The Institute of Cancer Research, London

Key Highlights

• Independent, OfS-registered postgraduate institution and University of London member
• Founded in 1909 and legally independent from The Royal Marsden since 1948
• Specializes in cancer research and postgraduate education
• Operates across Chelsea and Sutton in London

Student Life & Environment

Student life at ICR is organized around a relatively small, specialist postgraduate research community rather than a large residential university. The institution has an active Student Committee, and social activities bring together students based at its different sites. Students can also use welfare, disability and academic-support services. As University of London members, they have access to relevant shared services, including professional careers guidance. Facilities differ between Chelsea and Sutton. Both sites provide laboratories, meeting rooms, lecture spaces, libraries and dedicated PhD study areas. Sutton has a free gym and a Sports and Social Club with a bar, squash court and sports hall; some activities may carry a small charge. Chelsea has no dedicated sports facilities, but its central location places students near the amenities of South Kensington and the surrounding area. A free shuttle connects Chelsea and Sutton, while another service links Sutton station with the Sutton site. Housing requires advance planning. ICR provides some accommodation in Tooting, while full-time students may apply to the waiting list for University of London intercollegiate halls. The institution also directs students toward private rentals and shared housing. Availability in halls is not guaranteed, and London living and travel costs should be assessed carefully. Full-time enrolled students may be eligible for the 18+ Student Oyster photocard travel discount.

Location & Surroundings

ICR operates principally at two London locations with distinct settings. Its Chelsea presence includes the Chester Beatty Laboratories on Fulham Road and administrative and teaching facilities near Old Brompton Road. South Kensington and Gloucester Road Underground stations are nearby, giving access to central London, major museums, restaurants and other city amenities. The MSc in Oncology is taught at the Old Brompton Road facility. The Sutton site is in south London, about one mile from Sutton station and close to Belmont station and the North Downs countryside. It houses purpose-built research facilities, including laboratories and resources connected with therapeutics, clinical studies, genetics and epidemiology, molecular pathology, radiotherapy and imaging. The Royal Marsden’s Sutton hospital is nearby, supporting the close relationship between laboratory research and clinical work. Students may be based mainly at one site but need to travel between them for some activities. ICR operates a free shuttle between Chelsea and Sutton and a shuttle between Sutton station and the Sutton campus. Applicants choosing accommodation should therefore consider their primary research site, cross-site commitments and the cost and time of London travel.

Costs & Career Outcomes

For 2026/27, new full-time PhD, MPhil and MD(Res) students are charged £5,238 at the home rate and £31,190 at the overseas rate. Part-time research fees are prorated according to activity. Self-funded research students may also face a project bench fee, but ICR says the amount would be disclosed before an offer. Applicants should budget separately for accommodation, food and travel in London. Funding changes the practical cost for many researchers. ICR states that most science PhD projects are fully funded, covering tuition and project costs and providing a tax-free living stipend. As of the cited 2026 information, the standard ICR-funded stipend is £26,505 per year, while some partnered schemes use different rates or funding conditions. Applicants must read the terms of the specific studentship, particularly where international fee coverage is restricted. For new MSc in Oncology students in 2026/27, the annual fee for Parts A or B is £2,965 for home students and £13,180 for overseas students; Part C costs £2,010 and £3,800 respectively. ICR states that it cannot provide funding assistance to overseas MSc students. Career support is research-focused. Current students can use the University of London Careers Group for individual guidance, CV and interview workshops, webinars and job-search support, with access continuing for up to one year after study. ICR also provides sessions on fellowships, postdoctoral applications, academic interviews and publishing, plus scientific career events and exposure to industry collaborations. These services support academic, clinical, biotechnology and related research paths, but the institution does not publish current program-level salary or placement guarantees.