MSc in Experimental and Translational Therapeutics

'I am a pharmacist who, after graduation, was keen to enter the research field. I knew I could work with drugs, but I wanted to specialize in a drug research area and my interest was still broad. I foresaw that a postgraduate degree was the next step, and the MSc in Experimental Therapeutics was what I needed to understand the current challenges in good clinical and research practice. I learned to apply the skills I already had - and, at the same time, develop new ones in the theoretical and empirical context.

'The modules were really engaging and I enjoyed the challenge to demonstrate a high level of critical thinking and innovation. I also got the opportunity to get laboratory experience - and then initiated working on my one-year dissertation project, Ruthenium Compounds as Anticancer Therapeutics: Mechanisms of Action at The CRUK-MRC Oxford Institute for Radiation Oncology.

'Platinum (Pt) compounds are amongst the most clinically useful drugs used in cancer treatment; however, due to unresolved issues of toxicity seen with them in general, the search for alternative anticancer therapeutics containing other metallic elements is in progress. Ruthenium (Ru) is a transition metal that forms a scientifically attractive alternative to Pt for drug discovery in treating cancer.

'The project explored the role of the tumor suppressor protein p53 in determining cellular responses to two Ru(II) complexes. They were investigated for their cytotoxicity and potential for use as radiosensitisers, and were compared with other Pt agents.

'This work gained a 'distinction' and resulted in my co-authoring my first publication, in Nature.

'All achievements came with a lot of hard-work and excellent supervision - especially when dealing with many of the pioneers in the relevant areas. My goals were refined and I found myself genuinely interested in dealing with health data.

'This is how I am currently involved in a project on big data analysis at The George Institute for Global Health (part of The Nuffield Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology(NDOG)). I am working on tracking physical activity (PA) from childhood into adulthood in subjects from The International Child Cardiovascular Cohort (i3C) Consortium.

'From my own experience, the MSc in Experimental Therapeutics further contributed to my personal improvement as well. I enjoyed being the student representative for my cohort and participating in meetings within the Department and the University.'

‘I decided to apply for the MSc in Experimental and Translational Therapeutics to broaden my knowledge of drug discovery and development, particularly in relation to the new therapeutic modalities (eg cell and gene therapy) which we have seen an explosion of in recent years. We are entering a new age of medical innovation and, as a young scientist in the industry, I wanted to strengthen my understanding of the enabling scientific and technological advances, as well as how clinical trial and regulatory frameworks are shifting to accommodate this. The course stood out to me with its focus on these emerging areas and themes (eg modules in personalised therapy and biological therapeutics), in addition to fundamental drug development principles.

'The University of Oxford is widely recognised as being on the forefront of cutting-edge therapeutic and clinical research, and the course is able to draw from this rich body of experience with tuition from world-class academics and researchers in these fields. To add to this, each module features a number of guest lectures given by industry and medical professionals, which is highly beneficial in understanding how such advances are being translated into practice.'

Full spotlight is available at:

https://www.conted.ox.ac.uk/profiles/joshua-hughes

Ernest Chiodo, internal medicine and public health physician, attorney, toxicologist and biomedical engineer, decided to take our part-time MSc in Experimental and Translation Therapeutics as it allowed him to maintain his professional practice while improving his expertise.

'I took a prior medically-related MSc through the University of Oxford and found the degree programme to be interesting and convenient. I decided to take the Experimental and Translational Therapeutics (ETT) master's degree to improve my medical, legal, toxicology and biomedical engineering expertise.

'The course is well taught and informative and presented by well-informed and friendly faculty. The course format is convenient for working professionals.

'Do not be intimidated by Oxford. Use the resources provided by the University, including faculty and fellow students, to enhance your studies. Studying at Oxford is truly a life-changing experience.

'As an internal medicine and public health physician, attorney, toxicologist and biomedical engineer, I have a strong interest in drug, vaccine and medical device development. I gained significant knowledge of how pharmaceutics, vaccines and medical devices are developed and received regulatory approval. I also gained significant medical knowledge which has improved my expertise as a physician.

'It was very important that I studied Experimental and Translational Therapeutics in the Department for Continuing Education. If the degree programme had not been part-time I could not have taken the course since I cannot leave my professional practice to be a full-time student.

'It was a richly rewarding life experience having studied at the University of Oxford. The ETT programme was excellent. I am extremely glad to have taken the course of study and highly recommend the ETT programme.'

Preman is a practising physician who progressed onto his DPhil at Oxford, having previously completed the MSc in Experimental and Translational Therapeutics.

'Before the MSc Course I was (and still am) a practicing physician in the fields of molecular genetics and internal medicine in Minnesota, in the United States.

'The initial attraction to the course was the opportunity to study at and obtain a post-graduate degree from the top-ranked and arguably the greatest University in the world, under the direction of world-leading scientists in their fields (like Professor Len Seymour, Dr. Elaine Johnstone, Dr. Michael Theodorakis, Professor Rachel Kerr, Professor Paul Brennan, and Dr. Grant Vallance). Once on the course however, the excellence of every aspect of the programme continually reinforced the fact that pursuing this MSc was a wonderful decision.

'I personally did not encounter any significant challenges, and found that the entire design, layout, and delivery of the course made it extremely easy to navigate and was conducive to thriving academically. The tutors were always extremely helpful in clarifying any unfamiliar subject matter.

'The most rewarding and enjoyable aspects of the programme was the subject matter itself sparkled with intellectual and human interest, and our Professors and Tutors were warm, friendly, and engaging. Learning about cutting-edge therapeutic approaches like oncolytic viruses, pharmacogenomics, and target-driven, intelligent drug design from pioneering scientists was ample reward in itself.

'I am now back to practising medicine however the course was so inspirational that I am embarking on a DPhil in a related field at Oxford, with the aim of expanding my career to combine medical pratice with biomedical research.

'A Continuing Education course, far from being a daunting prospect, is quite on the contrary, fun, stimulating, and rewarding. The way to get the most out of it is to embrace it as an adventure, understanding that while you might be an expert in your field, you will encounter others who are experts in theirs. The open, friendly exchange of ideas in a warm, welcoming forum makes for friendships and professional relationships you will keep and cherish long after your time at Oxford.'