Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine (with optional Placement/Project year) MSc

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Course Summary

Develop an advanced understanding of this exciting area of medicine and clinical research. 

The use of stem cells for research and in the clinical arena is one of the most exciting areas of modern science. Our MSc will help enable you to develop an up-to-date understanding of this expanding field. The application of stem cells and new regenerative medicines will help solve major longstanding health problems – for example ageing-related disorders, diseases such as chronic heart disease, arthritis and spinal cord injury. 

You will receive training in the key skills required in the reading and interpretation of the literature and translating that into evidence-based practice. We aim to develop your research and writing skills so that you will be in a position to contribute to the scientific literature in an effective manner. 

The course culminates in the Research Dissertation, which will be assessed through your production of a research article written in the style of publishable scientific work and a short oral presentation. Options could include literature, data or laboratory-based projects, depending on research interests. 

Successful completion of this MSc course can lead to a range of exciting career and research opportunities including careers in biomedical or clinical research, medicine, physician associate, PhD study or teaching. 

Find out more about International Scholarships

There is an option to choose a Project/Placement year for this course, at an additional cost.

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Optional 2-year Master's To Suit Your Needs

Choosing a Professional Placement MSc is a win-win for your career, giving you the chance to get real experience, apply your cutting-edge skills in the workplace and stand out to future employers.

In the first year you will have help from the University to find a placement, whilst developing your expertise. You will then spend your second year out in industry on placement, getting the chance to work with industry professionals and grow your network of industry contacts. Bringing your university-acquired knowledge and insights to industry, you will get to make a difference to the workplace and make lasting links with your employer.

Students need to find and secure their own placement, supported by the University. A preparation module will also help you to get ready for your placement.

Please note, this programme is available as a one-year master degree programme, or as a Two-Year Master's Programme with a Professional Placement or Project. Please carefully consider your options when applying for our one year or Two-year routes as successful international applicants will not be able to change between programmes after a Confirmation of Acceptance of Studies (CAS) letter has been issued or after arriving in the UK.

What You'll Study

You will develop your in-depth knowledge and critical understanding of essential concepts in stem cell biology, tissue repair/tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, model organisms, plus molecular medicine. Teaching is delivered primarily by University academic staff. Seminars and tutorials are held with external researchers and academics active in the field.

If you choose a placement or project year, the Research Dissertation module will be replaced by a placement or project module.

Modules

In this module, you will learn about developmental processes that are key to the amazing phenomenon of tissue regeneration. Through hands-on laboratory sessions, you will have the thrilling opportunity to work with cutting-edge vertebrate or invertebrate models, delving into the fascinating role of signalling pathways in development and regeneration.

Prepare to be inspired as you learn how insights from human development are paving the way for groundbreaking medical advancements. Engage with experts from the Shrewsbury Assisted Conception Unit, who will share their exciting insights into tissue engineering and fertility treatments, which are impacting people's lives.

You will also unleash your creativity in the Bioreactors workshop, where cutting-edge technology meets innovative thinking in tissue engineering. With a rich mix of workshops, lectures, and hands-on laboratory experiences, you will come away with a profound understanding of developmental processes. Get ready for an adventure that combines science, innovation, and real-world applications!

In this module, you will embark on a learning journey through the forefront of molecular medicine! You will learn about transformative methodologies like CAR-T therapy, RNA interference (RNAi), CRISPR gene editing, monoclonal antibodies, and small-molecule inhibitors. You will explore fascinating developmental biology and reproductive medicine applications, featuring insightful talks from experts.

Not only will you enhance your knowledge, but you will also develop essential skills in experimental design and critical assessment. Participate in a hands-on CRISPR gRNA design workshop, where you'll sharpen your technical skills and engage in a practical laboratory experience focused on bacterial transformation used within academia and industry. This is not just a course—it's a gateway to the future of medicine! Get ready to be inspired and informed!

