Reproductive Sciences MScR

This one-year, full-time MSc by Research programme aims to introduce you to modern, up-to-date molecular and cellular biological research in the field of:

• reproductive sciences
• reproductive health
• reproductive medicine

You will study in a stimulating, challenging and vibrant research atmosphere, at the interface between basic science and clinical patient care.

Who this programme is for

The programme is intended for high-calibre students with biological science, medical or veterinary backgrounds.

An interview with the programme director is required prior to making your application to ensure this programme meets your academic aims.

Research topics and themes

The main components of the programme are two 20-week research projects, performed on a very wide range of research fields within the reproductive sciences.

Topics that can be offered include using a wide range of models and in human, studying a number of important problems associated with human reproductive health and disease in:

• testis
• ovary
• the uterus during the menstrual cycle and throughout pregnancy and labour
• the fetus and neonate
• fetal programming resulting in increased risk of chronic disease in adulthood

The Centre for Reproductive Health has arranged its research under four themes:

1. Gonadal function - Including prenatal gonad and germ cell development; spermatogenesis; oocyte maturation and competence; and fertility preservation.
2. Sexual health - Including contraception; abortion care; and cervical cancer screening
3. Pregnancy and early life - Including stillbirth and preterm birth; and in-utero programming
4. Menstrual health - Including pelvic pain and heavy menstrual bleeding; endometriosis, adenomyosis and fibroids; and reproductive cancer

These theme titles illustrate some of the remarkable properties that make reproductive systems such relevant and powerful models for translational studies across a wide spectrum of human diseases and pathologies in other systems.

Links with other research centres

The programme is based at the Centre for Regenerative Medicine (CRH).

The Centre is part of the University of Edinburgh’s Institute for Regeneration and Repair (IRR). Our scientists and clinicians study gonadal function, sexual health, menstrual health, and pregnancy and early life.

Student projects and activities are organised with other centres based within IRR, reflecting the interdisciplinary research environment, where students and trainees are regarded as the ‘lifeblood’ for the future.

(Revised 9 October 2024 to update other research centres content)

These entry requirements are for the 2025/26 academic year and requirements for future academic years may differ. Entry requirements for the 2026/27 academic year will be published on 1 Oct 2025.

A UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent, in a relevant biological, medicine or veterinary medicine discipline.

International qualifications

Check whether your international qualifications meet our general entry requirements:

• Entry requirements by country

English language requirements

Regardless of your nationality or country of residence, you must demonstrate a level of English language competency which will enable you to succeed in your studies.

English language tests

We accept the following English language qualifications at the grades specified:

• IELTS Academic: total 6.5 with at least 6.0 in each component. We do not accept IELTS One Skill Retake to meet our English language requirements.
• TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition): total 92 with at least 20 in each component. We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements.
• C1 Advanced (CAE) / C2 Proficiency (CPE): total 176 with at least 169 in each component.
• Trinity ISE: ISE II with distinctions in all four components.
• PTE Academic: total 65 with at least 59 in each component. We do not accept PTE Academic Online.
• Oxford ELLT: 7 overall with at least 6 in each component.

Unless you are a national of a majority English speaking country, your English language qualification must be no more than three and a half years old from the start of the month in which the programme you are applying to study begins. If you are using an IELTS, PTE Academic, TOEFL, Trinity ISE, or Oxford ELLT test, it must be no more than two years old on the first of the month in which the programme begins, regardless of your nationality. (Revised 14 January 2025 to include Oxford ELLT.)

Degrees taught and assessed in English

We also accept an undergraduate or postgraduate degree that has been taught and assessed in English in a majority English speaking country, as defined by UK Visas and Immigration:

• UKVI list of majority English speaking countries

We also accept a degree that has been taught and assessed in English from a university on our list of approved universities in non-majority English speaking countries (non-MESC).

• Approved universities in non-MESC

If you are not a national of a majority English speaking country, then your degree must be no more than five years old at the beginning of your programme of study.

Find out more about our language requirements:

• English language requirements

Academic Technology Approval Scheme

If you are not an EU, EEA or Swiss national, you may need an Academic Technology Approval Scheme clearance certificate in order to study this programme.

• Academic Technology Approval Scheme

This programme is the ideal route for those wishing to embark on a PhD, or explore a PhD as a career option, or in a technical laboratory role, in the field of reproductive sciences and health, or spanning the biosciences, clinical and veterinary fields.

The broad range of skills gained is also readily transferable into careers at the clinical-laboratory interface and in the broader biosciences industry opportunities.

This programme does not amount to specific training to become a clinical embryologist.