Breadcrumbs

Home
Study
Courses
Applied Cancer Studies MSc

Applied Cancer Studies

MSc

The Cancer Reform Strategy (Department of Health 2007) builds on the progress made since the publication of the NHS Cancer Plan in 2000 and sets a clear direction for cancer services for the next five years. It highlights the need to deliver appropriate training to all those involved in delivering care and support to cancer patients.

Advances in treatment modalities and the development of specialist and extended roles has led to a need to develop higher awards to enable healthcare professionals to deliver improvements in the experience of people living with and surviving cancer.

This course is designed to provide specialists working in the field of cancer care / cancer treatment (and those with a specialist interest in oncology) with an in depth knowledge and understanding of cancer in the 21st century. Its impact upon a modern health service and the changing needs of the patient / client group, as people with cancer are not so much considered "sufferers" but now more as "survivors".

The course provides an opportunity to acquire an in depth understanding of issues associated specifically with oncology, and to complement this with knowledge of how these issues impact upon own practice.

There is also an in-depth investigation into the role and use of diagnostic and cancer treatment modalities available in the 21st century, and how their development has impacted upon patients care and the type of care provided.

Overview
Content
Additional information
How to apply
Fees and funding

Application

Direct application to The University of Northampton or UKPASS

Course level

Postgraduate

Modes of study

Part time

Attendance

Modular, modules typically require three days attendance and e-learning.

Location

Trust sites

Entry requirements

It is the policy of the University to admit students who are able to demonstrate the potential to benefit from, and have a reasonable chance of successfully completing, its programmes of study.

Qualifications the University considers being of sufficient rigour and subject to an acceptable quality assurance regime, including qualifications from other countries, will be accepted provided that they are deemed to be equivalent to the above and provide an appropriate basis for further study on a specific programme.

In addition, students should also be employed in a suitable workplace environment to support learning and assessment on the programme. This will be assessed via application form and follow up telephone interview.

Length of study

Five years

Start date

September

School

School of Health

Course content

The MSc Applied Cancer Studies programme is designed to meet the needs of oncology healthcare professionals working at advanced level with an opportunity to acquire an in depth understanding of issues associated specifically with oncology, and to complement this with knowledge of how these issues impact upon their own practice.

Typical modules

Click here for a detailed list of modules.

Profession specific modules:

Contextual Issues in Cancer
Innovations in Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment
Living with and Beyond Cancer
Advanced Communication Skills for Healthcare Professionals

Students additionally choose two designated modules from within the School of Health portfolio.

AND

Research related modules:

Evidence based Healthcare Research
Evidence based Research Project

Research Methods in Healthcare
Dissertation

Reading list

See individual modules.

Assessment

The assessment strategies adopted in this programme give students the opportunity, through critical reflection, to review their personal learning and development in relation to their oncology clinical practice and from an inter-professional viewpoint. Students are enabled to review aspects of professional practice and explore evidence in relation to their profession and area of expertise.

The assessment process also enables students to demonstrate the application of theoretical concepts to professional practice and the importance of understanding and analysing the evidence base underpinning practice in the work-place.

The specific nature of the assessments within modules will be relevant to the topic areas and the format and amount is outlined in each module specification. To ensure assessment is effective, relevant and fair, a variety of modes of assessment will be used. These will include, but will not be limited to: essays; portfolios; presentations and a research thesis.

Facilities available

Dedicated teaching accommodation with modern teaching and learning resources.

Methods of study

Standard and blended.

Career opportunities

The attainment of this course may increase the possibility of employment in an oncology related field.

Application

Direct application to The University of Northampton or UKPASS

Application notes

Students should be employed in a suitable workplace environment to support learning and assessment of the programme. This will be assessed via application form and follow up telephone interview.

Fees quoted are for home and EU students commencing their course in the academic year 2012/13. Tuition fees are payable for each year of the course. The fees are subject to annual increases in subsequent academic years.

Full time fees

£4856

Part-time fees

Year 1: £540 per 20 credit module

Funding for some of these modules may be available from NHS East Midlands subject to meeting the required criteria through the Learning Beyond Registration contract which is accessible until March 2013. Please follow the link for eligibility criteria.