Regenerative Medicine and Tissue Repair MScR

Level: Postgraduate research

Subject: Biological, Biomedical and Life Sciences

Year of entry: 2026

Study options

Full-time
  • MScR | 1 year | Start date: September 2026

Key facts

Programme website
PhD by Distance

Not available

School location

Edinburgh BioQuarter

Apply now

19 to 21 November 2025: Postgraduate Virtual Open Days

Join us live to explore postgraduate taught and research study at Edinburgh and gain key insights before you apply.

Register now

About the degree programme

This masters programme prepares you for a career in academia or industry, whether you have recently completed an undergraduate degree or are a professional wanting to pursue a career in research.

The programme delivers cross-disciplinary training in a vibrant research environment to train skilled researchers uniquely equipped to capitalise on regenerative medicine's potential to advance human health.

Our MSc by Research in Regenerative Medicine and Tissue Repair is a one-year, full-time, on-campus masters programme.

The programme is structured around:

  • two research projects, and
  • a research project proposal writing component

Successful advancement of tissue regeneration and repair relies on combining fundamental and translational research expertise in areas of:

  • regenerative medicine
  • developmental biology
  • stem cell biology
  • tissue repair
  • inflammation research

You will study in a stimulating, multi-disciplinary and vibrant research environment.

The MScR in Regenerative Medicine and Tissue Repair helped me to refine my laboratory skills as well as my ability to critically evaluate scientific literature while gaining experience in conducting full-time research, all while in the company of a fantastic cohort. 

The opportunity to undertake not one, but two, independent research projects, taught me how to take ownership of my research and mature as a trainee scientist while learning about different topics within the fields of stem cell biology and regenerative medicine. Overall, completing this MScR was a vital step that prepared me well for my PhD studies.

Isabella Jamieson Morris MScR Regenerative Medicine and Tissue Repair, 2023/2024. Second year PhD student in the Pollard Lab, IRR, The University of Edinburgh
Isabella Jamieson

How to apply

Apply online via EUCLID

Applications for admission to the MSc by Research in Regenerative Medicine and Tissue Repair programme are submitted through the University’s online student application and record service, EUCLID.

You do not need to complete your application in one session, as you will be able to save your application at any point in the process and return to it when you are ready to continue.

Application process information

You can find out more about the various aspects of the application process for postgraduate programmes on the University web page below, and the various links therein.

Applying for postgraduate studies at The University of Edinburgh

If you have any questions about applying for our programme, please contact the programme team at

mscr.regenmedrepair@ed.ac.uk

International students

If you are applying from outside the UK, our International Office can help ensure that you follow all the necessary application procedures. Information can be found on the web page below.

Information for international applicants for postgraduate studies

When to apply

Applications for academic year 2026/2027 are now open. Application deadline is 24 June 2026.

Please note that the research programme application process is highly competitive, with limited number of places, and decisions are made on a rolling basis. We encourage early submission to ensure full consideration.

As part of the application process, we invite competitive candidates for interview. Interviews will take place on a rolling basis, and no later than early July 2026.  

Application fee

There is no fee to apply to this programme.

What you need to apply

As part of your online application, you will need to provide: 

  • a personal statement detailing why you are interested in joining our programme
  • relevant knowledge/training skills

You will also need to provide some or all of the following supporting information and documents:

Personal statement

Your personal statement is an important part of your application. It will help us to decide whether you are good match for our programme and, just as importantly, whether we feel our programme is right for you. Information about writing a personal statement can be found on the University web page linked above.

References 

You must submit two recent references with your application.

When you start your application, you will be able to see the full list of documents you need to provide.

Please note that

  1. A research proposal is not required for your application for the programme - please use the provided text to add here: 'Research projects will be chosen once students have joined the programme' and ignore any automatically generated emails requesting this information. The online application process also asks for details on your research topic. Please provide details about your current research interests. This will not limit your choice of research projects once you are in the programme.
  2. You do not need to identify a suitable supervisor as part of your application for the MScR Regenerative Medicine and Tissue Repair programme. A list of projects will be provided at the start of your studies.

Interview

The programme is intended for high-calibre students with a background in biology, biomedical sciences, medicine or veterinary medicine.

As part of the application process, we invite competitive candidates for an interview. Interviews will take place on a rolling basis, and no later than early July 2026. 

Interviews are held via online video call (typically Teams).

Apply

Select the award, duration and delivery mode you want to study. Then select the start date you want to apply for.

