Clinical Embryology PGDip

Course overview

The PGDip in Clinical Embryology is a part-time, fully online distance-learning course. It offers an internationally recognised qualification and provides superb academic and professional development opportunities for existing practitioners of clinical embryology.

Building on your existing knowledge and experience, the course offers advanced learning and establishes good practice in clinical embryology and Assisted Reproduction Technologies (ART). The course allows you to remain in full-time employment while you study and offers superb academic and professional development opportunities.

The course features a series of compulsory modules that you’ll work through progressively along a set timeline. Through these modules you’ll develop your knowledge of both the theory and practice of clinical embryology.

Modules cover the theory of reproductive biology; pathology and infertility; clinical andrology; clinical embryology and assisted reproduction technologies; fertility laboratories and their design and management; advanced ART practice; molecular embryology and genetic testing; controversial topics in ART and fertility cryopreservation.

You’ll learn from course leaders and tutors with many years of experience in training clinical embryologists, and from reproductive scientists. You’ll be taught by established clinical embryology practitioners and researchers in reproductive science, ensuring you’re up-to-date with the latest developments in the field.

The course provides a superb springboard to advance your career prospects within the workplace and demonstrating your value to prospective employers in the field of clinical embryology.

Designed for the working professional: The Leeds Clinical Embryology course is designed to allow the working professional to study while remaining in full-time employment. It is part-time and the schedule is designed to be manageable for working individuals.

Staff expertise and support: Our academic staff have years of professional and research experience in the field of clinical embryology and reproduction. Their diverse specialisations, ranging from reproductive biology to assisted reproduction technologies, underpin the uniqueness of the course at Leeds. Their insights and guidance will significantly enrich your learning experience. The course is supported by staff members who have many years of experience in assisting distance-learning students with their studies.

International community: An integral highlight of the course is the international networking opportunity it offers since our students are from a diverse range of backgrounds. You’ll connect with practitioners and fellow learners worldwide, fostering an enriching exchange of ideas and perspectives and allowing mutual sharing of expertise. This global network can be instrumental in shaping your career path and broadening your understanding of international practices in clinical embryology.

Interdisciplinary collaboration: The course is hosted by the Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine within the School of Medicine which fosters a rich, interdisciplinary teaching and research environment.

Groundbreaking research: Our faculty members are involved in world-leading research in fundamental and clinical research in areas related to gametes and preimplantation embryos, epigenetics, in vitro growth and maturation of oocytes, fertility preservation, uterine biology, and placental biology among other areas. This pioneering academic environment will help position you at the forefront of advancements in the field of reproductive science.

Specialist facilities

Cutting-edge digital learning: Our students are given access to our advanced Virtual Learning Environment (MINERVA). This digital platform is key to your learning and communication within the course and will serve as an essential tool and resource hub throughout your academic journey. Through Minerva, you'll access the course, the associated modules and the associated online content. You are also in contact with academic staff, tutors and support staff via email and online sessions. The University of Leeds has specialist facilities for supporting your online learning experience including the Digital Education Service (DES), the HELIX digital education service, in addition to faculty-specific digital education managers.

Comprehensive access to library resources: As a student on this course, you’ll gain complete access to the extensive resources of the University of Leeds library. This includes a wide range of relevant journals in clinical embryology and human assisted reproduction, reproductive science and biology, in addition to other relevant areas of biomedical science. From research papers and reviews to e-books, these resources are accessible remotely (electronically), offering you the utmost flexibility in furthering your learning.

Student support and education services: A comprehensive range of support services is offered by the University to help your journey as a student. These state-of-the-art resources and facilities ensure you have every opportunity to learn, explore and develop the skills required to thrive in your future career. You'll also be assisted by student education service staff who are closely connected with the course, offering guidance and a helping hand where needed.

Course details

Embarking on the PGDip in Clinical Embryology at the University of Leeds is the start of an exciting and rewarding journey. At the start of the course, online induction sessions will provide you with guidance for your studies and give an opportunity to interact with your fellow students, the academic staff and support staff. These online induction sessions serve to provide a comprehensive induction to the University's systems and facilities and offers additional guidance sessions that will be integral to your success as an online distance-learning student.

After the online induction sessions, you’ll study the course remotely by online distance learning. The course will be undertaken using online working, centered on the University’s virtual learning environment, the online module content and via contact with tutors. The majority of the course operates asynchronously, offering significant flexibility for those balancing work commitments. A manageable number of synchronous online sessions, hosted by staff, are also scheduled throughout the course. These are arranged at convenient times for students in diverse time zones. These will include drop-in sessions, tutorials, assessments, and presentations. Online synchronous sessions can include both group sessions and one-to-one sessions. As this is an online distance-learning course, it doesn’t offer practical training in clinical embryology, but provides enhanced theoretical knowledge behind these techniques.

The course is structured in a series of sequential compulsory modules, each of which is released according to a specific timetable, allowing for a systematic progression through the course material. Through these modules, you’ll develop your knowledge of both the theory and practice of clinical embryology.

