phd in stem cell biology in uk

• Postgraduate Research

Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine PhD / MPhil / MD

• Part time available: yes

Studying in:

• institute-of-systems-molecular-and-integrative-biology
• Faculty of Health and Life Sciences

Regenerative Medicine is a multidisciplinary area of study covering stem cell biology, tissue engineering, bioengineering, chemical biology and gene therapy. This is a dynamic and growing area of research with the potential to advance diagnosis and treatment of disease, and improve the way patients are treated.

Why study with us?

Coming from a chemistry background I was initially worried about how well I would integrate into the ITM. However, the support from the ITM staff and students has been invaluable to my development. Niamh McCallum - Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine PhD student

academic members of staff.

registered postgraduate research students.

A leading international centre for research into the fundamental principles of human physiology. We have recognised expertise in all aspects of modern physiology ranging from the regulation of gene expression to cell, tissue and whole organism biology.

This area of physiology research, utilises state-of-art technologies that enable non-invasive assessment of anatomy and function (MRI), protein expression and reporter gene expression (optical imaging), measurement of blood flow and vascularity (ultrasound) and renal function (photo-acoustic imaging). All have widespread applications for diagnostics and therapeutic interventions in neurology, neurosurgery, oncology, physiology, musculoskeletal biology and other relevant fields.

Research is undertaken within the Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, an integral part of the Institute for Translational Medicine.

This interdisciplinary research area is dedicated to harnessing the curative potential of stem cells to improve human health, with the central aim to bring life changing stem cell therapies closer to reality. Research is undertaken within the Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, an integral part of the Institute for Translational Medicine. Research spans from stem cell biology to tissue engineering to chemical biology with a focus on translational research. There are strong links to The Centre for Preclinical Imaging also within the Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, which provides expertise and infrastructure for non-invasive imaging in pre-clinical models.  Linked to the UK Regenerative Medicine Platform. The UKRMP Safety and Efficacy Hub, led from Liverpool, is developing novel strategies for evaluating the safety and efficacy of regenerative medicine therapies, so that these important new medicines can be developed with full confidence.

Our research interests closely match our research themes.

Research themes

Research areas specifically focus on:

• Cellular and molecular based regenerative medicine therapies that can treat patients in the early stages of kidney disease, and help to prevent them from developing life threatening end stage kidney disease  
• Developing more sensitive and specific methods to detect changes in chronic and acute liver disease earlier and to prevent irreversible liver failure
• Studying the intestinal epithelium to develop both cellular and molecular therapeutics that will stimulate the rapid regeneration of the intestinal epithelium, following intestinal barrier breakdown, as seen in inflammatory bowel disease
• Examining the enteric nervous system, for example researching potential treatments for Hirschsprung's disease, a condition resulting from the congenital absence of ENS ganglion cells in the gut.

PhD students can take taught modules - on either a formal basis with exams taken and a record of completion generated or less formally. Commonly, students use the opportunity to upskill in areas like bioinformatics and statistics, but modules on defined areas of biology are also available. A wide variety of further development opportunities are available from the  PGR Development Hub . 

The research infrastructure of the Institute of Translational Medicine is designed to give researchers access to world class facilities in the best possible environment.

Our centres, facilities and resources give us the ability to drive biomedical research from patient samples to the laboratory bench and vice versa from newly generated drug compounds into clinical trials. They provide powerful, productive collaborations between experts within the University and organisations worldwide.

• Biomedical Imaging
• Centre for Antimicrobial Pharmacodynamics
• Centre for Drug Safety Science
• Health Data Science Network
• Centre for Preclinical Imaging
• Clinical Trials Research Centre
• Harris-Wellbeing Preterm Birth Research Centre
• Liverpool Bio-Innovation Hub (LBIH) Biobank
• Liverpool Cancer Trials Unit
• MRC North West Hub for Trials Methodology Research
• North West Cancer Research Centre – University of Liverpool
• Pancreas Biomedical Research Unit
• UK Experimental Arthritis Treatment Centre for Children
• Wolfson Centre for Personalised Medicine.

 Postgraduate researchers also benefit from flexible access to world-class equipment and expertise through the Shared Research Facilities provided.

Research groups

Regenerative Medicine Network

The Centre for Preclinical Imaging

Safety and Efficacy Hub

Study options and fees

The fees below reflect one year of study during the 2024/25 academic year

The fees stated in the table above exclude potential research support fees also known as ‘bench fees’. You will be notified of any fee which may apply in your offer letter.

