Why MSc Cell and Gene Therapies?
A Certified Study program by the Hellenic Authority of Higher Education 
Director of MSc
Dr. Alexandros Spyridonidis, MD, PhD
Professor of Hematology
Director of Bone Marrow Transplantation Unit Director Institute of Cell Therapy
Director CBMDP, Bone Marrow Donor Center
Director MSc “Cell and Gene Therapies”
Leader RIC Committee Acute Leukemia WP EBMT,
Hellenic Representative, European Union, “Tissues and Cells”
JACIE Inspector for Cell Therapy
Innovative and groundbreaking topic
Cell and gene therapies (CGTs) are at the forefront of modern advancements in health and they are expected to transform the landscape of biological medications, providing hope to unmet medical needs. CGT therapies are constantly added to the product portfolios of big pharma and biotech businesses, while regulators expect to authorize 10 to 20 CGT products per year by 2025.
Prospects of industrial application
In a field where the number of cell and gene therapy developers has grown by 90% since 2012 and health professionals’ employment needs are growing exponentially, prospects of achieving a career path in leading companies in the field are very high.
Theory and practice
A unique experience to get involved in CGT hands – on activities under real GMP lab conditions. Through the combination of theory and practice, students get engaged in direct application of skills, theories, and procedures related to development of CGT therapies.
- Theoretical Modules Online: All theoretical modules will now be delivered online through our dedicated learning platform. This move allows for greater flexibility and accessibility for all participants, ensuring that you can engage with the course materials from anywhere with an internet connection.
- Practical Modules in Laboratories: Practical modules, crucial for hands-on learning and skill development, will take place in state-of-the-art laboratories located in Athens and Patras. These laboratories are equipped to provide you with the practical training necessary to excel in your field.
This transition aligns with our new regulations and underscores our commitment to delivering a dynamic and effective learning experience. We believe this hybrid model balances the benefits of online learning with the invaluable hands-on experience gained through practical sessions.
Flexible Learning Approach
All theoretical modules are delivered online through our dedicated learning platform, providing greater flexibility and accessibility. This ensures that participants can engage with course materials from anywhere with an internet connection. Practical modules, crucial for hands-on learning and skill development, are conducted in state-of-the-art laboratories located in Athens and Patras. These labs are equipped to provide the practical training necessary to excel in your field. This 12-month program includes evening classes, 80% online learning, and hands-on practical sessions on Saturdays (Athens and Patras).
This transition aligns with our new regulations and underscores our commitment to delivering a dynamic and effective learning experience. We believe this hybrid model balances the benefits of online learning with the invaluable hands-on experience gained through practical sessions.
The Future of Cell and Gene Therapies Starts Here
Unlock impactful opportunities in healthcare and lead biotech innovation with our MSc in Cell & Gene Therapies (CGT) program. The curriculum offers advanced knowledge in “Substances of Human Origin” (SoHO) and Advanced Therapeutic Medicinal Products (ATMPs), focusing on the production, distribution, evaluation, inspection, and clinical application of cell and gene therapies.
The MSc CGT diploma meets the specific requirements of Articles 23 and 30 (Paragraph 1) of the EU Regulation 2024/1938 (SoHO Regulation) concerning the educational qualifications of SoHO Center inspectors and SoHO product evaluators. Additionally, the program offers the necessary specialization for Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation Coordinators, in accordance with Presidential Order 93 (FEK 79/2002).
Designed for graduates of various biomedical sciences, including higher education nurses, the program covers biological, immunological, regulatory, and legislative frameworks, with a strong emphasis on the latest SoHO Regulation (EU 2024/1938).
Invited Worldwide class speakers
An assembly of experts in the field of CGTs will be presenting the lectures of the course, providing the opportunity to be taught by those who lead this groundbreaking field and to gain as much knowledge as possible from specialists who have already attained mastery in the fields.
