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Biological Sciences at UEA
Find out more about studying Biological Sciences at UEA, and browse our other courses.
Find out moreMSc Stem Cell Biology with a Placement Year
Key details
- Attendance
- Full Time
- Award
- Degree of Master of Science
- Course Length
- 2 years
- Course Start Date
- September 2026
Course options
Other Start Dates
Gain a competitive edge with a placement year
This course is also available with an integrated placement year, giving you the opportunity to gain valuable UK industry experience alongside your master's degree
Other Start Dates
17th
UEA is ranked 17th overall for research quality in Biological Science
The Times Higher Education REF 2021 AnalysisCourse Overview
Why MSc Stem Cell Biology with a Placement Year at UEA?
Explore the science of stem cell biology in a world-class research environment. Develop the specialist knowledge, practical skills, and research experience needed for careers in research, healthcare, biotechnology, and beyond.
Why Choose UEA
- Developmental biology: Discover how stem cells differentiate and drive development from embryo to adult
- Disease modelling: Explore how stem cells are used to investigate disease and advance biomedical research
- Regenerative medicine: Learn how stem cells are helping shape future therapies and approaches to tissue repair and regeneration
What is MSc Stem Cell Biology with a Placement Year?
Stem cells are a powerful research tool, offering exciting opportunities to model disease. Explore the development of tissues, organ systems, and even body plans in vitro.
This exciting course combines fundamental stem cell biology with practical, hands-on training in one of the most rapidly advancing areas of modern science. You'll explore how stem cells influence development, disease, and regeneration, gaining insight into their potential to transform healthcare and biomedical research. In year two, you’ll undertake a placement, gaining valuable industry experience.
Alongside specialist scientific knowledge, you'll develop valuable transferable skills in research, data analysis, problem-solving, and communication. These skills will help prepare you for careers across research, biotechnology, healthcare, government, and the wider life sciences sector.
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Placement Year
As part of your MSc, you’ll complete a placement during the second year, giving you the opportunity to gain professional experience and apply your academic knowledge in a workplace setting.
During the first semester of the second year, you’ll take part in a structured employability programme designed to support your placement search. You’ll receive guidance throughout the process, working with the University’s specialist, award-winning placement partner to develop your applications, prepare for opportunities and increase your confidence when engaging with employers.
Placements typically last between eight and ten months and are usually undertaken with a UK employer. They provide valuable insight into your chosen sector, helping you develop practical skills, build professional connections and enhance your career prospects.
While you’ll benefit from dedicated support throughout the placement process, finding and securing a suitable placement is your responsibility. Engaging fully with the employability programme, your studies and the support available will help you make the most of this opportunity.
If you’re unable to secure an industry placement, or don’t meet the academic requirements, you’ll complete three structured industry projects with different UK organisations. These projects offer an alternative route to gaining hands-on experience, developing workplace skills and working on real-world challenges.
By the end of the course, you’ll have gained practical experience, strengthened your CV and developed the skills and confidence needed to take the next step in your career.
Find out more about the Postgraduate Placement Year.
Careers
Career Pathways
An MSc Stem Cell Biology degree can prepare you for careers such as:
- Academic Researcher: Advance scientific understanding through research in stem cell biology, regenerative medicine, and related fields
- Biotechnology Scientist: Apply stem cell technologies and biological research within the biotechnology and life sciences industries
- Research Scientist: Design and conduct experiments that contribute to new discoveries in health and disease
- Healthcare Specialist: Support innovation and advancement across healthcare, biomedical research, and regenerative medicine
- Policy Advisor: Help shape policy and regulation relating to healthcare, biotechnology, and emerging biomedical technologies
Career Support
Your extensive research project will help you develop specialist expertise, practical laboratory skills, and professional confidence in stem cell biology. Working alongside experienced researchers from UEA and the Norwich Research Park, you'll gain valuable research experience and build connections within a world-leading life sciences community. You’ll also benefit from support from UEA’s Career Central, including careers advice, CV and application guidance, interview preparation, and resources to help you plan your future career.
After the Course
Upon completion, you’ll be exceptionally well qualified as a PhD candidate for national and international PhDs within this area. You’ll also have a diverse range of transferable skills and understanding that will enhance your employability in industry, government, and non-government organisations.
Study and Modules
Structure
This two-year MSc will provide you with a strong foundation in stem cell biology, combining advanced theoretical knowledge with practical laboratory experience and the development of essential transferable skills. Throughout the course, you’ll enhance your abilities in areas such as communication, scientific presentation, project management and effective time management.
A key feature of the programme is your independent research project, where you’ll become part of an active research team working on cutting-edge questions in stem cell biology. You’ll be supported in finding a research group that aligns with your interests, allowing you to immerse yourself in a collaborative research environment. Working alongside experienced researchers, you’ll develop advanced technical skills, gain insight into current scientific challenges and build valuable professional connections.