* Please note that if you are undertaking a PhD within the Faculty of Science and Engineering the fee you pay, Band A or Band B, will reflect the nature of your research project. Some research projects incur a higher fee than others e.g. if you are required to undertake laboratory work. You will be informed of the fee for your programme in your offer letter.

^ Self-funded, full-time international students studying a PhD programme classified as Band A will receive a £2,000 reduction in their fees for the first year only.

Entry requirements

Applicants for postgraduate research study at Liverpool are normally expected to hold a UK first degree with a First Class or Upper Second Class degree classification, or a Second Class degree plus a Master’s degree. Equivalent international qualifications are also accepted, and their equivalence will be evaluated on the basis of the information provided by the National Academic Recognition and Information Centre (NARIC) as well as internal guidance based on our experience of a qualification’s suitability as a preparation for our programmes.

English language requirements

How to apply

Research degree applications can be made online.  You'll also need to ensure that you have funding to cover all fees.

Applications are  open all year round .

More about applying for research degrees

Apply online

Before you apply, we recommend that you identify a supervisor and develop a research proposal

Find a supervisor

View staff list

Need help finding a supervisor? Contact us

• ISMIB PGR Administrator
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: +44 (0)151 794 5455

Related studentships: self-funded and funded PhD projects

Related doctoral training partnerships.

Doctoral Training Partnerships support future researchers with funding and a rewarding learning environment where you can collaborate with leading researchers.

• MRC DiMeN Doctoral Training Partnership
• University of Liverpool Doctoral Network in Technologies for Healthy Ageing

Find a scholarship

We offer a range of scholarships to help you meet the costs of studying a research degree.

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PhD/MPhil Stem Cell Research / Programme details

Year of entry: 2025

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Programme description

Our PhD/MPhil Stem Cell Research programme enables you to undertake a research project that will improve understanding of Stem Cell Research.

Stem cells falls within our vibrant Manchester Regenerative Medicine Network (MaRMN) comprising academics and clinicians across the University and adjacent hospitals dedicated to carrying out world class research focussed on regeneration and repair of tissues, developing new therapeutics and disease modeling. Stem cells biology is an important part of this research area. The MarMN is working to facilitate research in regenerative medicine and stem cell biology from bench to bedside.

Those working in the area of tissue regeneration, combining tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, are developing living cell-based biological approaches to aid the repair and regeneration of damaged and diseased tissues.

This is a strongly interdisciplinary field of research that combines the skills of cell, molecular and matrix biologists with expertise in other areas including that from material, engineering and physical scientists at the University and with clinical and surgical specialists in the NHS.

MarMN scientists are investigating basic cellular mechanisms that regulate cell fate and devising therapeutic protocols to exploit cells for replacing injured or defective tissues (pre-clinical and clinical trials are underway). MarMN draws on major interdisciplinary strengths in stem and progenitor cell research together with gene therapy.

Network members have expertise in the isolation and differentiation of stem and progenitor cells from adults and preimplantation human embryos, as well as in reprogramming of somatic cells to more naïve fates, including induced pluripotent stem cells both in vitro and in vivo. Different ‘omics technologies play important parts in many projects. Interdisciplinary collaborative research includes the use of novel tracking strategies, 3D printing and novel materials, and biophysical approaches.

Research in stem and progenitor cell biology is being applied to a number of major clinical targets, including neurodegenerative diseases, disorders of soft and hard connective tissues, diabetes, eye disease and chronic tissue injury and repair. Disease modeling in vitro, organoid biology and gene editing, are increasingly areas of strength.

We also have innovative programmes that are investigating the relationship between stem cells and cancer.

Special features

Training and development

All of our postgraduate researchers attend the Doctoral Academy Training Programme delivered by the Researcher Development team . The programme provides key transferable skills and equips our postgraduate researchers with the tools to progress beyond their research degree into influential positions within academia, industry and consultancy. The emphasis is on enhancing skills critical to developing early-stage researchers and professionals, whether they relate to effective communication, disseminating research findings and project management skills.

Teaching and learning

Applicants are specifically matched with a Primary Supervisor and individual project based on their research interests and background.

International applicants interested in this research area can also consider our PhD programme with integrated teaching certificate .

This unique programme will enable you to gain a Postgraduate Certificate in Teaching and Learning, whilst also carrying out independent research on your chosen project.

Scholarships and bursaries

Funded programmes and projects are promoted throughout the year. Funding is available through UK Research Councils, charities and industry. We also have other internal awards and scholarships for the most outstanding applicants from within the UK and overseas. 

