Biological Sciences at UEA
Find out more about studying Biological Sciences at UEA, and browse our other courses.
Find out moreMSc Stem Cells in Development, Disease and Regeneration
Key Details
- Attendance
- Full Time
- Award
- Degree of Master of Science
- Course Length
- 1 year
- Course Start Date
- January 2027
Other Start Dates
Other Start Dates
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Why you should choose us
17th
UEA is ranked 17th overall for research quality in Biological Science
The Times Higher Education REF 2021 AnalysisCourse Overview
Stem cells are a powerful research tool, offering exciting opportunities to model disease and explore the development of tissues, organ systems, and even body plans in vitro.
This dynamic MSc Stem Cells in Development, Disease and Regeneration course provides you with a solid foundation in fundamental theory alongside practical, hands-on training. It covers a broad range of topics, placing stem cells within the wider context of the life sciences, including development, disease, and regeneration.
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Stem cells in development: Learn how stem cells naturally differentiate from embryo to adult, informing strategies for engineering stem cell models of healthy and diseased organs and tissues in the laboratory.
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Stem cells in disease: Whether derived from patients or generated via genome editing of healthy cells, stem cells can be used to build and study diseased organs and tissues. This enables investigation of disease mechanisms and drug candidate screening.
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Stem cells in regeneration: Organs and tissues created from healthy stem cells — including those repaired through genome editing — are a promising source of cells for replacement therapies. Additionally, modulation of endogenous stem cells can promote healthy regeneration or suppress pathological processes.
As part of this MSc programme, you’ll also develop a wide range of transferable skills designed to enhance your employability in industry, government, and non-governmental organisations.
Upon completion, you’ll be well qualified to pursue PhD programmes nationally and internationally in this cutting-edge field.
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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 year-long 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
(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.
Teaching and Learning
Teaching
All our teaching in the School of Biological Sciences is research-led. During your one-year MSc course you’ll benefit from the teaching expertise of our enthusiastic and friendly academic staff with world-leading research reputations in stem cell and developmental biology. You’ll learn through lectures, seminars, workshops, and hands-on practical work, where you’ll perfect your skills.
Independent study
The independent research project forms a major part of your course. You’ll conduct the project in your choice area in one of the host labs in Norwich Research Park. Your project will culminate in the written dissertation and presentation of your results. This project enables you to focus on a specific area of stem cell biology that fascinates you, and to develop your skills and knowledge through independent learning, with the support from your host lab. You’ll have an excellent scope to develop your independent learning, critical thinking and problem-solving skills in this MSc course, both in the problem-based learning sessions and in your independent research project.
You’ll also get the chance to attend regular seminars and workshops conducted by world-leading scientists to keep up with the latest research in stem cell and developmental biology.
Assessment
We’ll assess your learning in a combination of ways depending on the module and learning objectives. These include some formal exams, coursework assignments, and presentations.
Each module contains several items of summative assessment preceded by formative work. You’ll complete formative assessments early in all modules and receive feedback to enable you to act on this when submitting the related summative work.
In addition, you’ll complete a research project on a topic of your choice, which you'll submit to us as a formal written dissertation.
Employability
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.
Careers
Examples of careers that you could enter include:
- Academia
- Biotechnology industry
- Research scientist
- Health sector
- Government policy makers
- Non-government organisations
Discover more on our Careers webpages.
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 January 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 January 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 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.
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
We estimate living expenses at £1,136 per month.
Further Information on tuition fees can be found here.
Scholarships and Bursaries
The University of East Anglia offers a range of Scholarships; 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
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.
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
International candidates are also encouraged to access the International Students section of our website.