Student resources
By providing world-class expertise and resources to students at The Institute of Cancer Research, we hope to advance cancer research and clinical practice not only within our organisation, but throughout the field. Our alumni continue to follow successful careers across the globe, many being world leaders in their discipline.
Our programmes and learning resources
Our bespoke Researcher Development Programme offers research students a broad range of transferable skills training and provides tailored personal development opportunities throughout the year. Workshops cover a range of topics including statistics, scientific writing, obtaining research funding and project management.
The comprehensive career development programme is designed to ensure that it is highly relevant and of maximum benefit, with onsite workshops and webinars on CV preparation, interview skills and employment search techniques including the use of LinkedIn. Individual, confidential appointments with a careers adviser are also available.
Research students at the ICR are also provided with two key educational websites to develop the background knowledge and skills that are necessary to excel in cancer science research. These resources allow for self-directed learning structured around research work and other commitments, and may be used at a time and location convenient to each user.
The libraries in both Chelsea and Sutton provide dedicated PhD study rooms, with PCs and printing facilities available for readers, as well as plug sockets, network ports and wireless access for laptop use.
See more of our resources below:
The ICR has a Student Charter, jointly agreed with the student body, which sets out mutual expectations about the student experience (what you can expect from the ICR, and what in turn the ICR’s expectations are of you).
The Supervisor plays a key role in the academic career of the research student. They are responsible for providing the student with the resources or access to the resources, which permit successful execution of the project. See our Academic Support page for more information on supervision and progression monitoring
Peer support
The Student Committee represents research degree students collectively in discussion with the ICR. They also organise social activities for research degree students throughout the year, as well as an annual cross-site away weekend and the annual student conference.
The ICR recognises the importance of peer support and its influence on the PhD experience as a whole and therefore encourages a strong committee and close student community. There is a network of Student Wellbeing Advisers who volunteer to help others who would like to talk on a confidential basis about issues which affect them.
The Student Committee runs a buddy scheme for all new students at the ICR to provide them with an individual point of contact and support from amongst their peers. This helps familiarise students with the ICR before beginning their programme of study and facilitates a rapid integration into the student community on arrival.
The Royal Marsden has a chapel and prayer room at each site, which you are free to use for worship or private reflection — whether you follow a particular religion or not.
For details of the ICR's recreational facilities, please visit our sites
A comprehensive set of information for both taught and research students. Only available to current ICR students.
Access Nexus resources for students
A tool allowing research students to track their training in professional development and transferable skills.
Access the Student Training Tracker
Information for students and supervisors on doctoral thesis submission.
Find out more about the Library Theses Office information (PDF)
Information, advice and access to training and development courses.
Access Learning and Development
Canvas is the platform used by taught-course students to access lecture materials and assignments.
Access Canvas
An online progression management tool for all research degree students.
Access iProgress
A guide to the transferable skills needed in order to undertake a research degree.
Access the Skills website
An e-learning website providing ICR students with the fundamentals of cancer science and an understanding of the multidisciplinary nature of cancer research and treatment.
Access Perspectives in Oncology
Full-text access to academic publications.
Access the Journals Catalogue
Key student policy and procedure documents
- ICR Admissions Policy and Procedure. Information on the admissions procedures for research degree programmes and taught postgraduate programmes. Download our Admissions Policy and Procedure
- Appeals and Complaints Procedure for Applicants. Information on the grounds of appeal, and the stages of making an appeal or complaint is contained within the Admissions Policy above.
- ICR Academic Regulations 2024-25. The general, academic, and examination regulations governing the ICR’s research degrees and taught courses provision. Download our Academic Regulations 24-25
- Student Charter. Jointly agreed with the student body, this charter sets out mutual expectations - what you can expect of the ICR, and in turn, what the ICR expects of you. Download our Student Charter
- Student Complaints Procedure. Information on the procedure for making a complaint and possible outcomes. Download our Student Complaints Procedure
- Academic Appeals Procedure. Information on the procedure for appealing academic decisions related to students' progression within an ICR degree programme. Download our Academic Appeals Procedure
- Review Procedure for Non-Academic Appeals. Information on the procedure for all registered students requesting reconsideration of a non-academic decision. Download our Review Procedure for Non-Academic Appeals
- Student Disciplinary Procedure. Information on the procedure for dealing with allegations of misconduct by an ICR student. Download our Student Disciplinary Procedure
- Student Transfer Arrangements. Information on the process for the transfer of registration between higher education courses. Download our Student Transfer Arrangements
- Student Protection Plan. As a registered provider of higher education, we must publish a Student Protection Plan which sets out how continuation of study will be preserved for current and potential students. Download our Student Protection Plan
- Refunds and Compensation Policy. Details of the circumstances in which students may be due a full or partial refund of tuition fees and/or financial compensation owing to activation of the Student Protection Plan. Download our Refunds and Compensation Policy
- Codes of Practice for Examination Offences. Information on the procedures and regulations for Examination Offences. Download our Code of Practice for Plagiarism and Examination Offences
- Academic Engagement Policy. Information on expectations on attendance and engagement for students sponsored by the ICR for a student visa. Download our Academic Engagement Policy
- Interruption of Studies Policy. Information on the policy for interruptions of study while at the ICR and the conditions under which this may be granted. Download our Interruption of Studies Policy
- Suicide Safer Strategy. The ICR is committed to create a suicide-safer community. Download our Suicide Safer Strategy
- Terms and Conditions of Enrolment for Research Degree Students.
Students at the ICR must agree to abide by the regulations and policies on this page as well as the conditions outlined in these terms and conditions which apply throughout the period of registration. Students at the ICR must agree to abide by the regulations and policies on this page as well as the conditions outlined in these terms and conditions which apply throughout the period of registration. Download our Terms and Conditions of Enrolment for Research Degrees
- MPhil/PhD Code of Practice 2024/25. Information explaining the programme requirements as well as highlighting important procedures and regulations. Download our MPhil PhD Code of Practice 2024-25
- MD(Res) Code of Practice 2024/25. Information explaining the programme requirements as well as highlighting important procedures and regulations. Download our MD(Res) Code of Practice 2024-25
- Research Degrees Student Handbook 2024/25. This handbook gives you an introduction to studying at the ICR and provides you with details of how to access services, resources and support as you need them throughout your period of study. Download our Research Degrees Student Handbook 2023-24
- Parental Leave Policy for Non-Clinical PhD Students. This document contains the policy and procedure around parental leave for non-clinical research degree students only. Download our Parental Leave Policy for Non-Clinical PhD Students
- Terms and Conditions of Enrolment for Taught Course Students. “Students at the ICR must agree to abide by the regulations and policies on this page as well as the conditions outlined in these terms and conditions which apply throughout the period of registration.” Download our Terms and Conditions of Enrolment for Taught Courses
- MSc Student Handbook 2024/25. This handbook gives you an introduction to studying at the ICR and explains the requirements of the MSc programme, drawing your attention to important procedures and regulations. Download our MSc in Oncology Student Handbook
- External Examiners for Taught Courses. Information on the policy and procedures for external examiners on the taught course programmes .Download our Taught Course Programmes - External Examiners
- MSc Oncology Programme Specification. Highlights of degree characteristics, academic aims and objectives of the course. Download our MSc Oncology Programme Specification