Clinical Embryology PGDip

Course overview

Designed to bolster the careers of those already working in the field our PGDip in Clinical Embryology is an internationally recognised qualification providing superb academic and professional development.

Delivered by distance learning and typically through short workshops in Leeds, the course allows you to remain in full-time employment while you study and connects you to our international network of professionals.

Develop and connect

Working with our staff in the Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine (LICAMM), you’ll have the chance to significantly enhance your subject understanding. We’re also committed to fostering a sense of community for those on our course during your visits to campus. This is a great chance to connect with other practitioners from around the world and to build an international network of other professionals.

Course highlights

The course will:

• give you a high standard of education in clinical embryology

• provide enhanced academic and professional development for clinical scientists and clinicians working in the field

• offer a recognised qualification which will contribute to uniformity of knowledge in the theory and practice of clinical embryology

• Introduce you to an international network of professionals able to advise you and support your development.

The Leeds experience

Our course was the first distance learning postgraduate course in clinical embryology, established in 2000. Since then several hundred students, from many different countries, have attended.

The course leader is John Huntriss. Course lecturers include staff from the University of Leeds, and a variety of external speakers have been involved with the programme including speakers from: 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).

Watch our recent international student webinar recording.

Course details

Building on your existing knowledge and experience, the course offers advanced learning and establishes good practice in clinical embryology and 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.

Course structure

The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our terms and conditions.

For more information and a full list of typical modules available on this course, please read Clinical Embryology PGDip in the course catalogue

Year 1 compulsory modules

Year 2 compulsory modules

Learning and teaching

You’ll learn through a combination of “core” lectures and practical sessions at face-to-face workshops and self-directed learning, using using online material on the University Virtual Learning Environment (Minerva) and the University library.

There are two 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 also take part in seminars, discussion groups, lectures and tutorials that cover Modules 1 and 2.

In the second workshop in Leeds, teaching sessions relevant to Modules 3,4, and 5 are delivered. Please note there are only a small number of practical sessions on this programme due to time restrictions at the workshops. The programme does not offer practical training in clinical embryology

In the time between workshops, you will work from home as a distance learner. Day to day contact with your tutors and fellow students is through email and online discussion rooms on the university’s Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) – Minerva. Lectures from the workshops will be electronically captured for you and available on Minerva alongside other learning material.

On this course you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.

Assessment

Student assessment will be split between assessed coursework taken from home and online. Other forms of assessment include a group lab design project and presentations for the research project.

Applying

Entry requirements

A bachelor degree with a 2:2 (hons) in a biological or related science or equivalent qualification.

We will also consider applicants with appropriate or accredited experience within an embryological laboratory.

You should be employed in a laboratory practising clinical embryology and with an employer who supports you in allowing time for study.

You must also have access to email and the internet.

English language requirements

IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in in any component. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.

Improve your English

International students who do not meet the English language requirements for this programme may be able to study our postgraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.

This pre-sessional course is designed with a progression route to your degree programme and you’ll learn academic English in the context of your subject area. To find out more, read Language for Science (6 weeks) and Language for Science: General Science (10 weeks). 

We also offer online pre-sessionals alongside our on-campus pre-sessionals. Find out more about our six week online pre-sessional.

You can also study pre-sessionals for longer periods – read about our postgraduate pre-sessional English courses.

How to apply

Applications are considered on the basis of the applicant’s qualifications and experience. Applications may close before the deadline date if numbers accepted reach capacity.

The deadline to submit an application is 30th June 2023

It may be possible to submit an application after this date, please contact the admissions team to discuss this further.

You will need:

A reference indicating managerial consent in support of your application including indication that you are employed in a laboratory practising clinical embryology and that you have the appropriate time for study. The reference should be provided on a headed document with either a stamp from the institution or an electronic signature.

You will be asked to submit a minimum of one paragraph outlining their reasons for wishing to undertake the course, and details of relevant experience. You should demonstrate through the supporting statement how the course will be of direct benefit to your personal and professional development.

The ‘Apply’ link at the top of this page takes you to information on applying for taught programmes and to the University's online application system.

If you're unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.

Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.

Admissions policy

School of Medicine Taught Postgraduate Policy 2024

This course is taught by

School of Medicine

Contact us

School of Medicine Postgraduate Admissions

Email: pgmed-admissions@leeds.ac.uk
Telephone:

Fees

UK: £13,000 (total)

International: £13,000 (total)

You must pay your fees at the beginning of each year. For sponsored students, the fee is split into two equal payments made at the beginning of each academic year in September. If you are paying your fees personally, you can pay in four equal instalments, if you prefer. This means you would divide the normal two payments in half again so that one quarter of the total fee is paid in September and one quarter in February of the first year, then one quarter in September and in February of the second year. No other instalment arrangements are possible.

Read more about paying fees and charges.

Additional cost information

The fees above are for the whole course including all academic costs associated with the workshops and attendance at the workshop dinner. The fees do not include the six nights’ residential accommodation to attend the workshops. (We can send you information about local hotels on request.)

There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more on our living costs and budgeting page.

Scholarships and financial support

If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There may be help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government.  Find out more at Masters funding overview.

Studying in the School of Medicine at Leeds is an amazing opportunity, but we know that the cost can be difficult for many people to meet. If you are keen to join us, a range of funding opportunities are available.

Career opportunities

This course allows students to gain a wide breadth of knowledge that will give them confidence in their subject and skills that can be transferred to the workplace.

Enhancing mobility and success in the workplace are ingrained in the course. The course intake comprises of embryologists, clinicians, reproductive technicians and reproductive scientists, typically working full time. We aim to uphold the academic excellence and integrity that has made the University of Leeds postgraduate programmes in clinical embryology so highly respected in the field.

The enhancement of academic understanding of clinical embryology gained through the course provides good prospects for promotion, 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 (Assisted Reproductive Technology). 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.

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