For more information on available the types of funding we have available, please visit the  funded programmes  and  funding opportunities  pages.

What our students say

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Postgraduate Funding Search

• Study at Cambridge
• About the University
• Research at Cambridge
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Wellcome Four-Year (MRes + PhD) Programme in Stem Cell Biology and Medicine

Funded by  Wellcome , this 4-year (MRes + PhD) programme, based at the Cambridge Stem Cell Institute , provides students with an opportunity to spend time in three different labs during their first 'rotation' year, before making a decision about where they would like to undertake their PhD in years 2-4. The programme is suited to students who have not decided on a specific supervisor and do not have their own funding. The programme combines scientific excellence with a commitment to improving the working environment and transition support for trainees. We commit to being part of an evolving community of practitioners who will develop and share practice to bring science and culture together, placing both firmly at the heart of what we do.

For full course details see https://www.stemcells.cam.ac.uk/join-us/students/mres-phd-stem-cell-biology-medicine .

For eligibility information and how to apply, please visit https://www.postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/courses/directory/blscpdscb .

All applications must be submitted via the applicant portal by the closing date.

Award details

Contribution towards consumables, travel and training.

Up to two funding top-ups are available to overseas students, to cover their International Fees ( provided by Cambridge Trust and linked only to this Programme ). Applicants wanting to be considered for these overseas fee top-ups, must tick the box in their application to "apply for Cambridge Trust funding".

Extensions are considered on a case-by-case basis. Funding supplements and extensions for medical intermission may also be provided by Wellcome.

To submit the PhD within the 4 years of the Programme (i.e. the 3rd year of the PhD).

Overseas candidates who receive the Cambridge Trust overseas top-up, will be required to complete an annual report to the Trust.

Eligibility

Applicants for this course should have achieved a UK Good II.i Honours Degree ( check International Qualification equivalencies here).

In addition to receiving at least a good II.i honours degree, applicants should hold ( or expect to be awarded ) a degree in a  relevant subject area  and have a passion for scientific research .

Application Process

80 related courses found.

• Schools & departments

Biological Sciences PhD

Awards: PhD

Study modes: Full-time, Part-time

Funding opportunities

Programme website: Biological Sciences

Introduction to Postgraduate Study at the University of Edinburgh

Join us online on 25 September to learn more about Scotland, the city of Edinburgh and postgraduate study at the University.

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Research profile

Based in King's Buildings Campus at the University of Edinburgh, our staff and students within the School of Biological Sciences are the modern inheritors of a 400-year-old reputation for excellence with Nobel laureates among our notable alumni.

Currently at the leading edge in teaching, research and innovation, we are ranked top 5 in the UK and top 30 in the world for biological sciences in both the QS and Times Higher Education world university rankings (2024).

Key to our success is the highly dynamic and supportive research environment we offer our postgraduate research community; we offer students the tools and confidence they need to make a lasting, positive impact in our world.

Within the School our research is clustered into six large research institutes:

• Institute of Cell Biology
• Institute of Ecology and Evolution
• Institute of Molecular Plant Sciences
• Institute of Immunology & Infection
• Institute for Stem Cell Research (Centre for Regenerative Medicine)
• Institute of Quantitative Biology, Biochemistry and Biotechnology

Join our community and undertake a specialised research project under the guidance of two experienced and well-published supervisors. Our staff have a wide range of research interests and we strongly encourage interdisciplinary research, working closely with physical sciences, engineering, medical and veterinary sciences.

Programme structure

Our PhD programmes are available as full-time or part-time study. The full-time route is 36 months and part-time 72 months, with study normally commencing in October. Both modes of study have an optional additional 12 months, commonly used to write up the final thesis.

The first year of PhD studies is probationary. Your supervisor will identify your training needs and invite you to attend relevant training as appropriate. To successfully progress onto the next year of study students must pass an annual review.

Annual reviews

Students submit a 10-week report and a 10-month report, both assessed by the thesis committee. Each committee comprises of the student's supervisory team, the committee chair, and up to two additional academic staff members.

The 10-week report is a short report outlining the project, with the 10-month report an extended version that includes a literature survey. While meeting their thesis committee, students deliver an oral presentation of their work.

Students complete a presentation during the School’s annual Poster Day. Academic staff and peers review presentations, with feedback discussed with the thesis committee during a 2nd year review meeting.

