This MSc aims to provide medical and science students with a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the field of prenatal genetics and fetal medicine, specifically human genetics, human embryonic development and fetal medicine. There is a strong focus on the development of key skills and careers advice in the programme.
Students will develop a knowledge and understanding of the field of prenatal genetics and fetal medicine, specifically in the areas of basic genetics and technology, genetic mechanisms, medical genetics, organogenesis and fetal development, gametogenesis and IVF, prenatal diagnosis and screening, fetal and perinatal medicine, and preimplantation genetic diagnosis and developing technology. They gain transferable skills including information technology, analysis of scientific papers, essay writing, seminar presentation, research techniques, peer review and laboratory skills.
Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.
The programme consists of eight core modules (120 credits) and a research project (60 credits).
A Postgraduate Diploma consisting of eight core modules (120 credits, full-time nine months, flexible study two to five years) is offered.
Mandatory modules
Optional modules
There are no optional modules for this programme.
Dissertation/report
All MSc students undertake a clinical, laboratory, audit or library-based research project, which culminates in a dissertation of 10,000 words.
Teaching and learning
The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars, tutorials, practical demonstrations in laboratories, observation days in fetal medicine and IVF units, and student presentations. There are a number of peer-led learning activities. Assessment is through essays, patient case reports, critical reviews of papers, online problem booklet, examinations and the dissertation.
Further information on modules and degree structure is available on the department website: Prenatal Genetics and Fetal Medicine MSc
For a comprehensive list of the funding opportunities available at UCL, including funding relevant to your nationality, please visit the Scholarships and Funding website.
On completion of the programme, all students will have gained knowledge of both the clinical and laboratory aspects of prenatal genetics and fetal medicine. This will enable the science-orientated students to go on to pursue research degrees, further training for careers in prenatal diagnosis or embryology, or other careers in the field or in general science. Medically-orientated students will be able to develop their careers in the field of fetal medicine.
Recent career destinations for this degree
Employability
Throughout the MSc programme students learn key skills through peer-led activities, such as evaluating and presenting orally on patient cases and media coverage of scientific papers. Students learn how to write essays and patient case reports and how to critically evaluate papers. They also have the opportunity to take part in debates and ethical discussions and to learn basic laboratory techniques. We offer a comprehensive careers programme involving our alumni, covering job applications, CV writing, general careers in science and specific advice on careers in embryology, clinical genetics, medicine and research degrees.
Careers data is taken from the ‘Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education’ survey undertaken by HESA looking at the destinations of UK and EU students in the 2013–2015 graduating cohorts six months after graduation.
The UCL Institute for Women’s Health delivers excellence in research, clinical practice, education and training in order to make a real and sustainable difference to women's and babies' health worldwide.
The institute's UCL/UCL Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust collaboration provides an academic environment in which students can pursue graduate studies taught by world-class researchers and clinicians.
Our diversity of expertise in maternal and fetal medicine, neonatology, reproductive health and women's cancer ensures a vibrant environment in which students develop subject-specific and generic transferable skills, supporting a broad range of future employment opportunities.
This MSc aims to provide medical and science-based students with a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the field of reproductive science and women's health. There is a strong focus on development of key skills and careers advice in the programme.
Students will develop knowledge and understanding of the theoretical (including clinical) and laboratory aspects of reproductive science and women's health, specifically in the areas of basic genetics, gametogenesis and IVF, female reproductive anatomy, physiology and pathology, pregnancy and childbirth, breast and reproductive cancers, prenatal diagnosis and screening, reproductive health, and preimplantation genetic diagnosis and developing technology. They gain transferable skills including information technology, analysis of scientific papers, essay writing, seminar presentation, research techniques, peer review and laboratory skills.
Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.
The programme consists of eight core modules (120 credits) and a research project (60 credits).
A Postgraduate Diploma comprising eight core modules (120 credits, full-time nine months or flexible study two to five years) is offered.
Mandatory modules
Optional modules
There are no optional modules for this programme.
