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.

Other allied University of Galway courses

  • Would you like to advance therapeutics to the clinic?  Gain a better understanding of clinical research practice with our MSc Clinical Research.
  • Cellular manufacturing and therapy and the production of advanced medicinal products is quickly evolving as the future of medicine.  To learn more about bioprocessing, click here.
  • Microscopy and imaging of cells and tissue samples is a highly desirable skill for academia and industry alike.  Click here to learn more.

Scholarships Available
Find out about our Postgraduate Scholarships here.

Applications and Selections

Applications are made online via the University of Galway Postgraduate Applications System. Selection is based on the candidate's academic record at undergraduate level and their aptitude for the programme.

Requirements and Assessment

Modules are assessed by examinations at the end of Semester One and Semester Two and/or by continuous assessment. A variety of assessments are used throughout the programme, such as essays, projects, laboratory reports and presentations. A thesis based on the laboratory research project must also be submitted.

100th Graduate

L–R: Course director Linda Howard,  Stephen Verdejo (100th graduate), President and Dean of College of Medicine Nursing and Health Science.

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Aoife

Aoife Duffy |   Employer, from HitechHealth

A student from the MSc in Regenerative Medicine at NUI Galway joined our team at HitechHealth and has displayed in-depth understanding of cell therapy as well as excellent practical skills for cell culture. His knowledge of our requirements for Good Manufacturing Practices exceeded our expectations. He has adapted to the team and the laboratory with a confidence you would expect from someone out in industry for years and I think that is a credit to the student, but also particularly to the course and the overall understanding of GMP and cell therapy this course gives its students. The course director runs this course with proficiency and has tailored it to give students opportunities after graduation, whether in research or in industry. I have had the pleasure of working with eight students from the course over the years, each and every one showed a great understanding of the regenerative medicine field, GMP and all completed successful projects. This MSc is a gleaming example of what post graduate education is about and how it enables students to integrate into research or industry at ease due to the in-depth theory and hands-on practical skills they obtain in the Masters.
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Robert

Robert Bagnall |   Graduate, 2019

NUI Galway provided the only course in regenerative medicine in the country at the time of my choosing a master's programme. Moving to a place like Galway was very enticing even before I had learnt about the programme. I knew NUI Galway as a diverse campus and considering its relatively small size was impressed by its facilities, and reputation. I would recommend this course to others. Taught by some of the top people in the field it provided in-depth lecture material and additionally hands-on lab experience. The consideration each staff member gives to each student undertaking the course is worth your time in itself. The incredibly professional insight they provide into the field, and the one-on-one time they provide is a testament to the course. I have secured a job in Industry, I felt the MSc program, due to its unique nature, provided me with the differential edge I was seeking to stand-out during my job search. Additionally, the skills it taught me; working in teams, individual time management, and a list of lab skills has increased my confidence to provide what is expected from a master's graduate in my field.
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Dibyangana

Dibyangana Bhattacharyya |   MSc Regenerative Medicine graduate

I was particularly interested in regenerative medicine and NUI Galway was one of the few universities that offered this particular programme. Having an undergraduate degree in engineering, I knew I wanted a degree in biological sciences that would also have an engineering component and this course is perfect that way. Another key determining factor was the research component that is a part of this course. This was particularly important for me as I knew I wanted to do a PhD but I hadn’t had as much exposure in the lab to say that I loved research. But the four months that I spent on my research project made me realise that I loved that side and a PhD was definitely the way forward for me.
Cameron

Cameron Keighron |   Graduated 2018; current PhD student, University of Galway

Moving to postgraduate study pushes you to think more critically and logically about your work while honing skills in teamwork, leadership and problem solving. At postgraduate level you are guided to take ownership of how you study and apply the skills you have learned in your undergraduate to solve often more real-world problems. This MSc is considered to be one of the best in the field of Regenerative Medicine and really aligned with the research career I wanted to pursue. It gave me the technical and theoretical skills to pursue and obtain a PhD. I would recommend this course, the staff support each and every student who comes through the course. The course also strikes an incredible balance between teaching you necessary technical skills and developing your critical thinking, leadership and science communication skills. This course also allows you to take a deep dive into an area you are passionate about while giving you the opportunity to explore this through your practical lab work.
in Connect with Cameron
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