IVF > Embryology courses > MSc - Full Time

MSc in Clinical Embryology, University of Oxford, UK.

A one-year residential course in human reproduction and ART.

Clinical embryology is a relatively young branch of science that has undergone enormous expansion over recent years as infertility treatment has developed. In line with increasing demand for appropriately trained personnel, this new one year, residential, taught MSc was designed to provide graduate students, scientists and clinicians with highly advanced theoretical and practical understanding of human reproductive biology, embryology, infertility and assisted reproductive technology (ART). Administered by the Nuffield Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (http://www.obs-gyn.ox.ac.uk/), in association with the Oxford Fertility Unit (http://www.oxfordfertilityunit.com/default.aspx), our MSc will fully prepare students for employment within the clinical embryology/ART sector. Our broad intention is to inspire, motivate and train a network of future leaders in clinical embryology throughout the world. Additionally, our students will benefit from intensive training in a range of essential laboratory skills highly suitable for a research career in reproductive science. The course commenced in autumn 2008 and is based alongside  the Oxford Fertility Unit in the  purpose-built Institute for Reproductive Sciences, located on the Oxford Business Park, not far from the John Radcliffe Hospital.

The course runs over a period of one year, from October to September, incorporating the three University of Oxford terms: Michaelmas, Hilary and Trinity (http://www.ox.ac.uk/about_the_university/university_year/dates_of_term.html). 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 laboratory research project. We place significant emphasis on the acquisition of practical laboratory skills. Students will receive individual training on micromanipulation equipment and benefit from watching and discussing live video commentaries of clinical procedures on human gametes and embryos taking place within the Oxford Fertility Unit's laboratories. Our students will also attend professional development seminars covering a wide range of topics including medical ethics, business and management skills, communication and presentation skills, intellectual property and experimental design.

Requirements:
Applicants must have a minimum 2:1 degree (or equivalent for non-UK students) in a clinical or scientific subject related to the field of clinical embryology.