Master of Cancer Sciences

Tackle one of the most pressing issues in healthcare worldwide

With rising cancer rates across the globe, there is a growing need of skilled practitioners in oncology. The Master of Cancer Sciences, Australia's first cancer-specific, multidisciplinary, and wholly online program, has been designed to meet this need.

Designed in accordance with industry standards, this innovative program promotes a collaborative, multidisciplinary approach, equipping you with skills to produce high-quality research and deliver best-practice cancer care to your patients in this rapidly evolving field.

Key features

• Award-winning teaching. The video lesson "Stereotactic Radiotherapy" won Gold in General Education & Training at the 2022 Telly Awards, and the course has received honourable mentions in the 2019 and 2021 International E-Learning Association Awards.
• Make global connections. Learn from world-leading experts, study alongside practitioners who are shaping cancer care standards globally, and build networks that extend your influence beyond your current institution.
• Learn while working. No need to put your career on pause. This course is designed as a fully online program for convenience and accessibility that can be full or part-time.

Learn about the Master of Cancer Sciences at Melbourne

Watch how Shehara Mendis, Medical Oncologist, is using her postgraduate education in cancer sciences to advance the survival rates of patients with gastro-intestinal cancer.

Why study cancer sciences at Melbourne?

Developed in collaboration with experts from the VCCC Alliance (including the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre) and the University of Melbourne, you will gain a breadth of integrated specialist cancer knowledge.

The VCCC Alliance is an alliance of 12 leading research, clinical, and academic institutions with a commitment to saving lives through the integration of cancer research, education, and patient care. This provides unprecedented access to learn from pioneers driving the next generation of improvements in prevention, detection, and cancer treatment.

You will learn core knowledge in the oncology field and problem-solving skills.

• Analyse complex information. Learn to break down complex information, problems, and theories while assessing evidence to inform your decision-making.
• Advanced communication and collaboration. Demonstrate the importance of communicating and working collaboratively with other cancer care professionals in multidisciplinary teams.
• Apply knowledge through research and clinical practice. Improve clinical cancer care by identifying and evaluating emerging technologies through research.

Who is the Master of Cancer Sciences for?

This program is open to scientists and clinicians from a variety of backgrounds:

• Medical practitioners (general practitioners, surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and hematologists)
• Nurses
• Allied health professionals (occupational therapists, speech pathologists, physiotherapists, exercise physiologists)
• Pharmacists
• Research scientists and clinical trials professionals
• Industry and pharmaceutical professionals

What support services can Master of Cancer Sciences students access at Melbourne?

• Comprehensive online learning support. From your initial expression of interest right through to graduation, you'll receive comprehensive technical, academic, and administrative support to ensure an excellent online learning experience.
• Cancer Society of Melbourne University (CSM). Attend panels, seminars, and masterclasses and connect with fellow students.
• MDHS Student Hub. Access wellbeing and personal support during your studies.

What do students say about Master of Cancer Sciences?

Max Murray

Clinical pharmacist

"These skills have helped me to apply current evidence in my daily practice, approach clinical problems more confidently, and educate patients more effectively. It has also inspired me to explore new research opportunities."

Learn more about the course

Two papers have been published in peer-reviewed, international academic medical education journals on the impact of the Master of Cancer Sciences, reinforcing the transformative impact of this course for our graduates and the healthcare sector.

• ‘Designing a wholly online, multidisciplinary Master of Cancer Sciences degree’
• ‘Qualitative evaluation of a multidisciplinary master of cancer sciences: impacts on graduates and influencing curricular factors’

Courses related to the Master of Cancer Sciences

The Master of Cancer Sciences is part of a suite of courses, designed for versatility. You can transform a Graduate Certificate into a Master, or start with a Master and exit early with a Specialist Certificate.

• Graduate Certificate in Cancer Sciences
• Specialist Certificate in Cancer Sciences