Master of Cancer Sciences (MC-CNCRSC)

Masters (Coursework)Year: 2025 Delivered: Online

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Overview

Award titleMaster of Cancer Sciences
Year & campus2025 — Parkville
Fees informationSubject EFTSL, level, discipline and census date
Study level & typeGraduate Coursework
AQF level 9
Credit points100 credit points
Duration12 months full-time or 24 months part-time

The Master of Cancer Sciences is a comprehensive, in-depth course of study into the oncological sciences. This innovative program will equip students with the cutting-edge, evidence-based specialist knowledge required to be at the forefront of the rapidly evolving fields of clinical care and cancer research. Students will also complete a research project in an emerging field of cancer research. Completion of the Masters will enable students to pursue higher research degree pathways, should they choose to do so.

The Master of Cancer Sciences is a 100-point program that can be completed over 2 years, part-time. Students will complete two core subjects, four electives from the Cancer Sciences suite, as well as a research project in an emerging field of cancer research. This program is developed and presented by leading clinicians and researchers from the Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre (VCCC). Designed to broaden the skills of medical practitioners, pharmacists, nurses, allied health practitioners and scientists; this program will hone transferrable knowledge and skills to improve clinical research, education and cancer care.

Entry requirements

1. In order to be considered for entry, applicants must have completed:

  • An undergraduate degree with honours in an appropriate discipline or equivalent; or
  • An undergraduate degree in an appropriate discipline and at least two years of documented, relevant work experience; or
  • At least eight years of documented relevant work experience and demonstrated evidence of written and analytical skills appropriate for postgraduate study.

Meeting these requirements does not guarantee selection.

2. In ranking applications, the Selection Committee will consider:

  • Prior academic performance; and
  • Relevant work experience.

3. The Selection Committee may seek further information to clarify any aspect of an application in accordance with the Academic Board rules on the use of selection instruments.

4. Applicants are required to satisfy the university’s English language requirements for postgraduate courses. For those applicants seeking to meet these requirements by one of the standard tests approved by the Academic Board, performance band 6.5 is required.

Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)

The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook. Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home

Intended learning outcomes

This course is designed to position participants to be effective contributors and leaders in the cancer workforce. Graduates of the Master of Cancer Sciences will be able to:

  • Analyse complex information, problems and theories
  • Assess evidence to inform decision making
  • Demonstrate mastery in written and oral communication
  • Demonstrate effective time management and organisational planning
  • Demonstrate advanced independent critical enquiry, analysis and reflection
  • Enable a pathway onto doctoral study, should graduates wish to pursue it
  • Apply their knowledge and skills to improve the clinical care of cancer
  • Critically evaluate the evidence that underpins cancer research and clinical care
  • Critically evaluate current clinical practices, research literature and accepted cancer paradigms
  • Demonstrate the importance of communicating and working collaboratively with other cancer care professionals in multidisciplinary teams
  • Illustrate expert level knowledge across multiple domains relevant to the cancer sciences
  • Identify and evaluate the emerging technologies and techniques in research and clinical care
  • Conduct a substantial research project in the cancer sciences in an ethical manner

Generic skills

  • Advanced analytic skills
  • Skills in working collaboratively with individuals, groups and organisations
  • Increased capacity to manage unfamiliar problems
  • Improved written communication skills
  • Increased ability to work independently and be self-motivated

Course structure

Students undertaking the Master of Cancer Sciences must complete the following 4 mandatory (core) subjects:

Code Name Study period Credit Points
MEDI90084 Foundations of Cancer
Term 1 (Online)
Term 3 (Online)
 12.5
MEDI90086 Cancer Research
Term 2 (Online)
Term 4 (Online)
 12.5
MEDI90098 Research Capstone - Part 1
Term 1 (Online)
Term 3 (Online)
 12.5
MEDI90099 Research Capstone - Part 2
Term 2 (Online)
Term 4 (Online)
 12.5

Note: MEDI90086 Must be taken before Research Thesis Capstone subjects

Students may then choose 4 additional elective subjects from either the Cancer Sciences suite, or the extended elective suite:

Cancer Sciences Elective Suite

Code Name Study period Credit Points
MEDI90085 Supportive Care and Palliative Care
Term 4 (Online)
 12.5
MEDI90087 Cancer in Society
Term 3 (Online)
 12.5
MEDI90093 Cancer Diagnostics
Term 1 (Online)
 12.5
MEDI90094 Cancer Therapeutics
Term 4 (Online)
 12.5
MEDI90095 Cancer Prevention and Control
Term 2 (Online)
 12.5
MEDI90097 Drug Discovery and Development
Term 1 (Online)
 12.5
MEDI90096 Cancer across the Lifespan
Term 3 (Online)
 12.5

Extended Elective Suite

Code Name Study period Credit Points
EDUC90716 Qualitative Methods for Evaluation
Term 3 (Online)
 12.5
MGMT90264 Adaptive Leadership
Term 1 (Online)
 12.5

Further study

The Specialist Certificate in Cancer Sciences & Graduate Certificate in Cancer Sciences are nested programs within the Master of Cancer Sciences. Students who complete either Certificate may choose to pursue further studies with the Master of Cancer Sciences.

Graduates of the Master of Cancer Sciences may choose to pursue further doctoral studies (Doctor of Philosophy).

Last updated: 27 February 2025