Clinical Embryology

The MSc course is based alongside Oxford Fertility in purpose-built premises at the Institute of Reproductive Sciences, Oxford Business Park, with dedicated state-of-the-art teaching and research facilities. The department’s intention is to inspire, motivate and train a network of future leaders in clinical embryology throughout the world.

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 following senior clinicians in the clinic, and embryologists in the IVF laboratory. You will also spend time with junior/trainee 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. 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 Women's and Reproductive Health and 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 examination (Michaelmas term), extended essay (Hilary term), written examination, dissertation and viva voce (Trinity term).

The allocation of graduate supervision for this course is the responsibility of the Nuffield Department of Women's and Reproductive Health and it is not always possible to accommodate the preferences of incoming graduate students to work with a particular member of staff. Under exceptional circumstances a supervisor may be found outside the Nuffield Department of Women's and Reproductive Health.

Graduates go on to pursue careers in clinical embryology, and further research activities in reproductive, biological and biomedical science, assisted reproduction, clinical academic work and industry.

Changes to this course and your supervision

The University will seek to deliver this course in accordance with the description set out in this course page. However, there may be situations in which it is desirable or necessary for the University to make changes in course provision, either before or after registration. In certain circumstances, for example due to visa difficulties or because the health needs of students cannot be met, it may be necessary to make adjustments to course requirements for international study.

Where possible your academic supervisor will not change for the duration of your course. However, it may be necessary to assign a new academic supervisor during the course of study or before registration for reasons which might include sabbatical leave, parental leave or change in employment.

For further information, please see our page on changes to courses.

Other courses you may wish to consider

Applicants are strongly advised to visit the Medical Sciences Graduate School website to help them identify the most suitable course and supervisors.

If you're thinking about applying for this course, you may also wish to consider the courses listed below. These courses may have been suggested due to their similarity with this course, or because they are offered by the same department or faculty.

All graduate courses offered by the Nuffield Department of Women's and Reproductive Health

Clinical Embryology MSc

Women's and Reproductive Health DPhil

Women's and Reproductive Health MSc by Research

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Entry requirements