Clinical Embryology PGDip

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.

Develop and connect

By studying with our leading experts, you’ll have the chance to significantly enhance your subject understanding. We’re also commited 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

It was the first web-based MSc course in clinical embryology, established in 2000.

Since then over 300 students, from around 40 countries, have attended. The course was developed by the Division of Reproduction and Early Development in association with Leeds Fertility at the Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust.

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).

(In view of the current COVID-19 pandemic we will assess the situation with workshops closer to the time that they run and may need to replace the workshops in Leeds with online activities).

Watch our recent international student webinar recording for Sep 2021/22 entry

Watch a recording of our recent School of Medicine webinar which highlights our MSc/PGDip Clinical Embryology (Distance Learning) postgraduate course to prospective students from around the world. The Programme Lead – Dr John Huntriss provides a useful overview of the course; the modules and course structure; the distance learning study format; academic staff information; and some details about the entry criteria.

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.

Modules

Year 1

Year 2

<p><a href="http://webprod3.leeds.ac.uk/catalogue/dynprogrammes.asp?Y=202021&amp;P=PGD-CLIN%2FEMB">For more information and a full list of typical modules available on this course, please read Clinical Embryology PGDip in the course catalogue</a></p>

Learning and teaching

You’ll learn through a combination of:

• “core” lectures and practical sessions at face-to-face workshops – (In view of the current COVID-19 pandemic we will assess the situation with workshops closer to the time that they run and may need to replace the workshops in Leeds with online activities).

• self-directed learning, using web-based and printed resources and the University library.

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.

Day to day contact with your tutors and fellow-students is through email and online discussion rooms.

In view of the current COVID-19 pandemic we will assess the situation with workshops closer to the time that they run and may need to replace the workshops in Leeds with online activities.

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 course work and formal examination.

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 are now offering online pre-sessionals alongside our on-campus pre-sessionals.  To find out more, read Online Academic English pre-sessional (10 weeks) and Online Academic English pre-sessional (6 weeks).

Read about differences between our online and on-campus summer pre-sessionals.

If you need to study for longer than 10 weeks, read more about our postgraduate pre-sessional English course.

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 30 June 2022

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.

Apply

This link 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 2022

Fees

• UK: £11,833 (total)
• International: £11,833 (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 about additional costs.

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.

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.