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Postgraduate Study

About the Wellcome - Medical Research Council Cambridge Stem Cell Institute

The Wellcome Medical Research Council Cambridge Stem Cell Institute is an international centre of excellence for research into stem cell biology and medicine. Scientists in the Institute collaborate to generate new knowledge and understanding of the biology of stem cells and provide the foundation for new medical treatments. The Institute is supported by a strategic funding partnership between Wellcome and the Medical Research Council

3 courses offered in the Wellcome - Medical Research Council Cambridge Stem Cell Institute

The Cambridge Stem Cell Institute is a world-leading centre for stem cell research with a mission 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 consists currently of 28 outstanding research groups, working across three key research themes: Stem Cell States, Stem Cells in Disease and Stem Cells & Therapeutics.  

The Institute offers this MPhil programme of research to students under the supervision of a principal investigator (primary supervisor). During their MPhil, students are based in a research group, supported by their primary supervisor and associated laboratory staff. 

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Specialist postgraduate training in Stem Cell Biology and Medicine is essential to produce a stream of highly skilled and innovative investigators equipped with a deep understanding of stem cell science and its significance for future medicine. In this context, the Wellcome PhD Programme in Stem Cell Biology and Medicine is unique in the UK in focus and scope.

The enduring popularity of the programme, which receives on average 200 applications per year, and the quality of research outputs and next destinations are testament to both the calibre of students we are able to recruit and to the high-quality training they receive. Our programme provides an environment that is intellectually rigorous and personally supportive for students, enabling them to set and attain research objectives. The programme is designed to develop analytical and critically-minded individuals. Since its inception in 2008, the PhD Programme has evolved in response to the expressed needs of students and continuous developments in modern Stem Cell Biology.

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The Cambridge Stem Cell Institute is a world-leading centre for stem cell research with a mission 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 consists currently of approximately 28 outstanding research groups, working across three key research themes: Stem Cell States, Stem Cells in Disease and Stem Cells & Therapeutics.

The Institute offers this PhD programme of research under the individual supervision of a principal investigator. During their PhD, students are based in a research group, supported by their primary supervisor and a Postgraduate Education Committee and Postgraduate Student Committee.

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2 courses also advertised in the Wellcome - Medical Research Council Cambridge Stem Cell Institute

From the School of the Biological Sciences

The Cambridge Biosciences DTP is a four year fully-funded PhD programme that aims to create highly skilled and employable people. The programme offers training across 23 University Departments/Institutes and 3 Partner Institutes providing access to a wide range of research areas related to the strategic themes of the BBSRC. We offer three types of DTP studentships:

  • DTP Standard
  • Targeted
  • iCase

During the programme, DTP Standard and Targeted students will undertake two ten-week rotations in different labs before commencing their PhD. They will receive training in a variety of areas including but not limited to statistics, programming, ethics, data analysis, scientific writing and public engagement. Students will also undertake a 12-week internship (PIPS).

iCase students are not required to undertake rotations but may do so if they feel that this training would be useful. They must undertake a placement with their Industrial Partner for a minimum of three months and a maximum of 18 months.

Students will be expected to submit their thesis at the end of the fourth year.

Part-time study, whilst not the norm, may be viable, depending on the project, and will be considered on a case by case basis so please discuss this option with your proposed supervisor before making an application for this mode of study.

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From the Faculty of Clinical Medicine

We provide high-quality research training to clinical health professionals with an aptitude for research to enable them to become future leaders in medical and healthcare science. We offer training in an outstanding environment, spanning basic science, translational medicine, interdisciplinary, behavioural and applied health research.

We take great pride in our track record of successfully training health professionals to undertake the highest quality research across Cambridge and Norwich. We offer one of the most rewarding environments in which you could pursue your research training with world-leading researchers in The  Schools of Clinical Medicine and Biological Sciences at the Universities of Cambridge, Wellcome Sanger Institute and other MRC, Wellcome & Cancer Research UK funded Institutes, Centres & Units in the wider Cambridge area, as well as the School of Health Sciences and Norwich Medical School at the University of East Anglia with other partners on the Norwich Research Park.  The most important criteria we are looking for are the pursuit of research excellence, hard work and the will to make a difference to health.

The programme faculty provides mentoring and guidance on opportunities to undertake pre-doctoral research placements, enabling successful candidates to make an informed choice of PhD project and supervisor.  Bespoke training and support for career development for fellows, together with support to supervisors, ensures a successful research experience.  Post-doctorally, we will guide fellows based on their individual progress, to make the transition into higher research fellowships and clinical pathways, enabling ongoing training with continuance of research momentum.

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Department Members


Professor Tony Green
Head of Department

  • 11 Academic Staff
  • 66 Postdoctoral Researchers
  • 59 Graduate Students

http://www.stemcells.cam.ac.uk/

Research Areas