Clinical Embryology PGDip

Course overview

The PGDip in Clinical Embryology is a part-time, fully online distance-learning course. It offers an internationally recognised qualification and provides superb academic and professional development opportunities for existing practitioners of clinical embryology.

Building on your existing knowledge and experience, the course offers advanced learning and establishes good practice in clinical embryology and Assisted Reproduction Technologies (ART). The course allows you to remain in full-time employment while you study and offers superb academic and professional development opportunities.

The course features a series of compulsory modules that you’ll work through progressively along a set timeline. Through these modules you’ll develop your knowledge of both the theory and practice of clinical embryology.

Modules cover the theory of reproductive biology; pathology and infertility; clinical andrology; clinical embryology and assisted reproduction technologies; fertility laboratories and their design and management; advanced ART practice; molecular embryology and genetic testing; controversial topics in ART and fertility cryopreservation.

You’ll learn from course leaders and tutors with many years of experience in training clinical embryologists, and from reproductive scientists. You’ll be taught by established clinical embryology practitioners and researchers in reproductive science, ensuring you’re up-to-date with the latest developments in the field.

The course provides a superb springboard to advance your career prospects within the workplace and demonstrating your value to prospective employers in the field of clinical embryology.

Designed for the working professional: The Leeds Clinical Embryology course is designed to allow the working professional to study while remaining in full-time employment. It is part-time and the schedule is designed to be manageable for working individuals.

Staff expertise and support: Our academic staff have 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. The course is supported by staff members who have many years of experience in assisting distance-learning students with their studies.

International community: An integral highlight of the course is the international networking opportunity it offers since our students are from a diverse range of backgrounds. You’ll connect with practitioners and fellow learners worldwide, fostering an enriching exchange of ideas and perspectives and allowing mutual sharing of expertise. This global network can be instrumental in shaping your career path and broadening your understanding of international practices in clinical embryology.

Interdisciplinary collaboration: The 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.

Groundbreaking research: Our faculty members are involved in world-leading research in fundamental and clinical research in areas related to gametes and preimplantation embryos, epigenetics, in vitro growth and maturation of oocytes, fertility preservation, uterine biology, and placental biology among other areas. This pioneering academic environment will help position you at the forefront of advancements in the field of reproductive science.

Applying

Entry requirements

A bachelor degree with a 2:2 (hons) in a biological or related science or equivalent qualification.

We will also consider applicants with appropriate or accredited experience within an embryological laboratory.

You should be employed in a laboratory practising clinical embryology and with an employer who supports you in allowing time for study.

You must also have access to email and the internet.

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

The PGDip in Clinical Embryology course is committed to providing a transformative educational experience that prepares you for successful career progression. This internationally recognised qualification provides enhanced academic and professional development opportunities for practitioners of clinical embryology. This course allows you to gain a wide breadth of knowledge that will give you confidence in your subject and skills that can be transferred to the workplace. You’ll also get the opportunity to network with an international group of ART practitioners, which is important for exchanging ideas on clinical practice and for career networking.

The course intake comprises of embryologists, clinicians, reproductive technicians and reproductive scientists, who are typically working full time when they start the course. Enhancing mobility and success in the workplace are ingrained in the course. We aim to uphold the academic excellence and integrity that has made the University of Leeds postgraduate courses in clinical embryology so highly respected in the field.

The enhancement of academic understanding of clinical embryology gained through the course provides improved prospects for promotion in the workplace or mobility to other positions. This has allowed many former students to move on to more senior positions within their own clinics, including several laboratory directors. Some former students are now directing policy in the field of clinical embryology. Other students have gone on to open their own ART clinics.

Options for transfer to MSc: Transfer to MSc is an option for students who wish to extend their studies (subject to satisfactory performance in the PGDip modules). Many students that have initially embarked on the PGDip course have opted to transfer to the MSc and have completed the MSc successfully.