Who is this course for?

The M.Sc. in Regenerative Medicine is designed for students who have completed their bachelor’s degree in a biological science or medicine and are looking to specialise in this new and dynamic field. This course welcomes applicants with a passion for making a difference and who wish to develop their critical and analytical skills. It is suitable for students who enjoy the problem-solving and creative thinking required to realise the potential therapies that this sector can bring to healthcare. 

The curriculum covers the science behind stem cells, gene therapy, tissue engineering and immunology. Students on this programme will undertake training in scientific concepts and techniques important to biomedical research. This takes place via a series of laboratory-based practical sessions. Coursework emphasises real-world situations and issues. The regulatory issues involved in translating a research observation to an approved treatment for patients will be a focus throughout the course. 

What will I study?

This full-time programme runs over 12-months. There are two semesters of taught modules where students will learn about cell therapy, gene therapy, research techniques, immunology and tissue engineering.  This content is delivered by academics actively working in these areas including leading clinical trials. There are a variety of practical sessions provided for students within this course to enhance their skills. Students will gain experience in laboratory techniques including mammalian cell culture, and techniques to analyse cell phenotypes (such as microscopy, RNA isolation, real time polymerase chain reaction and immunoblotting). 

Following the taught modules students will undertake an individual research project. Projects are based within various disciplines within the University of Galway; in previous years students have been able to conduct their projects at other academic institutions in Ireland and abroad. There are also opportunities to engage with a placement in an industrial or commercial setting. 

Students will be enrolled in 80ECTS of compulsory modules and will select 10ECTS of optional modules. These optional modules will provide an opportunity to tailor your training to your interests and goals. Optional modules include Harnessing the Basic Biology of Cancer for Development of Novel Therapeutics, Applied Concepts in Pharmacology, Green Labs Principle and Practice, Biostatistics and Introduction to Business.  

Curriculum Information

• Collaborative Community: Course content is delivered by academics from REMEDI, the Regenerative Medicine Institute, which is also home to Centre for Cell Manufacturing Ireland, Ireland’s first stem cell/cell therapy manufacturing facility. 
  
• Enhance analytical skills: Over ths course students will develop their ability to interpret and analyse data.
• Expand practical skills: Lab practicals provided in this course will help to expand your understanding of key laboratory technical skills and data analysis.
• Understand the translational pathway: Learn about the regulatory issues that arise when developing and utilising these new types of therapy.
• Develop professional skills: Hone the skills required to succeed in diverse roles, including in the research or industrial laboratory environment or as a policy maker. 

With a focus on real-world application, workplace-relevant modules, and opportunities for placements in academic research or industry, this degree prepares you for a wide range of exciting careers in the sector. 

Approximately 60% of graduates have moved directly into employment in a range of roles within biomedical or biotechnology companies in Ireland and abroad. Our graduates fill key posts related to Research and Development, Specialist Manufacturing, Quality Assurance, Quality Control and Clinical Trials. 

Around 35% of graduates have gone directly into academic research, many pursuing further degrees such as PhD or MD/PhD.  Following this they are pursuing careers in academia, industry or have established their own companies. 

Recent graduates of this course have gone on to work for companies including: 

• Kite Pharma
• Novartis
• Eli Lilly
• HiTech Health
• Orbsen Theraputics
• Abbvie
• Centre for Cell Manufacturing Ireland (CCMI)
• Icon
• Medtronic
• Regeneron
• Avectas 

Students will complete a research project dissertation module from May to August. For this project, students will have an opportunity to be an active part of research groups across disciplines within the University of Galway where they will work under the guidance of distinguished researchers within the field. 

Staff will support students who wish to obtain their own research project in academia or companies in Ireland or abroad.  

Opportunities for work placements within companies are often available.  

Organisations where students have previously completed their research projects with include: 

• The National Breast Cancer Institute
• The Mayo Clinic, USA
• HiTech Health
• Orbsen Theraputics
• Avectas
• Centre for Cell Manufacturing, Ireland
• Tissue Engineering Research Group, RCSI Dublin 

• Dr. Linda Howard
• Prof. Frank Barry
• Prof. Matt Griffin
• Dr. Aideen Ryan
• Dr. Dan O’Toole
• Prof. Mary Murphy
• Dr. Róisín Dwyer
• Dr. Manus Biggs
• Dr. Cynthia Coleman
• Dr. Jill McMahon
• Prof. Sanbing Shen
• Prof. Thomas Ritter
• Prof. Tim O’Brien

How will I learn?

The M.Sc. in Regenerative Medicine combines innovative teaching methods with practical, hands-on learning to ensure a comprehensive educational experience. You will learn through a mix of interactive lectures, seminars and workshops led by expert faculty. Real-world case studies, hands-on practical activities and interactive tutorials will enable you to apply theoretical knowledge to practical problems. 

Group projects and collaborative activities will enhance your teamwork and communication skills, while individual assignments and the final dissertation will help you develop independence and critical thinking.  

Throughout the programme, your progress is assessed through various coursework and exams, including reports, essays, presentations, and computer-based assignments. Assessments within this course will vary from module-to-module but some examples of assessment types include: 

1. Continuous Assessment - Regular coursework, including essays, presentations, in-class tests, and lab practical reports. Students will receive feedback on their progress where possible.
2. Examinations - Written exams can take place in December and in April/May. 
3. Project Work - The Individual Research Project module is evaluated through two oral presentations, a written thesis submission as well as performance feedback from your supervisor(s).

