Clinical Embryology and Assisted Reproduction Technology MSc

Course overview

The MSc 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 for 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.

This course has a strong laboratory focus that will expose you to specialist laboratory techniques used in human and animal embryology, andrology and ART and reproductive research. The MSc culminates with the development of a unique research labratory portfolio that integrates your theoretical understanding with your research and laboratory training through the conduct of an original research proposal.

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.

Practical mastery and applied learning: One of the flagship elements of our CEART MSc course is its strong emphasis on hands-on, laboratory-based learning experiences. Our state-of-the-art teaching and research laboratory facilities provide an unparalleled setting for students to apply theoretical concepts in a practical context. These opportunities help solidify foundational knowledge and offer invaluable experience and exposure to methodologies and technologies currently shaping the field of reproductive science and assisted conception treatments. Whether it is honing techniques such as IVF, ICSI, gamete handling or cryopreservation, you'll acquire and refine the practical skills that are directly applicable in a professional setting. This unique blend of theory and practice sets our course apart and ensures you are well prepared for a future career in reproductive science, clinical embryology, clinical andrology and assisted reproduction technology.

Interdisciplinary collaboration: The CEART MSc 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.

Staff Expertise and Support: Our academic staff have many years of professional and research experience in the field of clinical embryology and reproduction. Their diverse specialisations, ranging from reproductive biology to assisted reproduction technologies, underpin the uniqueness of the course at Leeds. Their insights and guidance will significantly enrich your learning experience. You will be assigned an academic personal tutor who will guide and advise you across the duration of the programme.

Groundbreaking research: Our faculty members participate 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 MSc course has the potential to have a direct and profound effect on people's lives. It 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 MSc course you’ll be well-prepared for a variety of fulfilling careers within the fields of reproductive science, assisted human reproduction, the veterinary embryo transfer industry, tissue banking, and other areas that require ART skills such as the conservation of rare species. The course’s blend of theoretical and practical training gives students the knowledge and skills to excel in professional environments, being able to understand situations and react accordingly.

Embryologist, andrologist and reproductive technologist: Students 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. Careers of this nature all involve delivery of different aspects of fertility treatments and assisted reproduction technologies in humans and animal species. This may involve performing tasks such as gamete handling, IVF and ICSI, embryo transfer, cryopreservation of gametes and embryos, and preimplantation genetic testing in humans or animals. Many former students have entered into these positions successfully in various clinics internationally and in the UK.

Research scientist and laboratory technician: Those interested in employment in this capacity would expect to conduct and support research delivery in different areas of reproductive sciences and other branches of biology, or cellular and molecular sciences. The rigorous research and laboratory training provided in the course will equip you for these posts, which are based in university research laboratories, research institutions, or within the pharmaceutical industry.

Further study: Many of our graduates choose to continue their academic journey by enrolling in doctoral research courses. Our graduates have pursued their PhDs in different branches of reproductive science and reproductive medicine at the University of Leeds and at other universities worldwide.