Program Overview

MSc in Clinical Embryology

The MSc in Clinical Embryology is a one-year, residential, taught program that provides advanced theoretical and practical training in human reproductive biology, embryology, infertility, and assisted reproductive technology (ART). The program includes hands-on laboratory skills and gamete micromanipulation techniques.

About the Course

The course is based at the Institute of Reproductive Sciences, Oxford Business Park, and offers a unique opportunity to study alongside TFP Oxford Fertility in purpose-built premises 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 worldwide.

Course Structure

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 or desk-based research project.

Attendance

The course is full-time and requires attendance in Oxford. Full-time students are subject to the University's Residence requirements. A variety of teaching methods are used to enhance and optimize student learning, including class lectures, group tutorials, laboratory practical classes, journal clubs, problem-based learning, workshops, and in-house demonstrations by visiting companies.

Resources to Support Your Study

As a graduate student, you will have access to the University's wide range of resources, including libraries, museums, galleries, digital resources, and IT services. The Bodleian Libraries is the largest library system in the UK, and you will be provided with a desk space within the postgraduate study room and encouraged to bring your own laptop. IT support is predominantly provided by the Medical Sciences Division IT Unit, based at the John Radcliffe Hospital, in addition to the University's IT Services.

Supervision

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. You will have the opportunity to receive individual mentorship by the Course Director and other members of the course staff throughout the course. You will also be allocated a Departmental Mentor (a senior member of the academic or clinical staff) and a Graduate Advisor within your college.

Assessment

Taught modules are assessed by a multiple-choice examination, extended essay, and written examination. The taught modules are assessed toward the end of the term in which they are delivered or at the beginning of the following term. The dissertation is assessed by a written thesis and viva voce examination at the end of the academic year.

Graduate Destinations

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.

Entry Requirements

• A first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honors in a subject related to biology, biomedical science, or a medical degree.
• Research or working experience in the area of assisted reproductive technology may be an advantage.
• Evidence of the relevance of the course to future career development plans may be an advantage.
• Publications are not expected but would be an advantage to the application.
• English language proficiency at the University's higher level.

Degree-Level Qualifications

As a minimum, applicants should hold or be predicted to achieve the following UK qualifications or their equivalent:

• A first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honors in a subject related to biology, biomedical science, or a medical degree.
• For applicants with a degree from the USA, the minimum overall GPA that is normally required to meet the undergraduate-level requirement is 3.5 out of 4.0.

English Language Proficiency

This course requires proficiency in English at the University's higher level. If your first language is not English, you may need to provide evidence that you meet this requirement. The minimum scores required to meet the University's higher level are detailed in the table below:

• IELTS Academic: 7.5 (with a minimum score of 7.0 per component)
• TOEFL iBT: 110 (with a minimum score of 22 in Listening, 24 in Reading, 25 in Speaking, and 24 in Writing)
• C1 Advanced: 191 (with a minimum score of 185 per component)
• C2 Proficiency: 191 (with a minimum score of 185 per component)
• Oxford Test of English Advanced: 165 (with a minimum score of 155 per component)

Funding

For entry in the academic year, the collegiate University expects to offer over 1,100 full or partial graduate scholarships across a wide range of graduate courses. Most scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic merit and/or potential.

Annual Course Fees

The fees for this course are charged on an annual basis. The annual course fees for the academic year are:

• Home: Ł36,920
• Overseas: Ł51,560

Additional Costs

As part of your course requirements, you may choose to attend national or international conferences in the field, such as Fertility (UK), or the European Society for Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE). If you choose to attend such meetings, you will have to cover all expenses related to your attendance, such as travel, accommodation, and registration fee. You will need to meet these additional costs yourself.

Living Costs

In addition to your course fees and any additional course-specific costs, you will need to ensure that you have adequate funds to support your living costs for the duration of your course. The range of likely living costs for a single, full-time student is between Ł1,405 and Ł2,105 for each month spent in Oxford.

College Preference

Students enrolled on this course will belong to both a department/faculty and a college. The following colleges accept students on the MSc in Clinical Embryology:

• Green Templeton College
• Jesus College
• Kellogg College
• Linacre College
• Lincoln College
• Reuben College
• St Anne's College
• St Catherine's College
• St Cross College
• St Edmund Hall
• St Hugh's College
• Somerville College
• Trinity College
• Wolfson College
• Wycliffe Hall

How to Apply

You should refer to the information below when completing the application form, paying attention to the specific requirements for the supporting documents. For this course, the application form will include questions that collect information that would usually be included in a CV/résumé. You should not upload a separate document.

Referees

Three overall, of which at least two must be academic. Your references will support intellectual ability, academic achievement, motivation, and ability to work in a group.

Official Transcript(s)

Your transcripts should give detailed information of the individual grades received in your university-level qualifications to date. You should only upload official documents issued by your institution, and any transcript not in English should be accompanied by a certified translation.

Statement of Purpose

A maximum of 500 words. Your statement should describe why you wish to pursue the MSc in Clinical Embryology and how the course might influence your future career prospects. It should be written in English. This will be assessed for your reasons for applying to, and suitability for, this course, your ability to present a coherent case in proficient English, your commitment to the subject, beyond the requirements of the degree course, evidence of motivation for, and knowledge of, assisted reproduction, and your capacity for sustained and intense work.