Students deliver a presentation to academic staff and their peers, traditionally during their Institute’s annual symposium. They also submit a thesis plan for their 3rd year review meeting that contains a timetable for completion, content listings of each chapter, completed work and highlighting outstanding tasks.

To be awarded a PhD, students must submit their final thesis and defend it in an oral examination (assessed according to the University's regulations).

Training and support

We encourage support in a range of academic subjects, transferable skills and personal development. All students who join the programme will have access to our core training and development programme or our specialist cohort-programmes (e.g. EASTBIO).

Our training environment is highly dynamic, with students learning through hands-on, laboratory-based projects as well as guided reading, one-to-one supervision, group seminars, societies and workshops.

The University of Edinburgh Main Library, open to all students, has one of the largest and most important collections in Britain. It has some two million items including the latest publications, key texts, and rare books.

The School of Biological Sciences is based wholly within King's Buildings and in close proximity to the Noreen and Kenneth Murray Library, well stocked with specialist literature, subscription databases and group study rooms and silent study spaces.

Students, dependent on their field of study, will also have access to a range of specialist laboratories and equipment, and state-of-the-art facilities. Examples include:

• imaging facilities including the Central Optical Instrumentation Laboratory (COIL) and Collaborative Optical Spectroscopy Micromanipulation & Imaging Centre (COSMIC)
• advanced flow cytometry facilities, including sorting and analysis
• cutting-edge proteomics facility and automated drug-screening platforms
• Edinburgh Genomics, a University-based sequencing and bioinformatics facility
• multiomics facilities
• the Edinburgh Genome Foundry
• cell culture facilities
• expertise in genomic editing (animal and plant)
• animal and plant facilities

The School also has strong collaborative links to the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh to give access to an even broader range of facilities and expertise.

Postgraduate students are given their own desk space in shared student offices and have similar access to facilities available to academic and support staff. Wireless network access is available in many parts of the University campus.

Career opportunities

The School of Biological Sciences offers training events and support for all our postgraduate research students in both academic and key life skills. In collaboration with the University’s Institute of Academic Development (IAD), we also provide a supportive training programme for students hired as tutors and demonstrators.

Entry requirements

These entry requirements are for the 2024/25 academic year and requirements for future academic years may differ. Entry requirements for the 2025/26 academic year will be published on 1 Oct 2024.

A UK 2:1 honours degree, or international equivalent, in a relevant subject. You should have some research experience and be able to demonstrate that you have a good understanding of the field you propose to study.

International qualifications

Check whether your international qualifications meet our general entry requirements:

• Entry requirements by country
• English language requirements

Regardless of your nationality or country of residence, you must demonstrate a level of English language competency at a level that will enable you to succeed in your studies.

English language tests

We accept the following English language qualifications at the grades specified:

• IELTS Academic: total 6.5 with at least 6.0 in each component. We do not accept IELTS One Skill Retake to meet our English language requirements.
• TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition): total 92 with at least 20 in each component. We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements.
• C1 Advanced ( CAE ) / C2 Proficiency ( CPE ): total 176 with at least 169 in each component.
• Trinity ISE : ISE II with distinctions in all four components.
• PTE Academic: total 62 with at least 59 in each component.

Your English language qualification must be no more than three and a half years old from the start date of the programme you are applying to study, unless you are using IELTS , TOEFL, Trinity ISE or PTE , in which case it must be no more than two years old.

Degrees taught and assessed in English

We also accept an undergraduate or postgraduate degree that has been taught and assessed in English in a majority English speaking country, as defined by UK Visas and Immigration:

• UKVI list of majority English speaking countries

We also accept a degree that has been taught and assessed in English from a university on our list of approved universities in non-majority English speaking countries (non-MESC).

• Approved universities in non-MESC

If you are not a national of a majority English speaking country, then your degree must be no more than five years old* at the beginning of your programme of study. (*Revised 05 March 2024 to extend degree validity to five years.)

Find out more about our language requirements:

• Academic Technology Approval Scheme

If you are not an EU , EEA or Swiss national, you may need an Academic Technology Approval Scheme clearance certificate in order to study this programme.

Fees and costs

Scholarships and funding

School of Biological Sciences PhD funding

Research scholarships for international students

Edinburgh Doctoral College Scholarship

Search for scholarships and funding opportunities:

• Search for funding

Further information

• Postgraduate Research Administrator
• Phone: +44 (0)131 650 5525
• Contact: [email protected]
• Graduate School of Biological Sciences
• Mary Brück Building
• Colin Maclaurin Road
• The King's Buildings Campus
• Programme: Biological Sciences
• School: Biological Sciences
• College: Science & Engineering

Select your programme and preferred start date to begin your application.