Dissertation/research project
All MSc students undertake a clinical, laboratory, audit or library-based research project, which culminates in a dissertation of 10,000 words.
Teaching and learning
The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars, tutorials, practical demonstrations in laboratories, observation days in fetal medicine, reproductive medicine and IVF units, and student presentations. There are a number of peer-led learning activities. Assessment is through essays, patient case reports, critical reviews of papers, online problem booklet, examinations and the dissertation.
Further information on modules and degree structure is available on the department website: Reproductive Science and Women's Health MSc
Funding
For a comprehensive list of the funding opportunities available at UCL, including funding relevant to your nationality, please visit the Scholarships and Funding website.
On completion of the programme, all students will have gained knowledge of both the clinical and laboratory aspects of reproductive science and women's health. This will enable the science-orientated students to go on to pursue research degrees, further training for careers in embryology, or other careers in the field or in general science. Medically-orientated students will be able to develop their careers in the field of reproductive science and women's health.
Recent career destinations for this degree
Employability
Throughout the MSc programme students learn key skills through peer-led activities, such as evaluating and presenting orally on patient cases and media coverage of scientific papers. Students learn how to write essays and patient case reports and how to critically evaluate papers. They also have the opportunity to take part in debates and ethical discussions and to learn basic laboratory technqiues. We offer a comprehensive careers programme involving our alumni, covering job applications, CV writing, general careers in science and specific advice on careers in embryology, clinical genetics, medicine and research degrees.
Careers data is taken from the ‘Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education’ survey undertaken by HESA looking at the destinations of UK and EU students in the 2013–2015 graduating cohorts six months after graduation.
The UCL Institute for Women's Health delivers excellence in research, clinical practice, education and training in order to make a real and sustainable difference to women's and babies' health worldwide.
The institute's UCL/UCL Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust collaboration provides an academic environment in which students can pursue graduate studies taught by world-class researchers and clinicians.
Our diversity of expertise in maternal and fetal medicine, neonatology, reproductive health and women's cancer ensures a vibrant environment in which students develop subject-specific and generic transferable skills, supporting a broad range of future employment opportunities.
This course is suitable for a range of health care professionals who have experience in radiography, nursing, midwifery or other related professions.
The course enables students to achieve the academic qualifications and clinical skills needed to pursue a career in ultrasound or to develop current skills further.
Students need a clinical placement in a recognised department, to engage in a wide range of ultrasound examinations for the duration of the course.
City’s Medical Ultrasound course offers flexible study options for healthcare professionals undertaking obstetrics, gynaecology and / or abdominal ultrasound training and for those wishing to develop their skills further using work based learning options.
Our expert staff provide a supportive environment, encouraging students to develop their academic abilities and clinical skills in preparation for working as a sonographer. Students learn a range of subjects to enable them to explore the underpinning knowledge of safe, effective and evidence-based ultrasound practice, with which to help them develop clinical skills in their own department. Teaching is also supported by specialist guest speakers who provide current, relevant course material.
Students can achieve competency to practice if they successfully complete both academic and clinical components of the programme to PgC level or above.
The course is accredited by CASE (Consortium for the Accreditation of Sonographic Education), allowing you to practice ultrasound in the UK and some overseas countries, on successful completion of the programme. http://www.case-uk.org
A clinical placement is required in a recognised ultrasound department, to provide a wide range of clinical experience and supervision. Students should have their own clinical placement arranged prior to application, with supervised training arranged for an average of three days per week.
The placement needs to provide support for a wide range of clinical examinations. In addition to hands-on clinical experience you need a named clinical supervisor/assessor to provide support during the course. The supervisor must attend supervisor training and provide regular updates on your clinical progress to the clinical co-ordinator.
The ultrasound clinical skills suite is equipped with a real-time ultrasound machine and simulators. The facilities are used for tutorials, self-directed study and formative monitoring of clinical skills.
Students have access to the MedaPhor simulator during the working week and remote cloud based access to tutorials and resources.