After you apply

After you have applied for the masters programme, you may be invited for an interview. Successful candidates will then receive a formal offer, but you may still need to submit evidence of previous studies or other documentation to secure your place (conditional offer).

The programme aims to organise an online Q&A session for offer holders where they can talk to current students and/or programme directors/course organisers to find out a bit more about the programme, living in Edinburgh, induction events, and other relevant topics. 

Academic Technology Approval Scheme

If you need to apply for a student visa, you may need an Academic Technology Approval Scheme clearance certificate in order to study at The University.

Academic Technology Approval Scheme

Funding

Funding for postgraduate study is different to undergraduate study, and many students need to combine funding sources to pay for their studies.

Most students use a combination of the following funding to pay their tuition fees and living costs:

  • borrowing money
    • taking out a loan
    • family support
  • personal savings
  • income from work
  • employer sponsorship
  • scholarships

Explore sources of funding for postgraduate study

If you live in the UK, you may be eligible for a postgraduate loan for study from one of the UK’s governments.

You should check that your chosen programme is eligible for the funding you want to apply for.

View details: UK government loans

Search for other funding opportunities

You can find scholarships, bursaries and other funding you might be eligible for on our Scholarships and Student Funding site.

Postgraduate funding opportunities

Tuition fees

Tuition fees by award and duration

Tuition fees for full-time and part-time options are listed for one academic year.

Full-time

Graduate discount

If you are a University of Edinburgh graduate, you will be eligible for a 10% discount on your tuition fees for this programme. You may also be eligible if you were a visiting undergraduate student.

Find out how to receive your graduate discount

Costs

Accommodation and living costs

You need to cover your accommodation and living costs for the duration of your programme.

We estimate that you might spend £1,167 to £2,330 per month if you are a single student.

Living costs include:

  • food
  • utility bills
  • travel, clothes, books and stationery
  • recreational costs (for example, TV subscriptions and social events)

Living costs

Accommodation costs depend on where you live while studying and the type of accommodation you choose.

University postgraduate accommodation options and costs

These entry requirements are for the 2026-27 academic year and requirements for future academic years may differ. Entry requirements for the 2027-28 academic year will be published on 1 Oct 2026.

Qualifications

A UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent, in a relevant biological, medicine, dentistry or veterinary medicine discipline.

International qualifications

To find international equivalent qualifications, select where you studied from the country or region list.

English language requirements

You must prove that your English language abilities are at a high enough level to study this degree programme.

This is the case for all applicants, including UK nationals.

You can meet our English language requirements with one of the following:

  • an English language test
  • a degree that was taught and assessed in English
  • certain professional qualifications

English language tests we accept

We accept any of the following English language tests, at the specified grade or higher:

  • IELTS Academic: total 6.5 with at least 6.0 in each component. We do not accept IELTS One Skill Retake to meet our English language requirements.
  • TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition): total 92 with at least 20 in each component We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements.
  • C1 Advanced (CAE) / C2 Proficiency (CPE): total 176 with at least 169 in each component.
  • Trinity ISE: ISE II with distinctions in all four components.
  • Oxford ELLT: total 7 with at least 6 in each component.
  • Oxford Test of English Advanced: total 145 with at least 135 in each component.
How old your English language tests can be
Tests no more than two years old

The following English language tests must be no more than two years old on the 1st of the month in which your programme starts, regardless of your nationality:

  • IELTS Academic
  • TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition)
  • Trinity ISE
  • Oxford ELLT
  • Oxford Test of English Advanced
Tests no more than three and a half years old

All other English language tests must be no more than three and a half years old on the 1st of the month in which your programme starts, regardless of your nationality.   

Degrees taught and assessed in English

We accept an undergraduate or postgraduate degree that has been taught and assessed in English in a majority English-speaking country, as defined by UK Visas and Immigration.

UKVI list of majority English speaking countries

We also accept a degree that has been taught and assessed in English from a university on our list of approved universities in non-majority English-speaking countries (non-MESC).

Approved universities in non-MESC

How old your degree can be

If you are not a national of a majority English-speaking country, then your degree must be no more than five years old on the 1st of the month in which your programme starts.

This time limit does not apply to your degree if you are a national of a majority English-speaking country.

Find out more about our English language requirements

Find out about other English language qualifications we accept, including professional qualifications.

English language requirements

Research profile

This Masters by Research programme trains the next generation of experts in tissue regeneration and repair.

