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Postgraduate Study

Course closed:

Stem Cell Biology is no longer accepting new applications.

Our overarching goal is to produce well-trained and rounded PhD graduates who have generated significant and original research findings and are fully prepared for an ambitious and challenging career, whether continuing in stem cell science or moving to another profession. 

The educational aims of the MRes are:

  • to give students with relevant experience at first-degree level the opportunity to carry out focussed research in the discipline under close supervision; and 
  • to give students the opportunity to acquire or develop skills and expertise relevant to their research interests.
  • to give students a comprehensive overview of both fundamentals and emerging themes in stem cell biology

Learning Outcomes

The first year of the programme works towards a Master of Research in Biological Science (Stem Cell Biology).  This MRes year is mostly research-based, with some weekly seminars and discussion courses. By the end of this programme, students will have:

  • a comprehensive understanding of techniques, and a thorough knowledge of the literature, applicable to their own research;
  • demonstrated originality in the application of knowledge, together with a practical understanding of how research and enquiry are used to create and interpret knowledge in their field;
  • shown abilities in the critical evaluation of current research and research techniques and methodologies;
  • demonstrated some self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems, and acted autonomously in the planning and implementation of research; and
  • demonstrated ability to effectively communicate their data to their peers, both in the production of high quality written reports and effective and informative oral presentations. 


Continuing

Continuation onto the PhD in year 2 is conditional; students must pass the MRes in year one (receiving the Master of Research in Biological Science (Stem Cell Biology)). This final assessment is made at an MRes viva held at the end of year one, where the rotation project reports and a PhD proposal report are discussed at length between the student and internal and external assessors. Continuation recommendations are then passed onto the relevant degree committee for approval.


Open Days

The Postgraduate Virtual Open Day usually takes place at the beginning of November. It’s a great opportunity to ask questions to admissions staff and academics, explore the Colleges virtually, and to find out more about courses, the application process and funding opportunities. Visit the Postgraduate Open Day page for more details.

Key Information


1+3 years full-time

Doctor of Philosophy
Master of Research in the first instance

Wellcome - Medical Research Council Cambridge Stem Cell Institute

Course - related enquiries

Application - related enquiries

Course on Department Website

Dates and deadlines:

Applications open
Sept. 15, 2022
Application deadline
Jan. 6, 2023
Course Starts
Oct. 1, 2023

Some courses can close early. See the Deadlines page for guidance on when to apply.

Course Funding Deadline
Jan. 5, 2023
Gates Cambridge US round only
Oct. 12, 2022

These deadlines apply to applications for courses starting in Michaelmas 2023, Lent 2024 and Easter 2024.


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