Top 10 in England for Overall Student Satisfaction, National Student Survey, 2021 (broad-based public universities)
Bioengineering (Regenerative Medicine) - BSc (Hons)
- Year of entry
- 2022 - for 2023 entry see here
- Course type
- Single Honours
- Duration of study
- 3 years
- Location
- Keele University campus
- Subject area / School
- Pharmacy and Bioengineering
- UCAS code
- C110
Course overview
The Bioengineering (Regenerative Medicine) programme at Keele will allow you to explore the dynamics of the rapidly growing field of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine that is poised to reshape the future of UK and global healthcare.
Top 10
Student Experience Times Good University Guide, 2020Top 10
in England for Overall Student Satisfaction National Student Survey, 2021 (broad-based public universities)80%
of our research is deemed world-leading or internationally excellent Research Excellence Framework, 2021Student testimonials
Course content
Our well-established School of Pharmacy and Bioengineering focuses on providing the most up to date training and experience and aims to form graduates and post-graduates who are at the forefront of our professions. Over the three years of the BSc Bioengineering (Regenerative Medicine) programme, you will create a solid foundation in biomedical disciplines.
You will explore the fundamentals of the biological processes essential to understand the fine relation between stem cells and differentiation, cells and the extracellular environment, tissue structure and function and to explore the critical challenges of cell, tissue and organ regeneration. Thus, the programme will equip you with a transdisciplinary biomedical knowhow, laboratory skills and lexicon that will allow you to work on research, discovery and production of regenerative medicines.
The programme aims to create a specialised workforce that will respond to the future demands for regenerative drugs. You will work in the laboratory to experience the discovery potentials of stem cell differentiation, 3D-bioprinting, bioreactor, genome editing technologies and high throughput sequencing; cutting-edge tools that are assisting in the significant acceleration of the biological research and transformation of medicine.
An intensive 12-week research project in Year 3 will embed you within the vibrant research community of the School of Pharmacy and Bioengineering allowing you to gain knowledge of open questions in regenerative medicine and hands-on experience on novel cell and tissue engineering technologies.
Other key innovative elements of this programme include: novel modules in stem cell biology, tissue engineering and regenerative medicine in Year 2 and 3 to meet career aspirations of students in bioengineering, year-long laboratory series in Year 1 and 2 to ensure you acquire appropriate laboratory skills and the availability of optional credits in computer science across the three years.
Programme Structure
In Year 1, you will undertake modules which will create a solid foundation in biomedical disciplines. This foundation will equip you with the skills needed to complete the remaining credits related to the field.
The core modules in Year 2 and Year 3 cover fundamentals of stem cell biology, tissue engineering, immuno-engineering, drug delivery, and nanotechnology and introduce students to innovative approaches to treatment and diagnosis that take into consideration genetic variations of a patient, environment and lifestyle. The intensive 12- week research project in semester 1 followed by data analysis in semester 2 of Year 3 will allow you to gain hands-on experience answering open questions in human health and working with novel cell and tissue engineering technologies.
The experimental projects are usually delivered in the research facilities of the Guy Hilton Research Institute and Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt (RJAH) Orthopaedic Hospital in Oswestry. The programme also includes laboratory or computer-based modules that will equip you with biomedical and biotechnology skills enabling you to experience the discovery potentials of high-throughput sequencing, bioreactor, genetic engineering and genome editing technologies.
Additional Opportunities
To strengthen the Keele educative vision of making connections between traditionally separate subjects, the programme will enhance your experience with elective modules, to be chosen across the three years of study including modern languages. For example, you will be able to choose between the language courses available at the Keele Language Centre. If 60 credits of language learning as part of your programme is achieved, an additional recognition will be added on your degree, "with competency in [Chosen Language]" or "with advanced competency in [Chosen Language]", depending on the level which you achieve.
Broaden your horizons at one of our partner universities by studying an International Year between Year 2 and Year 3. You will have the opportunity to spend the two semesters of the international year at one partner university or one semester at one university and the second semester at another. On successful completion of all modules across the year, you will graduate with a degree title ‘with International Year’.
Course structure
The module details given below are indicative, they are intended to provide you with an idea of the range of subjects that are taught to our current students. The modules that will be available for you to study in future years are prone to change as we regularly review our teaching to ensure that it is up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods. The information presented is therefore not intended to be construed and/or relied upon as a definitive list of the modules available in any given year.