Using a flipped classroom approach to teaching and learning ensure that a range of online lectures are available for learning and revision.
A blended learning approach is used: linking academic theory to clinical practice via work-based learning; formal key note lectures; seminars; film viewing tutorials; demonstrations/workshops; e-learning; shared learning; self-directed study and online case discussions. Participation in the learning is an essential component of the course.
The programme team consists of academic staff, many of whom are still practicing clinically. Guest lecturers are invited to share expert knowledge on a range of topics, such as fetal cardiology, fetal medicine and contrast ultrasound.
The department’s academic staff are highly regarded across the institution, with our current programme director, Gill Harrison, winning the institution's prestigious Vice-Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching and Learning.
Activities include online lectures and quizzes, lectures, tutorials, workshops and skills suite activities, group activities and group work, games and online case discussions.
A variety of assessment methods are used to cater for a range of learning styles and provide a link between theory and practice.
Assessment methods include
As a student on the Medical Ultrasound course you will learn the underpinning theory of ultrasound production, safe and effective practice, normal and abnormal ultrasound appearances and associated imaging pathways.
You will be able to select from a number of clinical options including obstetrics, gynaecology and / or abdominal ultrasound. Additional clinical areas can be studied via work-based learning modules, if appropriate clinical support is available within the students' clinical department. The course is also designed to develop transferable skills to support clinical practice development.
Modules will take place over one or two days per week, depending on the selected module options. The time in lectures varies, dependent on the nature of the module.
Core modules
Core modules and specific named clinical modules have a blended learning approach, with online lectures, online quizzes and discussions supported by lectures, tutorials and workshops. The average contact time per module is approximately 30 to 35 hours.
Students progressing to MSc must undertake:
On completion of a postgraduate certificate or diploma you can apply for jobs as an autonomous practitioner, working in the NHS or private practice. Many of our graduates have become advanced practitioners, developing additional skills during their career, whilst others have travelled to overseas to enhance their careers.
MSc graduates have also become managers of ultrasound departments, leading service change and developing services to improve patient care. A number of graduates have developed their role in specialist areas, where they undertake research and training and engage in dissemination of their work at national and international conferences and in peer review publications. Some of our graduates return to provide keynote lectures to future generations of ultrasound students or even take on the role of Programme Director running ultrasound programmes.
You can also become an independent practitioner, setting up your own company, providing services to local populations or travel the world and experience different ways of working. Most sonographers are employed at band seven in the NHS.
Lead academic: Dr Mark Fenwick
The course provides training in reproductive and developmental medicine for scientists, clinicians and others, for instance ethical advisers or lawyers looking to specialise.
It’s a good platform for a research career or a career in clinical laboratory training for IVF or embryology.
Through the taught modules you’ll develop a solid understanding of reproductive science relevant to clinical applications.
We cover the breadth of processes from gonadal development and production of gametes through to pregnancy and parturition. Each module is taught by leading scientists and clinicians in that field.
You’ll also have the opportunity to learn about the ethical issues and international laws regulating reproductive medicine.
Finally, you’ll undertake a research project to develop a depth of knowledge in a specialist topic.
Our MRes Reproduction and Pregnancy course is designed to train those who wish to pursue a research career in reproductive medicine or pregnancy, or to work in associated areas in health or science.
You will undertake two interrelated research projects on a specific topic in reproduction and pregnancy, alongside taught units providing up-to-date knowledge of reproduction and pregnancy and training in research skills. You do not need any prior research experience before starting the course.
Our course will give you hands-on experience of cutting-edge technologies applicable to reproduction and pregnancy, and transferable to other areas of medical research.
You will also gain training and experience in scientific writing and developing a research proposal and receive a grounding in a wide range of reproductive medicine and pregnancy-related issues by attending seminars in the Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre.
We also give you the opportunity to contribute to public domain research output. Most of our students do so either during or after the course, with output including conference presentations (national and international conferences), published abstracts, published papers (first or co-authored papers), and awards such as RCOG oral presentation and essay prizes and travel grants.
