Radiobiology MSc

<strong>The information provided on this page was correct at the time of publication (November 2025). For complete and up-to-date information about this course, please visit the relevant University of Oxford course page via www.graduate.ox.ac.uk/ucas.</strong> <br/><br/>The MSc in Radiobiology is a one-year, full-time course, designed for individuals interested in a career in academic research in radiobiology or radiation oncology, or in professions that require a knowledge of radiobiology.<br/><br/>The main aim of this course is to combine the principles of radiobiology at molecular and cellular level with their clinical applications, providing a thorough grounding in radiobiology for MSc students, who may go on to a research degree, to complete a medical degree, or into an industry role or allied profession.<br/><br/>The course is based on a series of overarching learning outcomes, which you should be able to demonstrate on completion of your studies:<br/><br/><br/>• Explain the underpinning physics which governs the interactions between ionising radiation and biological tissues<br/><br/><br/><br/>• Critically analyse the effects of ionising radiation on DNA and the associated DNA damage response, with respect to their effects on cell survival<br/><br/><br/><br/>• Critically appraise the irradiation response of cells and tissues, including the factors that modify this response, with respect to how this may affect clinical practice<br/><br/><br/><br/>• Evaluate the relationship between the characteristics of the tumour microenvironment and the response of that tumour to irradiation<br/><br/><br/><br/>• Critically discuss the risks associated with radiation exposure, at the whole body and population level, and precautions which can be taken to mitigate these risks<br/><br/><br/><br/>• Critically appraise the use of novel external beam radiotherapy techniques for the treatment of cancer<br/><br/><br/><br/>• Explain the rationale and mechanisms of action of common treatments used as alternatives to, or in combination with, external beam radiotherapy for the treatment of cancer<br/><br/><br/><br/>• Explain and evaluate the research approaches used in applied and translational research within the field of radiobiology<br/><br/><br/><br/>• Apply the scientific method to address research questions within the field of radiobiology<br/><br/><br/><br/>Course structure<br/>You will take eight compulsory modules, which are delivered in two-week blocks, following on from each other. <br/><br/>You can expect to receive seven to eight lectures and two to four tutorial or practical classes per module on average. There will also be preparatory reading, independent study tasks, and formative assessments set throughout the course, to be completed in the non-contact hours.