Compulsory Modules
- Molecular Biology and Genetics
The module is designed to give you a firm and detailed overview of how genetic information is stored into the DNA and how it is expressed, copied, repaired and transmitted to the next generation. A semester long series of practical sessions will support the development of your laboratory skills and improve your understanding of nucleic acids and their manipulation. - Human Anatomy and Physiology
A sound knowledge of anatomy and physiology are essential in modern medicine and medical science. The module gives to students a comprehensive coverage of the structure of the human body, its organs and tissues, and how disease affects the body. In class activities and laboratory experience will support students understanding of physiological processes and handling of physiological data. - Biochemistry & Cell Biology
The module will provide an overview of the “chemistry of life” and how this underlies the functioning of the cell at a molecular level. Lectures in the traditional and virtual format will be complemented by a series of practical sessions that will support your understanding of protein purification and enzymatic activity.
Optional Modules
Compulsory Modules
- Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine
This core module draws upon current knowledge and trends in stem cell biology and modelling for regenerative medicine. This provides students with up-to-date information and skills for translational research, being supported by basic concepts and applications within the wider provision of the programme. The module offers interaction with academic researchers and an opportunity to interact with clinicians/industry to appreciate requirements of stakeholders and the socio-economic demands for the field of regenerative medicine. - Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering
Tissue engineering approaches have become an innovative technique to generate human tissue and organs for biomedical and therapeutic purposes. In this module, students will learn the theories and technology associated with biomaterials and tissue engineering, which will equip them with the skills and knowledge to select and characterise the appropriate biomaterials for specific biomedical and clinical applications.
- Medical Biotechnology
The manipulation of the genetic material, using techniques developed in the past 30-40 years, has transformed virtually the whole area of the Biological and Biomedical Sciences. These techniques now allow us to study the structure and function of genes, to design and produce modified proteins, and hence has given rise to the field of protein engineering. This module aims to provide the essential background knowledge of the molecular tools used for the purpose of producing recombinant proteins and to build on this to describe some of the ways in which these tools are used in Molecular Biotechnology.
- Immunology and Immunotherapy
This module provides an integrated and fully contextualised understanding of how the immune system works and how it can be harnessed for therapeutic purposes. After a general introduction of the immune system, the students will learn about the regulation of the immune system and the potential and limitations of harnessing the immune system for therapeutic purposes. -
Current Topics in Regenerative Medicine
The module is a part of the optional credits for the BSc in Cell and Tissue Engineering and it will expose students to seminal discoveries in the field of Regenerative Medicine through research seminars with national and international invited speakers, leaders in their field of research. Informal journal clubs will help students to understand the importance of those discoveries and develop a critical approach when reading scientific publications.
Optional Modules
- Visualisation for Data Science
- Current Topics in Regenerative Medicine
Compulsory Modules
- Translational Regenerative Medicine
Cell therapies can harness and enhance the capacity of the body to repair and regenerate. These approaches include cellular/tissue replacement strategies as well as indirect mechanisms to enhance intrinsic repair and/or ameliorate injury or disease associated dysfunction. A plethora of cell therapies are already in the clinic, encompassing a wide range of delivery approaches and targets. This module will expose students to the field of applied regenerative medicine and discuss advanced therapy development, manufacture and delivery to the clinic. -
Precision Medicine
Understanding how your genome sequence is different from other individuals and has an impact on gene expression, predisposition to diseases and response to therapies is the core principle of Precision Medicine. Today, due to the reduction in costs of genotyping and increasing availability of multi-omics technologies, this has become a reality. The key aim of this module is to allow you to explore the computational and technical challenges associated with decoding multi-omics data. With special focus on the next-generation sequencing technologies, you will learn how to analyse sequencing data and use them to solve specific research and medical problems.
- Research Project in Cell and Tissue Engineering
This module will allow you to apply and develop the core knowledge and key skills gained throughout the programme at all levels to an extended research project, and to develop practical research and critical evaluation skills that are used routinely by professional scientists. You will apply your skills in choosing an appropriate research methodology and techniques, gaining ethical approval for your work where necessary, and will carry out all aspects of data acquisition, analysis and presentation associated with your chosen research project. - Nanomedicine
Nanomedicine is an important branch of medicine that applies the principles underpinning nanotechnology to the prevention and treatment of disease. The aim of nanomedical approaches is not only to improve the diagnostic and therapeutic efficacy of medical treatments, but also to simultaneously limit the negative side-effects of drugs and surgical procedures. The module will use of combination of lectures, laboratory based classes and team based activities such as journal clubs, to support your understanding of the key topics of nanomedicine, and develop your skills and expertise in this area.
