"The Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine MSc course at Aston University is a taught Master’s degree with an incorporated independent research project, designed for students who would like to develop their knowledge and understanding of stem cell biology and related practical applications in regenerative medicine and drug discovery. In the taught component of the course, students will gain extensive knowledge of stem cell biology, tissue regeneration and bioprocessing, and how stem cells can be applied in tissue engineering, regenerative medicine and drug discovery. Research projects are guided by research-active academics in the School of Biosciences, with a wide range of projects on offer to provide students the opportunity to perform hands-on research in an academic laboratory environment.”
Dr Jill Johnson, Programme Director and Senior Lecturer in MSc Biosciences programmes
"The Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine MSc course at Aston University is a taught Master’s degree with an incorporated independent research project, designed for students who would like to develop their knowledge and understanding of stem cell biology and related practical applications in regenerative medicine and drug discovery. In the taught component of the course, students will gain extensive knowledge of stem cell biology, tissue regeneration and bioprocessing, and how stem cells can be applied in tissue engineering, regenerative medicine and drug discovery. Research projects are guided by research-active academics in the School of Biosciences, with a wide range of projects on offer to provide students the opportunity to perform hands-on research in an academic laboratory environment.”
Dr Jill Johnson, Programme Director and Senior Lecturer in MSc Biosciences programmes
Course outline and modules
As illnesses emerge and evolve, the field of medicine requires fresh and inventive approaches to combat these illnesses to improve and extend people's lives. Through an increased understanding of stem cells, scientists are unearthing novel treatments to repair diseased and damaged organs, yielding favourable outcomes for numerous health conditions and diseases. From delving into transplantation to fostering cell rejuvenation, the realm of stem cell exploration represents the future of medicine.
By studying the Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine MSc at Aston, you’ll discover more about how the use of stem cells in regenerative medicine and drug discovery is one of the most crucial areas of research today. You will gain the skills, insight and experience to be an indispensable asset to public or private organisations working at the forefront of medical research.
Bioscience research at Aston
Aston is home to an expansive and highly regarded Biosciences research department.
You’ll be taught by passionate research-active academics whose specialist areas of research include the use of stem cells in the treatment of diseases like Alzheimer's and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, genetically modified cells, the bioprocessing of stem cells, extracellular vesicles and tissue-engineered in vitro models of disease.
This research is fed into the teaching on our courses, ensuring that you have access to the latest trends and thinking in this specialist area and develop a critical appreciation of recent scientific developments and their clinical and industrial applications.
International students and post-study work visa
Aston University is a diverse, close community and welcomes international students. Students from over 120 different countries choose to study with us every year. Aston is not only a great place to study, but as it’s based in the centre of Birmingham, it’s also a great place to live.
As a university, we welcomed the creation of a new immigration route which will enable international students to remain in the UK for two years after they have completed their studies to find work. The new post-study work visa applies to international students starting undergraduate and postgraduate courses from 2020. Click here for more information on post-work visas.
Course outline
From lab-based practical work to ethics and novel therapeutic development, this course is an ideal mix of practical and theoretical exploration into stem cells and regenerative medicine.
Throughout your time at Aston, you’ll develop a high level of scientific knowledge, gaining an understanding of stem cell biology and regenerative medicine from the molecular to the whole system level. You will experience specialist training in essential laboratory skills from the very start of the course, and investigate the involvement of ethical considerations in stem cell-based research and the application of regenerative medicines.
A series of specialist modules, covering topics such as how the immune system interacts with stem cells and the consequences of ageing on stem cell biology, will further develop your knowledge before you take on your extensive independent research project in an area of your choosing. The Professional Development module furthermore prepares students for a career as a scientist by fostering skills in the communication and presentation of research results.
Core modules
- Essential Laboratory Skills
- Professional Development and Research Communication Skills
- Cell and Molecular Biology
- Applied Biotechnology
- Stem Cell Biology and Cellular Differentiation
- Tissue Regeneration
- Age and Regenerative Medicine
- Laboratory Competency Assessment
- Research Project
What could my research project be?