Watch here the video of the Director of the Master Program explaining the importance of Cell and Gene Therapies
Πολιτική Ποιότητας του ΔΠΜΣ Cell and Gene Therapies
Key information
APPLICATION DEADLINE
5th Cycle of Students
September 19th, 2025
Start date
(academic year 2025/2026)
October , 2025
Duration of the course
2 semesters, 60 ECTS credits
LANGUAGE
English
TIMEPLAN
Worker friendly (evening/ WE classes)
Mostly Synchronous Online Courses (80%)
Labs on the Weekend
Asychronous Online Courses could be used
TUITION FEES
4.000 € (exemptions and scholarships available)
This course is a bi-institutional programme of postgraduate studies of the School of Medicine of Patras and the Dept. of Biomedical Sciences of the University of West Attica.
ABOUT
You can find the Study Guide here for all the information regarding the MSc.
Legislation
This is a bi-institutional program of postgraduate studies of the School of Medicine of the University of Patras and the Department of Biomedical Sciences of the University of West Attica. For the Government Gazette and the New Regulation of Studies regarding the MSc you can click here.
The regulation of Studies is compliant with the new Law 4957/2022 (Government Gazette A’ 141/21-7-2022)
Quality policy
We are excited to share with you an important milestone in the accreditation process of our program. As part of our ongoing commitment to maintaining the highest standards of quality and excellence, we have submitted the certification dossier to the Quality Assurance Unit (MODIP) of the University of Patras. QAU has promptly forwarded the dossier to the Hellenic Authority for Higher Education for evaluation.
Goal
The “MSc Cell and Gene Therapies” aims to provide high-level postgraduate education in the field of Advanced Therapeutic Medicinal Products (ATMPs) and especially of Cell and Gene Therapies (CGT).
Target audience
Students with a bachelor degree in life sciences or equivalent interested in a role in the C and GT field in academic, clinical, industrial and regulatory settings. You may find the entry requirements and the selection process here.
Curriculum
This program covers all aspects of cell and gene therapy with the purpose to train graduate scientists of various expertise in the fields of production, distribution, clinical evaluation and clinical implementation of CGTs and study both the biological substrate of CGTs and the regulatory framework for their production and their application. The course includes also training in basic cell biology, lab techniques and statistics. You may find the modules and the course objectives here.
The Value Proposition
The master program will provide the students with a practical profession with high market demand. The high-level training of health and bio related scientists will empower their skills towards employability as executives in private or public sectors in the areas of Biotechnology and Health and scientists with medical direction will be trained in the fields of CGT clinical research, translation research and their application for treatment of incurable diseases. MSc graduates may proceed to PhD studies.
Teaching Methods
Face to face and on-line lectures and seminars, distance learning using the platform eclass, virtual reality training, individual and group assignments, practical training in GMP Labs of industrial partners (Theracell) or in a newly established GMP Facility of the Institute of Cell Therapy “Dimitris Lois”, University of Patras. For more detailed information about the teaching methods, you can see the Study Guide of the MSc.
Tutors
An international assembly of experts who lead this groundbreaking field of CGTs will be providing lectures and seminars. See the list of lecturers here.
Graduate Degree
MSc in «Cell and Gene Therapies: from bench to bedside and Good Manufacturing Practices» awarded from University of Patras and University of West Attica. An example of the diploma given to the graduates can be find here as well as an example of a diploma supplement can be found here.
Programme History
The programme started on the spring semester of 2021-2022 welcoming the first cycle of students.
The first edition November 2022 of the Study Guide (Οδηγός Σπουδών) of the programme can be found here.
1st Cycle of Students: February of 2022 (Graduating April of 2023)
Click here for the academic programme of the 1st Cycle.
2nd Cycle of Students: October of 2022 (Graduating July 2023)
Click here for the academic programme of the 2nd Cycle.
3rd Cycle of Students: October of 2023 (Graduating July 2024)
Click here for the academic programme of the 3rd Cycle
4th Cycle of Students: October of 2024 (Graduating July 2025)
5th Cycle of Students: October 2025
Important dates-for 5th Cycle of Students
- Applications Ends 19th of September 2025
- Selection of scholarships and students with exemption of fees End of November
- Submission of documents End of November
- Deadline for 25% of the tuition fees End of November
- Start of courses October 2025
To see all the documents press here.