In this project-based module, you will investigate a gene of interest, unlocking its role within a specific differentiation pathway or regenerative process. You will use a bioinformatics-based approach to assess the conservation of your gene of interest across animals and assess the functional changes of importance. Additionally, you will Identify regulatory elements associated with the gene in your chosen species (e.g. human, mouse, chick, zebrafish, hydra). You will also identify expression patterns during development by assessing online RNA-Seq data.

Your hard work will culminate in a thoughtfully curated portfolio consisting of an introduction and analysis of your data. This is not just an assessment—it's an opportunity to showcase your understanding of genetics and its impact on life! Join us to learn about modelling molecular interactions in a supportive and collaborative environment.

Through project-based learning, with considerable opportunities for laboratory work, the module will provide you with the theoretical knowledge and practical laboratory experience in key techniques in molecular biology, with a focus on developing laboratory skills. Techniques explored during laboratory practicals may includet, bioinformatics, DNA extractions, DNA electrophoresis, nucleic acid quantitative and qualitative analysis techniques (eg, PCR), protein preparation and purification.

In this module, you will be introduced to scientific research. You will explore various types of research (descriptive, analytical & experimental), including pure versus applied ways of problem-solving. You will learn about the building blocks of scientific research: scientific language, ethical considerations and experimental design. You will also learn how research is funded. You will cover the following topics:

  1. Research and data collection methods with an emphasis on experimental research (developing hypotheses, variables, controls, sample selection, design, validity)
  2. The nature of the knowledge base and how research is communicated.
  3. Advanced literature searching.
  4. Critical appraisal of literature - primary and secondary literature
  5. Developing a research project: identifying a topic area, devising specific questions, discovering what is already known (reviewing the literature), identifying gaps in knowledge, determining feasible ways to answer the questions.
  6. Data analysis for research.

In this module, you will unlock an advanced understanding of the amazing potential of stem cell research and regenerative medicine to transform clinical conditions. You will explore innovative topics such as cutting-edge cell lines, intricate 3D organoids, dynamic explant cultures, and the incredible diversity of invertebrate models—from vibrant fish to agile amphibians and even birds and mammals!

This module promises theoretical insights and hands-on experiences that will ignite your passion for the field. You will engage with various models (fish, amphibians, avians, mammals), shaping the future of medicine and science and setting the stage for an exciting career or advanced study. Get ready for a journey that will challenge your intellect and fuel your curiosity as you learn to harness the power of stem cells!

You will have the opportunity to undertake an original research project in an area of relevance to your course and which interests you. The dissertation subject will be agreed with an appropriate supervisor and the module leader: you will prepare a detailed research proposal for evaluation prior to embarking on the research project. You will then communicate your project's outcomes in the most relevant forms.

Opportunities for skill development will be available throughout the year.

Who You’ll Learn From

Dr Caitlin Mcqueen

Lecturer
Caitlin McQueen

Dr Bethan Stallwood

Senior Lecturer
Dr Bethan Stallwood

Dr Nwamaka Akpodiete

Lecturer
Nwamaka Akpodiete

How You'll Learn

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Face-to-face teaching in lectures and practical classes, plus online learning

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Coursework – e.g. literature reviews, case studies, laboratory reports, posters, presentations

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This course is designed around in-person study

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There may be some online learning activities

Entry Requirements

2:2honours degree

Applicants must hold an appropriate first degree with a minimum of 2:2 honours (e.g. in Medicine, Biomedical Science, Dietetics, Human Biology) or hold appropriate professional qualifications and be able to demonstrate suitable background knowledge and skills. 

Applications are invited from: 

  • those with related undergraduate degrees (e.g. Biomedical Science, Dietetics) or equivalent professional qualifications and background experience 
  • junior doctors 
  • NHS staff 
  • international students with appropriate qualifications 
  • international doctors or healthcare professionals

2:2honours degree

Applicants must hold an appropriate first degree with a minimum of 2:2 honours (e.g. in Medicine, Biomedical Science, Dietetics, Human Biology) or hold appropriate professional qualifications and be able to demonstrate suitable background knowledge and skills. 

