Advanced Cancer Biology
Course · 30 credits
Description
Would you like to deepen your knowledge in cancer biology and prepare for doctoral studies? Our advanced-level course provides you with both theoretical and practical skills, ranging from basic research to clinical applications.
About the Course
This course is designed for those with a bachelor's or master's degree in natural sciences, biomedicine, or medicine who wish to prepare for doctoral studies. You will learn about cancer biology, acquire generic skills beneficial for researchers, and gain practical experience through a project. The course is full-time and led by experienced researchers and physicians.
This is a course at the advanced level worth 30 ECTS credits.
Teaching
The course begins with an intensive two weeks of theory, consisting of lectures and seminars on tumor biology research, led by experienced researchers and physicians. The main part of the course consists of student-driven projects within research groups. At the start of the course, you will receive information about available research projects. In consultation with your supervisor, you will write a project plan that is approved by the planning group. This is followed by laboratory sessions interspersed with seminars. You are expected to actively participate by reading materials, writing texts, and engaging in discussions. The course concludes with written and oral examinations.
After the Course
The course provides you with the basis needed to continue with doctoral studies, at a medical, technical, or natural sciences faculty. The course also provides a strong foundation for work in research and development, both in academia and industry.
Course Content
- Written Exam (4.5 credits)
- Project Plan (2 credits)
- Course Portfolio (7.5 credits)
- Written and Oral Presentation of Project Work (16 credits)
About the Subject
Cancer biology is an exciting and important research field that spans from basic research to clinical applications. By understanding cancer at the molecular level, we can develop new treatment methods and improve patient care.
Questions and Answers
What are the prerequisites?
You need to have a bachelor's degree and have completed a scientific project. You also need to have the ability to make basic scientific reflections. To assess this, the course has a special selection process based on questionnaire responses, as well as and an interview.
How is the course assessed?
Through written exams, a course portfolio, and a project that is presented both in writing and orally.
Closed for applications
Application opportunitiesClosed for applications
Learn more about our application periods and when to apply for studies at Lund University.
Contact
Course Leader
Yvonne Ceder
Email: yvonne [dot] ceder [at] med [dot] lu [dot] se
Course Leader
Daniel Bexell
Email: daniel [dot] bexell [at] med [dot] lu [dot] se
Study Advisor
Email: fris_studsoc [at] med [dot] lu [dot] se
Requirements and selection
Entry requirements
To be admitted to the course, students must have a Bachelor's degree (180 credits) in a field of science, biomedicine, medicine or the equivalent. To enter the course, students must have performed a research project during their previous studies and should be capable of basic scientific reflection, as evaluated through a specific selection process. International students are exempted from the general entry requirement of proficiency in Swedish but all students are required to have proficiency in English corresponding to English 6 from Swedish upper secondary school.
Selection criteria
English language requirements
Most of Lund University’s programmes require English Level 6 (unless otherwise stated under 'Entry requirements'). This is the equivalent of an overall IELTS score of 6.5 or a TOEFL score of 90. There are several ways to prove your English language proficiency – check which proof is accepted at the University Admissions in Sweden website. All students must prove they meet English language requirements by the document deadline, in order to be considered for admission.
How to prove your English proficiency – universityadmissions.se
Country-specific requirements
Check if there are any country-specific eligibility rules for you to study Bachelor's or Master's studies in Sweden:
Country-specific requirements for Bachelor's studies – universityadmissions.se
Country-specific requirements for Master's studies – universityadmissions.se
Apply
Start Autumn Semester 2025
Day-time Lund, full time 100%
In English
Study period
1 September 2025 - 18 January 2026
Application
You can only apply for this course in the 'Swedish student' application round. Find out more: Applying for studies – when to apply
Day-time Lund, full time 100%
In English
Study period
1 September 2025 - 18 January 2026
Application
Closed for applications
How to apply
Lund University uses a national application system run by University Admissions in Sweden. It is only possible to apply during the application periods.
Step 1: Apply online
- Check that you meet the entry requirements of the programme or course you are interested in (refer to the section above on this webpage).
- Start your application – go to the University Admissions in Sweden website where you create an account and select programmes/courses during the application period.
Visit the University Admissions in Sweden website - Rank your programme/course choices in order of preference and submit them before the application deadline.
Step 2: Submit documents
- Read about how to document your eligibility and how to submit your documents at the University Admissions in Sweden website. Follow any country-specific document rules for Master's studies or Bachelor's studies
Country-specific requirements for Bachelor's studies – universityadmissions.se
Country-specific requirements for Master's studies – universityadmissions.se
- Get all your documents ready:
- official transcripts and high school diploma (Bachelor's applicants)
- official transcripts and degree certificate or proof that you are in the final year of your Bachelor's (Master's applicants)
- passport/ID (all applicants) and
- proof of English proficiency (all applicants).
- Prepare programme-specific documents if stated in the next paragraph on this webpage.
- Upload or send all required documents to University Admissions before the document deadline.
- Pay the application fee (if applicable – refer to the section below on this webpage) before the document deadline.
* Note that the process is different if you are applying as an exchange student or as a part of a cooperation programme (such as Erasmus+).
* If you have studied your entire Bachelor's programme in Sweden and all of your academic credits are in Ladok, you do not have to submit transcripts or your diploma when applying for a Master's programme. However, there may still be other documents you need to submit! See the link below.
* Svensk student?
Läs instruktionerna om att söka till ett internationellt masterprogram på lu.se
Course-specific documents
In addition to the documents mentioned under Step 2, you must also submit a personal motivation letter with your application. An interview will also be required.
Tuition fees
Non-EU/EEA citizens
Full programme/course tuition fee: SEK 102 500
First payment: SEK 102 500
Citizens of a country outside of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland are required to pay tuition fees. You pay one instalment of the tuition fee in advance of each semester.
Tuition fees, payments and exemptions
EU/EEA citizens and Switzerland
There are no tuition fees for citizens of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland.
Application fee
If you are required to pay tuition fees, you are generally also required to pay an application fee of SEK 900 when you apply at the University Admissions in Sweden website. You pay one application fee regardless of how many programmes or courses you apply to.
- Paying your application fee – universityadmissions.se
- Exemptions from paying the application fee – universityadmissions.se
- Convert currency – xe.com
*Note that there are no tuition or application fees for exchange students or doctoral/PhD students, regardless of their nationality.
Scholarships & funding
Lund University Global Scholarship programme
The Lund University Global Scholarship programme is a merit-based and selective scholarship targeted at top academic students from countries outside the EU/EEA.
Lund University Global Scholarship
Within the framework of the Lund University Global Scholarship programme, the University also offers the African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA) Scholarship targeted at top academic students from selected African research universities.
Swedish Institute Scholarships
The Swedish Institute offers scholarships to international students applying for studies in Sweden at Master's level.
Scholarship information on the Swedish Institute website
Country-specific scholarships and funding options
Lund University has agreements with scholarship organisations and funding bodies in different countries, which may allow applicants to apply for funding or scholarships in their home countries for their studies at Lund University.