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.
The UCL Institute for Women's Health is an internationally recognised centre of excellence and leading provider of postgraduate taught programmes in women's health. This new MRes gives students the opportunity to take a programme with greater emphasis on research skills and experience, and on development of transferable academic and professional skills.
Students choose taught modules and select research areas from a variety of subjects across reproductive science and women's health, spanning the four themes of the institute: maternal and fetal health; neonatology; women’s cancer; and reproductive health. Students learn how to conduct an independent research project. They will also gain practical experience and theoretical understanding in research methodologies and critical analysis.
Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.
The programme consists of four optional modules (60 credits) and a research project (120 credits).
Core modules
All students undertake an independent research project in women's health.
Students may choose to focus on a laboratory or non-laboratory project (such as a social or ethical-based project), or an epidemiology project (analysing cohort or registry data).
Optional modules
Students choose four optional modules; a minimum of three from the reproductive science and women's health modules listed below. One option can also be chosen from the transferable skills modules marked * below.
Dissertation/research project
The independent research project in women's health culminates in a dissertation of 20,000 words. Students will be involved in the conceptualisation, design, data collection, analysis, interpretation and presentation of the project. This will allow the development of research skills in a specific field as well as a range of transferable skills, including literature searching, statistical analysis and written and verbal communication.
Teaching and learning
In addition to taught modules and the long research project, there is a full induction week at the start of the programme and six careers afternoons. A comprehensive range of assessment methods cover the key research, communication and practical skills required for future employment.
Further information on modules and degree structure is available on the department website: Reproductive Science and Women's Health MRes
For a comprehensive list of the funding opportunities available at UCL, including funding relevant to your nationality, please visit the Scholarships and Funding website.
The first cohort of students on this programme will graduate in 2018. We expect the programme to prepare science-orientated students to go on to further research. Medically-orientated students may wish to develop their careers in the field of reproductive science and women’s health or undertake further research.
Employability
The programme provides students with an excellent introduction to research. It will equip them with the general and scientific skills required to embark on lifelong careers in research and related fields.
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 UCL/UCL Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust collaboration provides an academic environment in which students can pursue graduate studies with world-class researchers and clinicians. We offer excellent basic science facilities, opportunities to work in cutting-edge clinical and translational research, and expertise in study methodology.
A comprehensive careers programme is embedded in all our degrees. This ensures students are exposed to a range of different job opportunities. We have alumni who give talks on their diverse career journeys.
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.