You will graduate with an in-depth knowledge of clinically relevant reproduction and pregnancy research from bench to bedside, as well as advanced research skills and experience of running your own research project.
You will also have a strong understanding of the ethical issues and social implications of research in reproduction and pregnancy and a strong CV for your future research or medical career.
Manchester Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre
You will be based in the Manchester Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, the largest pregnancy research group in Europe, and Tommy's Stillbirth Research Centre, working alongside internationally renowned researchers in IVF/early pregnancy, placental biology, pregnancy complications and stillbirth.
You will be an active part of the research centre, together with researchers (with basic science and clinical backgrounds) undertaking research as part of their degrees or training (from undergraduate to PhD and postdoctoral research).
Through the MRes and by attending the MFHRC seminar series, you will learn about our interdisciplinary translational research - 'from bench to bedside' - from embryo implantation to pregnancy pathologies and developmental programming in the offspring.
You will able be exposed to our pioneering research antenatal clinics for high risk pregnancies. Integration of the research clinics and the research laboratories provides rich opportunities for translation from clinic to laboratory and application of research findings to the clinic.
Our MRes in Reproduction and Pregnancy addresses the causes, diagnosis and treatments of fertility and pregnancy disorders.
Fertility and pregnancy problems are very common. In the UK:
There is also growing recognition that the health of the fetus dictates adult health. Research into solving pregnancy problems therefore has the potential to reduce the lifelong disease burden.
Diseases of pregnancy are major causes of mortality and morbidity in mothers and infants. Knowledge of causative mechanisms is poor, while treatments are conspicuously lacking.
The Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre aims to find solutions to problems like these through a holistic approach to understanding, managing and treating diseases affecting mothers and babies, and through training the next generation of researchers in an interdisciplinary research environment.
You will benefit from individual and small group supervision by experienced academic staff with scientific and clinical backgrounds. Our staff include internationally renowned experts in reproduction and pregnancy.
Assessment is conducted through coursework, including a dissertation and final thesis, marked by the supervisors and an independent MHFRC staff member under the scrutiny of an expert external examiner.
The course is delivered from a world class integrated laboratory and clinical research and teaching facility in the women's hospital on campus.
You will also have access to a dedicated study area equipped with Wi-Fi and adjacent staff tea room, where lively informal interaction occurs with academic and research staff.
The University of Manchester offers extensive library and online services to help you get the most out of your studies.
Practical support and advice for current students and applicants is available from the Disability Advisory and Support Service. Email: [email protected]
This course can be taken by qualified and experienced professionals to update your knowledge of current developments in reproduction and pregnancy, and acquire research skills.
We are developing more CPD opportunities for NHS staff, ranging from one-hour lectures to PGCert and PGDip-level courses. Please contact us for more information.
Our MRes graduates have continued their scientific or medical careers in the following areas.
Many of our students have stayed in the Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre to undertake further research training.
We keep in contact with our MRes alumni and invite all past students to our annual welcome event for the new intake each October.
This one-year, full-time MSc by Research programme aims to introduce students to modern up-to-date molecular and cellular biological research in the field of reproductive sciences, reproductive health and reproductive medicine in a stimulating, challenging and vibrant research atmosphere, at the interface between basic science and clinical patient care.
The programme is intended for high-calibre students with biological science, medical or veterinary backgrounds.
It is advised that you contact the Programme Director, Dr Richard Smith, prior to making your application to ensure this programme meets your academic aims.
The main components of the programme are two 20-week research projects, performed on a very wide range of research fields within the reproductive sciences.
Topics that can be offered include using a wide range of models and in human, studying a number of important problems associated with human reproductive health and disease in testis, ovary, the uterus during the menstrual cycle and throughout pregnancy and labour, in the fetus and neonate, and in fetal programming resulting in increased risk of chronic disease in adulthood.