Year 1

The beginning of Year 1 is devoted to providing you with sound foundations in the subject area by establishing an in-depth theoretical understanding of the core reproductive biology and science that underpins human reproduction. This includes areas such as gametogenesis, fertilization, embryo development, implantation, pregnancy, female infertility, and associated pathologies. Having consolidated and developed an in-depth understanding of core reproductive sciences, you’ll move on to next stage of the course that focuses on clinical andrology and will allow you to explore the theory behind subjects including male infertility, male fertility treatments and semen analysis and processing. You’ll explore the theory behind typical essential laboratory techniques such as those used for fertilization, including In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) and Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI), embryo culture. This is in addition to other common laboratory practices that are undertaken in the ART clinic.

Year 2

In Year 2, the course progressively covers more specialised topics, including those that are specifically applicable to experienced practitioners of clinical embryology. The course covers the real-world challenges faced by fertility clinics, such as laboratory design, sustainable design practices, optimising operational efficiency and integrating reproductive technologies. You’ll also look into the latest innovations in clinic technology and operations at a level that is commensurate with your experience as a practitioner of embryology. You’ll also explore the theory related to advanced topics related to molecular embryology and the genetic testing of embryos. You’ll also learn about fertility cryopreservation, where you’ll gain an understanding of cryobiology and its applications to gamete and embryo freezing, and fertility preservation.

Learning outcomes

On completion of the PGDip course, you will be able to demonstrate:

• a comprehensive understanding of reproductive biology and science and the theoretical principles and practical applications of clinical embryology, andrology and assisted reproduction technologies
• specialist theoretical knowledge and critical evaluation of current clinical practice and laboratory techniques relevant to clinical andrology, assisted reproduction technologies, and their use in the clinical embryology laboratory
• specialist theoretical knowledge and critical evaluation of current clinical practice and laboratory techniques relevant to fertility preservation, molecular embryology and genetic testing, and their use in the clinical embryology laboratory
• awareness of the key controversial issues and the relevant ethical landscapes within the discipline, the relevant regulatory frameworks and how to work appropriately to these requirements
• critical understanding and theoretical knowledge related to advanced ART practice for experienced practitioners of clinical embryology, including as examples, the latest innovations in clinic design, technology and laboratory operations
• global and cultural insights to acknowledge and appreciate diversity and international differences that are related to the field of clinical embryology and to engage with social, political, economic, legal, environmental, and technological perspectives
• mastery in the understanding and critical evaluation of the academic literature and opinion in clinical embryology and allied areas of reproductive science, drawing on a range of perspectives and making reasoned judgements based on available information. 

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.

The PGDip course will comprise the following six compulsory part-time online distance learning modules.

Year 1

The Biology and Pathology of Reproduction (30 credits) – In this module, you’ll gain a firm foundation in the reproductive biology and science of human reproduction and understanding of key subjects that are fundamental to clinical embryology and Assisted Reproduction Technology (ART). The module covers key processes including gametogenesis, fertilisation, preimplantation embryo development, implantation, pregnancy and explores the associated reproductive pathologies.

The fundamental concepts of reproduction and early development as provided in this module will give you a solid platform for onward study in subjects related to clinical embryology and ART. Key features are teaching delivery by active researchers in these subject areas.

Clinical Andrology (15 credits) – This module will provide you with a comprehensive study of human andrology, encompassing diverse subjects such as men's health, male genetics and subfertility. You’ll be provided with an in-depth understanding of male reproduction. The curriculum will inform you on key topics such as semen analysis, surgical sperm retrieval, and advancements in sperm selection methods, equipping students with the knowledge of how to apply laboratory processes involved in sperm analysis and processing. Key features are the delivery of teaching by experienced clinical andrologists.

Embryology in Practice (15 credits) – You’ll explore essential laboratory techniques such as fertilization methods including In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) and Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI), embryo culture and quality assessment. You’ll explore microbiology considerations that are relevant to the ART lab, management and understanding the legal, ethical and controversial topics that underpin these technologies. Key features are learning the theory of key techniques that are at the core of work performed in ART laboratories worldwide.

Year 2

Advanced ART Practice (30 credits) – You’ll work in teams to address real-world challenges faced by fertility clinics, such as optimising operational efficiency and integrating reproductive technologies to meet the requirements of the design brief. Lectures will cover essential layout and facilities in fertility clinics, sustainable design practices and the latest innovations in clinic technology and operations. Key features are learning sessions that draw from the latest and most advanced ART practices.

Fertility preservation (15 credits) – You’ll explore the critical techniques and scientific principles behind cryobiology and cryopreservation. You’ll gain an in-depth understanding of both traditional slow freezing and modern vitrification methods, emphasising their application in preserving sperm, oocytes, embryos, blastocysts, and gonadal tissues. The module addresses the latest advancements in fertility preservation, preparing you for effective application in ART. Key features are the combination of learning biological concepts and clinical application of cryopreservation, a key procedure in ART laboratories.

