• To encourage MSc/Diploma training in cancer relevant biology, chemistry and cancer care.
• To support trans-disciplinary courses in bioinformatics, computational biology, mathematical biology, etc. where this training will be used in a cancer relevant area.

Who can apply?

• Applicants with a clear demonstrable intention to use their training in a cancer relevant field;
• Clinicians, nurses, and applicants in a profession allied to medicine are strongly encouraged to apply;
• Other cancer researchers who are not clinically qualified (ideally applicants who completed their undergraduate degree at least 2 years prior to application);
• Applicants undertaking courses in bioinformatics, computational biology, mathematical biology, etc. (applicants who completed their undergraduate degree less than 2 years prior to application can apply if they have a genuine interest in these disciplines).

Candidates of any nationality may apply but must have been resident and working in the European Economic Area (EEA) for three years immediately before application and intend to pursue a career in the UK.

Key features of the Bursary

• The bursary will provide course fees (please note that fees will be paid at the level for UK/EU students; where fees for overseas students are higher, Cancer Research UK will not fund the additional cost);
• Full-time students may apply for a contribution to living expenses (maximum £5,500 per annum). Please note that this will be awarded only if the course organisers agree to administer the living expenses.

What does the Bursary not cover?

• Placement services on MSc courses for applicants;
• Applications for courses which have already commenced;
• Part-funding an application (e.g. Cancer Research UK will not provide living expenses for an applicant while the course fees are provided by another funding body);
• Funding for more than one student on a particular course in any one year.

How to apply?

• Applications should be submitted by the person who is going to undertake the MSc/Diploma courses.
  If the applicant does not have a confirmed place on the training course at the time of application, Cancer Research UK will consider the application but no funding will be released until confirmation is received from the course director and an undertakings form has been signed and received by Cancer Research UK.
• The bursary will be awarded to the institution running the MSc/Diploma courses.
• All applications must be made with the documents supplied in the following Application Pack (which can be downloaded from the Resources box on the right of this page):
  • MSc/Diploma Bursary Application Form
  • MSc/Diploma Bursary Guideline

Other MSc course support
Please note that the Cancer Research UK Masters Course Fund also supports a number of other cancer-relevant Masters courses in a range of disciplines at universities across the UK. Applications for support to attend one of these courses must be made directly to the host institution and will not be considered through this scheme.

Please note that the deadlines are final and that we cannot accept applications after these days.

If you have specific questions relating to your application, please contact Dr Cheok-man Chow, Research Manager (Personal Awards) at cheok-man.chow@cancer.org.uk.

For general enquiries about Cancer Research UK bursaries, please email fellowships@cancer.org.uk