Clinical Embryology

This one year, residential, taught MSc provides graduate students, scientists and clinicians with highly advanced theoretical and practical understanding of human reproductive biology, embryology, infertility and assisted reproductive technology (ART) along with intensive ‘hands-on’ practical training in essential laboratory skills and the sophisticated gamete micromanipulation techniques associated with ART. 

The course runs over a period of one year, from October to September, incorporating the three University of Oxford terms: Michaelmas, Hilary and Trinity. 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.

The department places significant emphasis on the acquisition of practical laboratory skills. A particular strength of the course is that you will be trained individually on micromanipulation and laser biopsy equipment using training beads, mouse oocytes, human sperm and surplus human oocytes when available. You will spend significant amounts of time with Oxford Fertility (OF) following senior clinicians in the clinic, and embryologists in the IVF laboratory. You will also spend time with junior/trainee OF embryologists to discuss career options, writing CVs and preparing for interviews and you will meet visiting clinicians and embryologists from other leading UK IVF clinics, such as Hammersmith IVF Unit. The department’s staff will also provide significant insight into the legal issues surrounding ART, along with quality management, ethics and ISO-accreditation. You will 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.

The course is taught primarily by senior members of staff from the Nuffield Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and from Oxford Fertility. A variety of teaching methods are used to enhance and optimise student learning: class lectures, group tutorials, laboratory practical classes, self-directed learning, problem based learning and in-house demonstrations by visiting companies. You will also attend lectures given by visiting scientists who are world experts in their field. You will be assessed by a multiple choice qualifying examination (Michaelmas Term), extended essay (Hilary Term), written examination and dissertation viva voce (Trinity Term).

Applicants are normally expected to be predicted or have achieved a first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours (or equivalent international qualifications), as a minimum, in a subject related to biology, biomedical science or a medical degree.

For applicants with a degree from the USA, the minimum GPA sought is 3.5 out of 4.0.

If you hold non-UK qualifications and wish to check how your qualifications match these requirements, you can contact the National Recognition Information Centre for the United Kingdom (UK NARIC).

No Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or GMAT scores are sought.

However, entrance is very competitive and most successful applicants have a first-class degree, a GPA of 3.7 or the equivalent.

Other appropriate indicators will include:

• Official transcript(s)
• CV/résumé
• Statement of purpose/personal statement:500 words
• References/letters of recommendation:Three overall, of which at least two must be academic

Scholarships

• Global Education
• Hill Foundation Scholarships