualification from disciplines allying to Biomedical Sciences. A wide range of disciplines are acceptable, for example: Pharmacy; Biosciences; Medical Sciences, Biomedical Sciences, Bioengineering, Medicine, Pharmacology, Molecular Biology, Immunology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology.
Applicants will be required to submit a 400 word "research brief" as part of their application. This should outline their research interests in the field of Biomedical Sciences.
An interview will also be required as part of the admissions process and will be conducted remotely via MS Teams, Zoom, or face to face.
International entry requirements
If you require a Tier 4 visa to study in the UK, you must prove knowledge of the English language so that we can issue you a Certificate of Acceptance for Study (CAS). To do this, you will need an IELTS for UKVI or Trinity SELT test pass gained from a test centre approved by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) and on the Secure English Language Testing (SELT) list. This must have been taken and passed within two years from the date the CAS is made.
English language requirements
- IELTS: 6.5 (min 6 in all areas)
- Pearson: 59 (59 in all subscores)
- BrunELT: 63% (min 58% in all areas)
- TOEFL: 5 (min 4.5 in all subscores)
You can find out more about the qualifications we accept on our English Language Requirements page.
Should you wish to take a pre-sessional English course to improve your English prior to starting your degree course, you must sit the test at an approved SELT provider for the same reason. We offer our own BrunELT English test and have pre-sessional English language courses for students who do not meet requirements or who wish to improve their English. You can find out more information on English courses and test options through our Brunel Language Centre.
Please check our Admissions pages for more information on other factors we use to assess applicants. This information is for guidance only and each application is assessed on a case-by-case basis. Entry requirements are subject to review, and may change.
Fees and funding
2026/7 entry
UK
£12,125 full-time
£6,059 part-time
International
£24,795 full-time
£12,395 part-time
Bench fees:
For non-laboratory-based projects, bench fees may be incurred up to a maximum of £1,000.
For laboratory-based projects, an additional bench fee of up to £2,000 applies.
More information on any additional course-related costs.
Fees quoted are per year and are subject to an annual increase.
See our fees and funding page for full details of postgraduate scholarships available to Brunel applicants.
Scholarships and bursaries
Teaching and learning
Lectures, seminars and practical sessions will take place on campus with few exceptions, and you'll be expected to be present to benefit fully from the immersive and interactive sessions. Keep in mind that this is a campus-based degree programme, not an online programme – and attendance on campus will be essential for some events (e.g. laboratory practical sessions). Module leaders may offer additional briefing, revision, and/or Q&A sessions on online platforms where appropriate to support on-campus learning.
Access to a laptop or desktop PC is required for joining online activities, completing coursework and digital exams, and a minimum specification can be found here.
We have computers available across campus for your use and laptop loan schemes to support you through your studies. You can find out more here.
You will be taught by a team of internationally renowned scientists, deeply committed to sharing their expertise. Our faculty not only leads in teaching and research but also maintains strong connections with world-leading healthcare and biomedical organisations. Our academics have earned national awards for their innovative and personalised approach to education.
Assessment and feedback
Assessment will take the form of written coursework, reports, grant proposal linked to topic of research project, portfolio of critical analyses and reflection on 5 seminars attended during the course, and MRes research thesis assessed by a viva.
Read our guide on how to avoid plagiarism in your assessments at Brunel.