The MSc in Reproductive Medicine: Science and Ethics has been designed for students who wish to gain an advanced education and training within the context of a medical issue that affects 1 in 6 couples wishing to start a family.
*This course will be taught at the Canterbury campus*
Visit the website: https://www.kent.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate/228/reproductive-medicine-science-and-ethics
As the average age of parents increases, the call for increasingly novel treatments to aid reproduction is similarly on the increase. In the UK around 1-2% of all babies are born through IVF. Reproductive medicine generally, and IVF in particular, is an area in which the UK is world-leading.
This course will aim to answer fundamental questions such as:
• What is the scientific basis of development and infertility?
• What are the legal and ethical implications of the work that is done?
The course provides training in the modern practical, academic and research skills that are used in academia and the clinic. Through a combination of lectures, small-group seminars and practical classes, you will apply this training and learn how it is applied towards the development of new therapies. The programme culminates with an individual research project or dissertation on a specific aspect of reproductive medicine research that interests you most.
The MSc in Reproductive Medicine involves studying for 125 credits of taught modules, as indicated below. The taught component takes place during the autumn and spring terms, while a 60-credit research project take place over the summer months.
In addition to traditional scientific laboratory reports, experience is gained in a range of scientific writing styles relevant to future employment, such as literature reviews, patent applications, regulatory documents, and patient information suitable for a non-scientific readership.
Assessment is by coursework and dissertation/project.
The MSc in Reproductive Medicine: Science and Ethics provides advanced research skills training within the context of diseases that affect significant proportions of the UK and global populations. With the UK being a world leader in infectious diseases research and pharmaceutical development, and Kent having a strong research focus in this area, there are significant opportunities for career progression for graduates of this programme in academia (PhD) and industry.
There are also opportunities for careers outside the laboratory in advocacy, media, public health and education.
How to apply: https://www.kent.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate/how-to-apply/
- Shortlisted for University of the Year 2015
- Kent has been ranked fifth out of 120 UK universities in a mock Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) exercise modelled by Times Higher Education (THE).
- In the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2014, Kent was ranked 17th* for research output and research intensity, in the Times Higher Education, outperforming 11 of the 24 Russell Group universities
- Over 96% of our postgraduate students who graduated in 2014 found a job or further study opportunity within six months.
Find out more: https://www.kent.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate/why/
We have a scholarship fund of over £9 million to support our taught and research students with their tuition fees and living costs. Find out more: https://www.kent.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate/fees-and-funding/index.html
If you need to improve your English before and during your postgraduate studies, Kent offers a range of modules and programmes in English for Academic Purposes (EAP). Find out more here: https://www.kent.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate/international/english.html
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.
This vocational training programme is for recent biology, biomedical, biochemistry and medical graduates who want to develop a career in the field of clinical embryology and assisted reproductive technology (ART) and/or the associated reproductive sciences. It provides a detailed knowledge of the underpinning theory and practices and is a laboratory-based science degree not a clinically-based infertility treatment course.
The programme emphasises all aspects of practical training for clinical embryology and assisted reproduction technology. You’ll receive hands-on training from specialist practitioners in andrology, gamete handling, IVF, ICSI, embryo culture, gamete and embryo freezing, vitrification and biopsy and will interact with established, clinical embryologists and reproductive medicine specialists. You’ll also be trained in research methods.
You will be part of a world-renowned School, being taught by and working with internationally recognised scholars.
More information
The programme has been developed by the Division of Reproduction and Early Development within the Leeds Institute of Genetics, Health and Therapeutics, in association with the clinicians and embryologists working at the Leeds Centre of Reproductive Medicine in the Leeds NHS Trust. The programme leaders have over 20 years of experience of training clinical embryologists, reproductive medicine practitioners and reproductive scientists.
You can also study this subject at Postgraduate Diploma level.
Through a series of compulsory modules you’ll learn about:
The programme also gives you valuable insights into the theory underpinning clinical treatments and the ethical and legal controversies surrounding assisted reproduction in humans.
Compulsory modules
The programme is delivered using a blended learning approach, which combines lectures, seminars, tutorials, interactive group discussions, presentations and problem-based-learning sessions or case studies, with self-directed learning.
