Digital Cancer Technologies MSc

Computational approaches to cancer research, including machine learning, digital pathology, spatial relationships and big data are changing the way we look at disease. This programme will introduce students to emerging digital technologies that are changing the future of cancer research and guide the next generation of researchers on how to interpret these data outputs.

Academic contact: mvls-digitalcancertechnologies@glasgow.ac.uk
Teaching start: September

MSc: 12 months full-time

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Why this programme

Watch our latest Ask your academic webinar to find out more about this programme.

Utilise cutting-edge facilities, research and teaching experience at the University of Glasgow and Queen Elizabeth University Hospital.
Take part in seminars from world-class leaders in the field.
Benefit from partnerships with the NHS and industrial collaborators, including Bioclavis, Canon, Hamamatsu, Oracle Bio and Visiopharm.
Learn at the cutting edge of advances in pathology and medicine, experiencing the changing landscape of these areas as they progress with an in-depth seminar series from industry leaders, hands on digital pathology work using Qupath and introduction to Vis and AI and visit the Glasgow Tissue Research Facility and Wolfson Wohl Cancer Research Centre.
NHS and industry roles are increasingly incorporating digital pathology and AI approaches, and our programme offers a uniquely comprehensive training in these areas which can be found in few institutes in the UK.
This programme is lead by Professor Joanne Edwards, Dr Jen Hay, Professor Helen Wheadon, Dr Laura Richmond and Dr. Noha-Ehssan Mohamed.

Programme structure

This programme aims to provide the student with a critical understanding of core principles in histology, digital pathology and bioinformatics, as well as foundational knowledge of cutting edge, emerging technologies and application of artificial intelligence being utilised in cancer research.

Students will receive introductory training in the field of digital pathology platforms and their use within the field of cancer research and will gain a critical understanding, including analytical skills, of multiplex IHC, spatial transcriptomics and the relationship/localization of cells within tissues.

As part of the programme, students will also gain hands on experiences of how to design large data projects relating to bioinformatics and receive training in running basic image analysis using a digital platform and the analysis of the data output.

The programme is made up of courses totalling 180 credits, with 120 taught credits and a 60 credit research project. Due to the speciality nature of this programme, all courses are compulsory.

Core courses

AI IN CANCER RESEARCH
BASIC PATHOLOGY & PATHOLOGY TECHNIQUES
DIGITAL CANCER TECHNOLOGIES RESEARCH PROJECT
DIGITAL PATHOLOGY & IMAGE ANALYSIS
EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES IN CANCER
HALLMARKS OF CANCER
INTRODUCTION TO OMICS AND R
PROJECT DESIGN AND DATA ANALYSIS IN CANCER RESEARCH

Programme alteration or discontinuation
The University of Glasgow endeavours to run all programmes as advertised. In exceptional circumstances, however, the University may withdraw or alter a programme. For more information, please see: Student contract.

Career prospects

This programme will provide an excellent foundation for careers in computational biology or bioinformatics in both industry and academic settings, as well as biomedical science roles within the NHS, or research science roles across multiple sectors.

Training throughout this programme and during the research project will provide students with both the theoretical and practical skills required for these sectors, as demonstrated by our close links with both NHS and industry partners.

In addition, undertaking this MSc programme offers students with an excellent grounding for proceeding to doctoral study in these areas.

Fees & funding

Tuition fees for 2023-24

MSc

UK

Full-time fee: £10050

International & EU

Full-time fee: £27930

Additional fees

Fee for re-assessment of a dissertation (PGT programme): £370
Submission of thesis after deadline lapsed: £350
Registration/exam only fee: £170

Funding opportunities

University of Glasgow International Leadership Scholarship

The University of Glasgow has several International Leadership Scholarships available to International and EU (non-UK) students starting a postgraduate taught Masters programme in any discipline for Academic Session 2023-24. The scholarship is awarded as a tuition fees discount.

University of Glasgow International Leadership Scholarship

University of Glasgow Chancellor's Award

The University of Glasgow has 40 Chancellors Award Scholarships available to students from low and middle income countries, starting a 1 year postgraduate taught Masters programme in any discipline, in academic session 2023-24. The scholarship is awarded as a tuition fee discount.

University of Glasgow Chancellor's Award

University of Glasgow Chancellor's Award (Nigeria)

The University of Glasgow has 10 Chancellors Award Scholarships available to Nigerian students starting a postgraduate taught Masters programme in any discipline in academic session 2023-24. The scholarship is awarded as a tuition fee discount.

University of Glasgow Chancellor's Award (Nigeria)

University of Glasgow Scholarships for Turkey and Syria

Following the devastating earthquake which struck Turkey and Syria, the University of Glasgow is offering 6 exclusive full tuition fee waivers to students from this region, who are facing challenges in progressing on to Higher Education. The scholarship is available to students entering any of the University’s Colleges to undertake an Undergraduate or Postgraduate Taught (one-year Masters) programme in 2023-2024.

University of Glasgow Scholarships for Turkey and Syria

The scholarships above are specific to this programme. For more funding opportunities search the scholarships database

Entry requirements

A 2:1 Honours degree or above in biochemistry, biotechnology or other relevant biological/biomedical science will be required.

