PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
Programme title:
MSc in Cell and Gene Therapy
Postgraduate Diploma in Cell and Gene Therapy
Postgraduate Certificate in Cell and Gene Therapy
Final award (BSc, MA etc):
(where stopping off points exist they should
be detailed here and defined later in the
document)
UCAS code:
(where applicable)
Cohort(s) to which this programme
specification is applicable:
(e.g. from 2015 intake onwards)
Awarding institution/body:
MSc, Postgraduate Diploma, Postgraduate Certificate
Teaching institution:
University College London
Faculty:
Population Health Sciences
Parent Department:
(the department responsible for the
administration of the programme)
Departmental web page address:
(if applicable)
UCL Institute of Child Health
Method of study:
Full-time/Part-time/Other
Full-time or modular/flexible
Criteria for admission to the
programme:
Qualified medical practitioners interested in pursuing research
careers in biomedical science. Non-clinical scientists with BSc or
equivalent in a life or biomedical science subject, with minimum 2:1
degree awarded or with a 2:2 and relevant experience. Relevant work
experience should be for a minimum of three years in the healthcare
or pharmaceutical industry or in an academic group focused on
biotherapeutics.
English language requirement level is a UCL ‘Good’ level. Overall
IELTS 7 or equivalent according to UCL requirements.
Length of the programme:
(please note any periods spent away from
UCL, such as study abroad or placements
in industry)
Level on Framework for Higher
Education Qualifications (FHEQ)
(see Guidance notes)
Relevant subject benchmark statement
(SBS)
(see Guidance notes)
1 year full-time or up to 5 years flexible/modular
N/A
From 2011 onwards
University College London
http://www.ucl.ac.uk/ich/homepage/
Level 7
Masters
Brief outline of the structure of the
programme and its assessment
methods:
(see guidance notes)
The programme can lead to an MSc, Post-graduate Diploma or Postgraduate Certificate and all qualifications can be taken on a part-time
basis over two years or full-time over one year. The programme is
organised into a series of compulsory and optional modules.
MSc students must complete the 4 compulsory modules, the
compulsory Research Project module and 4 optional modules
(chosen from 6 possible modules in the first instance).
PG Diploma students must complete 4 compulsory modules and an
additional 4 from 6 optional modules.
PG Cert students must complete the 4 compulsory modules.
All modules will be assessed independently and will involve a mixture
of assessment methods, including unseen examinations and course
work.
Board of Examiners:
Name of Board of Examiners:
Board of Examiners for MSc/PGDip/PGCert in Cell and Gene
Therapy
Professional body accreditation
(if applicable):
N/A
Date of next scheduled
accreditation visit:
EDUCATIONAL AIMS OF THE PROGRAMME:
The aims of the course are to enable students to obtain:
1. An understanding of the scientific basis of cell and gene therapy.
2. An understanding of the biology of stem cells and gene delivery and the scientific basis of cell and gene
therapy
3. An understanding of the causes and genetic bases of diseases that can be treated by these techniques.
4. A sound scientific understanding of the techniques and methods involved in the research and application of
cell and gene therapy.
5. An understanding of the clinical, ethical and regulatory aspects of the application of these techniques.
6. An awareness of historical, current and future clinical trials of cell and gene therapy.
PROGRAMME OUTCOMES:
The programme provides opportunities for students to develop and demonstrate knowledge and understanding,
qualities, skills and other attributes in the following areas:
A: Knowledge and understanding
Knowledge and understanding of:
1. Scientific principles which
underlie the rationale for cell and
gene therapy, including basic
knowledge of genetics, cell
biology, virology and
immunology.
2. The molecular, genetic and
clinical basis of a wide range of
disorders that could be treated by
these techniques.
3. Laboratory techniques that could
be used in clinical trials of cell
and gene therapy.
4. Historical, current and future cell
and gene therapy treatment
strategies.
5. Research design, methodology
and statistics.
Teaching/learning methods and strategies:
Acquisition of the relevant knowledge will be through
lectures, seminars, case discussions, clinical trial
evaluations, external reading for the course modules.
Assessment:
Assessment will be by module marked assignments,
projects, reports or presentations and unseen written
exams. Written dissertation, oral presentation and oral
examination for the research project module.
B: Skills and other attributes
Intellectual (thinking) skills:
Teaching/learning methods and strategies:
The student should be able to:
1. Critically read and evaluate
scientific literature.
2. Formulate, design, execute and
appraise a research plan, clinical
trial or informatics project.
3. Analyse research results and
data.
Acquisition of knowledge through lectures, seminar,
group discussions, tutorials, literature reviews and
journal clubs.
Assessment:
Assessment will be by module marked assignments,
projects, reports or presentations and unseen written
exams. Written dissertation, oral presentation and oral
examination for the research project module.
C: Skills and other attributes
Practical skills (able to):
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Keep written notes and records.
Organise a laboratory notebook.
Use scientific databases.
Undertake literature searches.
Undertake independent research
and write a dissertation.
Teaching/learning methods and strategies:
Lectures, demonstrations, laboratory training, assigned
reading and self-learning.
Assessment:
Assignments, informal monitoring by laboratory based
staff/supervisors/tutors, oral presentation/examination
and written dissertation.
D: Skills and other attributes
Transferable skills (able to):
Teaching/learning methods and strategies:
1. Undertake basic statistical
analyses.
2. Be proficient in various computer
software programmes (e.g. word
processing, databases, citation
software, graphical and
presentational software).
3. Discussion and oral presentation
skills.
Lectures, assignments, demonstrations, preparation of
presentations and research project reports.
Assessment:
Assignments, research project report, unseen written
exams.
The following reference points were used in designing the programme:
 the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications:
(http://www.qaa.ac.uk/en/Publications/Documents/qualifications-frameworks.pdf);
 the relevant Subject Benchmark Statements:
(http://www.qaa.ac.uk/assuring-standards-and-quality/the-quality-code/subject-benchmark-statements);
 the programme specifications for UCL degree programmes in relevant subjects (where applicable);
 UCL teaching and learning policies;
 staff research.
Please note: This specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme and the
learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if he/she takes
full advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided. More detailed information on the learning outcomes,
content and teaching, learning and assessment methods of each course unit/module can be found in the
departmental course handbook. The accuracy of the information contained in this document is reviewed annually
by UCL and may be checked by the Quality Assurance Agency.
Programme Organiser(s)
Professor Christine Kinnon (Course Director)
Name(s):
Dr Steven Howe (Course Co-Director)
Date of Production:
September 2010
Date of Review:
November 2014
Date approved by Head of
Department:
November 2014
Date approved by Chair of
Departmental Teaching
Committee:
Date approved by Faculty
Teaching Committee
November 2014
February 2015