About the course
Course objectives
This programme aims to develop the student's interest and knowledge in stem cells and regenerative medicine. It will provide a firm theoretical grounding in the basic scientific principles and clinical applications of stem cells and regenerative medicine with specific reference to the ethical considerations arising from these approaches. In addition, students will be introduced to key practical techniques employed in this field (by means of on-line videos).
Course options
To complete the MSc programme, students must obtain a total of 180 credit points via successful completion of 7 taught modules and a research project. In some cases, students may wish to opt for a less intensive programme of study in the form of a Postgraduate Diploma or a Postgraduate Certificate.
The full range of course options is listed below:
- MSc in Stem Cells and Regeneration
Students obtain a total of 180 credit points via completion of taught modules and a research project. - Postgraduate Diploma in Stem Cells and Regeneration
Students obtain a total of 120 credit points via completion of taught modules. - Postgraduate Certificate in Stem Cells and Regeneration
Students obtain a total of 60 credit points via completion of taught modules.
More information about the content of this course is available on our modules page.
Flexible study options
Students can enrol for this course on a either a full-time basis or a part-time basis. The full-time MSc takes one year to complete ; the part-time MSc takes two years to complete. The distance-learning format of the course means that students are not required to base themselves in Bristol for their studies.
However they will be required to visit Bristol for end-of-module examinations. These examinations occur at the end of each year of study and we anticipate that this will require a maximum stay of two weeks in Bristol (two weeks at the end of the course for full-time students; one week at the end of each year for part-time students).
Teaching methods
Teaching material will be delivered through the course website and can be viewed at a time convenient to each individual. Lectures will be viewed with an audio track explaining each presentation and video clips illustrating key laboratory techniques for stem cell biology will be available.
Students will be required to use the course on-line discussion forum to ask questions and discuss ideas related to the field. Each month students will be expected to complete set pieces of coursework which will help to guide them through the syllabus for each module.
All students will be required to complete a research project. For the majority of students this will take the form of a library based literature review on a topic related to stem cells and regeneration. A small number of laboratory based projects will be available and students can opt to apply for such a project. Students who wish to take a laboratory based project are likely to be required to pay an additional fee.
The illustrative timetables for part-time (Word, 36.5kB) and full-time (Word, 37kB) study shows the order of modules through the course.
Assessment
Each unit is assessed independently based on coursework (essays and computer assisted assessments) and examinations. For the research module a written thesis and satisfactory defence in an oral examination and mini-poster presentation will be required.
Entry requirements
Applicants will require a good honours degree in a biological or related science or a degree in medicine. Applicants from non-English speaking countries will also be required to provide evidence of their proficiency in the English language.
It is essential that applicants have basic computer skills, such as skills in word-processing, data manipulation and presentation. Applicants must also be confident in communicating via e-mail. It will be the responsibility of the applicant to ensure access to a suitable computer connected to the Internet for the duration of the course.
**Please note that there is a £1,000 non-refundable course deposit for overseas students. This deposit will count towards your total tuition fees.
Further information:
Frequently asked questions about the course
University of Bristol, Postgraduate Prospectus
Introduction to the University of Bristol
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