Frequently Asked Questions
Applying for an MSc
The application process normally takes 6-8 weeks.
Please ensure that you have submitted all required documents as failure to do so may delay the application process.
We do consider candidates with significant relevant work experience. The Programme Director may need to interview you (by phone/Skype) to assess your suitability prior to making an offer.
Each application is considered on its own merits and receives full consideration from academic staff. Work experience is not mandatory for entry to our MSc programmes, but we do welcome applications from candidates who wish to be considered, at least in part, on the basis of relevant experience gained either in the workplace or similar environment.
Students applying to our MSc programmes are eligible to apply for the 5 week pre-sessional English course. Entry to longer pre-sessional courses may be considered in some circumstances.
There is no fixed closing date for applications but places on our MSc programmes are limited so we encourage early application to avoid disappointment.
Students seeking financial support from Research Councils or other award giving bodies are advised to apply early.
The online application form requires a document to be uploaded in the references section. If your referee prefers to e-mail their reference directly to us, please upload a word document with details of your referees.
It is the applicant’s responsibility to request references and an application will not be considered until these have been provided.
Any documents provided after submission of your application can be e-mailed to bci-cancercourses@qmul.ac.uk or smdpgadm@qmul.ac.uk.
Your referees can either complete the reference_request_form or they can provide a written reference. Written references must be on letter headed paper with a signature. If your referee is e-mailing their reference, they should use their professional e-mail account (i.e. not Hotmail or gmail).
How long is the application process?
The application process normally takes 6-8 weeks.
Please ensure that you have submitted all required documents as failure to do so may delay the application process.
Do I need an undergraduate degree in a science-related subject?
We do consider candidates with significant relevant work experience. The Programme Director may need to interview you (by phone/Skype) to assess your suitability prior to making an offer.
Is work experience required?
Each application is considered on its own merits and receives full consideration from academic staff. Work experience is not mandatory for entry to our MSc programmes, but we do welcome applications from candidates who wish to be considered, at least in part, on the basis of relevant experience gained either in the workplace or similar environment.
Can I study pre-sessional English at QMUL?
Students applying to our MSc programmes are eligible to apply for the 5 week pre-sessional English course. Entry to longer pre-sessional courses may be considered in some circumstances.
Is there an application deadline?
There is no fixed closing date for applications but places on our MSc programmes are limited so we encourage early application to avoid disappointment.
Students seeking financial support from Research Councils or other award giving bodies are advised to apply early.
Can I provide references after submitting my application?
The online application form requires a document to be uploaded in the references section. If your referee prefers to e-mail their reference directly to us, please upload a word document with details of your referees.
It is the applicant’s responsibility to request references and an application will not be considered until these have been provided.
Any documents provided after submission of your application can be e-mailed to bci-cancercourses@qmul.ac.uk or smdpgadm@qmul.ac.uk.
What format should my references be in?
Your referees can either complete the reference_request_form or they can provide a written reference. Written references must be on letter headed paper with a signature. If your referee is e-mailing their reference, they should use their professional e-mail account (i.e. not Hotmail or gmail).
Studying at BCI
Each 15 credit module has approximately 30 hours of taught material (recordings for distance learners) and we expect approximately 120 hours for self-study (including reading, preparation for assignments and exams).
Full time students will generally have their teaching spread over 2-3 days.
Part time students will study 60 taught credits in each academic year, with teaching spread over 1-2 days.
We provide video tutorials for the Research Lab Skills.
If you are applying for a lab based stream you can complete your lab project at an appropriate external lab. You will be responsible for organising this with guidance from your Course Director.
There may also be an option for you to complete the lab project at Barts Cancer Institute in London. This is subject to availability, with onsite students being given priority for places.
Depending on work commitments, part time students can informally start their projects earlier with their Course Director's approval and complete at the end of their 2nd year (subject to progression requirements). All 'face time' contact is via Skype.
Distance learners will have online examinations.
Queen Mary has a central Disability and Dyslexia Service (DDS) that offers support for all students with disabilities, specific learning difficulties and mental health issues. The DDS supports all Queen Mary students: full-time, part-time, undergraduate, postgraduate, UK and international at all campuses and all sites.
Students can access advice, guidance and support in the following areas:
- Finding out if you have a specific learning difficulty like dyslexia
- Applying for funding through the Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA)
- Arranging DSA assessments of needs
- Special arrangements in examinations
- Accessing loaned equipment (e.g. digital recorders)
- Specialist one-to-one study skills tuition
- Ensuring access to course materials in alternative formats (e.g. Braille)
- Providing educational support workers (e.g. note-takers, readers, library assistants)
- Access to specialist mentoring support for students with mental health issues and Autism Spectrum Disorders.
How many hours will I need to study for each module?
Each 15 credit module has approximately 30 hours of taught material (recordings for distance learners) and we expect approximately 120 hours for self-study (including reading, preparation for assignments and exams).
Full time students will generally have their teaching spread over 2-3 days.
Part time students will study 60 taught credits in each academic year, with teaching spread over 1-2 days.
How do Distance Learners study the lab projects?
We provide video tutorials for the Research Lab Skills.
If you are applying for a lab based stream you can complete your lab project at an appropriate external lab. You will be responsible for organising this with guidance from your Course Director.
There may also be an option for you to complete the lab project at Barts Cancer Institute in London. This is subject to availability, with onsite students being given priority for places.
Depending on work commitments, part time students can informally start their projects earlier with their Course Director's approval and complete at the end of their 2nd year (subject to progression requirements). All 'face time' contact is via Skype.
If I study via distance learning, where will I sit my exams?
Distance learners will have online examinations.
I have a disability. Will I be eligible for additional study support?
Queen Mary has a central Disability and Dyslexia Service (DDS) that offers support for all students with disabilities, specific learning difficulties and mental health issues. The DDS supports all Queen Mary students: full-time, part-time, undergraduate, postgraduate, UK and international at all campuses and all sites.
Students can access advice, guidance and support in the following areas:
- Finding out if you have a specific learning difficulty like dyslexia
- Applying for funding through the Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA)
- Arranging DSA assessments of needs
- Special arrangements in examinations
- Accessing loaned equipment (e.g. digital recorders)
- Specialist one-to-one study skills tuition
- Ensuring access to course materials in alternative formats (e.g. Braille)
- Providing educational support workers (e.g. note-takers, readers, library assistants)
- Access to specialist mentoring support for students with mental health issues and Autism Spectrum Disorders.
Fees & Funding
Details of scholarships and support schemes can also be found on the Queen Mary funding page.
Broadly speaking UK and EU nationals are charged tuition fees at the home rate and International students are charged the overseas rate. More information about how the University determines your fee status can be found here.
What funding/scholarships are available?
Details of scholarships and support schemes can also be found on the Queen Mary funding page.
Will I pay Home or Overseas tuition fees?
Broadly speaking UK and EU nationals are charged tuition fees at the home rate and International students are charged the overseas rate. More information about how the University determines your fee status can be found here.
Please see here for more details on arranging student accommodation. Dawson Hall is located on the Charterhouse Square campus.
Other
Where can I find information about student accommodation?
Please see here for more details on arranging student accommodation. Dawson Hall is located on the Charterhouse Square campus.