Inside the MSc in Advanced Cell and Gene Therapies at the University of Sheffield
During the British Society for Gene and Cell Therapy (BSGCT) Annual Conference at Royal Holloway, members of the Innovation Hubs for Gene Therapies (IHfGT) spoke with three students from the MSc Advanced Cell and Gene Therapies programme at the University of Sheffield. We had the opportunity to explore their experiences on the course, their motivations for enrolling, the exciting research projects they are completing, and how the Innovation Hubs have supported their journeys.
About the Course: MSc in Advanced Cell and Gene Therapies
This one-year, full-time, postgraduate MSc programme is designed to equip students with both theoretical knowledge and practical experiences in one of the fastest evolving fields in modern day science.
Students develop an understanding of the underlying biology of rare inherited diseases and how cell and gene therapies offer personalised treatment options. In the lab, students gain direct experience with advanced molecular and cellular biology techniques while learning how research discoveries are translated into real-world healthcare solutions. A key highlight of the course is a 20-week research project.
The programme is delivered by leading experts based at the Gene Therapy Innovation and Manufacturing Centre (GTIMC), part of the Innovation Hubs for Gene Therapies network, and is hosted at the Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SlTraN).
⇒ To find out more about the course structure, core modules, and assessments, click here.
Why Students Chose the Course
Victoria, Alisha and Dragos shared their personal motivations that inspired them to pursue the MSc.
Dragos shared that he was delighted with the accessibility of the course, highlighting its clarity for learners of all levels.
“The course was appealing because it caters to students from different academic backgrounds. It introduces the core principles of advanced therapies in an accessible way, laying a solid foundation for future specialisation.”
Victoria explained that her interest began with a bioinformatics and human genomics module during her undergraduate degree.
“That is what sparked my passion for genetics and precision medicine. I was drawn to the Sheffield course because of SlTraN’s reputation and its close links to the GTIMC. Few universities offer such a specialised and well-connected programme.”
Alisha, a medical student, was looking for a deeper insight into how innovative therapies are developed.
“Medical training often introduces new treatments but does not delve into the science behind them. This MSc stood out because it focuses on the translation aspect, connecting lab research to patients care. I wanted to understand how these therapies are designed, assessed, and brought into clinical use.”
Though each student took a unique path to the programme, they all shared a common drive: their passion for using science to develop life-changing treatments.
The Role of the Innovation Hubs
All three students emphasised the value of the course being linked to the Innovation Hubs for Gene Therapies, particularly having access to the GTIMC facilities. The GTIMC provides training in GMP-compatible environments and exposes students to processes involved in viral vector production and manufacturing, which are essential for clinical translation.
One student also expressed gratitude for receiving financial support through the Hubs:
“I am incredibly grateful to the Innovation Hubs for awarding me a bursary. It allowed me to focus on my studies without the added pressure of part-time work.”
Since 2022, the IHfGT have proudly funded two bursaries per year for UK home students, aimed at widening participation and supporting emerging talent within the cell and gene therapy sector.
Inside the 20-Week Research Projects
As part of the course, each student completes a substantial 20-week research project in a specialised area of cell or gene therapy. Their projects reflect the breadth and real-world impact of research happening in this field.
Dragos is working on a gene editing project targeting a disease-causing mutation in the COL4A1 gene:
“This mutation has affected the patient since before birth. Our aim is to reverse it using gene editing techniques, with the hope of developing a personalised gene therapy if preclinical results show efficacy and safety.”
Victoria’s project focuses on improving delivery mechanisms for oncolytic viruses:
“We are using macrophages as ‘Trojan Horses’ to transport cancer-killing viruses directly to tumours. I have developed essential lab skills like flow cytometry and primary cell culture. It is rewarding to know my work contributes to a broader research effort that could one day benefit patients.”
Alisha is researching novel gene therapy strategies for motor neurone disease:
“This project has deepened my appreciation for the years of innovation behind each treatment. As a medical student, I am used to thinking what we can offer patients today, but this experience has shown me what it takes to develop tomorrow’s therapies.”
Learning new Techniques and Tools
Throughout the programme, students have gained knowledge and experience in a variety of advanced techniques, including the following:
- Gene silencing (ASOs, RNAi)
- Gene supplementation and editing (CRISPR-Cas systems)
- Viral delivery systems (AAV, lentivirus)
- Non-viral delivery methods (Lipid nanoparticles)
- Cell-based therapies and autologous CAR-T cell treatments
- Case studies like Zolgensma for Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) and Yescarta for cancers
Alisha noted:
“What’s been particularly valuable is understanding how each therapeutic strategy is carefully selected based on the underlying disease mechanism, delivery challenges and target tissue.”
Dragos shared his enthusiasm for one specific lab skill:
“Molecular cloning has been my favourite. It is time consuming and prone to error, but it is an essential tool that enables gene editing and makes therapeutic applications possible.”
A Word from the Programme Lead – Prof Janine Kirby
The MSc in Advanced Cell and Gene Therapies provides a unique insight into the entire pipeline of cell and gene therapy development, from the designing and manufacturing of viral vectors, through pre-clinical studies in the lab, to clinical trial regulation and approval. The programme is delivered from experts from across the University of Sheffield, with invited speakers sharing their experiences from an industry perspective. Interested? It is not too late to apply and take your next step into the exciting and fast developing area of Advanced Therapies in Autumn 2025.
Interested in the MSc in Advanced Cell and Gene Therapies?
This exciting programme offers the knowledge, skills and research experience needed to launch a career in the rapidly growing field of gene and cell therapy. With its close ties to the Innovation Hubs for Gene Therapies and access to world-class facilities at SlTraN and the GTIMC, it is a unique opportunity for aspiring scientists and clinicians alike. Learn more about how the University of Sheffield and the Innovation Hubs for Gene Therapies are training the next generation of experts shaping the future of medicine: click here.