Overview
Cancer care is changing. New treatments, new technologies and new models of care are transforming the way cancer is prevented, diagnosed, treated and supported.
Our Masters in Advancing Future Cancer Care is a new postgraduate programme being developed by The Christie Institute for Cancer Education for healthcare professionals who want to deepen their specialist knowledge, strengthen their practice and help shape the future of cancer care.
This programme will offer flexible postgraduate study options, with pathways leading towards PGCert, PGDip and Masters level study.
At a glance
The programme will combine flexible online learning with applied, work-based learning. Learners will explore core themes in cancer care, communication, leadership, supportive oncology, prevention, screening, early diagnosis and real-world outcomes, before progressing into one of three specialist strands.
The Masters is being developed around 3 specialist pathways:
- Precision Oncology
- Advanced Cancer Surgery and Interventional Care
- Primary and Community Care Oncology
Each pathway is designed to help you to apply advanced knowledge to real clinical practice, with opportunities to connect learning to your own role, setting and professional ambitions.
Not a generic cancer programme
The programme is designed for professionals who want to learn from specialist expertise, engage with the future direction of cancer care and apply their learning in ways that make a difference to patients, teams and services.
Developed by The Christie Institute for Cancer Education, part of The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, one of Europe’s largest specialist cancer centres, this programme is routed in expertise and has been born from our desire to improve patient care through education.
Through flexible learning, expert teaching by Christie clinicians and applied assessment, learners will be supported to build confidence in complex cancer care, develop their professional practice and contribute to better outcomes across local, national and international settings.
Who should join this programme?
This postgraduate suite is designed not just to support healthcare professionals working across cancer care, but also those with a keen interest in developing their knowledge of cancer and its treatments.
You may be a:
- Doctor seeking a full Masters level qualification in advanced cancer care
- International doctors looking for specialist cancer education in advanced surgery, precision oncology or primary care oncology
- Advanced Clinical Practitioner working in nursing, allied health, pharmacy or ambulance services
- Specialist nurse or allied health professional seeking a UK postgraduate qualification
- Pharmacist, radiographer or other professional working in cancer services
- Primary care professional with an interest in cancer prevention, diagnosis, survivorship and community-based care
The programme has been built to give a rounded education suitable for many healthcare professionals with the ability to tailor assessments and placements to suit your role.
The programme may also appeal to learners who want to begin with a shorter postgraduate route, such as a PGCert or PGDip, before progressing further.
Programme breakdown
The Masters will run over 3 years part-time and year one will ensure each learners receives an advance foundation of knowledge from which to begin on their specialist pathway. Years 2 and 3 will see you specialise in a specialist pathway.
Specialist pathways
In year 2, learners can choose a specialist pathway to align to your current role or ambition.
Overview
The future of cancer treatment is increasingly personalised. The Precision Oncology strand will explore the advances shaping modern cancer care, including systemic anti-cancer therapies, radiotherapy, genomic medicine, targeted treatments, immunotherapy, clinical trials, toxicity management and value-based decision-making.
Who is this pathway for
This strand is designed for professionals who want to understand how innovation is changing cancer treatment and how precision approaches can be applied safely, effectively and equitably in practice.
This pathway may be particularly relevant for medical and clinical oncologists, advanced clinical practitioners, oncology nurses, pharmacists, radiographers and international healthcare professionals working in specialist cancer care.
Overview
Cancer surgery continues to evolve through innovation, technology and multidisciplinary decision-making.
The Advanced Cancer Surgery and Interventional Care strand will explore modern surgical oncology, interventional approaches, robotics, artificial intelligence, surgical decision-making, communication, ergonomics and complex cancer pathways.
Who is this pathway for?
This strand is designed for professionals who want to develop insight into advanced surgical cancer care and learn from specialist practice within a leading cancer centre.
This pathway may be particularly relevant for surgeons, surgical fellows, registrars, international surgical specialists and advanced practitioners working in surgical or interventional cancer care.
Overview
Cancer care increasingly extends beyond the specialist centre. The Primary and Community Care Oncology strand will explore prevention, screening, early diagnosis, cultural competency, investigations in primary care, treatment-related toxicities, late effects, recurrence, palliative care and survivorship.
Who is this pathway for?
This strand is designed for professionals who want to strengthen cancer care across primary, community and integrated settings, supporting earlier diagnosis, better coordination and improved long-term outcomes.
This pathway may be particularly relevant for GPs, primary care physicians, advanced clinical practitioners, community practitioners, nurses and allied health professionals.
Learning Designed Around Practice
The programme is being designed to support flexible study alongside professional practice.
Learners can expect a blend of asynchronous learning, live online discussion, tutor-supported seminars and applied assessment. Depending on the pathway and award route, learners may also have opportunities to undertake portfolio-based work-based learning, observership activity or practice improvement projects.
Assessment will be designed to reflect real professional practice, with examples including case-based presentations, reflective work, improvement projects, posters, presentations and applied portfolio activity.
Entry requirements
Academic entry requirements
- A relevant first degree (2:1) with a minimum 5 years work experience
- A relevant first degree (2:2) with a minimum 7 years work experience
Equivalent international qualifications
- Alternative qualifications will be measured on a case-by-case basis.
English Language Requirements
- IELTS 7.5 with no element below or equivalent English language qualification.
Stay tuned for more
Advancing Future Cancer Care is launching in 2027.
Register your interest to receive programme updates, launch information and early access to future events.
You will be among the first to hear when further details are available, including award options, entry requirements, pathway information and application dates.
Register your interest in the course now.