PhD Biological Sciences - 3 Years (Full-time)

Phd biological sciences - 4 years (full-time), phd biological sciences - 8 years (part-time), application deadlines.

We encourage you to apply at least one month prior to entry so that we have enough time to process your application. If you are also applying for funding or will require a visa then we strongly recommend you apply as early as possible, and before the funding deadline.

• How to apply

You must submit two references with your application.

You should submit two references with your application. Before applying you should identify potential supervisors from the School of Biological Sciences and discuss your proposal.

You can find more information on how to apply at our website:

• Postgraduate research at the School of Biological Sciences

Find out more about the general application process for postgraduate programmes:

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Qualification, university name, phd degrees in cell biology.

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Genetics MPhil; PhD; MD

Our MPhil, MD and PhD degrees in Genetics explore genetic diseases and their treatment at the molecular and cellular level.

You are currently viewing course information for entry year:

Start date(s):

• September 2025
• January 2026

Genetics is a thriving research community at Newcastle University that includes researchers in various locations, such as the Life Science Centre , who work alongside many clinical, commercial and educational organisations. Our research encompasses a range of topics in stem cell biology, human and medical genetics, genomics and precision medicine.

We offer supervision for MPhil, PhD and MD in a variety of areas including:

• cancer genetics and genome instability
• cardiovascular genetics and development
• genomics and precision medicine
• complex disease and quantitative genetics
• developmental genetics
• gene expression and regulation in normal development and disease
• genetics of neurological disorders
• kidney genetics and development
• mitochondrial disease
• neuromuscular genetics
• stem cell biology

Important information

We've highlighted important information about your course. Please take note of any deadlines.

Please rest assured we make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the programmes, services and facilities described. However, it may be necessary to make changes due to significant disruption, for example in response to Covid-19.

View our  Academic experience page , which gives information about your Newcastle University study experience for the academic year 2024-25.

See our  terms and conditions and student complaints information , which gives details of circumstances that may lead to changes to programmes, modules or University services.

Related courses

Qualifications explained.

Find out about the different qualification options for this course.

MPhil; PhD; MD

An MPhil is available in all subject areas. You receive research training and undertake original research leading to the completion of a 40,000 - 50,000 word thesis.

Find out about different types of postgraduate qualifications

A PhD is a doctorate or doctoral award. It involves original research that should make a significant contribution to the knowledge of a specific subject. To complete the PhD you will produce a substantial piece of work (80,000 – 100,000 words) in the form of a supervised thesis. A PhD usually takes three years full time.

An MD is a doctorate or doctoral award. It combines your research findings with clinical practice. To complete the MD you will produce a substantial piece of work (80,000 – 100,000 words) in the form of a supervised thesis. For professionally qualified doctors, an MD (Doctor of Medicine) is awarded. 

How you'll learn

Depending on your modules, you'll be assessed through a combination of:

We offer a wide range of projects for the master's thesis. These will be provided by our academics. You can also propose your own topic.

Our mission is to help you:

• stay healthy, positive and feeling well
• overcome any challenges you may face during your degree – academic or personal
• get the most out of your postgraduate research experience
• carry out admin and activities essential to progressing through your degree
• understand postgraduate research processes, standards and rules

We can offer you tailored wellbeing support, courses and activities.

You can also access a broad range of workshops covering:

• research and professional skills
• careers support
• health and safety
• public engagement
• academic development

Find out more about our postgraduate research student support

Your development

Faculty of medical sciences (fms) researcher development programme .

Each faculty offers a researcher development programme for its postgraduate research students. We have designed your programme to help you:

• perform better as a researcher
• boost your career prospects
• broaden your impact
• Through workshops and activities, it will build your transferable skills and increase your confidence.

You’ll cover:

• techniques for effective research
• methods for better collaborative working
• essential professional standards and requirements
• Your programme is flexible. You can adapt it to meet your changing needs as you progress through your doctorate.

Find out more about the FMS researcher development programme

Doctoral training and partnerships

There are opportunities to undertake your PhD at Newcastle within a:

• Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT)
• Doctoral Training Partnership (DTP)

Being part of a CDT or DTP has many benefits:

• they combine research expertise and training of a number of leading universities, academic schools and academics.
• you’ll study alongside a cohort of other PhD students
• they’re often interdisciplinary
• your PhD may be funded

If there are currently opportunities available in your subject area you’ll find them when you search for funding in the fees and funding section on this course.

