Cancer Biology

Award Award	Duration Duration	Start dates Start dates	Application Application
PhD (MPhil also available) PhD (MPhil also available)	Full-time: 3–4 years Part-time: 6–8 years Full-time: 3–4 years Part-time: 6–8 years	February and October February and October	January to April January to April

Exhibiting the core values of The Open University, the Cancer Group is ‘open to people, places, methods and ideas.’ Our work encompasses a wide range of disciplines applied to cancer, including: molecular biology, chemistry, physics, technology, bioinformatics, engineering, social sciences and education. We also work with world-leading research institutes, (including our Affiliated Research Centres), universities, hospitals, businesses and organisations.

Areas of specific focus include: cancer cell biology (bioinformatics and wet lab work), diagnostics, experimental therapeutics, patient support and care. Specifically, we use a variety of bioinformatic tools to identify novel functional and prognostic genes and variants, particularly regulatory networks. We use state-of-the-art genomic and wet lab techniques to investigate the mechanistic role of non-coding RNAs and epigenetic effectors in cancer initiation and progression. We develop novel radiosensitisers and photosensitisers for cancer treatments. We work to improve cancer care in Africa.

The Group comprises around 20 faculty, technical support and research students, plus a variety of external members. We are always interested in collaborations.

Minimum 2:1 undergraduate degree (or equivalent). If you are not a UK citizen, you may need to prove your knowledge of English.

UK fee UK fee	International fee International fee
Full-time: £5,006 per year Full-time: £5,006 per year	Full-time: £16,420 per year Full-time: £16,420 per year
Part-time: £2,503 per year Part-time: £2,503 per year	Part-time: £8,210 per year Part-time: £8,210 per year

For detailed information about fees and funding, visit Fees and studentships.

To see current funded studentship vacancies across all research areas, see Current studentships.

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