Overview

Translational Cancer Medicine enables you to gain detailed knowledge and understanding of research methods applied to rational drug design, clinical study design, molecular and cell biology, tumour immunology, genetics and cancer imaging. You’ll gain practical experience through an 11-month interdisciplinary research project.

Applications from students on an undergraduate Medical or Dental programme looking to intercalate are welcome.

Key benefits

  • A unique research course that includes the study of advanced imaging methods and tumour immunology.
  • The sponsoring laboratories and departments all have international standing and closely supervise research trainees throughout the study course.
  • This is a competitive course to support PhD applications and continued translational and medical training.

Course essentials

The Translational Cancer Medicine MRes study pathway offers unique opportunities for you to join experienced research teams and work on particular projects from the outset. This course will allow you to develop an in-depth understanding of research methods, and of how theoretical academic studies and skills relate to research projects.

You will explore Fundamentals of Translational Cancer Medicine, in both laboratory projects and lectures, providing you with advanced knowledge and skills to conceptualise, design, conduct and critically appraise specialist research.

Examples of research project titles could include:

  • 'Serum biomarkers in relation to risk and progression of cancer – an analysis using the Swedish Apolipoprotein MORtality RISk study (AMORIS)'
  • 'Validation of actionable genes in colorectal cancer'
  • 'Characterisation of different immune cells in lymph nodes'
  • 'Tumour associated macrophages in cancer progression'
  • 'Regulation of cell division and receptor degradation by the ESCRT-machinery'
  • 'Multi-modal in vivo imaging for monitoring cancer treatment'

This course is primarily taught on King’s College London Guy’s campus, however some research projects will see candidates located at Denmark Hill, Waterloo and St Thomas’ campuses.

Key Information

Course type:

Master's

Delivery mode:

In person

Study mode:

Full time

Duration:

One year, September to September

Credit value:

UK 180/ECTS 90

Application status:

Open

Start date:

September 2026

Administrative bodies

Regulating body

Application closing date guidance

Base campuses

King's Open Day Guy's Campus

Guy’s Campus

Located near London Bridge, Guy’s Campus offers a dynamic yet focused environment, ideal for health and science students. Offering cutting-edge labs and a close-knit academic community, at the heart of one of London’s most vibrant and historic areas.

Students outside the main building at Denmark Hill

Denmark Hill Campus

Denmark Hill, in Southwark, London, is a vibrant area known for its historical landmarks and green spaces. Home to King's College and the Maudsley Hospitals, it also features Ruskin Park, named after John Ruskin, and the Camberwell College of Arts.

Waterloo - students walking

Waterloo Campus

Our Waterloo campus is home to the Florence Nightingale Faculty Nursing & Midwifery, and a vibrant hub for health, social science, and law students. Located moments from the iconic landmarks of South Bank and just a short walk to the Stand campus.

St Thomas's campus looking out towards the river and the London Eye.

St Thomas’ Campus

St Thomas’ Campus feels inspiring—right on the Thames with stunning views of Parliament. It’s a hub for healthcare and clinical training, offering hands-on experience in a top hospital setting, all in the heart of central London.