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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
Key details
- Attendance
- Full Time
- Award
- Degree of Master of Science
- Course Length
- 1 year
- Course Start Date
- September 2027
Other Start Dates
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Other Start Dates
17th
UEA is ranked 17th overall for research quality in Biological Science
The Times Higher Education REF 2021 AnalysisCourse Overview
Why Stem Cell Biology 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?
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.
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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Careers
Career Pathways
With a MSc in Stem Cell Biology, you could launch a career as a:
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Academic Researcher: Advance scientific understanding through research in stem cell biology, regenerative medicine, and related fields
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Biotechnology Scientist: Apply stem cell technologies and biological research within the biotechnology and life sciences industries
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Research Scientist: Design and conduct experiments that contribute to new discoveries in health and disease
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Healthcare Specialist: Support innovation and advancement across healthcare, biomedical research, and regenerative medicine
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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(opens in a new window), 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 is a one-year MSc course, during which you’ll gain fundamental theory, hands-on practical training, and a diverse range of transferable skills in time and project management, communication and written and oral presentations.
A major component is a research project, for which you’ll join an active research team working at the cutting edge of a particular area. We’ll help match you with a team that best suits your research interests, and your chosen team will provide your physical and spiritual home for the duration of the masters. Working within your team, you’ll gain detailed insight into a current question in stem cell biology, develop technical expertise, and make lifelong friendships.
You’ll choose a hands-on research project from a wide variety of organ systems. Potential topics include cardiovascular system; pulmonary system; central nervous system; peripheral nervous system and sense organs; haemato-endothelial system; musculoskeletal system; gastro-intestinal system.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Min Credits: 60, Max Credits: 80)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 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):
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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 offers a variety of English language programmes which are designed to help you develop the required English skills.
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- 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 2027/28 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(opens in a new window) for details of course-related costs.
How to Apply
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.