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.
This one year, residential, taught M.Sc. provides graduate students, scientists and clinicians with highly advanced theoretical and practical understanding of human reproductive biology, embryology, infertility and assisted reproductive technology (ART) along with intensive ‘hands-on’ practical training in essential laboratory skills and the sophisticated gamete micromanipulation techniques associated with ART. The MSc course is based alongside Oxford Fertility in purpose-built premises, the Institute of Reproductive Sciences, with dedicated state-of-the-art teaching and research facilities.
Our broad intention is to inspire, motivate and train a network of future leaders in clinical embryology throughout the world. Additionally, our students benefit from intensive training in a range of laboratory skills highly suitable for a research career in reproductive science.
The course runs over a period of one year, from October to September, incorporating the three University terms: Michaelmas, Hilary and Trinity. Fundamental reproductive science and laboratory methods/practical skills are taught in the first term (Michaelmas) over five discrete modules. Applied and clinical aspects are delivered in the second term (Hilary) over a further set of five modules. Each module is delivered over a period of one to three weeks and together, the ten modules comprise the ‘core content’ of the course. The third term (Trinity) is extended to allow sufficient time for a high quality research project.
The deadline for applications for the MSc in Clinical Embryology starting in October 2018 is 12 noon (midday) GMT on Friday 9th March 2018. Please see our Graduate Admissions page for further details: http://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/graduate/courses/msc-clinical-embryology
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.
Stand out from the crowd
The Master of Science will allow you to stand out from other animal science graduates
Find out more about the Master of Science parent structure.
Massey’s Master of Science (Animal Science) will allow you to make a major contribution to animal science.
Whether you want to take a first step in a research career or would like a specialised role in livestock or animal industries, a MSc (Animal Science) will give you the skills you need.
Animal science is a broad subject and you could engage in study and research in one of many subjects from livestock production, genetics, nutrition, reproductive physiology, lactation, animal behaviour and welfare.
A master’s builds your capability in sourcing, generating and interpreting quality information to make informed decisions. You’ll develop specialised knowledge in your chosen field.
Massey University provides an excellent environment for your animal science masters. We have an active research programme in many areas of applied and theoretical aspects of animal science and much of this is funded by industry. This means as a master’s student you have the opportunity to research a relevant issue and generate solutions for the real world.
Massey University’s proud record in land-based study dates back to 1927 when we offered New Zealand’s first degrees in agriculture.
Massey is world-ranked and New Zealand’s No 1 university in agriculture according to the QS (Quacquarelli Symonds) rankings. We are also ranked in the top 150 universities worldwide for agriculture by the ShanghaiRanking's Global Ranking of Academic Subjects.
Massey University’s veterinary school has been ranked first in the world by employers in the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) ranking. We are ranked no.15 for our veterinary science programme.
At Massey you will not just be studying animal science, you will be part of this world-leading animal and agricultural science hub. Massey’s Manawatu campus is surrounded by working farms and state-of-the-art animal science research facilities.. You are able to access our extensive research and working facilities as part of your study. These include:
We also host The International Sheep Research Centre which leads the world with its investigations into sheep husbandry and related areas.
Postgraduate study is hard work but hugely rewarding and empowering. The Master of Science (Animal Science) will push you to produce your best creative, strategic and theoretical ideas. The workload replicates the high-pressure environment of senior workplace roles. Our experts are there to guide but if you have come from undergraduate study, you will find that postgraduate study demands more in-depth and independent study.
Postgraduate study is not just ‘more of the same’ undergraduate study. It takes you to a new level in knowledge and expertise especially in planning and undertaking research.
This is a 180 credit taught degree which will take 1.5 years if you study full time. You can choose to include 60, 90 or 120 credits of research.
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 one-year, full time programme provides an excellent grounding for PhD or other academic study in the Biomedical Sciences. You will learn valuable research skills, biomedical laboratory techniques and a wide range of other transferable skills that will give you an advantage for the rest of your career. You can also choose two themes that best suit your interests and career goals.
The programme includes seminars, taught modules and two research projects in our world-recognised research laboratories. We will also cover a range of valuable transferable skills including critical analysis of research papers, learning how to write a project grant application and literature review, and data presentation and statistical analysis.
The programme includes core skills, seminars, taught modules and laboratory projects in our well-resourced laboratories which are at the cutting-edge of Biomedical research.
Students will carry out two 20-week long research projects selected from the themes available. An assessed research proposal is also required for the second project.
Project 1 (September to February)
Project 2 (April to August)
Students may also be able to undertake projects in Integrative Neuroscience or in other areas of Biomedical Sciences, with the permission of the Programme Director. These students would be required to attend the taught element of one of the above Themes as appropriate.
Students are also required to attend the taught element of another theme as appropriate.
In March, students submit a research proposal based on the work to be performed for Project 2. This takes the form of a grant application, as would be prepared for a research organisation, and is assessed.
This programme is an excellent stepping-stone to a PhD, or a career in Biomedical research or industry.
In addition, every year there are vacancies for PhD studentships in the School of Biomedical Sciences and staff are always on the lookout for the outstanding postgraduate students who are on this Programme to encourage them to apply.
Read testimonials from some of our successful students:
If your interests lie in reproductive health this programme will provide a spring board into this area of medical science and biology. It is led by a team of active researchers across several exciting medical science disciplines at a top 10 UK ranked medical school in the UK. You mix with researchers and students across a wide range of discipline areas in one of the largest medical campuses in Europe where major innovations continue to take place in reproductive health, nutrition, medical imaging and biotechnological areas to name but a few.
You study in depth the areas of feotal development and health, pregnancy management, perinatal diagnosis, in vitro fertilisation, and genomic technology to understand diseases causing gene mutation and abnormalities. You also look at potential for stem cell and gene therapy treatments, latest research and developments. On top of these areas you get to research in a biology lab to understand reproductive biology from the laboratory side of the discipline to further your understanding of the area.
