MSc/MRes/PGDip in Regenerative Medicine

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About the course

Overview

This MSc/MRes/PGDip course provides advanced, multi-disciplinary training in the scientific principles and clinical applications of regenerative medicine, and is delivered jointly by the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry and the School of Engineering and Materials Science.

We have three distinct programmes, each offering a different option for the research project:

Regenerative medicine is an interdisciplinary field, which aims to repair diseased or damaged tissues using biological or cell-based technologies. It is a rapidly growing area of biomedical research that encompasses stem cell biology, tissue engineering, drug delivery, and nanotechnology.

Taught modules will develop a strong scientific foundation in the biology of stem cells and regeneration and the fundamental principles of biomaterials, tissue engineering and cellular reprogramming. Through an intensive 12-week research project, MSc students will then gain hands on experience applying these concepts to problems in human health and the development of novel regenerative technologies. If you opt for the MRes programme, you will complete an extended research project during semesters 2 and 3.

Upon completion of the MSc/MRes in Regenerative Medicine, students will be well placed for further training at the PhD level or professional careers in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries.

Over the last two years, 100% of students on the MSc programme agreed: “Overall, I am satisfied with the quality of the course”. (Source: Postgraduate Taught Experience Surveys 2022 and 2023).

Structure

This a one year, full-time programme. Students are required to complete 180 credits comprising taught and research modules. The PGDip version of the programme does not include the research project module.

Taught Modules (15 credits each):

Core Modules

  • Cell and Molecular Basis of Regeneration
  • Stem Cell and Developmental Biology
  • Research Skills and Methodology

Elective Modules (examples)

  • Medical Ethics and Regulatory Affairs
  • Neurodegenerative Diseases
  • Tissue-specific Stem Cells
  • Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells and Genome Engineering
  • Biomaterials in Regenerative Medicine

Research Project in Regenerative Medicine (60/90 credits):

MSc and MRes students will work full time on their laboratory-based research projects. MSc students will complete a 60-credit research project during the final 12 weeks, while MRes students will complete a 90-credit extended research project over semesters 2 and 3. Students will select research projects from a wide range of topics in regenerative medicine. Examples include research on the cellular and molecular aspects of tissue regeneration, disease pathogenesis, development of stem cell therapies, design of novel nano-biotechnologies, or engineering biomaterials and tissue scaffolds.

Teaching

The MSc/MRes/PGDip is an advanced postgraduate programme, and many different teaching methods will be employed during the course. These will include lectures, tutorials, guest seminars, presentations, discussion, practical classes and demonstrations. As regenerative medicine is a multi-disciplinary field, collaborative group projects will be a significant component, and students will have the opportunity to work with and learn from their peers. You will be taught by multidisciplinary experts within Queen Mary's Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry and the School of Engineering and Materials Science.

The final research project will also be an essential part of the learning process for MSc and MRes students. These will primarily be lab-based in our state-of-the-art research facilities, with some bioinformatics projects also available. By working on a significant independent research project, you will gain new technical skills and a depth of knowledge relevant to your thesis topic. You will gain hands on experience of discovery research by designing and carrying out your own experiment. You will be provided with training in writing research proposals, experimental design, effective collaboration, data analysis, and presentation skills. You will also receive careers advice.

Entry requirements

A 2:2 or above at undergraduate level in a relevant subject such as Biological Sciences, Physical Sciences, Medicine or Dentistry (non-UK medical degrees marked on a grading scale must be equivalent to a UK 2:2 degree).

Applicants with relevant degrees below this level will be considered on an individual basis if there is strong evidence of suitable professional experience.

The MSc Regenerative Medicine also accepts applications from intercalating medical students who have successfully completed at least three years of the MBBS, MbChB or equivalent medical course.

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