Theoretical training is complemented by the original research conducted by the student and by an extensive series of laboratory-based ART practical and skills training sessions.
The course content is enhanced by extensive online resources and the provision of printed versions of all module workbooks, as appropriate.
Course assessments will include essays, presentations, projects, practical log books, a research dissertation and examinations.
The Clinical Embryology and Associated Reproductive Technology MSc equips graduates to pursue a career in human assisted reproduction (eg clinical embryology, infertility treatment) and/or research in the reproductive sciences.
We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. That’s one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.
The Careers Centre and staff in your faculty provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more at the Careers website.
This vocational training programme is for recent biology, biomedical, biochemistry and medical graduates who want to develop a career in the field of clinical embryology and assisted reproductive technology (ART) and/or the associated reproductive sciences. It provides a detailed knowledge of the underpinning theory and practices and is a laboratory-based science degree not a clinically-based infertility treatment course.
The programme emphasises all aspects of practical training for clinical embryology and assisted reproduction technology. You’ll receive hands-on training from specialist practitioners in andrology, gamete handling, IVF, ICSI, embryo culture, gamete and embryo freezing, vitrification and biopsy and will interact with established, clinical embryologists and reproductive medicine specialists.
You will be part of a world-renowned School, being taught by and working with Internationally recognised scholars.
More information
The programme has been developed by the Division of Reproduction and Early Development within the Leeds Institute of Genetics, Health and Therapeutics, in association with the clinicians and embryologists working at the Leeds Centre of Reproductive Medicine in the Leeds NHS Trust. The programme leaders have over 20 years of experience of training clinical embryologists, reproductive medicine practitioners and reproductive scientists.
You can also study this subject at Master of Science level.
Through a series of compulsory modules you’ll learn about:
The programme also gives you valuable insights into the theory underpinning clinical treatments and the ethical and legal controversies surrounding assisted reproduction in humans.
Compulsory modules
The programme is delivered using a blended learning approach, which combines lectures, seminars, tutorials, interactive group discussions, presentations and problem-based-learning sessions or case studies, with self-directed learning.
Theoretical training is complemented by a small number of laboratory-based practical sessions.
The course content is enhanced by extensive online resources and the provision of printed versions of all module workbooks.
Course assessments will include essays, presentations, projects, practical log books, a research dissertation and examinations.
The Clinical Embryology and Associated Reproductive Technology PGDip will educate graduates who want to pursue a career in human assisted reproduction (eg clinical embryology, infertility treatment) and/or research in the reproductive sciences.
We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. That’s one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.
The Careers Centre and staff in your faculty provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more at the Careers website.
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 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.
The Clinical Embryology MSc is an internationally recognised qualification that provides academic and professional development for clinical scientists and clinicians working in the field. It is delivered by distance learning, allowing you to remain in full-time employment.
The programme aims to provide a high standard of education in clinical embryology and to provide enhanced academic and professional development for clinical scientists and clinicians working in the field through provision of a recognised qualification which will contribute to uniformity of knowledge in the theory and practice of clinical embryology.
It was the first web-based MSc programme in clinical embryology, established in 2000. Since then nearly 300 students, from around 40 countries, have attended. The programme was developed by the Division of Reproduction and Early Development in association with the Leeds Centre for Reproductive Medicine (LCRM) at the Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust.
More information
The programme leader is John Huntriss. Course lecturers include staff from the University of Leeds, Bourn Hall Clinic in Cambridge, Leeds Centre for Reproductive Medicine, University College London and the University of Sheffield.
You can also study this subject at Postgraduate Diploma level (distance learning).
Building on your existing knowledge and experience, the programme offers advanced learning in clinical embryology. It aims to help establish good practice in the field of assisted reproductive technologies.
Through a series of compulsory modules, you’ll develop your knowledge of both the theory and practice of clinical embryology.
For the research project, you’ll write a persuasive research proposal in a subject area relevant to clinical embryology. The subject is chosen by you and comprises an original area of investigation. This research module aims to give you useful experience of hypothesis-driven research, including: critical evaluation of published literature in the chosen field of study, collation and justification of the project itself, research methodology and resources needed, statistical methods, report writing and scientific presentation.
