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Cell, Gene and Novel Therapies MSc

London, Bloomsbury

The Cell, Gene and Novel Therapies MSc provides you with an in-depth insight into the cutting-edge and rapidly developing field of biological therapies. This course covers all aspects of cell, gene and novel therapies, including applied genomics, the molecular basis of disease, stem cell biology and tissue repair, current and developing technologies in biomedical research and therapeutic intervention, and clinical applications. You will also receive training in research methodology and statistics.

UK students International students
Study mode
UK tuition fees (2026/27)
£16,800
£8,400
Programme also available on a modular (flexible) basis.
Overseas tuition fees (2026/27)
£46,700
£23,350
Programme also available on a modular (flexible) basis.
Duration
1 calendar year
2 calendar years
5 calendar years
Programme starts
September 2026
Applications accepted
Applicants who require a visa: 20 Oct 2025 – 26 Jun 2026
Applications close at 5pm UK time

Applications open

Applicants who do not require a visa: 20 Oct 2025 – 28 Aug 2026
Applications close at 5pm UK time

Applications open

Apply for this course

Entry requirements

A minimum of an upper second-class Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline from a UK university or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard. Students who do not meet these requirements but have appropriate professional experience will also be considered.

The English language level for this course is: Level 2

UCL Pre-Master's and Pre-sessional English courses are for international students who are aiming to study for a postgraduate degree at UCL. The courses will develop your academic English and academic skills required to succeed at postgraduate level.

Further information can be found on our English language requirements page.

Equivalent qualifications

Country-specific information, including details of when UCL representatives are visiting your part of the world, can be obtained from the International Students website.

International applicants can find out the equivalent qualification for their country by selecting from the list below. Please note that the equivalency will correspond to the broad UK degree classification stated on this page (e.g. upper second-class). Where a specific overall percentage is required in the UK qualification, the international equivalency will be higher than that stated below. Please contact Graduate Admissions should you require further advice.

About this degree


There are two routes on this course: 

  • Cell and Molecular Therapies (CMT) 
  • Personalised Medicine (PM)

On the Cell and Molecular Therapies route, you will learn the basics of stem cell and tissue repair and the preclinical/clinical applications of gene therapy/gene editing technologies.

On the Personalised Medicine route, you will be exposed to novel personalised therapies (e.g. RNA therapies), covering preclinical drug development and clinical translation. You will also learn how to apply genomic and multiomic information to personalised medicine.

Optional modules will provide you with the opportunity to explore areas within the field in more depth and enhance analytical and communication skills.

The broad range of skills acquired from the taught modules will underpin your development of an independent research project and critical analysis and reporting of data.

Who this course is for

This course is designed for BSc graduates in relevant subjects, medics and scientists who would like to develop their knowledge and skills in this distinct and fast developing area, with a view to contributing to clinical and basic biomedical research, therapeutic developments in industrial settings, regulatory aspects of advanced therapies, or clinical trials in the field.

Read about what it takes to study for a Master's at UCL

What this course will give you

  • Study at one of the world's top ten universities. UCL is ranked 3rd in the world for public health (ShanghaiRankings 2024), 9th in the world as a university (QS World Rankings 2026) and is rated number one for research power and impact in medicine, health and life sciences (REF 2021).  
  • The course is delivered by scientists and clinicians researching, developing and testing advanced treatments for genetically inherited and acquired diseases using gene delivery technology, stem cell manipulation, DNA repair techniques and novel RNA based technologies.
  • Development of advanced therapies is rapidly expanding and poses different challenges to traditional drug development, hence the need for a new workforce with appropriate training for this task. This course offers access to the breadth of expertise and cutting-edge research in this area available within UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health (UCL GOS ICH), its clinical partner Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH), and UCL at large. 
  • This course, taught by leading academics and clinicians in the field of cell, gene and novel therapies, prepares you to become a scientist or researcher in academia or industry, or join regulatory bodies, as well as for progression to a higher research degree. 
  • UCL has the largest concentration of clinicians and researchers active in cell, gene and novel therapies research in Europe. This is reflected by the many groups conducting high-quality research and clinical trials in the field including researchers at UCL GOS ICH, the Division of Infection & Immunity, the Institute of Ophthalmology, the EGA Institute for Women's Health, the Institute of Genetics and the Cancer Institute. 
  • Study at UCL GOS ICH, which together with GOSH, is the largest centre in Europe devoted to clinical, basic research and postgraduate education in children's health, including haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), RNA therapy and gene and cell-based therapies.
     
