Clinical Embryology (Taught)

The information provided on this page was correct at the time of publication (November 2025). For complete and up-to-date information about this course, please visit the relevant University of Oxford course page via www.graduate.ox.ac.uk/ucas.

This one year, residential, taught MSc provides highly advanced theoretical and practical training in human reproductive biology, embryology, infertility and ART, including hands-on laboratory skills and gamete micromanipulation techniques.

The MSc course offers graduate students, scientists, and clinicians intensive, hands-on practical training in essential laboratory skills and the sophisticated gamete micromanipulation techniques associated with ART.

You will be based alongside TFP Oxford Fertility in purpose-built premises at the Institute of Reproductive Sciences, Oxford Business Park, 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 throughout the world.

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.

The department places significant emphasis on the acquisition of practical laboratory skills. A particular strength of the course is that you will be trained individually on micromanipulation and laser biopsy equipment using training beads, mouse oocytes and human sperm. You will spend time with TFP Oxford Fertility following senior clinicians in the clinic, and embryologists in the IVF laboratory. You will also meet visiting clinicians and embryologists from other leading UK IVF clinics. The department’s staff will also provide significant insight into the legal issues surrounding ART, along with quality management, ethics and ISO-accreditation. You will attend professional development classes covering a wide range of topics including IT skills, communication and presentation skills, statistics and experimental design.

The course is taught primarily by senior members of staff from the Nuffield Department of Women's & Reproductive Health and TFP Oxford Fertility.