Optional Modules
- Bioinformatics
- Biomedical Engineering
Our Course Information Documents (CIDs) are designed to give you all of the details you need to make an informed decision about what and where to study.
Facilities
Based in the unique setting of our campus in Keele, this degree merges the excellent teaching facilities and research of the School of Pharmacy and Bioengineering.
Our School is located in two main sites: Hornbeam Building at the heart of Keele campus and the Guy Hilton Research Centre in Hartshill, with additional laboratories and research facilities at the three main NHS hospitals: University Hospitals of North Midlands (UHNM), Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital in Oswestry and the Haywood Hospital in Stoke-on-Trent.
Multiple interdisciplinary research themes are explored by our academics and this allows you to explore a unique research-led educative environment. A recent investment of £34m provided a state-of-the art laboratory teaching facility where you will undertake your technical training and laboratory demonstrations.
Entry requirements
Keele is committed to ensuring equality of opportunity to all our applicants with the potential and motivation to succeed, regardless of background. On that basis we operate a range of 'alternative offer' schemes with clear eligibility criteria.
The entry grades outlined in this section indicate the likely offer or range of offers which would be made to candidates along with any subject specific requirements. This is for general information only. Keele University reserves the right to vary offer conditions depending upon a candidate’s application. Read more about our undergraduate entry requirements for United Kingdom and International students.
A LEVEL REQUIREMENTS
- BCC
- To include A Level Chemistry or Biology at grade B or above
GCSE REQUIREMENTS
- Mathematics at C (or 4)
- English Language/Literature at Grade C (or 4)
- IELTS at 7.0 overall with minimum 6.5 in each subcomponent or approved international equivalent to GCSE English Language Grade C (or 4)
BTEC
- DMM
- You must have taken certain Science units. Please contact Admissions for advice
INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE
- 28 points to include Higher Level Chemistry or Biology at 6
ACCESS TO HE DIPLOMA REQUIREMENTS
- Obtain Access to Higher Education Diploma with 104 UCAS Tariff points including a minimum of 15 Level 3 credits at Distinction. 15 Level 3 credits in Biology or Chemistry are required. Please contact Admissions for advice
If you don't think you'll meet the entry requirements specified, Foundation Year offers an alternative route to study for this degree.
PREPARATION PROGRAMMES FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
International students who do not meet the direct entry requirements for this course have the opportunity to study an International Foundation Year programme.
These courses are designed to prepare international students to enter into Keele University undergraduate degrees.
Foundation year
You may choose to study this course via foundation year.
If you’re returning to education following a break, wish to study a new subject or don’t have the grades or sufficient equivalent experience for direct entry to this course, a foundation year may be a good option for you.
Following successful completion (including any additional progression requirements) of the foundation year you can progress on to this course.
The foundation year offers September starts across all subjects, and January starts across all science, humanities, social sciences and business routes.
The January intake excludes the Veterinary Medicine and Surgery degree with Foundation Year and other health-related foundation Year degree
For more details visit our foundation year webpages.
Foundation year
Foundation Year Overview
If you do not meet the requirements for direct entry into our BSc (Hons) Bioengineering (Regenerative Medicine) course, our Foundation Year can provide an alternative route into your degree.
Keele University is consistently ranked among the top universities for student satisfaction, and we have over 70 years’ experience of teaching a foundation year to students. On the Keele Foundation Year, you’ll study on campus, joining our community from the outset, and you will have access to a range of support.
This tab provides information relating to:
- Indicative modules for the Foundation Year
- Foundation Year entry requirements
- Information on how to apply
- UCAS code for this course.
Course Content
Our Foundation Year allows you to develop your critical thinking, academic reading, writing, and communication study skills along with subject-specific knowledge and skills. Upon meeting the progression criteria and successfully completing our Foundation Year, you will automatically progress into your Keele undergraduate degree with the confidence that you have the skills, and knowledge needed to successfully complete your course.
This Foundation Year is a is a two semester programme which provides a tailored pre-degree programme of study to better prepare you for the BSc (Hons) Cell and Tissue Engineering course. For example, the Foundations of Human Biology in Health module consolidates any prior learning of human biology to build your knowledge of the functioning of a healthy human body. Starting with a look at basic cell biology, you will explore the main types of body tissues and structures and discuss how body systems work.
