| Qualifications |
Duration |
Start dates |
Application period |
PhD
(MPhil also available) |
Full time: 3–4 years
Part time: 6–8 years |
February and October |
January to April |
Qualifications
PhD (MPhil also available) |
Duration
Full time: 3–4 years
Part time: 6–8 years |
Start dates
February and October |
Application period
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.
Entry requirements
Minimum 2:1 undergraduate degree (or equivalent). If you are not a UK citizen, you may need to prove your knowledge of English.
Potential research projects
- Studying the key genes driving Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma
- Bioinformatics approaches to breast cancer
- Novel bioinformatics algorithms, especially related to single cell RNA sequencing
- Novel photodynamic therapy for skin cancers
Current/recent research projects
- Roles of long non-coding RNAs in prostate cancer
- Genetic signatures and signalling pathways in breast cancers
- Design of novel radio-sensitizers
- Applications of nanoparticles in cancer therapy
- Photodynamic therapy for targeting of cancer cells
Potential supervisors
Fees and funding
| UK fee |
International fee |
| Full time: £4,786 per year |
Full time: £15,698 per year |
| Part time: £2,393 per year |
Part time: £7,849 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.
Links