Programme Structure
ALL-CAN Training follows a structured 1+3 doctoral training model, combining taught Master’s training with PhD research in precision cancer medicine.
Master’s Training
Students complete a fully funded Master’s degree at a partner institution on the island of Ireland, building the academic and technical foundations required for doctoral research.
PhD Research
Students progress to PhD training involving international research collaboration with a leading United States research institution. This phase includes a mandatory international research component with a requirement to be based and work in the United States for 3 years and to satisfy United States immigration and entry regulations. During the Master’s year, students work with academic supervisors to develop their PhD project, aligning it with their emerging research interests and career goals.
In Year 1, students enrol on an approved Master’s programme aligned with precision cancer medicine at one of the following partner institutions:
-
Queen’s University Belfast – Bioinformatics and Computational Genomics; Cancer Medicine; Public Health; Global Health
-
University College Dublin – Precision Oncology
-
Trinity College Dublin – Translational Oncology
-
Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland – Technologies and Analytics in Precision Medicine
-
University of Limerick – Cancer-aligned digital health and informatics pathways
These programmes are selected to provide strong foundations for doctoral research in precision cancer medicine and related disciplines.
Alongside formal study, students refine their research interests, develop key skills, and engage in cohort-based training and networking activities.
During the PhD phase, students are registered at their home institution on the island of Ireland and undertake a programme of doctoral research in precision cancer medicine, supported by international collaboration.
PhD projects are developed during the Master’s year in collaboration with academic supervisors and reflect the student’s research interests, skills and career ambitions. Projects may span areas such as cancer biology, genomics, data science, epidemiology, digital health and translational research.
Students benefit from joint academic supervision and structured international research collaboration, gaining exposure to different research environments, methodologies and cultures. The PhD phase is designed to support the development of independence, leadership and advanced research skills.
Throughout the PhD, students follow the regulations of their home institution in relation to progress monitoring, training requirements, thesis submission and examination.