Oncology

Module Aims
To demonstrate independent learning skills in tackling and solving complex problems in Medical Oncology.

Module Content

• Understanding the molecular biology of the process of carcinogenesis will help to pave the way for novel compounds for cancer treatment; immune-oncology and tyrosine kinase inhibitors are striking examples.
• It can be expected that our increased knowledge of carcinogenesis and cancer risk factors will provide the basis for the concept of ‘personalised medicine’ in oncology, which will be a paradigm shift towards tailor-made cancer therapy.

Learning Outcomes

1. Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the risk factors for cancer, causes of cancer and multi-step carcinogenesis.
2. Critically Apply an in-depth knowledge of tumour immunology and principles of immunotherapy and novel targets.

Module Aims
To develop an in-depth knowledge and understanding to demonstrate the ability to lead complex tasks and processes in the delivery and advancement of cancer-related care.

Module Content

• Understand the pathogenesis of breast and skin cancers
• Understand different treatment options for breast and skin cancers
• Understand novel treatment opportunities (e.g. immuno-oncology, hormone therapy, etc.)

Learning Outcomes

1. Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of Overview of breast and skin cancer and the underlying genetics.
2. Critically apply an in-depth knowledge of oncological emergencies with breast and skin cancer and palliative care.

Module Aims
To develop an in-depth knowledge and understanding of patient management across the spectrum of medical specialties caring for patients with prostate and genitourinary cancers (kidney, bladder, testis).

Module Content

• Understand different treatment approaches for prostate and genitourinary tumours.
• Understand the basic role of chemotherapy for testicular cancers (first curable cancer).
• Understand the role of immune-oncology and targeted therapy concepts for these tumours.

Learning Outcomes

1. Demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge of prostate and genitourinary malignancies and genetics.
2. Focusing in particular on the role of immune checkpoint inhibitors in both early- and late-stage urologic malignancies.

Module Aims
To develop an in-depth knowledge and understanding of a wide range of malignant tumours, gastrointestinal cancers as a group form the second most prevalent cancers worldwide.

Module Content

• Understand specific diagnostic procedures for GI tumours.
• Combined modality approaches for GI tumours.
• The current treatment situation for pancreatic carcinomas.
• Understand the emerging role of immune-oncology therapies for some GI tumours.

Learning Outcomes

1. Demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of diagnosis, staging, screening, referral and surgical intervention, prognosis.
2. Critically apply an in-depth knowledge of GI cancers cancer and genetics.

Module Aims
To develop an in-depth knowledge and understanding of thoracic cancer and the underlaying genetics. To develop an understanding of resistance to therapy and the emergence of immunotherapy for lung cancer.

Module Content

• Understand the role of environmental factors (e.g., smoking and asbestos).
• Combined modality approaches for lung cancers.
• Understand the paradigm shift for treatment of lung cancers (chemotherapy → immunotherapy and targeted therapies).

Learning Outcomes

1. Equip students with the ability to implement best practice and innovation in complex medical oncology scenarios.
2. To evaluate practice critically in relation to the evidence base in cancer treatment.
3. Critically apply an in-depth knowledge of diagnosis and treatment into their practice as a Medical Oncologist.

Module Aims
To develop an in-depth knowledge of haematological malignancies and the underlying genetics. To improve the understanding of emerging therapies: CAR-T and stem cell transplantation.

Module Content

• Understand the principles of current diagnostic procedures.
• Understand the principles of cell-based therapies (e.g., stem cell transplantation, CAR-T cells).
• The major therapy pillars of haematological malignancies.
• TUnderstand the novel treatment approaches for these malignancies.

Learning Outcomes

1. Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the recent developments in stem cell biology with increased emphasis on genomic and proteomic techniques in the diagnosis of haematological malignancies.
2. Demonstrate a critical knowledge, understanding of the advances in treatment of leukaemias and lymphomas.
3. Critically apply knowledge of cancer diagnosis, staging, screening, referral and prognosis.

Module Aims
To prepare students for an independent research-based project by developing skills in selecting, appraising, discriminating, using evidence and appropriate research/investigative methods to address relevant topics for investigation.

Module Content

• Qualitative research methods.
• Fundamentals of evidence-based practice and its application into the clinical setting.
• Principles of health economics, audit and quality improvement/assurance systems.
• Establishing patient registers and the value of disease-specific registers.
• Research into educational principles for both healthcare practitioner and patient.

