Clinical Embryology and Assisted Reproduction Technology MSc

Course overview

The reproductive sciences offer a unique opportunity to make an enormous difference through your work. Taught by the expert team in the Leeds Institute of Genetics, Health and Therapeutics, this vocational training course is for recent biology, biomedical, biochemistry and medical graduates wanting to develop a career in the field.

The course is designed to instill detailed knowledge of underpinning theory and practices and is a laboratory-based science degree not a clinically-based infertility treatment course, providing a thorough preparation to work within clinical embryology and assisted reproductive technology and or the associated reproductive sciences.

Make an impact

Our course is designed to provide the breadth of theoretical and practical training needed to prepare you for a career working in a field that gives you the chance to make a real difference to people’s lives. You’ll be instructed by leading experts who bring the latest research findings into their teaching.

Course highlights

Some specific areas of study within the course include:

• gamete biology
• andrology
• embryology
• infertility
• gamete handling
• IVF
• ICSI
• embryo culture
• gamete and embryo cryopreservation
• PGD

You'll also interact with established clinical embryologists and reproductive medicine specialists.

The course has been developed by the Reproduction and Early Development Research Group within the Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine. It is run in association with senior clinicians, embryologists and andrologists working at IVF Units across the UK. The course 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.

Course details

Through a series of compulsory modules, you’ll learn about:

• cell and molecular biology of human reproduction, fertility, andrology and embryology

• management and efficient running of an ART laboratory

• the practices, genetic and epigenetic concepts of micromanipulation and techniques, such as intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) and pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD)

• advances in cryobiology and its application to gamete and embryo freezing and fertility preservation.

The course also gives you valuable insights into the theory underpinning clinical treatments and the ethical and legal controversies surrounding assisted reproduction in humans.

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 and Assisted Reproduction Technology MSc in the course catalogue

Year 1 compulsory modules

Learning and teaching

The course is delivered using a blended learning approach, which combines lectures, seminars, tutorials, interactive group discussions, presentations and problem-based-learning sessions or case studies, and 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 electronic versions of all module workbooks, as appropriate.

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

Course assessments will include essays, presentations, projects, practical log books, a research dissertation and examinations.

Applying

Entry requirements

A bachelor degree with a 2:2 (hons) in an appropriate biological, biomedical or veterinary science subject, medicine or healthcare sciences, or equivalent qualification.

Your experience in laboratory related settings will be considered but you do not have to demonstrate any set number of hours or competency.

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. You could study a part-time online course starting in January, or a full-time course in summer. Find out more about online pre-sessionals.

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, experience and demonstration of vocational intent. The number of places is limited. Applications may close before the deadline date if numbers accepted reach capacity.

The deadline to submit an application is 31^st May 2023

One reference is required at the point of application from a discipline related to the course you are applying to. If you are a recent graduate, the reference should be an academic referee. 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 your reasons for wishing to undertake the course. 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 2023

This course is taught by

School of Medicine

Contact us

School of Medicine Postgraduate Admissions

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

Fees

UK: £17,500 (total)

International: £35,000 (total)

Read more about paying fees and charges.

For fees information for international taught postgraduate students, read Masters fees.

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 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.

Career opportunities

The Clinical Embryology and Associated Reproductive Technology MSc equips graduates to pursue a career in human assisted reproduction (eg clinical embryology, infertility treatment) or research in the reproductive sciences. Students have also gone on to PhD research within the International PhD Academy in Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disease here at Leeds).

Careers support

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.

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