You’ll have the opportunity to undertake a hands-on research project exploring a range of organ systems and areas of stem cell research. Potential topics may include the cardiovascular system, pulmonary system, central and peripheral nervous systems, sense organs, haemato-endothelial system, musculoskeletal system and gastrointestinal system.
To prepare you for your placement year, you’ll complete a year-long Employability Skills module designed to support your career development. Through workshops on CV writing, interview techniques and building your professional profile on LinkedIn, you’ll develop the skills needed to identify and secure placement opportunities. You’ll also receive one-to-one guidance to help you refine your application strategy and practise your interview skills through mock interviews.
The module is delivered through a combination of online and in-person sessions and is assessed on a pass/fail basis. You’ll need to meet the attendance requirements and successfully complete the module before progressing to the placement year.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 20)Important Information
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Structure
In the second year of your master’s course, you’ll undertake a placement related to your discipline, giving you the opportunity to apply your knowledge in a professional environment and gain valuable workplace experience.
During the first semester, you’ll focus on securing your placement with support from the University and a series of six in-person workshops at UEA. These sessions will help you reflect on your development, strengthen your employability skills and make the most of your placement search.
If you’re unable to secure an industry placement, you’ll complete three structured industry projects with different organisations instead. These projects provide an alternative opportunity to gain practical experience and engage with real-world challenges.
At the end of the year, you’ll complete an assessment comprising a portfolio of materials from your placement search and a reflective report on your placement experience or industry projects. This will allow you to demonstrate the skills you’ve developed, your understanding of the sector and your future professional goals.
By completing the course, you’ll graduate with enhanced career confidence, valuable research and workplace experience, a strengthened CV and an expanded professional network, preparing you for your next career step in the UK or internationally.
Compulsory Modules
Important Information
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning, and Assessment
Teaching and Learning
Our MSc programmes are taught by expert academics who are active researchers in their fields. Teaching is research-led, ensuring you engage with current developments and emerging scientific knowledge. You’ll learn through a combination of lectures, seminars, and workshops.
The research project forms a major part of your course. You'll undertake an independent research project on a topic of your choice, culminating in a written dissertation and presentation of your findings. This project enables you to explore an area of research that interests you while developing practical research skills, critical thinking, and independent learning, supported by an experienced academic supervisor.
Throughout the course, you'll develop a range of transferable skills that support both your studies and future career, including scientific writing, data analysis and visualisation, science communication, and the development of your skills and knowledge through independent learning.
Assessment
Assessment is designed to evaluate both your subject knowledge and research skills. Assessment methods vary according to the module and learning objectives and as such assessments may include examinations, coursework assignments, data analysis exercises, and presentations. Formative assessments and feedback opportunities are embedded throughout the course, helping you monitor your progress and develop your skills before completing summative assessments.
In addition, you'll complete an independent research project on a topic of your choice, which you'll submit as a formal written dissertation. You'll also have the opportunity to present your research findings orally, demonstrating your ability to communicate scientific concepts and results effectively.
Entry Requirements
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
- Typical UK Entry Requirements
Degree classification
Bachelors degree - 2.2
Degree Subject
Life or Physical Sciences
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all postgraduate applicants.
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
- Typical International Entry Requirements
Degree classification
UK Bachelors degree - 2.2 or equivalent
Degree Subject
Life or Physical Sciences
- English Foreign Language
Applications from students whose first language is not English are welcome. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading):
- IELTS: 6.0 overall (minimum 5.5 in each component)
We also accept a number of other English language tests. Review our English Language Equivalencies(opens in a new window) for a list of example qualifications that we may accept to meet this requirement.
Test dates should be within two years of the course start date.
If you do not meet the English language requirements for this course, UEA International Study Centre offer a variety of English language programmes which are designed to help you develop the required English skills.
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all postgraduate applicants.
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Fees and Funding
Tuition fees for the Academic Year 2026/27 are:
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UK Students: £14,450
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International Students: £28,250
If you choose to take this course with a placement year, your tuition fees for the first year will be as shown above. An additional fee of £3,500 will apply for the placement year (see our FAQs page for further details).
We estimate living expenses at £1,171 per month.
Further Information on tuition fees can be found here(opens in a new window).
Scholarships and Bursaries
The University of East Anglia offers a range of Scholarships(opens in a new window); please click the link for eligibility, details of how to apply and closing dates.
Course Related Costs
Please see additional course fees for details of course-related costs.
How to Apply
Applications for Postgraduate Taught programmes at the University of East Anglia should be made directly to the University.
To apply please use our online application form(opens in a new window).
Further information
If you would like to discuss your individual circumstances prior to applying, please do contact us:
Postgraduate Admissions Office
Tel: +44 (0)1603 591515
Email: admissions@uea.ac.uk(opens in a new window)
International candidates are also encouraged to access the International Students(opens in a new window) section of our website.