Year 1 Compulsory modules
Year 2 Compulsory modules
You’ll learn through a combination of:
There are three, compulsory, one-week, residential workshops in the UK over two years. In the first of these workshops you’ll be assigned a tutor and will meet the teaching staff and your fellow-students. You’ll take part in practical sessions, seminars and discussion groups and will attend lectures, sometimes by guest speakers. Formal examinations will also take place during the second and third residential workshops.
Contact with your tutors and fellow-students is through email and online discussion rooms.
Student assessment will be split between assessed course work and formal examination.
For the MSc award you are also assessed on the research project proposal you submit as your dissertation.
The programme allows students to gain a wide breadth of knowledge that can give them confidence in their subject and allow skills to be transferred to the workplace.
Enhancing mobility and success in the workplace are engrained in the course. The course intake comprises embryologists, clinicians, reproductive technicians and reproductive scientists, typically working full time. The programmes are designed to fit around these requirements. We aim to uphold the academic excellence and integrity that has made the University of Leeds postgraduate programmes in clinical embryology highly respected in the field, and recognised for their high standards.
The enhancement of academic understanding of clinical embryology gained through the programmes provides good prospects for promotion and mobility in the workplace and for application to other positions. This has allowed many former students to move on to more senior positions, including several laboratory directors. Some former students are now directing policy in the field of ART. Other students have gone on to open their own ART clinics and many have become research active. Students also get the opportunity to network with an international group of ART practitioners, which is important for exchanging ideas on clinical practice and for career networking.
The Clinical Embryology PGDip is an internationally recognised qualification that provides academic and professional development for clinical scientists and clinicians working in the field. It is delivered by distance learning, allowing you to remain in full-time employment.
The programme aims to provide a high standard of education in clinical embryology and to provide enhanced academic and professional development for clinical scientists and clinicians working in the field through provision of a recognised qualification which will contribute to uniformity of knowledge in the theory and practice of clinical embryology.
It was the first web-based MSc programme in clinical embryology, established in 2000. Since then nearly 300 students, from around 40 countries, have attended. The programme was developed by the Division of Reproduction and Early Development in association with the Leeds Centre for Reproductive Medicine (LCRM) at the Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust.
More information
The programme leader is John Huntriss. Course lecturers include staff from the University of Leeds, Bourn Hall Clinic in Cambridge, Leeds Centre for Reproductive Medicine, University College London and the University of Sheffield.
You can also study this subject at Masters level (distance learning).
Building on your existing knowledge and experience, the programme offers advanced learning in clinical embryology. It aims to help establish good practice in the field of assisted reproductive technologies.
Through a series of compulsory modules, you’ll develop your knowledge of both the theory and practice of clinical embryology.
Year 1 Compulsory modules
Year 2 Compulsory modules
You’ll learn through a combination of:
There are three, compulsory, one-week, residential workshops in the UK over two years. In the first of these workshops you’ll be assigned a tutor and will meet the teaching staff and your fellow-students. You’ll take part in practical sessions, seminars and discussion groups and will attend lectures, sometimes by guest speakers. Formal examinations will also take place during the second and third residential workshops.
Contact with your tutors and fellow-students is through email and online discussion rooms.
Student assessment will be split between assessed course work and formal examination.
The programme allows students to gain a wide breadth of knowledge that can give them confidence in their subject and allow skills to be transferred to the workplace.
Enhancing mobility and success in the workplace are engrained in the course. The course intake comprises embryologists, clinicians, reproductive technicians and reproductive scientists, typically working full time. The programmes are designed to fit around these requirements. We aim to uphold the academic excellence and integrity that has made the University of Leeds postgraduate programmes in clinical embryology highly respected in the field, and recognised for their high standards.
The enhancement of academic understanding of clinical embryology gained through the programmes provides good prospects for promotion and mobility in the workplace and for application to other positions. This has allowed many former students to move on to more senior positions, including several laboratory directors. Some former students are now directing policy in the field of ART. Other students have gone on to open their own ART clinics and many have become research active. Students also get the opportunity to network with an international group of ART practitioners, which is important for exchanging ideas on clinical practice and for career networking.
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.
