Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine (MSc)
- Duration: 1 year
- Mode: Full time
Open day
Find out more about studying here as a postgraduate at our next Open Day.
Why study this course
Develop the next generation of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine technologies to help treat currently uncurable diseases, and shape the future of medicine.
First of its kind in the UK
Our course is one of the longest running programmes in the UK, thanks to our strong community of innovative, passionate, and inquisitive tissue engineering researchers.
Build your network
You’ll be taught by specialists across Biosciences, Dentistry, Medicine, Optometry and Pharmacy, and will have the opportunity to build a strong network of connections.
Industry exposure
Visit local industrial partners and meet researchers and clinicians with keen interests in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.
Research project
Undertake a 5-month research project of your choice across areas such as 3D bioprinting, stem cell biology, extracellular vesicles, organ and tissue regeneration, bioreactors and drug delivery.
A launchpad for your PhD
Gain hands-on cutting edge laboratory training, valuable research experience, and specialised expertise in the commercial and translational aspects of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, so you're ready to thrive in a PhD programme or excel in industry upon graduation.
Welsh language opportunities
You’ll have opportunities to complete your assessments through the medium of Welsh, and have a Welsh-speaking personal tutor to support you.
Join the next generation of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine researchers, working to shape the future of Medicine and Healthcare, and make a real difference to the lives of people across the world.
With an ageing population and chronic diseases on the rise, there has never been a greater need for trained Tissue Engineering researchers to shape the future of medicine.
As a Tissue Engineering researcher, you’ll make real differences to the lives of people across the world, by helping deliver treatments for diseases, injuries and disorders where currently people have no options. This ever-emerging field of biomedical research combines life sciences, biology and engineering, to progress the repair and replacement of diseased and damaged tissues and organs.
Whether you dream of shaping the future of medical research through a PhD, developing cutting-edge medical solutions as an industry expert, or even training the next generation of tissue engineering researchers as an academic, this course is the perfect launchpad for a meaningful, exciting career.
You will undertake in-depth training at the forefront of this branch of Biomedical Science, including stem cell biology, biomaterials, artificial intelligence and tissue/organ engineering and you will learn how to take ideas from the laboratory bench all the way to clinics for patient benefit.
You will get stuck into seminars, workshops, lectures and laboratory sessions, with taught modules exploring research methods, cell biology, biomaterials, commercialisation, clinical translation, stem cells, regenerative medicine and emerging technologies. You’ll also undertake a 5-month research project on a topic of your choice and engage with local industrial partners where you’ll gain an insight into the application of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine to solve real-world problems.
You will be taught by academics across the Schools of Biosciences, Dentistry, Medicine, Optometry and Pharmacy. The network that you’ll build and the expertise you’ll draw upon will help you stand out from the crowd once you graduate and make you extremely sought-after by industry employers and research institutions.
Your home school will be our School of Dentistry, based at the third largest university hospital in the UK. Here you’ll join an incredible community of staff and students, both clinical and non-clinical, all working to make the world a better place, from using novel polymers and natural compounds to treat chronic wounds, to harnessing the power of stem cells, extracellular vesicles and novel biomaterials to regenerate tissues and organs.
Graduates from this programme will have a broad spectrum of knowledge and a variety of skills, making them highly attractive both to potential employers and research establishments in this fast-developing sector.
For my project, I focused on the development of a new fibrin-based bioink that will hopefully help in the creation of a human skin model. The design of the composition of this bioink was challenging as there was not any previous work done with it in the model of bioprinter used in the lab; this made the project even more interesting and exciting. I would totally recommend this course to anyone with a high interest in research, and willingness to focus their future career in a developing field!
We're committed to delivering programmes that are innovative and relevant, providing the best learning outcomes and career prospects for our students. In light of this, we're currently reviewing some elements of this programme. As such, the details shown are subject to change and indicative only. You can still apply now. We'll update this page and contact all offer holders when the review is complete to confirm any changes.
Where you'll study
School of Dentistry
We are the only dental school in Wales, providing unique and important leadership in dental research, teaching and patient care.
Admissions criteria
In order to be considered for an offer for this programme you will need to meet all of the entry requirements. Your application will not be progressed if the information and evidence listed is not provided.
With your online application you will need to provide:
- A copy of your degree certificate and transcripts which show you have achieved a 2:2 honours degree in a relevant subject area such as Bioengineering, Biology, Biomedical Sciences, Biotechnology, Dentistry, Life Sciences, Mechanical/Medical/Chemical Engineering, Medicine or Pharmacy, or an equivalent international degree. If your degree certificate or result is pending, please upload any interim transcripts or provisional certificates.
- A copy of your IELTS certificate with an overall score of 6.5 with 5.5 in all subskills, or evidence of an accepted equivalent. Please include the date of your expected test if this qualification is pending. If you have alternative acceptable evidence, such as an undergraduate degree studied in the UK, please supply this in place of an IELTS.
- Two signed and dated academic or professional/employer references which demonstrate your suitability for the programme.