The main components of the programme are two 18-week research projects, performed on a wide range of research fields within regenerative sciences and a project writing course.

Successful advancement of tissue regeneration and repair relies on combining fundamental and translational research expertise in areas of:

  • regenerative medicine
  • developmental biology
  • stem cell biology
  • tissue repair
  • inflammation research

Such a cross-disciplinary approach will underpin the development of novel cell and drug-based therapies to stimulate repair of tissues damaged due to congenital conditions, trauma or disease.

Institute for Regeneration and Repair 

The programme is based at the Institute for Regeneration and Repair (IRR). Researchers at IRR seek to understand stem cell biology, inflammation and disease to develop new therapies to heal damaged tissues and improve reproductive outcomes. 

IRR incorporates three world-leading research centres with a focus on regenerative medicine, inflammation and reproductive health. It is located on the Edinburgh BioQuarter site.

Follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn and BlueSky.

By better understanding how stem cells are controlled and how diseases develop in a lab environment, we hope to find new ways to treat patients.

Our research community

Research Culture and Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

The Institute for Regeneration and Repair (IRR) is dedicated to cultivating an inclusive and supportive research culture that draws upon the diverse perspectives of all its members. We align our efforts with The University of Edinburgh's research culture action plans and policies to ensure that well-being, equality, diversity, and inclusion are at the forefront of our activities.

Our commitment involves supporting every colleague, recognising the unique contributions each individual brings to our community. We actively promote an environment where all voices are heard and valued, encouraging collaboration and innovation.

To achieve our goals, we uphold principles of integrity, consideration, and respect, following The University of Edinburgh’s Behaviour Charter. We believe that a respectful and principled approach fosters a positive and productive research environment, enhancing the overall impact of our work.

The University of Edinburgh’s Behaviour Charter

By prioritising these values, IRR not only aims to advance scientific research but also to create a workplace where everyone feels empowered and engaged. Through ongoing reflection and adaptation, we strive to continuously improve our practices and support a thriving academic community.

Programme structure

The programme provides a core grounding in fundamental science and interlinked clinical translational aspects of regenerative medicine and tissue repair.

The programme is structured around:

  • two research projects
  • a research project proposal writing component
  • programme-specific masterclasses and journal club 

Research projects

The research projects are core components of the programme.

These projects provide you with opportunities for practical laboratory and research experience. They offer training in a wide range of research techniques in cellular and molecular biology, genetics and bioinformatics relevant to tissue regeneration and repair.

The projects will also provide you with:

  • good research practice skills
  • scientific writing skills
  • analytical skills

Two 18-week research projects may be undertaken in:

  • Laboratories at the Institute for Regeneration and Repair (IRR)
  • Laboratories of collaborating centres or organisations

You will:

  • Choose your projects from a list submitted by group leaders and professional experts, based on their current research and projects. Each research project bears 80 credits towards the programme total of 180 credits.
  • We do encourage students to explore their own project ideas with group leaders too.
  • Present your findings at group meetings, a poster day and talks, including at the IRR MScR science retreat.
  • Write up your project results as a dissertation to be submitted for formal assessment towards your MSc by Research degree.

Seminars

Throughout the academic year, students can attend seminars at the Institute for Regeneration and Repair and the wider University, delivered by internationally-recognised experts in the field of regenerative medicine, tissue repair and related biomedical fields.

Skills development

You will gain a wide range of generic professional and scientific skills such as developing effective communication skills, critical appraisal, and scientific writing through research dissertations and a grant application. Postgraduate transferable skills courses are offered for free by the University’s Institute for Academic Development and University-wide LinkedIn.

Find out the aims and structure for each year of study on this programme.

Full-time

We link to the latest information available. This may be for a previous academic year and should be considered indicative.

Taught courses

Research projects

The research projects will provide you with training and practical experience of a wide range of current research tools and techniques in cellular and molecular biology, genetics and bioinformatics relevant for stem cell biology, developmental biology, inflammation research, regenerative medicine and tissue repair.

The research projects will teach you good research practice, and enable you to gain analytical skills, critical appraisal and scientific writing skills. During your research projects, you will disseminate your findings through various presentation opportunities, including at lab meetings, a poster day and oral presentations

Masterclasses and Journal Club

You will participate in masterclasses and an IRR MScR Journal Club that run throughout the academic year, typically on Friday mornings at IRR. The programme collaborates with experts who work across the life cycle of cell and gene therapy development and production, ranging from discovery science and phase I/II clinical trials to manufacturing of Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products (ATMPs). This will provide opportunities for students to learn from experts about this life cycle.

