DPhil in Cancer Science
With its first intake confirmed for 2020, the DPhil in Cancer Science Programme at the University of Oxford provides research-based doctoral training for cancer researchers from clinical, biological, engineering, mathematics and statistics backgrounds.
Successful applicants will receive a world-leading research training experience that integrates an education initiative spanning cancer patient care, tumour biology and research impact; on- course and post-programme mentorship; and a specialised, fundamental, subject-specific training programme that is tailored to individual research needs.
Find out more about the course below, read about what our current students are up to, or find out what our alumni have gone on to achieve in their career as a cancer researcher.
Applications are currently closed
The Cancer Research UK Oxford Centre awards around 12 full-time positions on the DPhil in Cancer Science Programme each year for researchers looking to start their academic career at one of the world’s leading research organisations.
The programme is unique and distinctive in offering integrated training across the following themes: Immuno-Oncology; Cancer Big Data; Novel Therapeutics; Early Cancer Detection. It builds on Oxford’s outstanding research record in these areas, spanning both the University and Hospital Trust.
Students participating in the scheme will be offered:
- a choice of interdisciplinary cutting-edge cancer research projects (see the Project Book tab for examples of the type of projects offered).
- the ability to gain a working in-depth knowledge of the fundamentals of cancer biology and cancer patient care through advanced level seminars.
- a world-renowned research environment that encourages the student’s originality and creativity in their research.
- opportunities to develop skills in making and testing hypotheses, in developing new theories, and in planning and conducting experiments.
- an environment in which to develop skills in written work, oral presentation and publishing the results of their research in high-profile scientific journals, through constructive feedback of written work and oral presentations.
At the end of the course, programme students will:
- have gained a thorough knowledge of the basic principles of cancer research including the relevant literature and a comprehensive understanding of scientific methods and techniques applicable to their own research.
- be able to demonstrate originality in the application of knowledge, together with a practical understanding of how research and enquiry are used to create and interpret knowledge in their field.
- have the ability to critically evaluate current research and research techniques and methodologies.
- be able to act autonomously in the planning and implementation of research.
- be prepared for a career in cancer research.
The scheme caters to researchers from a wide range of backgrounds and there are four types of application welcomed as described below.
- Application Type 1 – Clinical Trainees. Qualified doctors at all stages of training (from foundation to higher specialist training).
- Application Type 2 – Medical Undergraduates. Medical students who are currently undertaking a primary medical qualification (MBBS, MBChB or equivalent). At entry, we will be looking for evidence of completion of at least the first two years of a primary medical qualification and achievement at the level of an upper-second or first-class honours degrees (or iBSc).
- Application Type 3 – Non-Clinical/Fundamental Scientist. Science graduates that hold (or be predicted to achieve) the equivalent of a first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours in biological, medical, or chemical science, as appropriate for the projects offered.
- Application Type 4 – Non-Clinical/Fundamental Scientist. Science graduates that hold (or be predicted to achieve) the equivalent of a first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours in engineering, mathematical/data, or physical science, as appropriate for the projects offered.
All offered places are fully funded at the home rate. This includes salary/stipend, University and College fees, and a research consumables budget of £13k p.a.. Salary and stipend provisions are summarised below:
- Track 1 – 3 years of salary at Grade E63 or E64 Clinical Researcher
- Track 2 – 3 years of stipend at the rate of £19,000 per annum.
- Track 3 – 4 years of stipend at the rate of £19,000 per annum.
- Track 4 – 4 years of stipend at the rate of £19,000 per annum.
Applications from international candidates will be accepted, however funding at the home level is only available for this programme and therefore international applicants would need to either source further funding or support themselves financially for the remaining fees. EU applicants should refer to our dedicated webpage for details of the implications of the UK’s plans to leave the European Union.
The process for allocating studentships and fellowships for the 2024 intake is opening in September.
Your Application
The full application guide and link to start your application can be found here under the 'How to apply' section.
Interviews
Interviews are offered to the top-ranked applications, with the results being announced shortly afterwards. All applicants will be judged on the following;
- Evidence of a prior interest in the area of research proposed is likely to advantage your application.
- Prior publications are not required, but research experience and a track record demonstrating an interest in research may be an advantage.
- It would be expected that graduate applicants would be familiar with the recent published work of their proposed supervisor.
- Commitment to and passion for a career in cancer research.
- Reasoning ability and academic curiosity.
If you are thinking of applying to the scheme, useful advice can be found here. If you have any further questions about the programme or the application, please email cancer@medsci.ox.ac.uk.
The open day for the 2023 intake of students was held on Thursday 1 September 2022, 10:30 - 12:00.
The open day for Oxford Medical Undergraduates was held on Monday 31st October, 17:00.
The pre-recorded videos for this can be found below.
If you have any questions about the DPhil in Cancer Science or applications, you can contact us on cancer@medsci.ox.ac.uk and we will direct your question to the most appropriate person.
Prof Mark Middleton - Introduction to the DPhil in Cancer Science & the CRUK Oxford Centre
Prof Rob Gilbert - Cancer Research Training in Oxford
Dr Catherine Swales - Incorporating a DPhil into your undergraduate medical studies
Prof Chris Pugh - Incorporating a DPhil into your postgraduate clinical training
Applications for the 2024 round of the DPhil in Cancer Science programme will open in September.
Project Books from all previous admission rounds are available below
Project submissions now open
For the DPhil in Cancer Science, we look for project submissions from PIs from across medical, physical, engineering and mathematical sciences. We typically advertise 35-45 projects to prospective students, who can apply for their preferred projects (examples of previous projects can be found in the Project Booklet tab).
Cancer researchers from across the Oxford University and Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust who are interested in supervising a student/fellow are invited to submit their project ideas.
The deadline for 2024 project submissions by Oxford supervisors is now open.
If you are interested in hosting a DPhil in Cancer Science student and would like more information please contact us
Funded by
DPhil students in the Cancer Science Programme at the University of Oxford are supported by a grant from Cancer Research UK, managed through the CRUK Oxford Centre.
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CURRENT STUDENTS
Find out what our current students are up to as part of their DPhil in Cancer Science projects
Latest news
Multi-cancer blood test shows real promise in NHS trial
2 June 2023
An NHS trial of a new blood test for more than 50 types of cancer correctly revealed two out of every three cancers in more than 5,000 people who had visited their GP with suspected symptoms, in England or Wales. The test also also correctly identified the original site of cancer in 85% of those cases.
ALUMNI DESTINATIONS
Find out what our graduates have gone on to do in the cancer research sector