Learning Outcomes

1. Select and apply different methodological perspectives and tools to answer research questions in medical oncology.
2. Critically analyse and interpret research in cancer care.

Module Aims
To develop students’ ability to critically appraise specific areas of clinical, research and/or organisational practice and develop skills in independent research, study and writing for publication.

Module Content

• Literature review and appraisal of the evidence.
• Audit of practice including organisational or clinical.
• Review and implementation of evidence-based practice.
• Qualitative or quantitative research (formal research involving human subjects is not anticipated).
• Case(s)-based and quality of service review with critical appraisal.

Learning Outcomes

1. Design and undertake a research/development project related to medical oncology.
2. Critically evaluate practice and suggest improvements or change.
3. Incorporate knowledge of the research process in developing services appropriately.

As each Medical Council has their own rules/regulations with regard to Postgraduate study we recommend that you contact your local Medical Council with regard to recognition.

Upon completion of the course the University would invite you to a graduation ceremony and provide your certificate which makes no reference to the fact that the course was studied online and is therefore typically recognised the same as any other UK University qualification.

Rest assured, the overall Postgraduate Diploma carries a total of 1,200 CPD points, with the MSc an additional 600 CPD points, and all official certifications are issued directly by the University.

When you study one of our programmes you may be surprised to find that there are no lectures or seminars. Your learning will be self-directed meaning that rather than being told information you find it for yourself (with tutor guidance and support). We do this via a series of clinically rich scenarios which your tutor will post on our academic forum which you and your classmates will research, respond to and discuss.

You will be assessed through the Academic Forum, Reflective Journal and Assignments. Learning will be carried out using our online learning platform: Moodle.

You can study whenever and wherever you want - our programmes are totally flexible to fit around your other work and life commitments.

The course is specifically designed so that part of your study is the application of theory to practice in your day job.

We typically suggest that students aim to log into the Moodle platform daily. We recommend a "little and often" approach for reading, reflection and/or posting. High achieving students will typically spend 1-2 hours dedicated to their studies a day; 10 hours per week is sufficient time to spend on the platform.

Those who cannot dedicate more time than once/twice per week may struggle with the demands of this postgraduate programme.

Yes, everything is done entirely online through our learning platform, Moodle. You do not need to attend the University.

All of our courses are delivered in English, so proficiency in the English language is essential for success. If English is not your first language, we require proof of competency as part of your application. We accept the following as proof of English Language skills:

We Accept a Range of English Language Qualifications
While IELTS and TOEFL are among the most commonly used English tests, we understand that students come from diverse backgrounds — and we’re happy to work with you to accept a wide range of other recognised English language qualifications.

We accept IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
Our most commonly accepted test, IELTS is globally recognised and widely used for university admissions.

We accept TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
Another widely accepted test, TOEFL assesses your reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills in an academic setting.

We accept English Medium of Instruction (EMI) Letters
Many of our international students provide an EMI (English Medium Instruction) letter from their previous institution. This letter should confirm that you were taught in the medium of English. It is a popular and widely accepted form of proof, especially if you have completed prior academic studies in English.

Our University partners Requirements
The University of South Wales accepts an overall score of 6.0 (minimum of 5.5 for each band) and The University of Buckingham accepts an overall score of 6.5 (minimum of 6.0 for each band).

Our Flexible Instalment Plan is designed to offer ultimate flexibility to pay for your programme. You have the choice of two payment options:

Make an Upfront Payment in Full: For those who prefer to settle their fees upfront, you can pay the full amount at the beginning of your programme.

Interest-Free Payments: Alternatively, you can choose to spread your payments out with interest-free instalments every month for the duration of your course.

These options are separate from our existing lending partners, which you can explore further on our programme pages. We believe that education should be accessible to all, and our Flexible Instalment Plan is just one of the ways we are committed to supporting you in your academic journey.

We currently offer two discounts: the Early Bird Discount and the Action Taker Discount. The Early Bird discount allows you to save up to £500 or more, available only to self-funders and is a limited-time offer that runs for the entirety of November for the March cohort or the entirety of May for the September cohort. Our Action Taker Discount allows you to save up to £150 off for PGCert and £250 off for PGDip/2-year MSc programmes. To qualify for Action Takers, you must pay the deposit within 7 days of acceptance.

For Early Bird Discounts, the discount is visible if your application and acceptance are completed within the required timeframe. For Action Taker Discounts, it will reflect once conditions are met.