MSc Developmental Biology and Stem Cells (Research)

• Develop the skills needed to go into research in cell or developmental biology and solve problems with normal development and tissue homeostasis.
• Work with internationally recognised developmental biology research groups undertaking world-class discovery science, developing new approaches to prevention and early detection of disease, or developing the next generation of person-centred therapies.
• Contribute to public-domain research output and conduct in-depth analysis of specific cell and developmental research.
• Study at a university ranked among the top 30 in the world for Life Sciences and Medicine (QS World University Rankings 2024).

Our MSc Developmental Biology and Stem Cells (Research) course is designed to train those who wish to pursue a research career in, or to work in associated areas in health or science.

You will undertake two interrelated research projects on a specific topic in developmental biology and stem cell research, alongside taught units providing up-to-date knowledge of fundamental cell and developmental research and training in research skills. You do not need any prior research experience before starting the course.

Our course will give you hands-on experience of cutting-edge technologies applicable to the study of normal development as well as rare developmental disorders, and transferable to other areas of medical research.

You will also gain training and experience in scientific writing and developing a research proposal and receive a grounding in a wide range of cell and developmental biology issues by attending seminars in the Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health.

We will also give you the opportunity to contribute to public domain research output. Most of our students do so either during or after the course, with output including conference presentations (national and international conferences), published abstracts, published papers (first or co-authored papers), and awards for oral presentations, essay prizes and travel grants to BSCB and BSDB Society meetings.

You will graduate with an in-depth knowledge of cutting-edge cell and developmental research and its translational relevance from bench to bedside, as well as advanced research skills and experience of running your own research project.

Your strong understanding of the ethical issues and social implications of research in fundamental research will provide you with a strong CV for your future research or medical career.

Full entry requirements

International students must demonstrate English proficiency through a secure and approved testing system. We ask for English language proof if you are from non-majority English speaking countries (a list of majority English speaking countries, as defined by the UK Home Office, can be found here ).

Specifically, we require a minimum of:

• IELTS: 6.5 overall with 6.5 in all components.

See further information about requirements for your country.

We may also accept evidence of a confirmed place on a University Pre-sessional English language course. Please visit the University Centr e for Academic English webpage for details.

Please note, we must approve this before you apply for the English course. If you wish to be considered for a pre-sessional course please contact the admissions team at pgtaughtmedicine@manchester.ac.uk

Career opportunities