MSc Skin Sciences and Stem Cell Biology

Regenerative medicine is the field of medical biosciences and medicine that develops technologies to restore, repair or replace cells, organs or tissues damaged due to acute trauma, disease or ageing. The principles of regenerative medicine based on transplantation of adult stem cells are well-established to treat disease, with hematopoietic stem cell (bone marrow) transplantation in clinical use for over 50 years. Nevertheless, the rapid advances in molecular, cell and developmental biology over the last two decades has led to recent rapid progress in regenerative medicine, including generation of induced pluripotent stem cells, direct adult stem cell trans-differentiation, gene editing, in situ cell, tissue and organ regeneration, 3D-cultured organoid and interspecies chimeric organ production etc. These developments, though often in their early stages, promise significant improvements in medicine and healthcare in the near future.

Skin is the largest organ of the human body and it possesses an unique regenerative capacity due to the abundant active stem cells located in the epidermis, hair follicle, dermis and sub-cutis. Skin sciences are focused on the studies of skin and hair follicle structure, functions and regeneration in health and disease as well as developing the technologies to improve skin and hair health. Skin sciences are closely connected to regenerative medicine in so far as they share many common principles and goals. 

Skin sciences and stem cell biology are not only important in the treatment of human diseases and disorders, but also in improving ones personal appearance and well-being. The personal care and cosmetics industry is based on the skin sciences and generates over 500 billion USD in revenue annually.  Importantly, consumers and regulatory agencies increasingly expect new personal care and cosmetic products to be developed using solid, evidence-based science.

Our MSc programme provides students with a unique blend of advanced knowledge, understanding and practical research skills in skin sciences and regenerative medicine based on modern principles of molecular, cell and development biology. It also provides the knowledge and skills required to develop and launch new products in the life science industries.

As an MSc in Skin Sciences and Stem Cell Biology graduate you can make an impact in many areas including:

• the regenerative medicine industry and clinical practice
• the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industry
• the personal care and cosmetics industry
• sales and marketing in the life science industries
• bioscience and biomedical research