MSc (Regenerative Medicine)

Course details

The taught MSc in Regenerative Medicine at NUI Galway graduated its one-hundredth student recently. This course focuses on stem cells, gene therapy and tissue engineering, focussing on how they can be applied to develop new therapeutics. The course is the only one of its kind in Ireland. Students who have completed this course have gone to work in pharmaceutical and biomedical companies in Ireland and abroad. Many graduates have chosen to follow research-based careers in this dynamic field and are pursuing PhDs in countries all over the world (Ireland, the UK, Spain, the Netherlands, Austria and America).

Based at NUI Galway, this programme aims to provide graduates in the life sciences, nursing or medicine with an understanding of Regenerative Medicine and to equip them with the skills necessary for a career in this emerging discipline. This course will integrate information, technologies and skills from biological sciences, engineering, legal and ethical disciplines. Modules will address the science behind Regenerative medicine, its application to human disease and its importance to modern society.

Special Features

As part of this MSc course, students will undertake a summer-long, laboratory-based research project. In previous years these projects have been based at NUI Galway, Galway University Hospital, and in research groups based in Dublin and Maynooth. The MSc is administered by the Regenerative Medicine Institute (REMEDI), a world-class biomedical research institute is recognised as Ireland’s primary centre for stem cell and gene therapy research, and a world leader in the field of regenerative medicine. REMEDI’s main focus is to use cells and genes to regenerate healthy tissues that can be used to repair or replace other tissues and organs with a minimally invasive approach.

Key facts

Entry requirements

Successful applicants will have at least a Second Class Honours degree in an appropriate biological science, life science, medicine or nursing. Students who have a degree without Honours in a related area and have three or more years of practical experience in the subject area will also be eligible to apply.

Course outline

The first two semesters will consist of taught courses to train students in the scientific principles of stem cells, gene therapy, biomaterials, tissue engineering, immunology, and pharmacology. In addition there will be extensive training on the regulatory issues involved in translating a research observation to an approved and licensed regenerative treatment for patients. Training in scientific concepts and techniques important to biomedical research will occur in the second semester via a series of laboratory-based practicals. Training in scientific writing and data presentation will occur in the Introduction to Biomedical Research module.

After the end of the second semester students will embark on individual thesis research projects for the remainder of the course. Previously these research projects have been based at NUI Galway, Galway University Hospital, NUI Maynooth, Royal College of Surgeons Ireland and Athlone Institute of Technology.