MPhil in Stem Cell medicine

Entry requirements

Expected Academic Standard

Applicants for this course should have achieved a UK Good II.i Honours Degree.

Months of entry

September

Course content

The Cambridge Stem Cell Institute (CSCI) is a world-leading centre for stem cell research. Its mission is to transform human health through a deep understanding of stem cell biology. Our scientists study stem cell behaviour, both normal and pathological, and use their findings to improve the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases.

The Institute currently consists of 28 outstanding research groups working across three key research themes: Stem Cell States, Stem Cells in Disease, and Stem Cells & Therapeutics.

The Institute offers this MPhil programme to students under the supervision of a Principal Investigator ('Principal Supervisor'). During their MPhil, students are based in a research group, supported by their Principal Supervisor and associated laboratory staff.

We welcome applications from individuals wanting to work towards an MPhil in any of the labs belonging to the Cambridge Stem Cell Institute (CSCI) - a list of CSCI Principal Investigators can be found on the website.

Successful applicants must meet the University's minimum academic admissions criteria.

The MPhil course introduces students to research skills and specialist knowledge. Its main aims are:

• to give students with relevant experience at a first-degree level, the opportunity to carry out focused research in the discipline under close supervision
• to give students the opportunity to acquire or develop skills and expertise relevant to their research interests

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the programme, students will be able to demonstrate:

• Advanced knowledge and understanding of stem cell biology and biological mechanisms of disease through attendance and engagement at the lecture series – assessed by the set essay question.
• A broad understanding of modern research techniques applicable to human biomedical science from the series of technical lectures – assessed by the set essay question
• In-depth knowledge of the background to their selected research project including the research techniques and methods of data analysis used – assessed from the Master's Thesis, the literature-based review.
• Knowledge of the theoretical approaches relevant to their specialisation and demonstrate training in critical thinking relevant to their chosen project - assessed by the Master's Thesis and oral presentations.
• Expertise in research methods, data analysis and statistics, assessed by the short biostatistics assessment and application of the methods to interpret the data collected during the research project.
• Originality in the application of knowledge, together with the practical understanding of how research and enquiry are used to create and interpret knowledge in the field, obtained through undertaking the prolonged research project - assessed by the Master's Thesis and oral presentations;
• A broad overview of research in medical science as well as career opportunities both in research and industry.

Information for international students

Language Requirement

IELTS (Academic)

Element Score

Listening 7.0

Writing 7.0

Reading 6.5

Speaking 7.0

Total 7.0

TOEFL Internet Score

Element Score

Listening 25

Writing 25

Reading 25

Speaking 25

Total 100

CAE

Score: Grade A & B (overall score of 193, with no element lower than 185 plus a Language Centre assessment)

CPE

Score: Grade A, B, or C (with at least 200 with no element lower than 185).

Fees and funding

Funding Opportunities

This is not a core-funded MPhil programme, and candidates are therefore required to secure their own funding.

Applicants are recommended to apply for funding via external fellowships and funding bodies, as well as to the University funding scheme. To be considered for University funding, please tick 'Yes - I wish to apply for funding' in the funding section of the Applicant Portal. You will then automatically be considered for any University funding that you are eligible for.

To know more about how to apply for University funding, check this link.