Genes, Drugs and Stem Cells – Novel Therapies
MSc
ECTS: 90 credits
(including PG Cert)
Postgraduate Certificate
ECTS: 30 credits
(standalone course)
Overview
Our degrees in Genes, Drugs and Stem Cells provide state-of-the-art education in next-generation therapies, training you in translational research and rapidly-developing topics in advanced therapeutic medicines.
You will acquire transferable and research skills and knowledge of ethical and regulatory legislation, commercialisation strategies and intellectual property and patent protection.
The course is a unique combination of ‘hot’ and rapidly-developing topics in advanced therapeutic medicines, and will provide academic and laboratory research training in three key areas (streams):
- Gene and Nucleic Acid Based Therapies
- New Horizons in Pharmacology
- Regenerative Medicine
A major focus is training in translational research illustrating all steps required to progress novel therapies from bench-to-bedside and towards drug licensing.
It is the provision of teaching in all three areas of advanced therapeutic development which makes our programme unique.
Study programme
This course is made up of two progressional levels (PG Cert and MSc), and you can apply to either level in the first instance. Read more about how this works under ‘Choosing your course’ in the how to apply section.
If you choose the Postgraduate Certificate, you study four core modules with the option of returning to complete an MSc.
If you choose the MSc, you take the same core modules as Postgraduate Certificate students, as well as choosing a speciality to pursue in greater depth, through a further advanced specialist module and a six-month research project.
Careers
The main purpose of this programme is to facilitate state-of-the-art education in next generation therapies for scientists and clinicians, who will be equipped to significantly contribute to these rapidly expanding fields.
Our degrees in Genes, Drugs and Stem Cells prepare you for careers in industry, further study, positions within the NHS and financial sector.
Structure
Modules shown are for the current academic year and are subject to change depending on your year of entry.
Please note that the curriculum of this course is currently being reviewed as part of a College-wide process to introduce a standardised modular structure. As a result, the content and assessment structures of this course may change for your year of entry. We therefore recommend that you check this course page before finalising your application and after submitting it as we will aim to update this page as soon as any changes are ratified by the College.
Find out more about the limited circumstances in which we may need to make changes to or in relation to our courses, the type of changes we may make and how we will tell you about changes we have made.
Core modules
You take all four core modules below.
Evidence, Information, Communication
Covers the basic ethical principles related to pre-clinical and clinical research, relevant tissue governance (e.g. the Human Tissue Act), and basic statistics amd experimental design. Provides awareness of commercialisation strategies, the importance of intellectual property protection, and the health economy.
Core Studies in Gene and Nucleic Acid-Based Therapies
An introduction to human genetics and genomics underpinning the development of gene and nucleic acid-based therapies. Includes lectures on monogenic and complex diseases, the complexities of genotype/phenotype correlations, principles of gene regulation and suitable animal models to mimic human disease.
Core Studies in Regenerative Medicine
Includes teaching on human studies and discussion of clinical trials to provide a methodological prospective and review the current status of trials using regenerative medicine. Provides an introduction to biomaterials for regenerative medicine, and a discussion of different strategies to engage the public in the research, ethics and clinical translation of regenerative medicine.
Core Studies in New Horizons in Pharmacology
Provides a basic understanding of how drugs target disease, disease mechanisms and how the drug development process has evolved over time. You receive training in developing novel therapeutic agents and assessing safety.
Optional modules
You choose one optional module from below.
Advanced Studies in Gene and Nucleic Acid-Based Therapies
Covers gene and nucleic acid based therapies to an advanced level. Includes discussion of the first approved gene therapy product, and practical experience in preparation for the research project.
Advanced Studies in New Horizons in Pharmacology
Covers how pharmacology continues to identify new endogenous pathways (e.g. cytokines) that can be targeted to develop new drugs to an advanced level. Addresses the idea of how nanomedicine approaches are being used to make new formulations of drugs and what this means in terms of testing efficacy and toxicity. Principles of personalised medicine are also covered.
Advanced Studies in Regenerative Medicine
Covers the tools and technologies utilised in the field of regenerative medicine and the use of stem cells to develop disease models in culture. Lectures cover cutting edge research and new patents relating to regenerative pharmacology, covering the molecular pathways and drugs being used for stem cell differentiation in vitro and for the mobilization and activation of stem cells in vivo.
Research project
You will complete an extensive six-month research project related to one of the optional modules above. You join an established research laboratory to conduct work supervised by academic staff.
The research project culminates in a written project report of approximately 10,000 words and an oral presentation.
Core modules
You take all four core modules below.
Evidence, Information, Communication
Covers the basic ethical principles related to pre-clinical and clinical research, relevant tissue governance (e.g. the Human Tissue Act), and basic statistics amd experimental design. Provides awareness of commercialisation strategies, the importance of intellectual property protection, and the health economy.
Core Studies in Gene and Nucleic Acid-Based Therapies
An introduction to human genetics and genomics underpinning the development of gene and nucleic acid-based therapies. Includes lectures on monogenic and complex diseases, the complexities of genotype/phenotype correlations, principles of gene regulation and suitable animal models to mimic human disease.
Core Studies in Regenerative Medicine
Includes teaching on human studies and discussion of clinical trials to provide a methodological prospective and review the current status of trials using regenerative medicine. Provides an introduction to biomaterials for regenerative medicine, and a discussion of different strategies to engage the public in the research, ethics and clinical translation of regenerative medicine.
Core Studies in New Horizons in Pharmacology
Provides a basic understanding of how drugs target disease, disease mechanisms and how the drug development process has evolved over time. You receive training in developing novel therapeutic agents and assessing safety.
Teaching and assessment
Teaching methods
- Critical reviews
- Discussions
- Ethical debates
- Journal clubs
- Lectures
- Practical sessions
- Presentations
- Problem solving workshops
- Research project
- Tutorials
Assessment methods
- Coursework
- Data analysis
- Examinations
- Journal clubs
- Multiple-choice questions
- Poster and oral presentations
- Practical write-ups
Entry requirements
We welcome students from all over the world and consider all applicants on an individual basis.
Minimum academic requirement
Our minimum requirement is a 2.1 degree in an appropriate subject.
International qualifications
We also accept a wide variety of international qualifications.
The academic requirement above is for applicants who hold or who are working towards a USA qualification.
For guidance see our Country Index though please note that the standards listed here are the minimum for entry to the College, and not specifically this Department.
If you have any questions about admissions and the standard required for the qualification you hold or are currently studying then please contact the relevant admissions team.
English language requirement (all applicants)
All candidates must demonstrate a minimum level of English language proficiency for admission to the College.
For admission to this course, you must achieve the standard College requirement in the appropriate English language qualification. For details of the minimum grades required to achieve this requirement, please see the English language requirements for postgraduate applicants.
How to apply
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Making an application
All applicants to our Master’s courses must apply online.