About this course
Explore early human development and the biology and function of stem cells on this research-focused master's degree. This cutting-edge science is vital for stem cell research and creating new therapies for regenerative medicine. Our Stem Cells, Development and Regenerative Medicine MRes is a great chance for you to gain advanced scientific, research, and other transferable skills. These are essential for becoming an independent researcher and careers in stem cell research.
Stem cell therapies have a great potential for treating many degenerative diseases. The University of Southampton is a leader of innovative research into the use of stem cell medical treatments for:
- macular degeneration
- osteoarthritis
- brain and spinal cord injuries
- cancer
On this UK master of research degree you'll have access to superb facilities, including:
- fully equipped cell culture laboratories
- a suite of microscopy facilities
- molecular biology equipment
You'll take two 16-week research projects. As an MRes student you’ll spend more time on your projects and less on the taught part of the course.
As part of this course you'll:
- develop research skills in the biomedical sciences
- explore the core concepts behind statistical analysis and study design
- learn how to understand and critique published research papers
You'll also benefit directly from the work of our research group, the Centre for Human Development, Stem Cells and Regeneration.
This course is for proficient biological or biomedical science graduates. It is ideal to help you develop advanced lab-based research skills and specialist knowledge. You can use these to pursue a career in academia or industry, or continue your studies with a PhD.
For any admissions enquiries, please contact the admissions team at fmed-pgr-apply@southampton.ac.uk
For any course specific enquiries, please email the programme team at stemcells@soton.ac.uk
Course lead
Your course leader is Dr Franchesca Houghton, Associate Professor in Stem Cells and Developmental Biology. Her research focuses on the mechanisms that regulate human embryonic stem cells and preimplantation embryo development. Read Dr Houghton’s profile to find out more about her work.
Discover our Stem Cells, Development and Regenerative Medicine MRes
Course locations
This course is based at Highfield and University Hospital Southampton.
Awarding body
This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.
Download the programme specification
The programme specification sets out the learning outcomes of this course and details how the course is taught and assessed.
Entry requirements
You'll need a 2:1 in biological or biomedical sciences, or a closely related subject.
Find the equivalent international qualifications for your country.
Intercalation
You can take this course as an intercalated year while studying undergraduate medicine. If you're an internal applicant you must have successfully completed at least 3 years of your medical degree and achieved 60% or above in all your third year assessments.
If you're an external applicant and want to intercalate in a different study year please contact us.
Email: fmed-pgr-apply@southampton.ac.uk
Phone: +44 (0)23 8120 6685
English language requirements
If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need an overall score of 7.0 and the following scores for reading, writing, listening and speaking:
IELTS score requirements
- reading
- 6.0
- writing
- 6.0
- speaking
- 6.0
- listening
- 6.0
We accept other English language tests. Find out which English language tests we accept.
Got a question?
Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
Course structure
This is a full-time master’s course. You’ll study for a full 12 months.
You will take 2 research projects, which should be with different supervisors in different research laboratories. This will give you a broad range of laboratory skills and experience of working in different research environments.
The taught part of the course consists of 3 modules that will develop your research and scientific skills.
Stem Cells, Development and Regenerative Medicine
This will introduce core concepts in as series of workshops on key research publications. You'll critically appraise primary research papers and develop the skills required to understand, critique and interpret their findings. Students will present their thoughts and participate in group discussions with both their peers and academic facilitators.
Research Skills in Biomedical Sciences 1 (RSBS1)
This module combines taught and practical sessions that introduce the core concepts behind statistical analysis and study design. You'll learn how to handle your own data and critically appraise data published by others.
Advanced Scientific Skills
A series of taught and practical sessions on additional core Biomedical Sciences concepts, such as the analysis and critical appraisal of large data sets. You'll develop the skills required to communicate your research to both scientists and non-specialists. You'll also prepare a grant proposal.
Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.
Modules
You'll study a total of 5 modules. All modules must be passed to gain the Master of Research award.
For entry in Academic Year 2021-22
Year 1 modules
You must study the following modules:
Learning and assessment
Learning
The learning activities for this course include :
- interactive lectures
- student and tutor-led seminars
- journal club presentations
- poster presentation
- peer review
- independent research
Assessment
We’ll assess you through:
- literature reviews
- research proposal
- presentations
- research project report
- research project manuscript
- poster and oral presentation of research project
- viva (oral examination)
The research projects are a chance for you to develop your research skills and show in-depth knowledge of the subject.
You'll be supervised by internationally recognised academic researchers in our Centre for Human Development, Stem Cells and Regeneration.
Academic Support
We'll assign you a personal academic tutor, and you'll have access to a senior tutor.
Careers
With this degree you’ll be in a great position to continue your research at PhD level or move into a career in industry.
Areas you could go into include:
- bioscience research
- stem cell research
- pharmaceuticals
- academia
- regenerative medicine
- science journalism
- science policy
- teaching
Careers services at Southampton
We're a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2020). Our Careers and Employability Service will support you throughout your time as a student and for up to 5 years after graduation. This support includes:
- work experience schemes
- CV/resume and interview skills workshops
- networking events
- careers fairs attended by top employers
- a wealth of volunteering opportunities
- study abroad and summer school opportunities
We have a thriving entrepreneurship culture. You'll be able to take advantage of:
- our dedicated start-up incubator, Futureworlds
- a wide variety of enterprise events run throughout the year
- our partnership in the world’s number 1 business incubator, SETsquared
Fees, costs and funding
Tuition fees
Fees for a year's study:
- UK students pay £6,490 plus £5,100 bench fee
- EU and international students pay £21,450 plus £5,100 bench fee
What your fees pay for
Your tuition fee covers the full cost of tuition and any exams.
Find out how to pay your tuition fees.
Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. Explore:
10% alumni discount
If you’re a graduate of the University of Southampton you get a 10% discount on your postgraduate tuition fees.
Postgraduate Master’s Loans (UK nationals only)
This can help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate master's course. Find out if you're eligible.
Funding your postgraduate studies
A variety of additional scholarships, grants and bursaries may be available to help you fund your master’s study, both from the University and from other organisations.
Funding for EU and international students
Find out about funding you could get as an international student.
How to apply
1. Use the 'apply for this course' button on this page to take you to our online application form.
2. Search for the course you want to apply for. For this course to appear, you will need to select the programme type as 'research'.
3. Complete the application form and upload any supporting documents.
4. Submit your application.
If you're a medicine undergraduate and want to study this master's degree as an intercalated year, contact us on:
Email: fmed-pgr-apply@southampton.ac.uk
Phone: +44 (0)23 8120 6685
Application deadlines
UK students
Applications must be received no later than 4 weeks before the start of the course. You must supply all supporting documentation at least 2 weeks before starting your course.
International students
We recommend you apply at least 6 weeks before the start of the course to ensure you're able to meet our requirements and apply for a visa in time.
We cannot guarantee students who do not meet these deadlines will be able to begin their course.
Supporting information
When you apply you’ll need to submit a personal statement explaining why you want to take the course.
You’ll need to include information about:
- your knowledge of the subject area
- why you want to study a postgraduate qualification in this course
- how you intend to use your qualification
You'll also need to send 2 academic references.
Please include the required paperwork showing your first degree and your IELTS English language test score (if you are a non-native English speaker) with your application. Without these, your application may be delayed.
Learn more about how to apply with our postgraduate application guide.
What happens after you apply
You'll be able to track your application through our online Applicant Record System.
We'll assess your application on the strength of your:
- academic achievements
- relevant professional experience
- personal statement
- academic references
We'll get back to you within 6 weeks with a decision about your application.
Equality and diversity
We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.
Got a question?
Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000