The MRC Centre for Reproductive Health has arranged its research under four themes:
These theme titles illustrate some of the remarkable properties that make reproductive systems such relevant and powerful models for translational studies across a wide spectrum of human diseases and pathologies in other systems.
The MRC Centre for Reproductive Health (CRH) has close links with other internationally recognised research centres in the Queen’s Medical Research Institute QMRI and elsewhere in Edinburgh, with the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, the Veterinary School, the University of Edinburgh science campus and the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland.
Many student projects are organised with and between these centres, reflecting the interdisciplinary research environment, where students and trainees are regarded as the ‘lifeblood’ for the future.
The programme provides a core grounding in basic science and interlinked medical aspects of reproductive sciences. It is delivered by undertaking a two-week basic core laboratory skills training course, followed by gaining practical experience by performing two 20 week laboratory-based research projects.
These research projects provide you with hands-on laboratory experience and training in a wide range of up-to-date techniques in molecular and cellular biology. Students also gain a wide range of generic professional and scientific skills such as developing effective communication skills, and scientific writing through project reports and a grant application.
Alongside the project work there is a series of lecture modules and seminars delivered by internationally-recognised experts in the field, together with both staff and student-led small group tutorials.
This programme is the ideal route for those wishing to embark on a PhD, or in a technical laboratory role, in the field of Reproductive Health, spanning the biosciences, clinical and veterinary fields.
The broad range of skills gained is also readily transferable into careers at the clinical-laboratory interface and in the broader biosciences industry opportunities.
This programme does not amount to specific training to become a clinical embryologist.
In this program you will:
Our programme aims to improve your theoretical and practical knowledge of human anatomy through an intensive on-campus dissection course, as well as the development and learning of theoretical and practical aspects of teaching anatomy at undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
This programme has two main strands. One is the in-depth study of the anatomy of the human body. Anatomical knowledge will be learned to a level to teach undergraduate and postgraduate students and professions allied to medicine. This strand will involve the dissection of a body in groups of three to five students over two semesters. This part of the course is largely self-directed, with regular “surgeries” when teaching staff are present to answer questions and help students with the dissections.
The other is anatomy pedagogy, covering the theoretical and practical aspects of teaching anatomy to undergraduate and postgraduate students. Next to theoretical lectures and workshops the first semester will focus on observing the teaching of anatomy to medical undergraduate students. The second semester will focus on being involved in preparing and carrying out teaching sessions to both small and large groups of students. The learned theoretical material, the observations and practical experiences will be compiled in an end-of year teaching portfolio. The experience that you will gain can be used towards an application as associate fellow of the Higher Education Academy.
Complementing these strands will be a lecture-based embryology course providing you with an understanding of normal human development and how normal development can go wrong, manifested in commonly observed congenital abnormalities. You will also study neuroanatomy, the health and safety of embalming procedures and handling bodies, the legal and historical aspects of anatomy in Scotland and the UK, an introduction to the ethics of using bodies in medical education and explore clinical techniques used to image the body.
The programme is made up of six courses plus a summer dissertation project. The courses "Teaching Anatomy" and "Basic Human Anatomy 1 & 2" make up the majority of the degree with 40 credits each. The other courses are 10 credit courses that are spread out over two semesters as follows (10 credits equal 100 hours of work):
Semester one:
Semester two:
Semesters one and two:
Summer period:
Teaching is by lectures, seminars and tutorials. Courses are assessed by either, or a combination of, oral examinations, essays, multiple choice question exams, extended matching question exams, presentations and practical anatomy exams.
You have the option to finish after the second semester graduating with a Diploma in Human Anatomy, or to gain your masters by completing a summer dissertation project that can be either library-, practical- or laboratory-based.
More information on anatomy at the University can be found on our website:
This programme has been designed to help you gain a highly regarded qualification in anatomy and the teaching of anatomy. It will provide you with a set of major transferable skills such as dissecting experience, teaching experience, expertise in health and safety and anatomy law and ethics.