Read about what you'll get out of a graduate programme

The foundation of your career

This course aims to equip students for careers in research, education, medicine and business in academic, clinical, industrial and regulatory settings. Examples of potential careers could include:

  • Academic research and/or lecturing in a university, research institution, or other higher education setting.
  • Developing new therapies or intellectual property in National Healthcare systems and pharmaceutical industry or other biomedicine-related business venture.
  • Conducting clinical trials as part of a team of clinicians, scientists and allied health professionals. 
  • Monitoring and analysing the results of clinical trials as part of a clinical trials unit.

Graduates have gone on to leadership roles in the NHS and other healthcare organisations in the UK and overseas. Some of our graduates have moved into roles in industry in pharmaceutical companies or consulting organisations. Others have gone on to further study, taking on PhDs or fellowships while others have launched their own businesses.

Our graduates have been employed by organisations such as Biologics, IQVIA, Clinigen, Datar Cancer Genetics, PPD Global Ltd., UK Biocentre and Fishawack Health, as well as universities in the UK and abroad.*

*Graduate Outcomes survey carried out by the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA), looking at the destinations of UK and EU graduates in the 2017-18, 2018-19, 2019-20, 2020-21, 2021-22 and 2022-23 cohorts.

My degree has given me a new perspective on healthcare, and the importance of personalised medicine. We are all unique individuals, and personalised healthcare is the key to unlocking better health outcomes for everyone. I'm excited to continue exploring new ideas and opportunities to make a positive impact on the healthcare industry, and I credit much of my success to the excellent education I received.

Sonakshi

Personalised Medicine and Novel Therapies MSc (now known as Cell, Gene and Novel Therapies MSc - Personalised Medicine route)

Read more

Employability

You will be provided with opportunities to develop specific scientific and analytical skills including:

  • Data gathering
  • Critical appraisal
  • Scientific writing
  • Scientific presentation
  • Debating
  • Maintaining scientific dialogue
  • Experimental design
  • Clinical trial design
  • Decision making
  • Awareness of topical as well as ethical and legislative issues

You are encouraged to keep a portfolio of transferable skills learned through teaching practices and assessments, which will prepare you for progression to higher research degrees or the workplace.

Networking

The Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health offers seven MSc courses as well as an MRes in Child Health encompassing a wide range of topics. Our students come from diverse academic and professional backgrounds, from the UK and overseas providing great networking opportunities within and across courses. We hold social events throughout the year for the whole student cohort to enable networking between students. Students on the Master's courses have the opportunity to join GOS ICH events such as the Otto Wolff lectures hosted by the research and teaching departments. These cover a variety of topics and provide an opportunity to hear from national and international experts and to network at the social event that usually accompanies these events. As an MSc Cell, Gene and Novel Therapies student, you may also have the opportunity to attend a relevant conference (e.g. Festival of Genomics) to engage and network with leading figures in the field.

Teaching and learning

Teaching includes lectures, seminars, problem-solving classes, workshops, and tutorials including individual and group activities.

Assessment varies depending on the module and aims at developing different skills; assessments across the differing modules include written coursework, multiple-choice questions, written examinations, oral presentations, a practical analysis examination and a dissertation of up to 8,000 words and its presentation/discussion at a viva.

Most modules are delivered as blocks of study, normally over five consecutive days. Face-to-face teaching for each of these days is typically from 9am - 5pm normally comprising 25-30 hours of direct contact time per module including lectures, seminars, problem-solving classes, workshops, and tutorials. On average students will be expected to attend two weeks per month on campus in lectures and seminars from 9am – 5pm in Term 1 and Term 2. This is the equivalent of 15 to 20 hours of face-to-face teaching per week.