This postgraduate degree may augment your knowledge or take your career into a different direction. You may specialise in reproductive health as a researcher or consultant practitioner in the biological science area or add skills to your medical science clinical expertise. You could be working in universities, specialist health institutes, organisations, and private industry interested in finding new ways to research or innovate. If you come from a clinical background or biological science background this degree could connect you to new innovations, collaborations and discoveries or catapult you to new levels of practice and support of patients. You may wish to progress your studies to PhD to publish new research, patents and teach further generations towards constant new discoveries and applications.
Semester 1
Optional
Semester 2
Optional
Semester 3
Find out more detail by visiting the programme web page
Find out about fees
*Please be advised that some programmes have different tuition fees from those listed above and that some programmes also have additional costs.
Scholarships
View all funding options on our funding database via the programme page
Find out more about:
Find out more about living in Aberdeen and living costs
This is Europe’s only graduate course in reproductive health research and is designed for those interested in acquiring the research skills necessary to conduct policy-relevant research into sexual and reproductive health. It provides a non-clinical foundation in family planning, obstetric health, AIDS and sexually-transmitted infections.
This Master's course is recognized by the ESRC as providing high quality research training and a small number of ESRC scholarships (including 1+3 scholarships) are available to UK or EU residents. These are advertised each year with the School scholarships information.
The curriculum has a focus on middle- and low-income settings but also provides excellent training in the principles and methods of research for high-income countries.
Graduates go into public health and reproductive health programmes, evaluation of family planning programmes, research for governmental and non-governmental agencies and university teaching.
A prize is awarded each year to the student who has submitted the best project of the year for examination.
- Full programme specification (pdf) (https://www.lshtm.ac.uk/files/rshr_progspec.pdf)
Visit the website https://www.lshtm.ac.uk/study/masters/reproductive-sexual-health-research
By the end of this course students should be able to:
- demonstrate advanced knowledge and understanding of evidence-based approaches to research of reproductive and sexual health issues
- critically assess and apply these research approaches to inform development, health and social welfare programmes
- demonstrate a good understanding of the socio-cultural, political and ethical issues surrounding reproductive and sexual health
- identify and address appropriate research questions in reproductive and sexual health, using methods from a range of public health disciplines
- carry out research activities to identify effective components of reproductive and sexual health services within programmes
Term 1:
Students take the following compulsory modules:
Basic Epidemiology
Foundations in Reproductive Health
Principles of Social Research
Statistics for Epidemiology and Population Health
Further optional modules include:
Extended Epidemiology
Health Policy, Process & Power
Introduction to Health Economics
Population Studies
Terms 2 and 3:
Students take a total of five study modules, one from each timetable slot (Slot 1, Slot 2 etc.). One module (in Slot 4) is compulsory.
*Recommended modules
- Slot 1:
Research Design & Analysis*
Designing Disease Control Programmes in Developing Countries
Health Care Evaluation
Health Promotion Approaches and Methods
Maternal & Child Nutrition
Sociological Approaches to Health
- Slot 2:
Family Planning Programmes*
Population, Poverty and Environment*
Conflict and Health
Design & Analysis of Epidemiological Studies
Qualitative Methodologies
Statistical Methods in Epidemiology
- Slot 3:
Control of Sexually Transmitted Infections*
Current Issues in Safe Motherhood & Perinatal Health*
Social Epidemiology*
Medical Anthropology and Public Health
- Slot 4:
Sexual Health
- Slot 5:
AIDS*
Analysing Survey & Population Data*
Advanced Statistical Methods in Epidemiology
Applying Public Health Principles in Developing Countries
Proposal Development
A restricted number of modules may be taken by self-study, using electronic access teaching material.
Further details for the course modules - https://www.lshtm.ac.uk/study/courses/masters-degrees/module-specifications
Project Report:
During the summer months (July-August), students complete a research project. Acceptable types of project are: data analysis; a project proposal; an original literature or policy review.
Students normally remain in London for the preparation of their project report. Exceptionally, and only if appropriate, part of the project period may be spent away from the School, whether in the UK or abroad. Arrangements for this must be discussed and agreed with the Course Director.
Undergraduate medical students can take a year out either to pursue related studies or work. The School welcomes applications from medical students wishing to intercalate after their third year of study from any recognised university in the world.
Why intercalate with us?:
Reputation: The School has an outstanding international reputation in public health & tropical medicine and is at the forefront of global health research. It is highly rated in a number of world rankings including:
- World’s leading research-focused graduate school (Times Higher Education World Rankings, 2013)
- Third in the world for social science and public health (US News Best Global Universities Ranking, 2014)
- Second in UK for research impact (Research Exercise Framework 2014)
- Top in Europe for impact (Leiden Ranking, 2015)
Highly recognised qualification: possessing a Master's from the School will give you a focused understanding of health and disease, broaden your career prospects and allow you to be immersed in research in a field of your choice.
Valuable skills: you will undertake an independent research project (summer project) in your chosen topic, equipping you with research skills that will distinguish you in a clinical environment. While your medical qualification will give you a breadth of knowledge; undertaking an intercalated degree will allow you to explore your main area of interest in greater depth.
Alumni network: the School has a strong international and diverse alumni community, with more than 20,000 alumni in over 180 countries.
MSc vs. BSc: undertaking an MSc is an excellent opportunity to develop in-depth specialist knowledge in your chosen topic and enhance your skills in scientific research. Postgraduate qualifications are increasingly sought after by clinicians and possessing a Masters qualification can assist you in your future career progression.
Find out how to apply here - http://www.lshtm.ac.uk/study/masters/msrshr.html#sixth
