Clinical Embryology and Assisted Reproduction Technology PGDip

Course overview

The PGDip in Clinical Embryology and Assisted Reproduction Technology (ART) is a full-time, specialised, vocational course that offers a unique opportunity to study and prepare for a rewarding career in a dynamic field that carries the potential to transform lives. The course is designed to appeal to recent graduates in biology, biomedical science, biochemistry, and medical or nursing disciplines who aspire to make a significant impact in clinical embryology, andrology and assisted reproduction technology.

The course covers the theory of reproductive biology, pathology and infertility, clinical andrology, clinical embryology and assisted reproduction technologies, fertility laboratories and their design and management, molecular embryology and genetic testing, controversial topics in ART, and fertility cryopreservation.

You’ll learn from tutors with extensive experience in training clinical embryologists and reproductive scientists and interact with clinical embryology practitioners and IVF specialists.

The course will provide you with a superb springboard to develop further in your chosen field, whether you envision a future in research, public sector work, or its commercial application. It will allow you to progress your career prospects and demonstrate your value to prospective employers in the field of clinical embryology, reproductive technology and reproductive science.

Applied learning: Our CEART PGDip course provides a unique blend of established theory with research-led teaching that ensures you are well prepared for a future career in reproductive science, clinical embryology, clinical andrology and assisted reproduction technology.

Interdisciplinary collaboration: The CEART PGDip course is hosted by the Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine within the School of Medicine which fosters a rich, interdisciplinary teaching and research environment. You'll have the unique opportunity to work alongside and learn from world-renowned reproductive scientists, senior embryology practitioners, reproductive medicine clinicians, and scientists with other areas of expertise, drawing from their varied expertise to gain a comprehensive understanding of the field.

Groundbreaking research: Our faculty members are involved in world-leading research in areas including gamete and embryo biology, imprinting and epigenetics, the in vitro growth and maturation of oocytes, fertility preservation, and uterine and placental biology. This pioneering academic environment will help position you at the forefront of advancements in the field of reproductive science, embryology and ART.

International community: A course highlight is the international network opportunity it offers, with students from a diverse range of backgrounds. This global network can be instrumental in shaping your career path and broadening your understanding of international practices in clinical embryology, clinical andrology and ART.

Real-world impact: Unlike many academic courses, the CEART PGDip course has the potential to have a direct and profound effect on people's lives. This course is designed for those who not only wish to excel in their scientific pursuits but also yearn to make a tangible difference in the world.

Applying

Entry requirements

A bachelor degree with a 2:1 (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. Find out more about our six week online pre-sessional and our 10 week online pre-sessional.

You can also study pre-sessionals for longer periods – read about our postgraduate pre-sessional English courses.

Career opportunities

As a graduate of the CEART PGDip course you’ll be well-prepared for a variety of fulfilling career paths within the fields of reproductive science, assisted human reproduction, the veterinary embryo transfer industry, tissue banking, and other areas that require ART knowledge such as conservation of rare species. The course’s theoretical training gives students the knowledge to excel in professional environments.

Embryologist, andrologist and reproductive technologist: Students moving on from the PGDip and interested in developing a career in these specialisms will be employed either in public or private human infertility clinics, associated satellite industries, such as donor tissue banks, or they will work in the veterinary embryo transfer industry.

Research scientist and laboratory technician: Those interested in employment in this capacity would expect to conduct and support research delivery in different areas of for example reproductive sciences and other branches of biology, or cellular and molecular sciences which are based in university research laboratories, research institutions, or within the pharmaceutical industry.

Further Study: Many of our graduates have pursued further study in different branches of reproductive science and reproductive medicine at the University of Leeds and at other universities worldwide.