Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine

Course overview

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. From delving into transplantation to fostering cell rejuvenation, the realm of stem cell exploration represents the future of medicine.

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 by studying the Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine MSc at Aston University.

Stem cell and regenerative research MSc staff Jill Johnson

"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."

Dr Jill Johnson

Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine MSc

Programme Director and Senior Lecturer

Why Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine at Aston University?

Internationally recognised research

100% of our health and life sciences research environment has been ranked as being at least internationally excellent, with 50% being world-leading

Research active staff

Learn from passionate research-active academics in specialist areas of bioscience research

Independent research project

Develop a final research project of your chosen specialism

Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine MSc at Aston University

Pauline discusses her experiences studying Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine MSc at Aston University

Course description

Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine MSc

Our Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine MSc at Aston will equip you with the skills, insights, and confidence required to become an outstanding scientist, well-equipped to advance research in the field.

What we will provide
First-class teaching in the UK's second-largest city, delivered by a diverse array of staff who will inspire and excite you, fantastic facilities that will bring your course to life through hands-on, practical experience; years of close industry collaboration that is harnessed to provide you with learning based on real-world needs.

What you will provide
It is important you learn how to adapt a growth mindset to your studies - understanding that intelligence and success comes from applying yourself. You must be able to demonstrate critical thinking and have ambition and drive to excel.

What skills we teach
Learn the skills to work as a competent scientist with an understanding of the potential of stem cells for developing novel therapies, with 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, and Flow cytometry. Develop key transferable skills including presenting, teamwork, report writing, critical analysis, negotiating and research.

Career prospects
Our Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine MSc degree is valued by some of the best known companies in the world. Recent graduates have successfully secured careers as Clinical Research Associates, Laboratory Technicians, Medical Research technicians, PhD students, Neuroscience Research Assistants, Bioscience Technical Assistants and Management Trainees.

How you will learn

Our teaching style is modern and innovative, with a hands-on approach that bridges the gap between theory and practice. This enables you to apply your skills as you progress through your course, marrying your learning with practical examples, all designed to prepare you for the world of work.

You will engage in a variety of teaching and learning methods, including lectures, practical sessions in the laboratory, tutorials, seminars, group work, and a research project - likely to be a laboratory-based project where you will collect and analyse your own data

What you will learn

You will 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, 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 further develops your knowledge before you take on your extensive independent research project in an area of your choosing.

Facilities

Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine MSc students have access to a range of specialist facilities that reflect the hands-on learning within the field. In these settings, you will gain practical experience alongside like-minded students, with workshops and lectures guided by industry professionals and expert technicians.

Cutting-edge facilities and equipment

Cell culture labs equipped with incubators, biosafety cabinets, and cell culture hoods for the maintenance and expansion of various types of stem cells, including induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and embryonic stem cells (ESCs).
Advanced microscopes including fluorescence microscopes, confocal microscopes, and electron microscopes for studying stem cell morphology, behaviour, and differentiation.
Flow cytometry and cellsorting for analysing and isolating specific cell populations based on surface markers and fluorescent labels.
Molecular biology equipment: Facilities for DNA, RNA, and protein analysis, including PCR machines, gel electrophoresis equipment, and Western blotting apparatus.
Gene editing tools: Access to gene editing techniques such as CRISPR-Cas9, along with the necessary equipment for genome modification studies.
Biomaterials labs provide the equipment needed for designing and synthesising biomaterials, including hydrogels and scaffolds for tissue engineering applications.

Why Nada chose Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine at Aston

Nada discusses her experiences studying Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine MSc at Aston University

Course objectives

Provides you with opportunities to realise your academic potential through a range of learning experiences.
Encourages you, through a practical approach, to have a passion for stem cells and regenerative medicine and an enthusiasm for learning.
Provides an in-depth and high level of scientific knowledge and understanding of the principles and practice of stem cell biology and tissue engineering, and how this knowledge is being applied in the wider field of regenerative medicine.
Enables you to develop an informed and critical appreciation of recent scientific, clinical and industrial developments in relation to stem cell biology, tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.
Enable you to gain additional specialist knowledge and practical expertise through a research project.
Our graduates will be able to contribute to a broad spectrum of career opportunities spanning academic, commercial, industrial and biomedical/healthcare applications.