- A personal statement which outlines your reasons for applying to the programme and how your academic experience, skills or long-term goals make you the ideal candidate for the programme.
- An up-to-date CV which includes your full academic and work history.
Application Deadline
The application deadline is 30th June each year for entry in September. If you submit an application after this date, we will only consider it if places are still available.
Selection process
We will review your application and if you meet the entry requirements, we will invite you to an interview. Following interview, offers will be made to the highest scoring candidates.
Find out more about English language requirements.
Applicants who require a Student visa to study in the UK must present an acceptable English language qualification in order to meet UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration) requirements.
Criminal convictions
You are not required to complete a DBS (Disclosure Barring Service) check or provide a Certificate of Good Conduct to study this course.
If you are currently subject to any licence condition or monitoring restriction that could affect your ability to successfully complete your studies, you will be required to disclose your criminal record. Conditions include, but are not limited to:
- access to computers or devices that can store images
- use of internet and communication tools/devices
- curfews
- freedom of movement
- contact with people related to Cardiff University.
Course structure
The MSc in Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine is a one-year, full-time programme that commences in September each year.
For the first six months of the programme, you’ll focus on Stage 1, the taught component which features a range of exciting modules. You’ll be taught in small group settings, undertake laboratory sessions, interactive workshops and tutorials, and engage with relevant local companies where you’ll observe tissue engineering and repair therapies being applied to solve real-world clinical problems. Your progress will be assessed through written assignments, presentations and examinations.
You will then progress onto Stage 2, a 5-month laboratory-based research project. You can choose from a range of topics supplied by academic supervisors across the University, or even develop your own ideas.
In the past, students have focused on research areas such as embryonic or mesenchymal stem cell biology, extracellular vesicles, 3D bioprinting, cartilage, bone, skin or oral tissue repair, natural compounds, organoid models, biomaterials, and drug delivery. At the end of this stage, you will submit an MSc Dissertation based on your project findings and present your work as a poster at a local scientific research meeting.
The modules shown are an example of the typical curriculum. Final modules will be published one month ahead of your programme starting.
Taught Stage
The taught stage (Stage 1) runs from September through to March and consists of six modules. Three modules will be delivered in the Autumn semester (September to December) and the remaining three modules will be delivered in the Spring semester (January to March). The three modules in the Autumn semester are designed to build your background knowledge, understanding and skills in key areas necessary for developing tissue engineering and regenerative medicine solutions. Assessments for these modules will be spaced throughout the Autumn semester. The final three modules in the Spring semester will deliver in-depth information on the cutting-edge research in regenerative medicine; how this research is being commercialised and clinically translated to patients; and how tissue engineering approaches are being used to treat a range of human diseases.
Dissertation Stage
On completing the taught stage (Stage 1), you will undertake a full-time 5-month, laboratory-based research project of your choice, between April-September (Stage 2). Stage 2 culminates in the submission of an MSc Dissertation and a poster presentation at a local research meeting, based on MSc Project findings.
| Module title | Module code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Dissertation | DET003 | 60 credits |
| Cellular and Molecular Biology | BIT001 | 30 credits |
| Tissue Engineering from Concept to Clinical Practice | DET002 | 30 credits |
| Research Methods | DET031 | 30 credits |
| Stem Cells, Regenerative Medicine and Scientific Methods | DET068 | 30 credits |
The University is committed to providing a wide range of module options where possible, but please be aware that whilst every effort is made to offer choice this may be limited in certain circumstances. This is due to the fact that some modules have limited numbers of places available, which are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, while others have minimum student numbers required before they will run, to ensure that an appropriate quality of education can be delivered; some modules require students to have already taken particular subjects, and others are core or required on the programme you are taking. Modules may also be limited due to timetable clashes, and although the University works to minimise disruption to choice, we advise you to seek advice from the relevant School on the module choices available.
Learning and assessment
How will I be taught?
You will be taught through lectures, laboratory sessions, interactive workshops and tutorials, and engage with local companies involved in producing tissue engineering and regenerative therapies. These sessions will feature academics from across the University, as well as inspiring external speakers.
As the taught modules are compulsory and will benefit your development as a tissue engineering researcher, you are expected to attend all lectures, laboratory sessions and other timetabled activities. Whilst independent study will make up a significant part of your research project phase, you’ll also receive lots of support and supervision.
How will I be assessed?
We use a variety of methods to assess our modules. These include closed book examinations; a business pitch; oral and poster presentations; statistical assignments; laboratory notebook entries; and a dissertation (no more than 20,000 words).
To ensure you’re continually developing and improving, you will be given written feedback on all assessments, as well as assessed oral and poster presentations.
How will I be supported?
You will find lots of useful course materials on Learning Central, which will complement your independent study. You’ll also receive supervision during your dissertation period and be allocated a personal tutor who will support you throughout your studies.
Our dedicated Student Support Teams will also be on hand to support you with all aspects of your student life, from health and wellbeing to career planning, finances, and accommodation.
What skills will I practise and develop?
The Learning Outcomes for this Programme describe what you will achieve by the end of your programme at Cardiff University and identify the knowledge and skills that you will develop. They will also help you to understand what is expected of you.
