The University of Salford is the first university in the UK to introduce a postgraduate course which explores the psychological consequences of cancer and its treatment. Cancer can have a devastating impact on patients and families, and obviously the medical priority is to alleviate physical symptoms. However there can also be many psychological problems which, if undiagnosed or untreated, can significantly impact on a person's quality of life.

The new MSc Psycho-Oncology is a research-based programme that focuses on the psychological issues experienced by patients and their families as they go through diagnosis and treatment. It also examines the interventions and resources that professionals may draw upon to support patients in this situation.

The three-year part-time course was developed in conjunction with Manchester’s Christie Hospital and other local experts in cancer and palliative care. It starts in February 2010 and has been designed for doctors, allied health and social care professionals, nurses and psychologists in acute and community settings, and those working in specialist cancer or palliative care centres.

Dr Penny Hopwood, a key member of the course development team and former consultant psychiatrist at Christie Hospital, says, ‘There is still a need to improve psychological care for cancer patients and this course will provide a core curriculum for staff working in oncology. It will increase knowledge and confidence in providing psychological care while supporting and creating a network for interaction and learning among the multidisciplinary health professionals who study on the course.’

Find out more about the MSc Psycho-Oncology.

Find out more about the University of Salford.

Content added on 30th November 2009.

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