Molecular embryology and genetic testing (15 credits) – This module will explore the issues surrounding assisted conception in terms of the law and ethics of the technologies available. The importance of the HFEA and the HFE Act (1990) will be emphasised as will the implications of the Code of Practice for embryologists. Patient issues will be explored such as confidentiality, patient contact, counselling and informed consent. Ethical, cultural and religious aspects and reactions to infertility treatments will also be discussed.

Learning and teaching

We ensure that all students, regardless of geographic location, will be fully integrated into the academic fabric of the University of Leeds and feel connected with their fellow students and promoting inclusivity. Our approach to teaching and learning is designed to be fully inclusive and geared towards fostering a strong sense of community and belonging among our students.

The course commences with the online induction sessions at the start of the first year, allowing you to establish connections with your tutors, your academic and support staff and your fellow students. Further sessions will deliver instructions on how the course operates and will introduce you to the University systems such as the library and other important student resources.

The course’s academic content is delivered online through the University’s virtual learning environment, MINERVA, using a blend of asynchronous self-directed learning, tutor-guided learning and synchronous online sessions. Asynchronous online content offers you the flexibility to study at a time that suits you best and caters to students in different time zones. It allows you to undertake self-directed independent learning using comprehensive online material. To aid your independent study, you’ll be provided with access to the University library and a wealth of electronic journals and textbooks. In addition, guided sessions such as synchronous online sessions provide real-time interaction and discussions with tutors and fellow students. The online material will include interactivity and opportunities to test your knowledge.

We encourage active learning through interactions, group discussions and team working opportunities, as well as problem-based learning sessions and case studies. This approach will enhance your existing knowledge and equip you with the skills needed to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world situations.

You’ll benefit from a teaching team with a diverse range of expertise, ranging from lecturers to professors, industry professionals, and trained postgraduate researchers. This mix of educators ensures exposure to an array of perspectives and connections to some of the brightest minds on campus.

Our cohorts typically comprise mostly international students, providing an enriching multicultural learning environment. Group work and collaborative learning opportunities are designed to capitalize on this diversity, enhancing your learning experience and fostering global connections and collaboration. We’re proud to offer a learning environment with innovative digital technologies, offering both the flexibility of self-directed online learning and the structured tutor guided online sessions, thus delivering an inclusive, engaging and active approach to learning.

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

A range of assessments are used on the course including essays, presentations, team and individual projects, individual presentations, OSCEs, multiple-choice questions and reflective logs.

The assessments used require you to critically evaluate topics and to form and express evidence-based opinions across a range of subjects. The variety of assessments used are fair and inclusive and will test different aspects of your ability to draw from both your existing practical experience and your academic knowledge. This will help you to develop and demonstrate your transferable skills and build confidence in your ability to communicate on defined subject areas.

Student choice is also a feature built into some of these assessments, allowing you to select topics that appeal to your interests. Examinations and OSCEs are used to assess student understanding and application of the knowledge gained throughout the course. These skills are applicable to real world scenarios, such as in the workplace, and helps students train for oral assessments in interview scenarios and fosters real-time thinking and troubleshooting. The use of reflective logs will allow you to document and showcase your experience and learning journey.

The range of assessment types used helps you develop skills relevant to you career and develop skills in critical evaluation, assessing evidence, being confident in formulating informed opinion and performing presentations.

Through this multi-faceted approach to learning, teaching and assessment we aim to develop broad understanding in the field of clinical embryology, reproductive science, embryology, andrology and assisted reproduction technology, while fostering an inclusive and active learning environment. We believe this approach will not only equip you with the necessary skills and knowledge for enhancing your career prospects and mobility in this sector, but also instill a sense of belonging and community among our students.

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 2024.

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: £14,500 (Total)

International: £14,500 (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

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.

There are no scholarships available specifically for this course.

Career opportunities

The PGDip in Clinical Embryology course is committed to providing a transformative educational experience that prepares you for successful career progression. This internationally recognised qualification provides enhanced academic and professional development opportunities for practitioners of clinical embryology. This course allows you to gain a wide breadth of knowledge that will give you confidence in your subject and skills that can be transferred to the workplace. You’ll 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 course intake comprises of embryologists, clinicians, reproductive technicians and reproductive scientists, who are typically working full time when they start the course. Enhancing mobility and success in the workplace are ingrained in the course. We aim to uphold the academic excellence and integrity that has made the University of Leeds postgraduate courses in clinical embryology so highly respected in the field.

The enhancement of academic understanding of clinical embryology gained through the course provides improved prospects for promotion in the workplace or mobility to other positions. This has allowed many former students to move on to more senior positions within their own clinics, including several laboratory directors. Some former students are now directing policy in the field of clinical embryology. Other students have gone on to open their own ART clinics.

Options for transfer to MSc: Transfer to MSc is an option for students who wish to extend their studies (subject to satisfactory performance in the PGDip modules). Many students that have initially embarked on the PGDip course have opted to transfer to the MSc and have completed the MSc successfully.