Programme Description
Overview: The MSc/PGDip in Clinical Embryology is a part-time, fully online distance-learning programme that offers an internationally recognised qualification and provides superb academic and professional development opportunities for existing practitioners of Clinical Embryology. The programme offers advanced learning in clinical embryology and assisted reproduction technologies in a way that builds on the existing knowledge and experience of the students. The programme provides a superb springboard to advance career prospects within the workplace and demonstrating your value to prospective employers in the field of Clinical Embryology.
Programme Content
The CEDL programme covers the following areas:
- Theoretical foundations of human reproduction and infertility (PGDip and MSc).
- Clinical andrology (PGDip and MSc).
- Embryology in practice (PGDip and MSc).
- Advanced ART practice (PGDip and MSc).
- Fertility cryopreservation techniques (PGDip and MSc).
- Molecular embryology and genetic testing (PGDip and MSc).
- Research proposal development in clinical embryology (MSc programme only).
A Programme Designed for the Working Professional
The Leeds Clinical Embryology programme is designed to allow the working professional to study while remaining in full-time employment. The course is part-time, and the schedule is designed to be manageable for working individuals. You will engage with the programme through the University portal and virtual learning environment (VLE), Minerva.
Staff Expertise and Support
Our academic staff have many years of professional and research experience in the field of clinical embryology and reproduction, working as clinical embryologists and/or reproductive research scientists. You will therefore be taught by established clinical embryology practitioners and researchers in reproductive science, ensuring that you receive the latest evidence-based research in the field. The diverse specialisations of staff members, ranging from reproductive biology to assisted reproduction technologies, underpin the uniqueness of the course at Leeds. The Clinical Embryology programme has been running for over 25 years and accordingly, the programme team can offer a wealth of experience in assisting distance learning students.
International Community
An integral highlight of our programme is the international network it offers. As a student on the Clinical Embryology programme, you will join a diverse international community, which provides a global exchange of ideas and perspectives Our students 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 career paths, broadening the understanding of international practices in clinical embryology and for fostering international collaborations and other opportunities.
Interdisciplinary Collaboration
The programme is hosted by the Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine within the School of Medicine which has a rich, interdisciplinary teaching and research environment.
Ground-breaking Research
Our faculty members are involved in world-leading research in fundamental and clinical research in areas related to gametes and preimplantation embryos, 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.
Programme Delivery and Facilities for Online Learning
Flexibility: Most of this online programme operates asynchronously, offering significant flexibility for those studying whilst balancing full-time work commitments. The programme combines self-directed independent learning using online material via the University’s virtual learning environment, synchronous online sessions that are held with your tutors
, and there are also asynchronous tasks that can be performed in your own time.
Induction: The programme commences with synchronous online induction sessions at the beginning of the first year that will provide an induction to the programme and guidance to assist you in starting as an online distance learning student with the University of Leeds. You will also meet your academic tutors and support staff and interact with fellow students online.
Online Learning: After the online induction sessions, you will study the programme by accessing the online learning material for this programme using Minerva which is the University’s portal and virtual learning environment (VLE). This digital platform enables dynamic learning and communication within the programme and serves as an essential tool throughout your academic journey. Each module will be delivered via online module material that you will work through progressively along a defined timeline, including interactive learning material, online media, self-test questions and other forms of interactive online content relevant to the module learning objectives.
Tutor Support for Online Learning: Your learning journey for each module will be supported by the module manager in addition to other module tutors with whom you will interact with during a series of synchronous online sessions. Synchronous online sessions offer real-time interactions with the module tutors and with your fellow students. You will also engage with the programme via asynchronous formative learning tasks that are monitored by your tutors. These can be undertaken at a time that suits you.
Digital Resources and Facilities for Online Learning: In addition to the course online learning material on Minerva, to aid your independent study we provide you with access to the University library. The library features a wealth of resources to support your learning journey, providing electronic books (e-books) to enhance your learning experience. You will also have access to many online journals, allowing you to access the latest publications in embryology, reproductive science and many related fields. The University of Leeds has several specialist facilities for supporting your online learning experience including the Digital Education Service (DES), the facilities within the HELIX digital education service, in addition to faculty-specific Digital education managers.
Student choice
In several modules you will have flexibility to choose an assessment question to answer. In the MSc research proposal, the choice of research theme and research proposal that you undertake is in your hands, so that you can select the research topic that best matches your interests.
Student Experience Team
A comprehensive range of support services is offered by the University to assist students during their journey. The programme is supported by staff members from Student Experience Team and academic staff who have many years of experience in assisting distance-learning students through to graduation.
Skills Development: Building Your Professional Capabilities in the Workplace
The CEDL programme builds upon your current expertise and is structured to progressively develop a wide range of academic, and professional skills, ensuring you are well-equipped for career advancement. This programme will work in conjunction with your own professional skills, allowing you to develop the underpinning academic knowledge of your chosen field, to progress your career prospects and to demonstrate your value to prospective employers in the field of clinical embryology, reproductive technology and reproductive science.
In Year 1, you will build foundational skills in academic writing, information searching, referencing, time management skills, and skills relating to academic integrity while deepening your understanding of ethics in reproductive science through module assessments and taught sessions. This year will eq
ical knowledge across modules in reproductive sciences, clinical andrology and embryology in practice.
In Year 2, you will continue to further develop your academic skills across the range of taught modules. You will also focus on enhancing communication, collaboration and enterprise skills through projects and group work, such as your requirement to design an IVF clinic. For students on the MSc programme, you will further develop and refine your research and analytical skills by developing an independent written research proposal, showcasing your ability to integrate theoretical knowledge with practical application in a research proposal. This year will equip you with theoretical knowledge across modules in advanced ART practice, fertility preservation, molecular embryology and genetic testing. In addition, the MSc programme research proposal will develop your skills in the conception and planning of research studies.
(Distance Learning)
[Learning Outcomes, Transferable (Key) Skills, Assessment]
View Timetable
Candidates undertaking the PGDip programme will be required to study the following compulsory modules. There are no optional modules.
| Code | Title | Credits | Semester | Pass for Progression |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| REPR5280M | The Biology and Pathology of Reproduction (ODL) Online Distance Learning | 30 | Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) | PFP |
| REPR5281M | Clinical Andrology (ODL) Online Distance Learning | 15 | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | PFP |
| REPR5282M | Embryology in Practice (ODL) Online Distance Learning | 15 | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | PFP |
(Distance Learning)
[Learning Outcomes, Transferable (Key) Skills, Assessment]
View Timetable
Candidates undertaking the PGDip programme will be required to study the following compulsory modules. There are no optional modules.
| Code | Title | Credits | Semester | Pass for Progression |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| REPR5283M | Advanced ART Practice (ODL) | 30 | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | PFP |
| REPR5284M | Fertility Preservation (ODL) Online Distance Learning | 15 | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | PFP |
| REPR5285M | Molecular Embryology and Genetic Testing (ODL) | 15 | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | PFP |
Last updated: 20/06/2025 16:58:27
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team