The following centres/partnerships below may have PhD opportunities available in your subject area in the future:

• Discovery Medicine North - MRC DiMeN Doctoral Training Partnership
• Newcastle Liverpool Durham BBSRC Doctoral Training Partnership

Your future

Our careers service.

Our award-winning Careers Service is one of the largest and best in the country, and we have strong links with employers. We provide an extensive range of opportunities to all students through our ncl+ initiative.

Visit our Careers Service website

Quality and ranking

All professional accreditations are reviewed regularly by their professional body

From 1 January 2021 there is an update to the way professional qualifications are recognised by countries outside of the UK

Check the government’s website for more information .

We have specialist facilities on-site for:

• multicolour fluorescence-activated cell sorting
• ‘next generation’ high-throughput sequencing and genotyping
• transgenics/gene targeting
• confocal microscopy
• optical projection tomography
• gene expression imaging
• microarray technology
• bioinformatics
• fluorescent activated cell sorting
• ‘Good Manufacturing Practice’ for human stem cells

Fees and funding

Tuition fees for 2025 entry (per year).

We are unable to give an exact fee, this is why the fee is shown as a range. This fee range takes into account your research topic and resource requirements.

Your research topic is unique so it will have unique resource requirements. Resources could include specialist equipment, such as laboratory/workshop access, or technical staff.

If your research involves accessing specialist resources then you're likely to pay a higher fee. You'll discuss the exact nature of your research project with your supervisor(s). You'll find out the fee in your offer letter.

Home fees for research degree students

For 2024-25 entry, we have aligned our standard Home research fees with those set by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) . The standard fee was confirmed in Spring 2024 by UKRI.

For 2025-26 entry, we will be aligning our standard  Home research fees  with those set by  UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) . The standard fee will be confirmed in Spring 2025 by UKRI.

As a general principle, you should expect the tuition fee to increase in each subsequent academic year of your course, subject to government regulations on fee increases and in line with inflation.

Depending on your residency history, if you’re a student from the EU, other EEA or a Swiss national, with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, you’ll normally pay the ‘Home’ tuition fee rate and may be eligible for Student Finance England support.

EU students without settled or pre-settled status will normally be charged fees at the ‘International’ rate and will not be eligible for Student Finance England support.

If you are unsure of your fee status, check out the latest guidance here .

Scholarships

We support our EU and international students by providing a generous range of Vice-Chancellor's automatic and merit-based scholarships. See  our   searchable postgraduate funding page  for more information.  

What you're paying for

Tuition fees include the costs of:

• matriculation
• registration
• tuition (or supervision)
• library access
• examination
• re-examination

Find out more about:

• living costs
• tuition fees

If you are an international student or a student from the EU, EEA or Switzerland and you need a visa to study in the UK, you may have to pay a deposit.

You can check this in the How to apply section .

If you're applying for funding, always check the funding application deadline. This deadline may be earlier than the application deadline for your course.

For some funding schemes, you need to have received an offer of a place on a course before you can apply for the funding.

Search for funding

Find funding available for your course

Entry requirements

The entrance requirements below apply to 2025 entry.

Qualifications from outside the UK

English language requirements, admissions policy.

This policy applies to all undergraduate and postgraduate admissions at Newcastle University. It is intended to provide information about our admissions policies and procedures to applicants and potential applicants, to their advisors and family members, and to staff of the University.

Download our admissions policy (PDF: 201KB) Other policies related to admissions

Credit transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) can allow you to convert existing relevant university-level knowledge, skills and experience into credits towards a qualification. Find out more about the RPL policy which may apply to this course

• How to apply

Using the application portal

The application portal has instructions to guide you through your application. It will tell you what documents you need and how to upload them.

You can choose to start your application, save your details and come back to complete it later.

If you’re ready, you can select Apply Online and you’ll be taken directly to the application portal.

Alternatively you can find out more about applying on our applications and offers pages .

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Questions about this course?

If you have specific questions about this course you can contact:

For further information please contact: Medical Sciences Graduate School Telephone: +44 (0) 191 208 7002 Email: [email protected]

For more general enquiries you could also complete our online enquiry form.

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We have 96 stem cell PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships

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stem cell PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships

Studying the impact of parasitic worm infections on intestinal stem cell fate and differentiation, phd research project.

PhD Research Projects are advertised opportunities to examine a pre-defined topic or answer a stated research question. Some projects may also provide scope for you to propose your own ideas and approaches.

