Clinical embryologist Rebecca Swann’s academic background in equine science might seem unusual for someone specialising in human reproduction, but her route after graduation led her to consider embryology as a career. Here’s how it happened.

“I’ve always been interested in stud work and laboratory work,” said Rebecca. “Between the 2nd and 3rd years of my undergraduate degree, I spent nine months in a veterinary diagnostics laboratory and six months in stud to gain valuable work experience. Then I focused my dissertation on the relationship between diet and the quality of semen in horses.”

After graduation, Rebecca got a job at an equine veterinary hospital as their only laboratory and MRI technician.

“I have always been keen to expand my knowledge and develop a career for myself. Originally, I was planning to work in a diagnostics laboratory and was looking into qualifications that would help in this field, but then I came across the role of the embryologist. The job description appealed to me immediately – I thought ‘that’s me!’ ”

Rebecca was advised by other embryologists to get an additional qualification to help her application stand out from the crowd, which is when she decided to apply for an MSc in Reproduction and Development, a distance-learning master’s programme offered by the University of Bristol.

“I felt the Bristol course would give me knowledge about the scientific background of human reproduction and the problem of infertility treatment and management,” Rebecca explained. “I wanted to make sure I felt confident with all human aspects as I had only been exposed to the animal side of things before. I was attracted by the programme being delivered online, which meant that I was able to keep costs down and stay at home for a year.”

“It’s also given me the confidence to discuss all aspects of fertility, as I’m now able to understand and apply the science behind it,” she adds.

Offering a ‘blended learning approach’ — a mixture of online tuition and workshops — the programme is purposefully flexible, attracting students who may already be working or who have family or other commitments. Tuition is delivered primarily online through a dynamic e-learning interface, where students can access video lectures and tutorials, presentations and seminars, wherever and whenever they like. There are a number of assignments during the year – ranging from multiple choice questions to essays, all of which are submitted online. In addition, workshops are held at the university, providing students a chance to meet each other, face to face.

“I feel that this programme has been an integral stepping stone for me to achieve my goal of working as an embryologist,” said Rebecca. “During my studies, I also made sure that I got involved in a range of other activities, such as attending conferences, work placements and networking events, to broaden my knowledge and experience.”

“I know that if I had not been on this course I would not have had the confidence to discuss the subject and answer the questions posed to me during the interview for my dream job. I got the job and also managed to balance this and the full time course for the final three months,” she concludes smiling.