Support

Postgraduate and researcher community

You will be embedded in the postgraduate student community at the Institute and welcomed onto the programme during our student welcome events at the start of the academic year. You will also take part in Welcome Week activities organised by the College and the wider university.

IRR and other institutes on our campus and other University sites boast active seminar series which provide excellent opportunities to attend talks on a wide range of topics to further your academic knowledge and reflect on personal research interests and your career direction.

Students are supported by a team of Postgraduate Administrators, Course Organisers, Supervisors and Programme Directors.

Facilities

Throughout your studies, you will have access to a wide range of state-of-the-art research facilities at the Institute for Regeneration and Repair (IRR) and the training and support provided by dedicated Facility Managers.

You will undertake two research projects in different laboratories at IRR or collaborative centres and organisations. During your research projects, you will become a fully integrated member of your supervisor’s research group and participate in, and contribute to lab meetings and other activities.

IRR Core Technologies

Bespoke training can be provided by facility managers and support staff covering the following core technologies (list not exhaustive):

Career opportunities

As a graduate of our programme, you will be well-placed to successfully pursue a PhD in biomedicine or take on challenging professional roles in academia or health care industries.

The broad range of skills gained is also readily transferable into careers at the clinical-laboratory interface and in the broader biosciences industry opportunities.

Graduate profiles

Katie Tse

Katie Tse

Degree: MScR Regenerative Medicine and Tissue Repair graduate

Year of graduation: 2024

Current work: PhD student, Lucas Lab, IRR

This programme allowed me to explore a diverse range of topics and techniques. It helped me discover my research interests and prepared me for PhD studies.

MSc by Research testimonial: Konstantina - 2023 graduate

As a graduate of our programme, you will be well-placed to successfully pursue a PhD in biomedicine or take on challenging professional roles in academia or health care industries.

You will gain valuable transferable skills that will be beneficial in a wide range of professions.

Careers Service

Our Careers Service can help you to fully develop your potential and achieve your future goals. 

The Careers Service supports you not only while you are studying at the University, but also for up to two years after you finish your studies. 

With the Careers Service, you can: 

  • access digital resources to help you understand your skills and strengths
  • try different types of experiences and reflect on how and what you develop
  • get help finding work, including part-time jobs, vacation work, internships and graduate jobs
  • attend careers events and practice interviews
  • get information and advice to help you make informed decisions 

Visit the Careers Service website 

Accommodation

We guarantee an offer of University accommodation for all new, single postgraduate taught students from outside the UK and new, single postgraduate research (typically PhD) students who:

  • apply for accommodation by 31 July in the year when you start your programme
  • accept an unconditional firm offer to study at the University by 31 July
  • study at the University for the whole of the academic year starting in September

University accommodation website

Accommodation guarantee criteria

We also offer accommodation options for couples and families.

Accommodation for couples and families

If you prefer to live elsewhere, we can offer you advice on finding accommodation in Edinburgh.

Accommodation information from the Edinburgh University Students' Association Advice Place

Societies and clubs

Our societies and sports clubs will help you develop your interests, meet like-minded people, find a new hobby or simply socialise.

Societies

Sport Clubs

IRR Community and Wellbeing Initiatives

The Institute for Research and Research (IRR) is committed to creating a supportive and nurturing environment for its staff and students. By focusing on community building and enhancing workplace health and wellbeing, IRR aims to become the best place to work and study.

Key activities include Wellbeing Walks, Gardening, Yoga Sessions, coffee mornings, sustainability initiatives, and the People and Culture Forum.

The city of Edinburgh

Scotland's inspiring capital will form the background to your studies — a city with an irresistible blend of history, natural beauty and modern city life. 

Find out more about living in Edinburgh

Health and wellbeing support

You will have access to free health and wellbeing services throughout your time at university if you need them.

The support services we offer include: 

  • a student counselling service
  • a health centre (doctor's surgery)
  • support if you're living in University accommodation
  • dedicated help and support if you have a disability or need adjustments

Health and wellbeing support services 

Disability and Learning Support

Academic contact

School of Regeneration and Repair


College of Medicine & Veterinary Medicine

University of Edinburgh

Contact details

Address

Institute for Regeneration and Repair
Edinburgh BioQuarter
5 Little France Drive
Little France
Edinburgh
EH16 4UU

Related degree programmes