Applications invited for University of Southampton’s MRes in Stem Cells


Applications are invited for the Masters of Research (MRes) in Stem Cells, Development and Regenerative Medicine at the University of Southampton. The programme, which has a maximum student intake of 20, offers exciting opportunities to develop advanced scientific, research and transferable skills required to become an independent researcher in Stem Cells, Development & Regenerative Medicine. The programme will enable high-achieving Biological/Biomedical Science graduates to develop further laboratory-based research skills and subject-specific knowledge before committing to a PhD programme or a career in academia, industry, government policy or science journalism.

The University of Southampton is a founding member of the Russell Group and has a global reputation for leading-edge research and innovation. Over 97% of its research has been assessed as world-leading and internationally excellent in the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2014. It is also among the top 10% of UK universities for attracting research funding.

The MRes is organised by the Centre for Human Development, Stem Cells & Regeneration (CHDSCR), which was founded in 2004 within the University’s Faculty of Medicine to promote cross-disciplinary and translational research. The CHDSCR undertakes fundamental research into early development and stem cells, together with applied translational research targeting the National Health Service (NHS) and patient benefit.

During this one year programme, MRes students undertake modules in Stem Cells, Development & Regenerative Medicine, Research Skills in Biomedical Sciences and Advanced Scientific Skills. Students also undertake two research projects totalling 32 weeks, to develop a broad range of laboratory skills and gain experience of working in different research environments. The students also develop transferable skills including time and project management, public speaking, critical appraisal and scientific writing, thus aiding employability for a variety of careers. A range of teaching styles including lectures, workshops, research seminars, small group discussions and journal club presentations are used. In the two research projects, students are introduced to a range of skills gaining valuable practical laboratory experience of research methodology, experimental design, data interpretation, viva voce, scientific writing, oral and poster presentations. Students are supervised by internationally recognised Academic researchers within the CHDSCR. A specific nominated Personal Academic Tutor is also available throughout the programme to give pastoral support, in addition to the Faculty pastoral advisors.

Programme Duration: 1 year

Eligibility Criteria: Candidates must have a First class or at least a Second class upper division in Biological/Biomedical Sciences or a closely related subject from any approved University. Qualifications from non-UK institutions must be of an equivalent standard to those of UK Universities. Before commencing the course, applicants should obtain an overall IELTS score of 7.0, with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.

Commencing from: September/ October 2017

Course fee: £18,800 tuition fee + £5,100 bench fee

Scholarships: Students applying for this programme are eligible for Southampton Merit Scholarships worth £3,000, the Chevening Scholarship and the Commonwealth Scholarships. These scholarships will be in the form of a tuition fee reduction.

Application deadline: Early applications by 30th June are recommended as the places are limited.

Course link: http://www.southampton.ac.uk/stemcells

Date: Jun 22, 2017