Modules

Taught stage modules

In the taught stage, you will study the following core module:

Module Title	Credits
Essential Laboratory Skills	15
Professional Development and Research Communication Skills	15
Introduction to Cell and Molecular Biology	30
Applied Biotechnology	15
Stem Cell Biology and Cellular Differentiation	15
Tissue Regeneration	15
Ageing and Regenerative Medicine	15
Laboratory Competency Assessment	15
Total	120

Dissertation stage modules

In the dissertation stage, you will study the following core module:

Module Title	Credits
Research Project	60
Total	60

We may update our courses to reflect best practices and academic developments. If we do, we’ll let you know of any changes at the earliest opportunity by updating our course webpages. If you have already received an offer, we’ll write to you directly to let you know of the changes.

Research projects

A key part of the programme is your final research project. This is your opportunity to utilise all the knowledge and skills gained, and for you to investigate a research topic of your choice.

Research projects

Entry requirements

A UK lower second-class honours degree (2:2 - minimum of 55% overall) or international equivalent from a recognised university in a biological, biomedical or biochemistry-based subject, or a related field.

See international student information below for international equivalent information.

International students

Aston University is a diverse, close community and welcomes international students on many of our undergraduate programmes. Students from over 120 countries choose to study with us every year. Based in the centre of Birmingham, Aston is not only a great place to study, it’s also a great place to live.

Qualifications in your country

For details of equivalent qualifications in your country, use our area pages below:

English language requirements

Applicants whose first language is not English will be required to provide evidence of an English language qualification.

English language requirements

How to apply

Aston University provides a range of opportunities for international students to join our community and study on our campus. A key part of our strategy is our relationships with teaching partners, providing multiple pathways to Aston.

Aston’s professional work placements can improve your chance of securing a graduate job. Placements give you experience, confidence and opportunities and, as an Aston student, you’ll be better prepared for your future career. One of the great things about Aston is our focus on employability. Our close links with businesses, industries and professions make this possible.

Find out more about applying

Post-study work visa

Aston University welcomed the creation of a new Graduate Immigration Route which enables international students to remain in the UK for two years after you complete your studies to find work. This new post-study work visa applies to international students completing full-time undergraduate and postgraduate courses.

Graduate Immigration Route

Pathway 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.

Masters 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.

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 09.30am-4.30pm)

Read our guide to applying

Fees and scholarships

Course fees

UK students
(2024/25)

Annual tuition fees:

£9,750

International students
(2024/25)

Annual tuition fees:

£20,700

More information on fees

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 UK students.

Tuition fees for students are reviewed annually and may increase in subsequent years in line with inflation linked to the Retail Price Index (RPI) to take account of the University’s increased costs of delivering the Programme. Any such increase shall always be in accordance with the law. When undertaking a placement year, a placement year fee applies.

More information on fees

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.

Explore scholarships for UK students

Explore scholarships for international students

Assessment

Our Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine MSc curriculum utilises a range of different assessment types and the assessment strategy reflects both the national educational requirements in the FHEQ and the professional educational standards and learning outcomes from the GPhC.

Assessment will be through a combination of written and oral examinations, class tests, individual and group coursework, projects, presentations, and practical assessments.

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 researchassistant
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.

Be part of our community

Once you have joined us at Aston University, you’ll always be part of our community, even beyond graduation.

Alumni services

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 career support, advice and placement opportunities.

For those interested in working in the UK after they have graduated, the UK Government has created a new post-study work visa.

Is Birmingham a good place to study?

Our campus is based in the centre of Birmingham, the youngest major city in Europe and a great place to live, work and study.

Great music and entertainment with a vibrant nightlife. Bars, clubs, pubs, live music, festivals, concerts. Whatever your tastes, there's something here for everyone.
Fantastic food. Birmingham's diverse community means you can try anything from the famous Balti triangle, the Chinese Quarter, high street chains, halal and vegan food, and Michelin-star dining.
World-class shopping. The Bullring and Grand Central is a shopper's paradise. From the world's biggest Primark to luxury brands at the Mailbox.
Arts and culture. Museums, galleries, theatres, concerts and Birmingham's art collection is as wide as it is impressive - not to be missed.
Green, open spaces. One of the greenest cities in Europe, Birmingham has hundreds of publicly accessible parks and green spaces across the city.
Sporting action. Birmingham has some of the most exciting venues for watching or participating in sport in the UK.

Discover Birmingham