Stem Cells and Translational Neurology (Online Learning) MSc, PgDip (ICL), PgCert (ICL), PgProfDev

Dementia (including a raft of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s Disease) has recently become the leading cause of death in the UK. Stem cells are a novel and relatively young branch of scientific research that holds the potential for not only therapies but also to be able to accurately model these distinctly human diseases.

This unique programme will offer students real-world perspectives from patients, carers, scientists and a range of healthcare professionals including world-leading experts on the impact of neurological diseases.

This program offers cutting-edge translational neuroscience focused on stem cells, neurodegenerative diseases, regeneration and models (both animal and cell). Furthermore, the inclusion of patients and importantly their carers and the real-life impacts of these diseases on individuals will be a common thread running throughout this programme making it truly unique and exceptionally novel.

This programme is designed for medical and/or scientific professionals and aims to introduce students to the fields of neurodegenerative diseases, stem cells, industry and emerging therapeutic opportunities in regenerative/translational neurology. Overall students will gain the knowledge and understanding of the clinical, real-life impact and scientific realities of these fields and thus advance their learning and be able to carry this forward into their future careers.

Therefore students will be introduced to a range of topics as they progress through the programme from introducing the basic anatomy, structure and development of the central nervous system, to a critical understanding of stem cells including sources, locations and roles, an introduction to multiple neurodegenerative diseases (such as Alzheimer’s, Motor Neurone Disease and Parkinson’s disease), from both clinical and patient angles, before being introduced to in vitro and in vivo modelling of these diseases, neuroimaging techniques, stem cells and industry.

Online learning

This part-time, fully online program will support the need for up-to-date knowledge, skills and theory in a wide variety by the use of not only world-leading clinical and scientific experts but also by using the real-life impacts as viewed by patients, the people who care for them and the frontline health professionals. All of this expertise will be presented utilising a range of techniques including online lectures, practical studies, directed readings and other video and audio resources.

Discussion boards will provide directed assessment tasks while input from expert guest lecturers and tutors offers students the opportunity for collaborative critical discourse and debate of current issues.

We are globally recognised for our research, development and innovation and we’ve provided our students with world-class teaching for more than 425 years.

An Edinburgh degree works for you

The University of Edinburgh is one of the world’s top universities, consistently ranked in the world top 50 and placed 22nd in the 2024 QS World University Rankings.

Our graduates are ranked 26th in the world by employers1.

Excellence in research

The University of Edinburgh has an international reputation for innovative research across a wide range of disciplines.

According to the results of the 2021 Research Excellence Framework (REF2021), the University is ranked fourth in the UK based on the quality and breadth of its research - known as research power - and is Scotland’s top-ranked institution.

The REF2021 results reveal that nearly 90 per cent of the University’s research activity is in the highest categories – 4 star and 3 star – which are classified respectively as ‘ world-leading’ and ‘internationally excellent’, a growth of 10 percentage points since the previous REF in 2014.

Innovation in teaching

The latest report from the Quality Assurance Agency awarded us the highest rating possible for the quality of the student learning experience. We are always working to develop innovative approaches to teaching in order to discover the methods that work best for students, including e-learning techniques and peer-assisted learning.

Experts in online learning

We offer the largest portfolio of postgraduate online degrees in the UK2, welcoming more than 8,000 online students since 2005. Our flexible and supportive programmes are well-established and an increasingly popular choice for students looking to balance further study with professional or family commitments.

Beautiful capital city

Ranked in the world’s top 10 student cities3, Edinburgh is a compact city with excellent transport links, which makes it easy to get around and to travel to other parts of Scotland.

Large enough to offer something for everyone, but small enough to feel like home, Edinburgh is a modern, sophisticated and beautiful European city with a diverse, multicultural community.​

Facilities and support to help you succeed

You will have access to one of the largest and most important academic libraries in the world, housing over 1.8 million printed volumes. You’ll also benefit from 30 open-access computer labs with 24-hour access across key locations, as well as free laptop loans.

We offer a free Student Counselling Service and a University Health Centre, and our Student Disability Service provides a range of support for students with disabilities. We also offer excellent childcare services, making it easier to juggle parenthood and study.

Impressive global community

Our ambitious internationalisation strategy ensures the teaching and research we deliver offers global benefits. We’re ranked in the world's top 20 most international universities4. Students from two-thirds of the world’s countries study here.

We collaborate with a host of world-leading institutions in fields as diverse as e-science, engineering, life and medical sciences, and arts and culture. We’re also a member of the global research network Universitas 21 and the European networks Coimbra Group and LERU.

Leading on social responsibility and sustainability

We are committed to being a world leader in addressing global challenges including poverty, climate change and the growing demand for energy, food and water.

As Scotland’s first Fairtrade University, we have been promoting better conditions for farmers and communities in developing countries since 2004.

We have championed environmental sustainability since the early 1990s and were a founder signatory to the Universities and Colleges Climate Commitment 2009 and to the 10:10 campaign.

The University is host to several Global Academies committed to tackling issues related to health, justice, environment, and agriculture and food security. The Academies cross boundaries in research and teaching, adopting a multi-disciplinary response to challenging global issues.

1QS World University Rankings 2024 2Higher Education Statistics Agency 2017/18 3QS Student Cities 2023 4Times Higher Education, World’s Most International Universities 2022