Some modules will require weekly attendance on campus including Pharmacometrics in Term 2.

Outside of module delivery weeks we expect full-time students to spend a full 35-hour week in self-directed study – reading, revising and preparing assignments. Part-time and flexible students study at a pro-rata rate.

In Term 3 and the summer period you will complete your own dissertation research, keeping regular contact with your dissertation supervisors. Research projects vary but we would expect students to perform project work under the guidance of your supervisor and their team for about 20-30 hours per week and self-directed study in the form of literature review, analysis and appraisal of data or outcomes for about five to 12 hours per week depending on the progress of your project.

Contact hours will vary depending on your choice of modules and your research project.

The Compulsory and Optional modules listed and linked below are for the Cell and Molecular Therapies route. To view an outline of the module list for Personalised Medicine, and a more detailed explanation of the options for both routes, please access the 'Full-time' dropdown immediately below.

Modules

Students on each route will study six compulsory modules.  

Four compulsory modules are shared between the two routes:  

Students on the Cell and Molecular Therapies route will also study the compulsory modules:  

Students on the Personalised Medicine route will study the compulsory modules:

Students on both routes then choose three optional modules:  

Students will also have the possibility to select a core module from the alternative route. 

You are given ample opportunities to develop specific analytic research skills during your independent 16-week research project. This includes approximately 12 weeks for research and 4 weeks for writing up and which begins in Term 3. 

This research project will reflect the successful research being carried out at UCL GOS ICH and you will be offered a dynamic choice of topics from laboratory-based research projects to in silico data analysis projects.

Part-time students will complete eight 15-credit taught modules over two-year period. The 60-credit research project will take place in year two of the course. 

Modular/Flexible students will complete eight 15-credit taught modules to include core modules plus the project (last module to be taken) worth 60 credits over a period of up to five years.

Compulsory modules










Optional modules





Pharmacometrics




Please note that the list of modules given here is indicative. This information is published a long time in advance of enrolment and module content and availability are subject to change. Modules that are in use for the current academic year are linked for further information. Where no link is present, further information is not yet available.

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits. Upon successful completion of 180 credits, you will be awarded an MSc in Cell, Gene and Novel Therapies.

Accessibility

The department will endeavour to make reasonable adjustments for students with disabilities, including those with long-term health conditions, neurodivergence, learning differences and mental health conditions. This list is not exhaustive. If you're unsure of your eligibility for reasonable adjustments at UCL, please contact Student Support and Wellbeing Services.

Reasonable adjustments are implemented on a case-by-case basis. With the student's consent, reasonable adjustments are considered by UCL Student Support and Wellbeing Services, and where required, in collaboration with the respective department.

Details of the accessibility of UCL buildings can be obtained from AccessAble. Further information about support available can be obtained from UCL Student Support and Wellbeing Services.

For more information about the department and accessibility arrangements for your course, please contact the department.

Visit us

All open days and events

South Cloister, Wilkins Building, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom - Open day

Life and Medical Sciences Postgraduate Open Evening

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Join us on campus to discover our Master’s degrees in Brain Sciences, Life Sciences, Medical Sciences, Medical Engineering, Population Health Sciences and Medical Anthropology. This event is ideal for prospective postgraduate students interested in Brain Sciences, Life Sciences, Medical Sciences, Medical Engineering, Population Health Sciences and Medical Anthropology.

Online - Open day

Graduate Open Events: Cell, Gene and Novel Therapies MSc

This recording provides an overview of the Cell, Gene and Novel Therapies MSc. The session will introduce you to the core themes explored throughout the course. These include stem cell applications and therapies, gene therapy approaches for treating genetic disorders and approaches to novel therapies and personalised medicine. This session was lead by the Programme Directors.

