Genes, Drugs and Stem Cells - Novel Therapies PgCert

Imperial College London

The programme in Genes, Drugs and Stem Cells provides state-of-the-art education in next-generation therapies, training you in translational research and rapidly-developing topics in advanced therapeutic medicines. You will acquire transferable and research skills including knowledge of ethical and regulatory legislation, commercialisation strategies and intellectual property and patent protection. A major focus is training in translational research illustrating all steps required to progress novel therapies from bench-to-bedside and towards drug licensing. It is the provision of teaching in all three areas of advanced therapeutic development which makes our programme unique.

The programme runs successfully through a combination of educational materials and opportunities to interact online alongside more traditional teaching methods. This blended format of delivery consists of teaching sessions (face-to-face or made available online), live webinars, discussion fora, formative and summative assessments administered through our virtual learning environment, and a range of resources to facilitate self-study and progression. This allows for much of the programme to be studied remotely if required.

This programme provides academic and laboratory research training in three key areas (streams):

• Gene and Nucleic Acid Based Therapies
• New Horizons in Pharmacology
• Regenerative Medicine

Throughout the programme we will give you the opportunity to acquire real-life skills through presentations, debates, journal clubs and data analysis. Our assessments are varied and authentic, which means we assess skills that you will need to develop successful careers. In the advanced modules of the MSc, we will give you the opportunity to gain a basic understanding of bioinformatics and their application in biology, and you will get the opportunity to take part in interdisciplinary team events to generate ideas for public engagement activities, or research projects.

The main purpose of this programme is to facilitate state-of-the-art education in next generation therapies for scientists and clinicians, who will be equipped to significantly contribute to these rapidly expanding fields. Our programme in Genes, Drugs and Stem Cells prepares you for careers in industry, PhD study, positions within the NHS and financial sector.