MSc Clinical Embryology

The MSc in Clinical Embryology has been developed by the Division of Reproduction and Early Development at the University of Leeds in association with the Leeds Centre for Reproductive Medicine at the Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust. The programme provides a high standard of education in clinical embryology, academic and professional development for embryologists, clinical scientists and clinicians working in the field through a recognised qualification which will contribute to consistency in the theory and practice of clinical embryology.

Who is the programme for?Professionals in full-time employment in the field of Reproductive Medicine.

What will you gain from the programme?n Advanced learning of topics and issues

related to Clinical Embryology in a programme which builds on the specific and generic outcomes of degree programmes in a wide range of specialisms (Medicine, Biological Sciences, etc)

n An in-depth understanding of the molecular and endocrinological control of human reproduction, gametogenesis, fertilisation and early embryonic development, embryonic stem cells, epigenetics, and the causes and management of infertility

n Knowledge of how to design, establish and maintain an IVF laboratory incorporating quality assurance and quality management systems

n Critical evaluation of tissue culture systems for IVF and embryo culture, including the latest methods used in embryo selection

n A comprehensive knowledge of assisted fertilisation techniques including micromanipulation

n The ability to evaluate the latest developments in cryopreservation and vitrification of oocytes, spermatozoa, zygotes and cleavage and blastocyst stage embryos as well as ovarian and testicular biopsies

n An understanding of the ethical issues involved in infertility treatment, the HFE Act and HFEA code of practice

n The experience of designing a research proposal related to the field of ART which includes a critical review of the relevant literature, development of a research hypothesis, presentation of preliminary evidence to support the hypothesis, choice and justification of the appropriate investigative methodology and resources required.

Level Module Credits

Compulsory modules for Postgraduate Diploma and MSc

Fundamentals of Clinical Embryology

45

IVF & Embryo Culture 35

Micromanipulation 15

Cryobiology and Cryopreservation

15

Ethics and Law for Embryologists

10

Masters (MSc) Research Project in Clinical Embryology

60

Level Module Credits

Modules for Postgraduate Diploma and Masters (MSc)

Fundamentals of Clinical Embryology

45

IVF & Embryo Culture

35

Micromanipulation 15

Cryobiology and Cryopreservation

15

Ethics and Law for Embryologists

10

Masters in Science (MSc)

Research Project in Clinical Embryology

60

Career prospectsDesigned for professionals in the field of Reproductive Medicine, students will gain a nationally recognised qualification that will enhance knowledge in the subject of embryology and help to establish good practice in the field of Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART). It will enrich the professional and academic development of clinical embryologists, and has led to promotion to more senior posts for many alumni.

kEy FACTSSTART DATE: October

APPLICATION DEADLINE: May

ATTENDANCE MODE: Distance-learning

DURATION: Diploma 19 months MSc 24 months

OPEN TO INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS? Yes

ENTRy REqUIREMENTS: An honours degree (or international equivalent) ideally in a biological science or a related science degree. Applicants with appropriate or accredited experience within an embryological laboratory will also be considered. Candidates should be employed in a laboratory practising clinical embryology with an employer expressing support in allocation of free time for study.

IELTS SCORE: 6.5 or equivalent with no less than 6.0 in every sub-band

HOW TO APPLy: Apply online – www.leeds.ac.uk/students/apply.htm

Download application form – www.leeds.ac.uk/tp_application_form

Request an application form: Taught Postgraduate Admissions University of Leeds, 17 Blenheim Terrace Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK

Tel: +44 (0)113 3434044

Email: tp_applications@leeds.ac.uk

FEES: Please refer to our website for the latest fee information

PROGRAMME DIRECTOR: Professor Helen Picton

CONTACT FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: Christine Sykes Tel: +44 (0)113 3438324 Email: clinembmsc@leeds.ac.uk Website: www.clinicalembryology.net and www.leeds.ac.uk/light/study/taught-postgraduate/msc-clinical-embryology/

SPECIAL FEATURESONLINE – The course was established in 2000, as the first web-based MSc degree course in Clinical Embryology. The part-time, distance learning format allows applicants in full-time employment to acquire an MSc degree.

WORkSHOPS – Three week-long workshops are held in Leeds over the two-year programme, at which students are assigned a personal tutor, meet the staff and fellow students, attend lectures and participate in practical sessions, seminars and discussion groups for a truly interactive experience.

Although it was distance-learning, I never felt that I was away from the classroom as all the professors and tutors were just an e-mail away, were encouraging and supportive and always responded promptly. I would definitely recommend this course to those who wish to gain a wider and deeper understanding of human reproduction and to implement the knowledge in the embryology lab. Reena Gupta.

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