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Cambridge Stem Cell Institute

 
Do you offer a Masters Course?
MPhil in Stem Cell Medicine (10 months), provides students with specialist training and research in Stem Cell Biology and Medicine. The majority of the course consists of hands-on lab experience, where students work on a specific research project. Lab placements are assigned during the first term, so applicants do not need to find a supervisor at application stage. The taught component will take place mostly within the first 6-8 weeks of term and includes:
  • Transferable skills training, with modules offered by the Postgraduate Researcher Development Programme and the Biostatistics and Bioinformatics initiative from the Cambridge Centre for Data-Driven Discovery.
  • Course-specific teaching (approximately 60 hours of lectures and tutorials) covering fundamental theory, current hot topics, and technical seminars. 
  • Lectures by experts in the field, including guest speakers and Cambridge Stem Cell Institute Principal Investigators
MPhil in Stem Cell Biology (12 months), is a research-only project. Applicants must secure a prospective supervisors and discuss lab space and potential projects before submitting an application. 
What is the difference between a Master’s of Science (MSc) an Master’s of Philosophy (MPhil) degree?
  • The University of Cambridge does not have a Master’s of Science (MSc) degree, which is often offered in different Universities in the UK or in other countries. Instead, a Master of Philosophy (MPhil) is awarded for full-time Master's-level study. This has the same gravitas and is recognised as the same level of degree as the MSc.

  • The Cambridge Stem Cell Institute offers the MPhil in Stem Cell Medicine which includes taught elements as well as hands-on lab experience and the MPhil in Biological Science (Stem Cell Biology) by thesis, which is lab-based only.

For the taught Masters course, how will students be matched to research projects?
Over the summer, we will match students to research projects submitted by Principal Investigators (PI’s). Students will be encouraged to connect with their assigned PI in late summer to discuss their project further. This ensures that by the time the course starts in October, students will already know which lab they will be joining and will have established communication with their supervisor.
How does the taught MPhil Course compare to the research-only MPhil Course in terms of PhD opportunities? Would one provide a stronger pathway toward securing a funded PhD position?
This largely depends on the applicant’s previous experience and research focus.
  • For someone with limited experience in stem cell research or who are unsure on their preferred specialisation (e.g., stem cell systems, wet lab research, or bioinformatics), the taught MPhil may be the better option. It provides a broad coverage of stem cell topics while still offering extensive research experience.
  • Applicants with a specific research focus may benefit from the MPhil by thesis, as it allows them to delve deeper into their chosen field.
In all cases, we are confident that our graduates will have increased chances of success securing a PhD position at a prestigious institution should they wish to study further.
How do MPhil students typically transition into PhD positions within the Cambridge Stem Cell Institute?
While the progression from the MPhil course to the PhD course is possible it’s not automatic. Students wishing to study for a PhD after completing an MPhil must demonstrate their skills and research ability to their potential Supervisor, Head of Department, and the Faculty Degree Committee. PhD applicants are assessed on multiple factors:
  • Evidence of a research progress and potential
  • A strong research proposal
  • Availability of a suitable Supervisor
  • Access to the necessary resources for research
One of the reasons of the Masters course is to provide our students with an experience at CSCI that will enhance their competitiveness for PhD positions at CSCI, other stem cell labs in Cambridge or institutions elsewhere.
Where do I apply?

All applications must go through the University's Applicant Portal.

When can I apply?

Application opens in September each year for the following Academic Year. There are three entry terms per Academic Year: Michelmas Term (October start), Lent Term (January start) and Easter Term (April start), although not all courses offer Lent and Easter starts, so do check the course pages.

What kind of research experience is required?

Any type of research experience you can get is important, before you can really know whether a research PhD (or MPhil) is the right path for you. Summer student lab experience or perhaps longer research projects are both good examples, either within the CSCI or elsewhere. 

Can International students apply?

Yes, students of any nationality are eligible to apply to for postgraduate study at the Stem Cell Institute, although the fee rate is higher for Overseas students.

Overseas are advised to tick the box in the online postgraduate application form to apply for the various Cambridge Funding Schemes, by the funding application deadline in early December. For funding opportunities and the respective deadlines see here.

Further information about fees status can be found here

How do I apply for funding?

We have a number of Scholarships to offer in 2025-26 intake. Please see Postgraduate Funding | Cambridge Stem Cell Institute for details.

Do I need to take a language test?

Not at application stage. If you are interviewed and made a conditional offer, you will be given a "pre-offer language condition". You would then need to arrange and pass a language test to meet your language condition.

Further information can be found here.  

My Masters achieved a higher mark than my Bachelors degree. Would my Masters degree mark outweigh my Bachelors - if my Bachelors was a lower grade?

Yes. For example, if you achieved a 2:2 in your Bachelors, but also received a Masters Degree, you would be eligible. 

Who do I contact if I have a further query?
Please contact our Postgraduate Administrator by email: phd@stemcells.cam.ac.uk