Awaiting Funding Decision/Possible External Funding

This supervisor does not yet know if funding is available for this project, or they intend to apply for external funding once a suitable candidate is selected. Applications are welcome - please see project details for further information.

Mechanisms regulating blood stem cell self-renewal and differentiation

Understanding the stress biology underlying human haematopoietic stem cell adaptation to clinically-relevant ex vivo culture, functional interrogation of human gastrulation in bioprinted embryo models, dissecting mechanisms that control adult stem cells in health, disease, and ageing, self-funded phd students only.

This project does not have funding attached. You will need to have your own means of paying fees and living costs and / or seek separate funding from student finance, charities or trusts.

Bioengineering a dynamic culture platform to improve the maturity of iPSC-derived muscle organoids

Competition funded phd project (students worldwide).

This project is in competition for funding with other projects. Usually the project which receives the best applicant will be successful. Unsuccessful projects may still go ahead as self-funded opportunities. Applications for the project are welcome from all suitably qualified candidates, but potential funding may be restricted to a limited set of nationalities. You should check the project and department details for more information.

MSc By Research: Investigating the contextual mechanisms of WNT signalling in hypoblast vs extraembryonic mesoderm specification in early human development using stem cell models

Investigating epilepsy molecular mechanisms in patient-specific stem cell models of slc6a1 deficiency, cancer-associated sensitisation mechanisms to selective rna methyltransferase inhibition, determining metabolic reprogramming events in stem cells in response to inflammatory disease phenotype, mapping a blueprint of ageing across tissue scales, mechanisms of cancer stem cell survival, metastasis formation and immune evasion in cancer, the mechanism of the therapeutic potential of stem cell-derived dendrobium officinale sprouts (dos) for gastric mucosa wound healing, funded phd project (students worldwide).

This project has funding attached, subject to eligibility criteria. Applications for the project are welcome from all suitably qualified candidates, but its funding may be restricted to a limited set of nationalities. You should check the project and department details for more information.

Neural Stem Cell – Niche Interactions in Mitochondrial Disease

Unravelling the parallels between regeneration & tumorigenesis.

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UCL Division of Biosciences

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Research interests span the scales from molecules to organisms, including humans. We have particular Research strengths in structural and molecular biology, evolutionary biology, genetics, ecology, cell biology, development and neuroscience.  

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Find out more about PhD programmes offered by UCL Biosciences research departments

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MPhil in Biological Science (Stem Cell Biology) by thesis

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The  Cambridge Stem Cell Institute  is a world-leading centre for stem cell research. Its mission is to transform human health through a deep understanding of stem cell biology. Our scientists study stem cell behaviour, both normal and pathological, and use their findings to improve the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases. 

The Institute currently consists of  28 outstanding research groups  working across three key research themes: Stem Cell States, Stem Cells in Disease, and Stem Cells and Therapeutics.  

Our overarching aim is to produce well-trained and rounded MPhil students who have generated original research findings and are prepared for an ambitious and challenging career, whether continuing their stem cell science training or moving to another profession.

The Institute offers this MPhil research programme to students under the supervision of a Principal Investigator (principal supervisor). During their MPhil, the students are based in a research group, supported by their Principal Supervisor and associated laboratory staff, as well as the Postgraduate Education Committee and CSCI Postgraduate Student Committee.

MPhil students write a thesis, which is assessed via an oral examination ( viva ).

The MPhil course introduces students to research skills and specialist knowledge. Its main aims are:

• to give students with relevant experience at a first-degree level the opportunity to carry out focused research in the discipline under close supervision
• to give students the opportunity to acquire or develop skills and expertise relevant to their research interests

Learning Outcomes

By the end of their MPhil, students should:

• have a comprehensive understanding of techniques and a thorough knowledge of the literature applicable to their own research
• be able to demonstrate 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
• have shown abilities in the critical evaluation of current research and research techniques and methodologies
• have demonstrated some self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems, and acted autonomously in the planning and implementation of research

Continuation from MPhil to PhD is possible, although it is not automatic. Those who wish to progress to a PhD after completing an MPhil will be required to satisfy their potential supervisor, Head of Department and the Faculty Degree Committee that they have the skills and ability to achieve the higher degree. All applicants are judged on their own merits based on several factors, including evidence of progress and research potential, a sound research proposal, the availability of a suitable supervisor, and the resources required for the research.

Further information on continuing students can be seen here .