This programme can therefore open up possibilities in for example anatomy teaching, anatomy laboratories, further studies in medical and biomedical sciences, further research leading to a PhD, and many more increasing your long-term career prospects.
Globally, the life course of women from birth to puberty, motherhood, menopause and old age, is filled with opportunities to improve health and wellbeing. This unique MSc covers the different aspects of women’s health (physical, mental, social, cultural, legal and ethical) whilst optional modules allow you to tailor your programme to your individual interests.
Degree Information
The four core modules will provide you with a broad understanding of the central themes in women's health. You can then shape your learning to reflect your career aspirations through the selection of four optional modules. These include topics such as sexual health, reproductive health, pregnancy and childbirth, mental health, health psychology and health economics.
Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits. The programme consists of four core modules (60 credits), four optional modules (60 credits) and a research project (60 credits). A Postgraduate Diploma comprising eight modules is offered as well as a Postgraduate Certificate comprising four modules.
Core Modules
· Understanding Research in Women’s Health
· Female Reproductive Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology
· Concepts and controversies in Women’s Health
· Legal & Ethical Aspects of Women’s Health
Optional Modules
Students will be guided in their optional module choice depending on their academic/employment background and future career aspirations.
· Anthropologies of Science, Society & Biomedicine
· Current Research in Dementia
· Current Research in Depression & Anxiety
· Engaging Women in Health and Wellbeing
· Essentials of Global Child Health
· Fetal and Perinatal Medicine
· Gametogenesis, Preimplantation Development and IVF
· Health Inequalities over the Lifecourse
· Health Related Behaviours and Cognitions
· Individual, Social & Cultural Perspectives in Health Psychology
· Key Principles of Health Economics
· Mental Health Services – Policy, Design & Evaluation
· Physical and Mental Health Stress and Ageing
· Pregnancy & Childbirth
· Pre-implantation Genetic Diagnosis and New Technologies
· Reproduction, Sex and Sexuality
· Reproductive Health
· Sexual Health: designing sexual and reproductive health programmes in low- and middle- income countries
Optional modules are subject to availability and timetabling
Dissertation/research project
All students undertake a clinical, laboratory, audit or library-based research project, which culminates in a dissertation of 10,000 words (60 credits).
Teaching and learning
Each module is taught and assessed differently but will most likely be delivered by lectures, tutorials and small group work, and may include some online learning. Assessment methods include: unseen exams, essays, group and individual seminars/presentations, critical reviews, clinical case studies and the dissertation.
Funding
For a comprehensive list of the funding opportunities available at UCL, including funding relevant to your nationality, please visit the Scholarships and Funding website.
Careers
This degree prepares students for progression to higher research degrees or more advanced work in their particular field. It will enhance knowledge and awareness of the many issues relevant to women's health.
There is a strong focus on the development of key skills in the programme. In addition, we offer a comprehensive careers programme involving our current staff and alumni; covering job applications, CV writing, general careers in science and specific advice on careers in women's health.
EMPLOYABILITY
Throughout the MSc programme, you will acquire key skills through peer-led activities, such as evaluating and presenting orally on patient cases and media coverage of scientific papers.
You will learn key skills such as:
· Evaluating and reviewing data from a variety of sources (papers, case studies, media coverage etc.).
· Collecting, interpreting and presenting data using both written and oral methods.
· Intellectual curiosity and an ability to critically challenge current methods of research or ideological standpoints.
· Cross-disciplinary thinking from a multiplicity of perspectives (linking together the wide variety of optional modules).
You also have the opportunity to take part in debates and ethical discussions.
Why study this degree at UCL?
The UCL Institute for Women’s Health delivers excellence in research, clinical practice, education and training in order to make a real and sustainable difference to women's and babies' health worldwide.
The Institute's collaboration with UCLH (University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust) provides an academic environment in which you can pursue graduate studies taught by world-class researchers and clinicians.
Blending taught and research elements allows students from diverse backgrounds to develop the skills necessary for a career in women's health.