Watch on demand event

Online - Open day

Graduate Open Events: Cell, Gene and Novel Therapies MSc (Afternoon)

Discover our Cell, Gene and Novel Therapies MSc at our upcoming virtual information sessions. In each session, you will have an introduction to the programme from the Programme Director/s and be able to ask any questions you may have. If you cannot join for the full length of the session, you are welcome to drop-in, or out, at your convenience.

Watch on demand event

Fees and funding

Fees for this course

UK students International students
Fee description Full-time Part-time
Tuition fees (2026/27) £16,800 £8,400
Tuition fees (2026/27) £46,700 £23,350

Programme also available on a modular (flexible) basis.

Additional costs

For full-time and part-time offer holders with a fee status classification of UK, a fee deposit will be charged at 2.5% of the first year fee.

For full-time and part-time offer holders with a fee status classification of Overseas, a fee deposit will be charged at 10% of the first year fee.

For modular/flexible offer holders with a fee status classification of UK, a £350 deposit will be charged.

For modular/flexible offer holders with a fee status classification of Overseas, a £500 deposit will be charged.

Further information can be found in the Tuition fee deposits section on this page: Tuition fees.

There are no additional costs for this course. 

For in-person teaching, UCL’s main teaching locations are in zones 1 (Bloomsbury) and zones 2/3 (UCL East). The cost of a monthly 18+ Oyster travel card for zones 1-2 is £119.90. This price was published by TfL in 2025. For more information on additional costs for prospective students and the cost of living in London, please view our estimated cost of essential expenditure at UCL's cost of living guide.

Funding your studies

Visit the funding and studentship pages of our website for details of funding available to students, including the UCL GOSICH bursary.

For a comprehensive list of the funding opportunities available at UCL, including funding relevant to your nationality, please visit the Scholarships and Funding website.

See all the ways you can fund your studies

Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health Bursary

Deadline: 17 August 2026
Value: £3,000 (1 year or 2 years part-tim)
Criteria Based on both academic merit and financial need
Eligibility: UK, EU, Overseas

Michelle Zalkin Scholarship

Deadline: 30 June 2026
Value: £10,000 (Duration of programme)
Criteria Based on academic merit
Eligibility: UK, EU, Overseas

Mukul Madhav Foundation Scholarship

NOW CLOSED FOR 2026/27 ENTRY
Value: Full tuition fees (1 year)
Criteria Based on financial need
Eligibility: EU, Overseas

Peter and Loek Wheeler Scholarship

Deadline: 30 June 2026
Value: International full fees (Duration of programme)
Criteria Based on academic merit
Eligibility: EU, Overseas

Next steps

When we assess your application we would like to learn:

  • Why you want to study Cell, Gene and Novel Therapies at graduate level.
  • Why you want to study Cell, Gene and Novel Therapies at UCL.
  • What particularly attracts you to this course.
  • How your academic background meets the demands of this challenging course.
  • Where you would like to go professionally with your degree.

Together with essential academic requirements, the personal statement is your opportunity to elaborate on your reasons for applying to this course and how your interests match what the course will deliver.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I use this course to further my career prospects?

This course covers disease models and novel therapeutic approaches to treating them, particularly using cell -and/or gene-based therapies within the environment where they are developed, equips students to confidently pursue careers in a range of settings (e.g. academia, industry, regulatory bodies).  

What kind of projects can I get involved in?

We offer laboratory-based projects (some can be based in industry with an UCL partner), dry projects (e.g. data analysis) and literature reviews. Most students choose a laboratory project which supports their future career or potential PhD application.
 
What is the structure of teaching?

A full immersion block teaching, including lectures and interactive session, 9-5pm over one week for the majority of modules over Terms 1 and 2. In Term 3, students work full time work on their research project.

Please note that you may submit applications for a maximum of two graduate courses (or one application for the Law LLM) in any application cycle.

Choose your programme

Please read the Application Guidance before proceeding with your application.

Year of entry: 2026-2027

Apply for this course

Got questions? Get in touch

UCL GOS Institute of Child Health
UCL GOS Institute of Child Health

cgt@ucl.ac.uk

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