The University hosts and attends fairs and events throughout the year, in the UK and across the world. We also offer online events to help you explore your options:

Discover Cambridge: Master’s and PhD study webinars - these Spring events provide practical information about applying for postgraduate study.

Postgraduate Virtual Open Days - taking place in November each year, the Open Days focus on subject and course information.

For more information about upcoming events visit our events pages .

Departments

This course is advertised in the following departments:

• Cambridge Stem Cell Institute

Key Information

12 months full-time, 24 months part-time, study mode : research, master of philosophy, cambridge stem cell institute this course is advertised in multiple departments. please see the overview tab for more details., course - related enquiries, application - related enquiries, course on department website, dates and deadlines:.

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

Easter 2025

Michaelmas 2025, easter 2026, funding deadlines.

These deadlines apply to applications for courses starting in Michaelmas 2025, Lent 2026 and Easter 2026.

Similar Courses

• Stem Cell Biology PhD
• Stem Cell Medicine MPhil
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• September 2024

An Ode to Stem Cells

Leveraging the versatility of stem cells allows researchers to advance science across multiple disciplines..

Meenakshi is the Editor-in-Chief at The Scientist. Her diverse science communication experience includes journalism, podcasting, and corporate content strategy. Meenakshi earned her PhD in biophysics from the University of Goettingen, Germany.

View full profile.

Learn about our editorial policies.

ABOVE: © istock.com, luismmolina

U ntil a few hundred years ago, before scientific advances allowed researchers to peer inside the human body or extract cells to study them in the laboratory, I imagine that the mysteries of developmental biology—more than any other discipline—must have stumped humans. On one hand, one could visibly track a baby’s growth based on the size of the mother's growing bump; if everything went right, a healthy baby would emerge after nine months. On the other hand, sometimes a seemingly healthy mother lost her child mid-pregnancy or delivered an abnormal newborn. In the absence of scientific technologies to probe into the womb, the inner workings of embryonic development remained a black box and people had little to no way of knowing what to expect when someone was expecting. 

While several questions remain unanswered even today, scientists rapidly bridged most of the knowledge gaps once stem cell research entered the scene. You might recall that in our winter issue last year we covered how researchers used adult stem cells to better understand placental development . In one of the articles in this issue, we profile a biologist with expertise in endometrial research who found that stem cells were a powerful tool for solving long-standing mysteries about women's health.

While access to adult stem cells has certainly helped answer some questions in developmental biology, embryonic stem cell studies, in my opinion, truly transformed the research area. Just like the newborn that the embryo eventually forms into, these early-stage cells have the potential to choose any path of maturation. By developing 3D embryonic stem cell models, researchers study the differentiation and growth of these cells without worrying about the restrictive rules on embryo research (read more about these advances in one of the feature stories in this issue). What also fascinates me is that researchers can now achieve single cell resolution in their quest to determine how life develops early on; one research team recently found that the initial two cells in an embryo take diverse developmental paths . 1 These studies are a stark reminder that scientists have indeed come a long way from not knowing what happens during the months-long gestation period to following the development of two individual cells to determine their eventual contribution to structure and function!

In contrast to the early embryonic development studies inspired by visible signs, it must have been hard in those days to imagine problems within an individual’s brain when their symptoms did not match known physical disorders. Securing neurons from the brain is also not as easy as isolating most other cell types. It is no secret that the ability to transform normal cells into induced pluripotent stem cells revolutionized neuroscience, as researchers finally found a way to model brain disorders in these cells. Now with more knowledge about how sex affects disease, researchers are correcting the long-standing sex bias in the field to further refine our understanding of the human brain. For those interested in reading more about this topic, we dive into the measures that researchers are taking to include sex as a biological variable in their studies in a feature article in this issue. 

All in all, the applications of stem cells are as diverse as the cells’ differentiation abilities, and researchers have only scratched the surface so far. I hope you experience the same enthusiasm and excitement reading the stem cell stories in this issue that we had while crafting them. 

• Junyent S, et al. The first two blastomeres contribute unequally to the human embryo . Cell. 2024;187(11):2838-2854.

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Key Programme Statistics*

• 58 students have been recruited to the Stem Cell MRes + PhD Programme since it began in 2007/8 (46 funded by Wellcome, 10 funded by the MRC and 2 funded centrally by the University of Cambridge).
• The Programme has a 4-Year completion rate of 100%.

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Gender Comparison:

Students from the Programme have authored 147 publications, in 44 cases as first author, plus a further 11 preprints:

Programme alumni have progressed onto a variety of different career paths: 

* data correct as of May 2019

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