We have recently partnered with Hebei Medical University in Shijiazhuang, China for a dual M.Sc. programme. This partnership allows us to welcome a select few students from a variety of the HMU M.Sc. in Medicine programmes each year to enhance their knowledge of Regenerative Medicine before they return to China to complete their M.Sc. degree from HMU. 

Link our twitter/X here: https://x.com/galway_reg_med?s=21&t=NIhN-1zIelI1AjVeA31AuA 

The M.Sc. is administered by the Regenerative Medicine Institute (REMEDI), a biomedical research institute recognised as Ireland’s primary centre for regenerative medicine research, in particular cell therapy and gene therapy research. The focus is to use cells and genes to repair or replace tissues and organs via a minimally invasive approach. 

Course queries: 
linda.howard@universityofgalway.ie   

Programme Director(s):  

Dr Linda Howard,  
Lecturer Above the Bar in Cellular Therapies (REMEDI), 
Course director of the M.Sc. in Regenerative Medicine,  
School of Medicine, 
College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, 
University of Galway. 

E: linda.howard@universityofgalway.ie   

Q: Do you provide any financial assistance for this program for permanent residents in Ireland? 
A: The program does not provide financial assistance. However, there are a number of opportunities from University of Galway. Please review the following sites: https://www.universityofgalway.ie/faf/  

Q: Kindly let me know about the deadline to apply for this course? 
A: There is no set deadline, the course will close to new applicants once the available places are filled. We advise students to apply as soon as possible. 

Q: What is the start date for the MSc in Regenerative Medicine?  
A: Early September, please check University of Galway Academic calendar for term dates https://www.universityofgalway.ie/registry/academic-term-dates/ 

Q: I would like to know more about scholarships available as I require a scholarship to complete my course.  
A: Please check out the following link for more information: https://www.universityofgalway.ie/internationalscholarships/ 

Another opportunity is to apply for the Government of Ireland-International Education Scholarship.  

Q: Since the entry requirements require a transcript do I have to wait until I have my final results to apply? 
A: If you are in your final year of your degree please include your latest statement of results, you do not need to wait until you have your final degree result as a conditional offer can be made. 

Q: How competitive is the program? 
A: We take approximately 18 full time students. Offers are made based on grades and the information provided in the Statement of Purpose which should highlight your interest in pursuing the M.Sc. in Regenerative Medicine and how the course fits into your career plans.   

Q: What is the fees structure? 
A: Check with Fees Office or on our website https://www.universityofgalway.ie/student-fees/pg_pg 

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. 

Applicants with significant relevant experience will also be considered for this programme as part of the RPL in Higher Education project. 

Graduates of the M.Sc. in Regenerative Medicine will be able to:  

• Apply enhanced critical thinking and analytical skills in their area of study.
• Plan, manage, and execute a substantial independent project.
• Develop problem-solving skills for application to a range of situations.  
• Express ideas and information clearly in writing and in person. 
• Work as part of a team to analyse information and synthesis ideas. 

Minimum Entry Requirements

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. 

Academic entry requirements standardised per country are available here.  

English Language Entry Requirements

For applicants whose first language is not English, an English language proficiency of IELTS score of 6.5 is required (with no less than 6.5 in Writing and no less than 6.0 in any other band) or equivalent.  

More information on English language test equivalency are available here.  

Supporting Documents 

You will be required to provide supporting documentation as part of your application. You can check here what supporting documents are required for this course.   

You can apply online to the University of Galway application portal here.  

Please review the entry requirements set out in the section above.  

You will be required to upload supporting documentation to your application electronically. See the section above on entry requirements for further information on the supporting documentation required for this course.  

Closing Dates 

For this programme, there is no specific closing date for receipt of applications. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis and course quotes will be reviewed continuously throughout the application cycle.  

Notes 

• You will need an active email account to use the website and you'll be guided through the system, step by step, until you complete the online form.
• Browse the FAQ's section for further guidance.

Fees for Academic Year 2025/2026

For 25/26 entrants, where the course duration is greater than 1 year, there is an inflationary increase approved of 3.4% per annum for continuing years fees.

Postgraduate students in receipt of a SUSI grant – please note an F4 grant is where SUSI will pay €4,000 towards your tuition (2025/26).  You will be liable for the remainder of the total fee.  A P1 grant is where SUSI will pay tuition up to a maximum of €6,270. SUSI will not cover the student levy of €140.

Note to non-EU students: learn about the 24-month Stayback Visa here. 

Equipment: 
Some modules incorporate practical laboratories and for these, you may be required to purchase basic safety items such as a laboratory coat.

Postgraduate Excellence Scholarships

This scholarship is valued at €1,500 for EU students applying for full-time taught master's postgraduate courses. You will be eligible if: 

• You have been accepted to a full-time taught master's course at University of Galway,
• You have attained a first class honours (or equivalent) in a Level 8 primary degree.  

An application for the scholarship scheme is required (separate to the application for a place on the programme). The application portal for 2025 is now open and available here. Applications will close on the 30th September 2025. Full details available here.  

Global Scholarships

University of Galway offers a range of merit-based scholarships to students from a number of countries outside of the EU. Visit here for schemes currently available.

Application Process 

Students applying for full time postgraduate programmes from outside of the European Union (EU), You can apply online to the University of Galway application portal here.  

Our application portal opens on the 1st October each year for entry the following September.   

Further Information 

Please visit the postgraduate admissions webpage for further information on closing dates, documentation requirements, application fees and the application process.