A key part of the programme is your final research project. This is your opportunity to utilise all the knowledge and skills gained and to investigate a research topic of your choice.
Past projects have included:
- Tissue engineering using 3D bioprinting
- Modelling metabolic dysfunction in Alzheimer’s disease in vitro
- Investigation of animal cell co-cultures for sustainable food production
- Role of S100 proteins and cancer progression or trophoblast implantation
- Computational prediction of lipid interfaces in membrane proteins.
Entry requirements
We welcome applications from candidates interested in our course who have the skills and capability to excel. All candidates are considered on an individual basis based on their qualifications, experience, references and motivation.
All applicants require:
- Lower second class honours degree (2:2) with a minimum overall of 55 per cent or above from a recognised university in a biological, biomedical or biochemistry based subject, or a related field. More information on international degree requirements can be found on our Aston in your country webpage.
- Applicants whose first language is not English will be required to provide evidence of an English language qualification. English language test requirements may be waived where students’ undergraduate degree was studied in an English speaking country. Find out more about our English language requirements.
- For International Students intending to do a foundation year. Click here to find out more.
The information contained on this website details the typical entry requirements for this course for the most commonly offered qualifications. Applicants with alternative qualifications may wish to enquire with the relevant admissions teams prior to application whether or not their qualifications are deemed acceptable. For less commonly encountered qualifications this will be judged on a case-by-case basis in consultation with the academic admissions tutor.
More advice on applying to Aston can be found here.
International foundation programmes
If you don’t meet our entry requirements, we have a range of pathway programmes offered by our partner, ONCAMPUS Aston, which you can complete to progress onto one of our degrees.
Learning, teaching and assessment
- Learning
You will engage in a variety of teaching and learning methods, including:
- Lectures
- Practical sessions in the laboratory
- Tutorials
- Seminars
- Group work
- Research project - likely to be a laboratory-based project where you will collect and analyse your own data
This course is worth 180 credits, with each credit equivalent to 10 learning hours. The learning hours may include but are not limited to lectures, seminars, tutorials, laboratory practical sessions, practicals, online activity, reading, other independent study, reflecting on assignment feedback.
- Assessment
Assessment will be through a combination of written and oral examinations, class tests, individual and group coursework, projects, presentations, and practical assessments.
- Key Staff
Programme Director: Dr Jill Johnson is a Senior Lecturer in Biomedical Science. Dr Johnson teaches on the MSc in Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine course as the module lead for Tissue Regeneration and is a contributor on several other modules. In terms of research, Dr Johnson is a Principal Investigator in the School of Biosciences, with research interests focusing on the role of vascular pericytes in chronic lung disease, specifically investigating the progenitor cell capacity of these cells and their ability to contribute to the pathogenesis of pulmonary fibrosis. Dr Johnson has supervised over 10 students on Biosciences Master’s degrees and is a strong advocate for equity and multiculturalism is research.
Key members of teaching staff:- Skills
Throughout your time with us, you will receive training in a wide range of essential and advanced laboratory skills including:
- Good laboratory practice
- Theoretical understanding of basic laboratory procedures
- Scientific calculations
- Measuring volume, mass and pH
- Centrifugation
- Statistics and the use of relevant software packages
- Data analysis
- Tissue culture
- PCR and qPCR
- ELISA
- Flow cytometry.
In addition, you will also be provided with the opportunity to develop key transferable skills including presenting, team working, report writing, critical analysis, negotiating and research.
- Facilities
You’ll have access to a range of facilities including:
- Extensive and well-equipped laboratories with a variety of equipment designed to support your learning in an industry-relevant environment. This includes new tissue cell culture facilities, bioreactor cell culture, flow cytometry and fluorescence imaging.
- Refurbished lecture theatres, seminar rooms, and computer laboratories.