On successful completion of your programme, you will be able to:
Knowledge & Understanding
- Apply a systematic understanding of the core principles of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine and a multi-disciplinary approach to develop novel technologies.
- Describe the cellular/tissue alterations which occur during various disease states and ageing in humans.
- Justify the properties, design and application of specific biomaterials used in tissue engineering.
- Demonstrate a proficiency in selecting appropriate physical and biochemical techniques for the assessment and development of tissue engineered and regenerative medicine products.
- Outline the process of translating tissue engineering and regenerative medicine research from the laboratory to clinical practice, including ethical, regulatory and commercial aspects.
Intellectual Skills
- Critically evaluate scientific literature and analyse experimental data at the forefront of a range of disciplines, such as stem cell biology, biomaterials and tissue/organ engineering.
- Foster innovative thinking and creativity in the development of new approaches and technologies in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.
- Design and plan research projects, including hypothesis formulation, experimental design, and methodological approaches.
- Interpret and analyse experimental data using appropriate statistical and computational methods.
Professional Practical Skills
- Master a range of laboratory techniques and achieve technical proficiency in the use of advanced equipment relevant to tissue engineering.
- Collect, evaluate, synthesise and interpret qualitative and quantitative data in a variety of ways; and identify means to gather new data where required.
- Implement quality control measures and good laboratory practices to ensure the reliability and reproducibility of experimental results.
- Manage a research project effectively, including time management, resources and documentation
- Develop a strategy for clinical translation and commercialisation of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine technologies
Transferable/Key Skills
- Apply critical thinking and data analysis skills to evaluate scientific data, arguments and evidence to make informed decisions.
- Demonstrate strong communication skills, both written and oral across various media, including scientific papers, posters and oral presentations, to effectively present research findings and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams.
- Work effectively as part of a team, demonstrating leadership, collaboration, and interpersonal skills.
- Cultivate an attitude of lifelong learning and continuous professional development in the rapidly evolving field of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.
Graduates that we've employed from this programme have demonstrated exceptional performance and adaptability, contributing fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to our projects. Their academic backgrounds and enthusiasm for learning have enabled them to quickly grasp concepts at Jellagen and excel in their roles. Notably, their collaborative spirit and proactive approach have significantly enhanced team dynamics and driven project success. We are proud of their achievements and look forward to their continued growth within our company!
Tuition fees for 2025 entry
Your tuition fees and how you pay them will depend on your fee status. Your fee status could be home, island or overseas.
Learn how we decide your fee status
Fees for home status
| Year | Tuition fee | Deposit |
|---|---|---|
| Year one | £11,450 | £2,500 |
Students from the EU, EEA and Switzerland
If you are an EU, EEA or Swiss national, your tuition fees for 2025/26 be in line with the overseas fees for international students, unless you qualify for home fee status. UKCISA have provided information about Brexit and tuition fees.
Fees for island status
Learn more about the postgraduate fees for students from the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man.
Fees for overseas status
| Year | Tuition fee | Deposit |
|---|---|---|
| Year one | £27,450 | £2,500 |
More information about tuition fees and deposits, including for part-time and continuing students.
Financial support
Financial support may be available to individuals who meet certain criteria. For more information visit our funding section. Please note that these sources of financial support are limited and therefore not everyone who meets the criteria are guaranteed to receive the support.
Additional costs
There are no additional costs associated with our programme.
Will I need any specific equipment to study this course/programme?
No specific equipment is required to study on this programme.
Living costs
We’re based in one of the UK’s most affordable cities. Find out more about living costs in Cardiff.
Funding
Careers and placements
This programme will open so many doors for your future career and make you highly attractive both to potential employers and research establishments.
Since its introduction in 2006, 95% of our graduates have progressed onto career paths highly relevant to Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, whether that’s PhDs at Cardiff and other UK, EU and USA universities, graduate-entry medicine, specialist registrar training, teaching, and positions in industry and clinical laboratory settings.
You will have the opportunity to engage with local companies involved in producing tissue engineering and regenerative medicine therapies for clinical use. Examples of previous industry partners include Copner Biotech, Reneuron, Renishaw, Biomonde and Jellagen.
Placements
You will have the opportunity to engage with local tissue engineering and regenerative medicine companies. These sessions will provide an insight into work being undertaken in industry to deliver tissue engineering and regenerative medicine solutions to patients.
Graduates that we've employed from this programme have demonstrated exceptional performance and adaptability, contributing fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to our projects. Their academic backgrounds and enthusiasm for learning have enabled them to quickly grasp concepts at Jellagen and excel in their roles. Notably, their collaborative spirit and proactive approach have significantly enhanced team dynamics and driven project success. We are proud of their achievements and look forward to their continued growth within our company!
Next steps
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HESA Data: Copyright Higher Education Statistics Agency Limited 2021. The Higher Education Statistics Agency Limited cannot accept responsibility for any inferences or conclusions derived by third parties from its data. Data is from the latest Graduate Outcomes Survey 2019/20, published by HESA in June 2022.
