Cancer Science CDT (Biological background) (Taught)

The information provided on this page was correct at the time of publication (November 2025). For complete and up-to-date information about this course, please visit the relevant University of Oxford course page via www.graduate.ox.ac.uk/ucas.

The Cancer Science CDT is a research-based four-year course offering interdisciplinary training in cancer biology, immuno-oncology, big data, early detection, and novel therapeutics, with lab rotations and a final project.

This course is for non-clinical scientists who want to undertake advanced study in the field of cancer research. Applications are accepted from finalists or graduates in biological, medical, or chemical science, as appropriate for the project(s) selected (see Entry requirements for further details).

As a doctoral student on this course, you will carry out research for four years on a full-time basis. All students are admitted directly to work under the supervision of a Principal Investigator who is formally appointed as the doctoral supervisor.

You will undertake your preferred research projects from the list advertised in the "Non-Clinical" project booklet. Your first year will consist of two six-month periods in two of the selected research groups. This rotational aspect of the programme provides you with a broad base of experience and the opportunity to explore different aspects of research prior to selecting a single project to focus on in years two to four.

All doctoral students develop their skills through a range of research training and skills development in their first year of full-time study, by attending compulsory and optional courses and lectures in laboratory techniques and generic skills, including scientific writing and statistics, while also carrying out your research project.

You will be encouraged to attend lectures and seminars related to your programme of research and make the most of the doctoral training and research methods provision available across the University. The aim is to tailor this training to individual needs and bring all students up to an advanced level in background knowledge. Later training is focused on the skills required for a successful career in independent research and for clinicians, to successful re-integration into clinical training.