Regenerative Medicine

Course Overview
The taught MSc in Regenerative Medicine at University of 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).

Regenerative Medicine is an exciting emerging discipline, which aims to develop novel therapeutics to repair and regenerate damaged and diseased organs. These therapeutics utilise stem cells, gene therapy, biomaterials, engineered tissue and biologically active compounds. This 12-month taught MSc course will equip you with the skills to participate in this discipline. Modules will address the science behind Regenerative Medicine as well as its application to human disease.

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 University of 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 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.

REMEDI is home to Ireland’s only stem cell manufacturing facility, CCMI, the Centre for Cell Manufacturing Ireland. This state-of-the art facility will translate, as well as manufacture, research from REMEDI’s programmes into cell-based medicinal products for clinical trials.

Course Outline
The first two semesters will consist of modules covering the scientific principles of stem cells, gene therapy, tissue engineering, immunology and pharmacology. Training in scientific concepts and techniques important to biomedical research takes place via a series of laboratory-based practical sessions. The regulatory issues involved in translating research observation to an approved treatment for patients will be a focus throughout the course. During the summer semester, students embark on individual laboratory-based research projects.

The modules on offer include:
Regenerative Medicine;
Translational Medicine;
Advanced Research Technique;
Tissue Engineering;
Scientific Writing;
Pharmacology;
Anatomy;
Research Project and Thesis;
Physiology-Human Body Function;
Introduction to Business;
Economic Evaluation in Healthcare;
Biostatistics;
Bioinformatics.

Applicants should have, or should expect to obtain, at least a Second Class Honours degree in a biological/life science or medicine. 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 for this course.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
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 for this course.

How to apply
We encourage all applicants to apply as early as possible.

Review/Closing Dates (for Taught Programmes)
For most programmes, University of Galway does not set specific closing dates for receipt of applications. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis and course quotas will be reviewed continuously throughout the application cycle with the exception of applications for some programmes which are reviewed after the specified closing date. Candidates who do not have their final degree marks available may be made a conditional (provisional) offer.

Online Application
Applications to most postgraduate programmes at University of Galway are made online via www.universityofgalway.ie/apply (see "Application Weblink").

1 year full-time.

Next start date: September 2024.

Review/Closing Dates (for Taught Programmes)
For most programmes, University of Galway does not set specific closing dates for receipt of applications. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis and course quotas will be reviewed continuously throughout the application cycle with the exception of applications for some programmes which are reviewed after the specifed closing date*. Candidates who do not have their final degree marks available may be made a conditional (provisional) offer.

Career Opportunities
Graduates of this course have found employment in biomedical device and biotechnology companies and clinical research organisations in Ireland and abroad. Many course graduates have obtained PhD studentships in Ireland, the UK, throughout Europe, Canada and the US. Some graduates have gone on to study medicine, and graduates with clinical backgrounds have progressed to clinical fellowships.