Applications are invited from: 

  • those with related undergraduate degrees (e.g. Biomedical Science, Dietetics) or equivalent professional qualifications and background experience 
  • junior doctors 
  • NHS staff 
  • international students with appropriate qualifications 
  • international doctors or healthcare professionals

English Language Requirements  

For more information on our English Language requirements, please visit International Entry Requirements. 

Where You'll Study Exton Park, Chester

The location

Exton Park is close to the city centre of Chester, a city like no other and an amazing place to live as a student. While it is undoubtedly beautiful and packed with history, Chester is also a bustling 21st-century city balancing big-name shopping, eating and living with a thriving independent scene.

Modern learning resources and library

We have dedicated resources and IT services across campus, as well as our Seaborne Library; home to an extensive selection of books, e-books and e-journals, as well as bookable multimedia rooms, video conferencing space, 24-hour access computer labs, and The Hub; a comfortable two-floor study zone, suitable for independent and group study.

Seaborne library, seating and reception area.

Fitness facilities

Exton Park boasts an impressive choice of indoor and outdoor sports and leisure facilities, which are used for both competitive and recreational sports. Our facilities include a swimming pool, gym, squash, and tennis courts, running track and two floodlit pitches.

A male student wearing goggles is swimming in the training pool between the red rope lane marker lines.

Student Services

Exton Park is home to a number of our central support services, including Disability and Inclusion, Careers and Employability, and Student Support.

Chapel, chaplaincy and multi-faith spaces

Built in 1847 by former students, the University Chapel offers regular services and a venue to services. The University of Chester also has multi-faith spaces across the campus for prayer or quiet reflection.

Accommodation

Most of our student accommodation is located either on or near Exton Park.

Catering

We have several catering outlets available onsite, offering a wide selection of hot and cold food to students and visitors. Term-time Meal Schemes are also available for those students interested in non-residential catering schemes.

Fees and Funding

£8,775for a full-time course (2025/26)

Guides to the fees for students who wish to commence postgraduate courses are available to view on our Postgraduate Taught Programmes Fees page. Here you will also find information about part-time fees and project/placement year fees.

For MSc programmes where a placement or project year is undertaken there will be an additional charge of £2,750 for the placement / project in the second year.

£15,000for a full-time course (2025/26)

The tuition fees for international students studying Postgraduate programmes in 2025/26 are £15,000.

Please note: For MSc programmes where a placement or project year is undertaken there will be an additional charge of £2,750 for the placement/project year (due at the start of the second year of the course).

The University of Chester offers generous international and merit-based scholarships for postgraduate study, providing a significant reduction to the published headline tuition fee. You will automatically be considered for these scholarships when your application is reviewed, and any award given will be stated on your offer letter.

For more information, go to our International Fees, Scholarship and Finance section.

Irish Nationals living in the UK or ROI are treated as Home students for Tuition Fee Purposes.

For MSc programmes where a placement or project year is undertaken there will be an additional charge of £2,750 for the placement / project in the second year.

Your Future Career

Careers service

The University has an award-winning Careers and Employability service which provides a variety of employability-enhancing experiences; through the curriculum, through employer contact, tailored group sessions, individual information, advice and guidance.

Careers and Employability aims to deliver a service which is inclusive, impartial, welcoming, informed and tailored to your personal goals and aspirations, to enable you to develop as an individual and contribute to the business and community in which you will live and work.

We are here to help you plan your future, make the most of your time at University and to enhance your employability. We provide access to part-time jobs, extra-curricular employability-enhancing workshops and offer practical one-to-one help with career planning, including help with CVs, applications and mock interviews. We also deliver group sessions on career planning within each course and we have a wide range of extensive information covering graduate jobs .

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