- A virtual learning environment used for general study, revision and assessment. This platform allows you to access a comprehensive range of study materials, scientific journals, e-journals, databases and much more.
- Aston Library, fully refurbished and equipped for the digital age. Open 24 hours a day at key points throughout the year, with a variety of study spaces, academic support advisors, and course texts available electronically or in book form.
Fees
UK students (2024/25
£9,750
International/EU students* (2024/25)
£20,700
The United Kingdom government has confirmed that European Union (EU), other European Economic Area (EEA) and Swiss nationals commencing academic courses in England from August 2021 will no longer be charged the same tuition rates as Home students.
Scholarships
At Aston University we are committed to supporting the most talented and hardworking students to achieve their potential by providing a range of scholarships to help lower tuition and living costs. Find out more about our scholarships here.
Ferguson Scholarship
Take advantage of the Ferguson Scholarship supported by the Allan and Nesta Ferguson Charitable Trust dedicated to improving educational opportunities for students who would not otherwise be able to consider studying in the UK. Seven £10,500 scholarships are available to students from Africa and South America. For more information, click here.
Career prospects
Ensuring you’re well prepared for your future career of choice is embedded within our curriculum, you’ll learn how to optimise key employability skills in the developing stem cell and regenerative medicine industries. In addition, our core employability module makes use of visiting lecturers from the industry to illustrate the potential employment avenues open to you.
On successful graduation, you’ll be well prepared for a research-focused role in a broad spectrum of academic, commercial, industrial, biomedical or healthcare settings. You’ll also be well positioned to continue with further research in the form of a PhD, which is the next step for those interested in an academic career.
Recent graduate roles include:
- Clinical Research Associate
- Laboratory Technician
- Medical Research Technician
- PhD study
- Neuroscience Research Assistant
- Bioscience Technical Assistant
- Management Trainee
Whatever route you take, you’ll have a range of skills and experiences that will be in high demand for organisations working at the forefront of stem cell and clinical research; helping to shape the future of medicine and care.
Speak to our Admissions Team
If you have any questions about the application process please get in touch with our postgraduate admissions team:
Email: pgadmissions@aston.ac.uk
Call: 0121 204 3200 (Please note this line is open Monday-Friday between 10am-4pm)
Please click here for guidance on completing the postgraduate application.
Frequently asked questions
- Why study Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine MSc at Aston University?
The use of stem cells in regenerative medicine is an exciting and rapidly developing area of research, seen by many as the future of medicine. By choosing to study this masters degree at Aston, you’ll have the opportunity to further develop your knowledge in biosciences and gain a deeper insight into specialist areas such as applied biotechnology and tissue regeneration.
You’ll learn from leading academics and become part of a thriving research community with access to a wide variety of facilities.
- What research could I do in my final project?
Your final research project is a fundamental element of this programme, it is your opportunity to utilise all of the knowledge and skills gained so far and investigate a research topic of your choice.
Past projects have included:
- Tissue engineering using 3D bioprinting
- Modelling metabolic dysfunction in Alzheimer’s disease in vitro
- Investigation of animal cell co-cultures for sustainable food production
- Role of S100 proteins and cancer progression or trophoblast implantation
- Computational prediction of lipid interfaces in membrane proteins
- What facilities will be available?
Aston University is home to an extensive bioscience department that includes a combination of student practical and research laboratories. All spaces are well-appointed and furnished with a variety of relevant equipment such as tissue culture facilities, bioreactor cell culture, flow cytometry and fluorescence imaging, designed to ensure our students receive the very best training experience.
- Why should international students choose Aston University?
Study at Aston University and you will be part of a multi-cultural community located at the heart of the dynamic city of Birmingham. Our courses are practical, inspired by industry and many have internationally recognised accreditations. Renowned for our employability prospects and connections to business and industry, we provide outstanding careers support, advice and placement opportunities.
For those interested in working in the UK after they have graduated, the UK Government have created a new post-study work visa. See here for more information.
