The course content covers the key areas of:
- Stem cell laboratory techniques: gain practical training working with stem cell cultures and practise the specialist analytical skills to evaluate them.
- Legal/regulatory frameworks and business opportunities: examine the wide range of policies being developed within individual countries to govern the use, patenting and commercialisation of stem cells.
- Clinical applications: acquire skills and knowledge relating to stem cell production and banking in clinics as well as the principles of clinical trials and wider application of stem cell culture expertise in clinical settings.
Course structure
The taught sections of the course occur in the autumn and spring semesters, during which you will be required to undertake five compulsory modules worth 120 credits in total.
During the summer semester, you will undertake a three-month, 60-credit research project and produce a dissertation.
Modules
Cell, Developmental and Molecular Biology
This introductory module has been specifically designed to cover the basic underlying biology required for a clear understanding of stem cell types and their function.
Embryonic Stem Cells
The purpose of this module is to provide students with a detailed understanding of the biology, culture, derivation, differentiation ethics and commercialisation of human and mouse embryonic stem cells. The practical sessions within the course will provide laboratory experience of the range of the range of techniques in current use for culture, differentiation and transfection of these cells. The tutorial sessions are designed to explore the legislation, clinical application and current obstacles to commercialisation of these cells, in addition to covering critical evaluation of embryonic stem cell experimental design
Adult and Foetal Stem Cells
Expand your understanding of a broad range of adult and fetal stem cell types, including haematopoeitic, mesenchymal, neural and cord blood cells, with emphasis on both basic biology and clinical applications.
Laboratory training in culture and differentiation of adult stem cells is provided. Tutorial sessions cover ethical issues, the clinical facilities required for human stem cell transplantation and critical analysis of high profile stem cell papers.
Research Skills and Stem Cell Technology Exploitation
In addition to providing the presentation and analytical skills required to assess and pursue further stem cell opportunities, in this module you will undertake a group-based Business Plan project. Through this you will gain experience in business development, intellectual property exploitation and the ethical and legal frameworks that govern stem cell developments.
Translational Technologies for Stem Cells
This module covers four core areas:
- Clinical and experimental applications for stem cells, including how stem cells can be used in drug development and understanding genetic disease, through to how stem cells are prepared for clinical use. It will also consider the challenges facing these tasks
- Scalability and application of stem cells as well as the challenges of using automation and bioreactors to produce the quantities of cells required for clinical and biomedical use
- Tissue engineering approaches for stem cells, the challenges of delivering stem cells for clinical transplantation, studies of the 3D culture of cells in bioreactor systems and the use of engineered scaffolds for optimal stem cell culture and tissue growth for biological applications
- Interdisciplinary research which exposes the state-of-the-art advances of the interface between stem cell biology and physical science techniques
Regenerative Medicine Research Project
During the summer semester, you will undertake a three-month, 60-credit research project and produce a dissertation. From May to August all our students work on real projects that are aligned with academics working at the cutting edge of research.
The above is a sample of the typical modules that we offer but is not intended to be construed and/or relied upon as a definitive list of the modules that will be available in any given year. This course page may be updated over the duration of the course, as modules may change due to developments in the curriculum or in the research interests of staff.
Teaching methods and assessment
You can expect to spend approximately 40% of the taught course practically based in the laboratory.
A maximum of 16 students gives excellent staff/student ratios, small tutor groups and a supportive learning environment.
Assessment is based on coursework assignments, essays and laboratory reports, as well as a business plan e-portfolio and written examinations.
Careers
This pioneering course maximises the employability of students. Our track record shows a large proportion of our graduates secure stem cell technology-related posts including PhDs, positions in industry and government-funded agencies (eg stem cell banks).
The course content has been designed in consultation with stem cell experts and potential employers in biotechnology, academia, industry and bodies regulating stem cells, to provide the necessary expertise to compete in an ever-changing world.
The MSc in Stem Cell Technology will provide you with a diverse range of practical skills and vocational knowledge. Students who have completed the course are in the position to use the expertise gained to follow a number of varied career paths.
Career possibilities include:
- Further academic studies (i.e. PhD)
- Biotechnology sector research/sales
- Stem cell business development
- Stem cell banking
- Stem cell patents
- Stem cell clinical translation
- Charity research development
- Pharmaceutical industry
- Stem cell regulatory bodies
Average starting salary and career progression
90.1% of postgraduates from the School of Medicine secured work or further study within six months of graduation. The average starting salary was £31,086.*
* Known destinations of full-time home postgraduates who were available for employment, 2016/17. Salaries are calculated based on those in full-time paid employment within the UK.
Careers support and advice
We offer individual careers support for all postgraduate students whatever your course, mode of study or future career plans.
You can access our Careers and Employability Service during your studies and after you graduate. Expert staff will help you research career options and job vacancies, build your CV or résumé, develop your interview skills and meet employers.
More than 1,500 employers advertise graduate jobs and internships through our online vacancy service. We host regular careers fairs, including specialist fairs for different sectors.
Additional costs
As a student on this course, you should factor some additional costs into your budget, such as printing, alongside your tuition fees and living expenses. You should be able to access most of the books you’ll need through our libraries, though you may wish to purchase your own copies or more specific titles.
Scholarships and bursaries
Government loans for masters courses
Masters student loans of up to £10,906 are available for taught and research masters courses. Applicants must ordinarily live in the UK or EU.
International and EU students
Masters scholarships are available for international and EU students from a wide variety of countries and areas of study. You must already have an offer to study at Nottingham to apply. Please note closing dates to ensure you apply for your course with enough time.
We provide guidance on funding your degree, living costs and working while you study. You can also access specific funding opportunities, entry requirements and other resources for students from specific countries.