The biggest modern breakthrough for cancer treatment has been antibody therapies. An increasing number of biotechnology companies have antibody - or vaccine-based cancer therapies in development. This course aims to attract students interested in tumour immunology who wish to pursue a career either in industry (biotechnology) or academia.
The course covers both antibody and vaccine cancer therapies and explores the immunology of the tumour host interface. In addition, students will learn about intellectual property and how to exploit scientific research in scientific writings, patents and in development of business plans applicable to the biotechnology industry. To gain practical experience in research students will carry out a research project in the field of tumour immunology.
Aims and objectives
- Acquire a specialised knowledge in tumour immunology with particular reference to monoclonal antibody and cancer vaccines - Develop the critical and analytical power to evaluate scientific literature - Perform a scientific research project - Acquire the ability to communicate scientific results orally and in writing - Learn about business exploitation of cancer therapy
Innovative features of the course
- The only MSc course based entirely on tumour immunology - Students undertake a substantial research project, during which time they acquire a considerable amount of laboratory-based skills - A module based entirely on scientific writing and the development of a business plan - Individuals from industry lecture on the course - It is suitable for graduates in Life Sciences, Biomedical Sciences and allied subjects and also for people already in suitable employment who wish to improve and update their knowledge and experience - It attracts students from the UK and worldwide
Student opinions
"I really enjoyed the course. At first I thought it might be too much of a challenge for me to catch up with everyone because I did not do much molecular science, but the lecturers and staff were really helpful. They made sure everyone was on the same level and there was always someone with whom you could speak if you had any problems. Let's just say they are always there if you need help.
The course also focused on the business side as well, which was a nice change. We were also given lectures by people from the industry. All in all, I would have no hesitation in recommending this course to anyone seeking to develop their scientific knowledge, skills and enhance their career prospects."
"The course prepared me for the cut-throat business of securing research funding, patents and the enormous opportunities available in this new and fascinating field.
Nottingham is a wonderful place to study with excellent academic support and several postgraduate social events throughout the year. I thoroughly enjoyed my one year here."
Comments from potential employers (biotechnology companies)
"This subject is currently undergoing massive expansion and yet qualified graduates are difficult to find. The industry as a whole would benefit from having a source of students with this qualification and from our point of view, such a course may provide candidates that are potentially useful to our company."
"A course in cancer immunotherapy would provide valuable training for people wanting to seek a career in the biopharmaceutical industry where much of the research and development effort is focussed on targeted biological therapies for cancer."
"The CIB course was extremely useful, building on my undergraduate degree to make me feel like a competent scientist, ready for work in the industry, or future study. It started off providing an introduction to immunology and oncology, quickly progressing to advanced ideas and the latest science in the fields. The real selling point of the course is that it’s one of few courses in the extremely hot field of Cancer Immunotherapy, an exciting area which is catching a lot of interest in both industry and academia.
The course also provides modules in statistics, and a “business development” module, both of which are useful in honing key skills. The lab placement for me was the highlight of the course, I worked for 5 months in a team I quickly became friends with, doing genuinely interesting and important research. Everybody was really supportive along the way, and I after completing the course I feel a much stronger scientist, and ready move forward in my career with confidence."
Founded in 2001, Developing Solutions is The University of Nottingham's flagship international scholarship programme for postgraduate masters courses.Over the past 12 years we've supported over 1,000 students from the developing countries of the Commonwealth and Africa to study at The University of Nottingham.Developing Solutions scholarships for 2015 entry are now open for applications.
Value of Scholarship(s)
30 x 100% tuition fee and 75 x 50% tuition fee
Eligibility
You can apply for this scholarship if you:--are a national of (or permanently domiciled in) Africa, India or one of the countries of the Commonwealth listed below* AND --are classed as an overseas student for fee purposes AND --have not already studied outside of your home country** AND --are not currently studying at a University of Nottingham campus or are not a University of Nottingham graduate AND --already hold an offer to start a full-time masters degree programme, including MRes, at Nottingham for September 2015 in certain faculties including the Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences.
Application Procedure
The closing date for scholarship applications is 24 April 2015 – 12 mid-day (UK time).Application for admission to study at Nottingham must be received at least six weeks before the scholarship closing date to allow time for our Admissions office to process the application and confirm your offer, before you can apply for the scholarship. Any application for admission to study submitted later than six weeks before the scholarship closing date is not guaranteed to be processed in time.
The University of Nottingham is delighted to offer this scholarship in partnership with the UK Department for International Development (DFID) and the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) for students studying in the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences on one of the courses listed below.Please also read the 2015 Shared Scholarships information (http://cscuk.dfid.gov.uk/apply/shared-scholarships/info-candidates/) for candidates on the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission's website.
Value of Scholarship(s)
Full Scholarships
Eligibility
Please follow the web links for eligibility details.
Application Procedure
The closing date for applications is 20 March 2015 – 12 mid-day (UK time). Please visit the scholarship website for more details.
The University of Nottingham Masters Scholarship Scheme
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20+ Awards
Applicants will need to hold an offer for a taught postgraduate course and fulfil one or more of the following criteria:Care leavers - have been in public care for a minimum of three months prior to their entrance to university in 2012 In receipt of government funding in the form of a full maintenance grant and/or a National Scholarship Programme during the first year of undergraduate study (2012)Women in STEM (restricted programmes)Disability, long-term medical condition or specific learning difficulty From a Black or Minority Ethnic (BME) group
Value of Scholarship(s)
10,000
Eligibility
Applicants for this scholarship must be progressing from an undergraduate course for which they were charged the higher £9k tuition fee and be classed as a Home/EU student.
Application Procedure
Application detailsApplications for this scholarship will open shortly. Follow the web link to find out more.
To apply for a Chevening Scholarships you must have:a degree of a good standard at least two years' work experience (including voluntary experience) a high standard of English language leadership and networking skills commitment to work in your home country for at least two years after completing your masters degree
2.2 degree (or international equivalent). English language requirements: IELTS 6.5 (no less than 6.0 in any element), achieved within 2 years prior to admission.
Last Updated
11 November 2016
Course Fees
Please see the University website for details
Email Enquiry
Recipient: University of Nottingham
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"The CIB course was extremely useful, building on my undergraduate degree to make me feel like a competent scientist, ready for work in the industry, or future study. It started off providing an introduction to immunology and oncology, quickly progressing to advanced ideas and the latest science in the fields. The real selling point of the course is that it’s one of few courses in the extremely hot field of Cancer Immunotherapy, an exciting area which is catching a lot of interest in both industry and academia. 