English language requirements

For applicants whose first language is not English, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level.

International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic module (not General Training)

6.5 with no subtests under 6.0.
Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.

Common equivalent English language qualifications

All stated English tests are acceptable for admission to this programme:

TOEFL (ibt, mybest or athome)

90 with minimum R 20, L 19, S 19, W 23.
Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test, this includes TOEFL mybest.

PTE (Academic or Academic Online)

60 with minimum 59 in all sub-tests.
Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.

Cambridge Proficiency in English (CPE) and Cambridge Advanced English (CAE)

176 overall, no subtest less than 169
Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.

Glasgow International College English Language (and other foundation providers)

65%.
Tests are accepted for academic year following sitting.

University of Glasgow Pre-sessional courses

Tests are accepted for 2 years following date of successful completion.

Alternatives to English Language qualification

Degree from majority-English speaking country (as defined by the UKVI including Canada if taught in English)
- students must have studied for a minimum of 2 years at Undergraduate level, or 9 months at Master's level, and must have complete their degree in that majority-English speaking country and within the last 6 years
Undergraduate 2+2 degree from majority-English speaking country (as defined by the UKVI including Canada if taught in English)
- students must have completed their final two years study in that majority-English speaking country and within the last 6 years

For international students, the Home Office has confirmed that the University can choose to use these tests to make its own assessment of English language ability for visa applications to degree level programmes. The University is also able to accept UKVI approved Secure English Language Tests (SELT) but we do not require a specific UKVI SELT for degree level programmes. We therefore still accept any of the English tests listed for admission to this programme.

Pre-sessional courses

The University of Glasgow accepts evidence of the required language level from the English for Academic Study Unit Pre-sessional courses. We also consider other BALEAP accredited pre-sessional courses:

For further information about English language requirements, please contact the Recruitment and International Office using our enquiry form

International students

We are proud of our diverse University community which attracts students and staff from over 140 different countries.

How to apply

To apply for a postgraduate taught degree you must apply online. We cannot accept applications any other way.

Please check you meet the Entry requirements for this programme before you begin your application.

Documents

As part of your online application, you also need to submit the following supporting documents:

A copy (or copies) of your official degree certificate(s) (if you have already completed your degree)
A copy (or copies) of your official academic transcript(s), showing full details of subjects studied and grades/marks obtained
Official English translations of the certificate(s) and transcript(s)
One reference letter on headed paper
Evidence of your English language ability (if your first language is not English)
Any additional documents required for this programme (see Entry requirements for this programme)
A copy of the photo page of your passport (Non-EU students only)

You have 42 days to submit your application once you begin the process.

You may save and return to your application as many times as you wish to update information, complete sections or upload supporting documents such as your final transcript or your language test.

For more information about submitting documents or other topics related to applying to a postgraduate taught programme, check Frequently Asked Questions

Guidance notes for using the online application

These notes are intended to help you complete the online application form accurately; they are also available within the help section of the online application form.

If you experience any difficulties accessing the online application then you should visit the Application Troubleshooting/FAQs page.

Name and Date of birth: must appear exactly as they do on your passport. Please take time to check the spelling and lay-out.
Contact Details: Correspondence address. All contact relevant to your application will be sent to this address including the offer letter(s). If your address changes, please contact us as soon as possible.
Choice of course: Please select carefully the course you want to study. As your application will be sent to the admissions committee for each course you select it is important to consider at this stage why you are interested in the course and that it is reflected in your application.
Proposed date of entry: Please state your preferred start date including the month and the year. Taught masters degrees tend to begin in September. Research degrees may start in any month.
Education and Qualifications: Please complete this section as fully as possible indicating any relevant Higher Education qualifications starting with the most recent. Complete the name of the Institution (s) as it appears on the degree certificate or transcript.
English Language Proficiency: Please state the date of any English language test taken (or to be taken) and the award date (or expected award date if known).
Employment and Experience: Please complete this section as fully as possible with all employments relevant to your course. Additional details may be attached in your personal statement/proposal where appropriate.

Reference: Please provide one reference. This should typically be an academic reference but in cases where this is not possible then a reference from a current employer may be accepted instead. Certain programmes, such as the MBA programme, may also accept an employer reference. If you already have a copy of a reference on letter headed paper then please upload this to your application. If you do not already have a reference to upload then please enter your referee’s name and contact details on the online application and we will contact your referee directly.

Application deadlines

September 2023

International applicants

As there is extremely high demand for places on this degree programme, the University has established an application process with application rounds. This process aims to ensure fairness and equity to applicants and should support applications being open for the full admission cycle.

Round 1 application dates

1 October to 1 December 2022. You will receive our decision on your application by 28 January 2023.

Round 2 application dates

2 December 2022 to 1 February 2023. You will receive our decision on your application by 1 April 2023.

Round 3 application dates

2 February to 1 April 2023. You will receive our decision on your application by 20 May 2023.

Round 4 application dates

2 April to 15 May 2023.You will receive our decision on your application by 1 July 2023.

Round 5 application dates

16 May to 1 July 2023. You will receive our decision on your application by 4 August 2023.

As we receive a great number of applications, prospective students are only allowed to apply once per year.

UK applicants

17 August 2023