MPhil Stem Cell Research: The University of Manchester

Course description

The MPhil is a one-year research degree where students get the opportunity to study a specific research project. The MPhil degree can act as a stand-alone degree for applicants who would like to gain experience in a specific area, or can be linked to a PhD programme. Rather than register on a direct entry 3 or 4 year PhD, some postgraduates may first register on a one-year MPhil programme. Subsequently students may then wish to transfer on to a full PhD programme with a further 2 or 3 years of study.

The Tissue Regeneration and Stem Cells research group covers two distinct but overlapping areas. Those working in the area of tissue regeneration, combining tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, are developing living cell-based biological approaches to aid the repair and regeneration of damaged and diseased tissues. This is a strongly interdisciplinary field of research, which combines the skills of cell, molecular and matrix biologists in the Faculty of Life Sciences with expertise in other Faculties including material, engineering and physical scientists and clinical and surgical specialists.

The Manchester Stem Cell Network is working to determine basic cellular mechanisms that regulate cell fate and devise therapeutic protocols to exploit stem cells, and draws on major interdisciplinary strengths in somatic stem cell research (pre-clinical and clinical trials are underway) and expertise in the isolation of stem cells from early human embryos. Research in stem cell biology is being applied to a number of major clinical targets, including neurodegenerative diseases, disorders of soft and hard connective tissues, diabetes and chronic tissue injury and repair. They also have innovative programmes that are investigating the relationship between stem cells and cancer.

Career opportunities

The majority of their MPhil students choose to study for a subsequent 2 or 3 years to gain a PhD qualification. Other students use the skills they have acquired to move into related areas such as education, information technology, consultancy and management, helped by the comprehensive skills training they gain during their programme of study.

Entry requirements

Academic entry qualification overview:

The standard entry requirement for MPhil study is a First or Upper Second class honours degree, or the overseas equivalent, in a relevant subject. In certain circumstances, a Lower Second class honours degree supplemented by appropriate relevant experience, may be acceptable.

English language:

For MPhil applicants whose first language is not English an IELTS score of 6.5, TOEFL 577 (paper based), TOEFL 233 (computer based) or TOEFL 90 (internet based) is required as a minimum.