Course content has been developed in collaboration with degree teaching teams, so that by the time you begin Year 1, you will be ready to excel at your studies, as the majority of our Foundation Year students do.
On this Foundation Year, we will advance your knowledge of human biology and chemistry, giving you a solid grasp of body systems, science and lab work. You'll develop safe, professional laboratory skills and get to know the mathematical techniques and quantitative methods used across health science-related and social care programmes.
Throughout the programme, you will develop subject-specific and broad based skills that will be invaluable in your academic career and beyond. You can find out more about our Foundation Year, including information on learning, teaching and assessment methods and further opportunities available to you by visiting our homepage.
Course Structure
The module details given below are indicative, they are intended to provide you with an idea of the range of subjects that are taught to our current students. The modules that will be available for you to study in future years are prone to change as we regularly review our teaching to ensure that it is up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods. The information presented is therefore not intended to be construed and/or relied upon as a definitive list of the modules available in any given year.
Semester One Modules
| FYO-00237 | Foundations of Human Biology for Health | 15 credits |
| FYO-00189 | Foundations in Chemistry | 15 credits |
| FYO-00213 | Foundations of Numerical and Quantitative Methods for Health Students | 15 credits |
|
FYO-00185
|
Practical and Academic Skills in Science | 15 credits |
Semester Two Modules
| FYO-00239 | Advancing Human Biology for Health | 30 credits |
| FYO-00191 | Advancing Chemistry for Health | 30 credits |
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
The entry grades outlined in this section indicate the likely offer or range of offers which would be made to candidates along with any subject specific requirements. This is for general information only. Keele University reserves the right to vary offer conditions depending upon a candidate’s application. Read more about our undergraduate entry requirements for United Kingdom, European Union and International students.
- Between 40-56 UCAS points from at least 1 A level/level 3 qualification or equivalent, or
- Relevant work experience
AND
- GCSE English Language at grade 4 (C), or Level 2 Functional Skills, or
- IELTS 5.5 (with 5.5 in all subtests)
AND
- GCSE Mathematics at grade 4 (C) or above
How to Apply
UCAS Applications
Visit UCAS for applications. You should apply for Bioengineering (Regenerative Medicine) with Foundation Year through UCAS at www.ucas.com.
UCAS code: C111
Direct Entry Students
If you already have your qualifications, are not expecting any further results and only wish to apply to Keele, please contact the Admissions Office directly.
Information for students returning to education
We are interested in a broad range of qualities, not just your points on entry. We would like to learn more about you, your interests, experiences and motivation to study.
We would be delighted to talk to you about your work experience (paid or voluntary) and qualifications, and help you to explore your options for study with us.
Contact us via admissions@keele.ac.uk
Fees and funding
Going to university can be a daunting as well as an exciting experience. It can be difficult to understand the true costs of being a student, as well as the financial support that is available to help you meet those costs.
We can help you to manage your funds, create a budget and ensure that you receive any funding for which you may be eligible. We also offer financial support such as the Keele University Hardship Fund and emergency loans.
For more information visit our money, advice and guidance section.
Career prospects
96% of Keele graduates were in a job or further study within six months of graduating (HESA, 2017)
On a global scale, the field of regenerative medicine is a rapidly expanding field that may transform clinical treatments and revolutionise medicine.
This multi-disciplinary programme will equip you with a solid scientific background in this field, and coupled with laboratory and transferable skills, will allow you to progress into laboratory-based careers in universities, research institutes, pharmaceutical and bioscience companies or into specialist clinical training.
Personal tutors will support you on developing career competencies throughout the programme and offer guidance to facilitate the pursuing of a scientific or clinical research career.
The career prospects after this course are multiple and below is a non-exhaustive list of opportunities:
- Progression to an MSc and PhD careers in multiple disciplines including Tissue Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Stem Cell Biology, Regenerative Medicine, etc
- Academic careers
- Laboratory based works in universities, research centres, hospitals, biotech and pharmaceutical industries
- Teaching career
- Editorial and scientific writing careers
Find out more about our careers and employability services, including career planning, alumni mentoring, jobs, internships, starting your own business and much more.
Additional opportunities
Discover the Keele difference
Everything’s on your doorstep at Keele, and you’ll soon feel at home and make friends wherever you go.
We help students manage their money and ensure that they receive any funding for which they may be eligible.
Make yourself more employable after graduation by taking advantage of the whole host of additional opportunities.