MSc Reproduction and Development
Overview
This innovative blended learning programme will provide you with a comprehensive understanding and set of skills relevant to the exciting and important field of human reproduction and development. Please note, this programme is delivered mostly via distance learning, with a short period of time in Bristol (up to 3 weeks per year).
You will study fundamental systems, principles and processes, including the physiological basis and endocrine regulation of gamete formation, fertilisation, implantation and pregnancy.
From practicing clinical experts, you will learn about the symptoms, causes, and mechanisms of reproductive disease and dysfunction, as well as the clinical management of infertility, assisted conception, pregnancy complications and endocrine disorders. You will learn about and discuss cutting-edge academic and clinical research with internationally-recognised researchers. You will also develop your own research skills and be encouraged to think critically about the historical, social, political and legal context of current issues relevant to this exciting, fast-moving field.
Our interdisciplinary programme is designed to appeal to a wide range of postgraduate students. Our full-time and part-time study options allow students to work flexibly and balance your studies with other responsibilities.
A unique aspect of our programme is the combination of face-to-face teaching with web-based technology to support distance learning. Intensive teaching workshops are held online and in Bristol each year, delivered by expert academics, scientists and health professionals. These workshops are made up of lectures, research seminars, group work, and practical sessions that provide an overview of relevant laboratory methodologies and clinical practices. Teaching from the workshops is then augmented by innovative online materials, assignments and activities to help you to consolidate your learning.
An interesting variety of assessment activities will enable you to showcase and enhance your understanding and transferrable skills. For example, producing posters, infographics and delivering presentations will demonstrate your ability to communicate complex scientific and clinical information to a range of different stakeholders, including healthcare professionals, patients and research funders. Master's students will write a research dissertation based on their own in-depth exploration of the research literature around a focused topic related to reproduction and development.
Programme structure
The Master's programme is divided into six mandatory taught units and a research project unit. Students will complete a literature review, dissertation and an oral poster examination on this project over the duration of the programme.
The six taught units are comprised of interactive, synchronous (live) workshops followed by a period of independent asynchronous internet-based home study. Each taught unit equates to a one-week intensive teaching workshop. The first three taught units run in Autumn (September-October) each year as a live interactive online workshop. The next three units will run in Spring (March) as a face-to-face workshop in Bristol. There is no travel required for the Autumn workshops as these are exclusively delivered online, but students should ensure they are able to fully participate in all the scheduled teaching sessions that are timetabled (UK time) in this period. Attending the teaching workshop linked to each unit is compulsory for all students wishing to successfully complete that unit.
Students studying on a part-time basis will study the programme over two years as opposed to one year. This means part-time students will study half the units in the first year and half in the second year of the programme. For students enrolling part-time, the total length of workshop study should not exceed 10-weeks over two years.
Students will be expected to attend online and Bristol-based teaching workshops for a period of no more than two and a half weeks per workshop for the duration of the programme.
Visit our programme catalogue for full details of the structure and unit content for our:
Entry requirements
An upper second-class (or, exceptionally, a lower second class) honours degree (or international equivalent) in medicine, a biological or related science, nursing or midwifery.
See international equivalent qualifications on the International Office website.
Read the programme admissions statement for important information on entry requirements, the application process and supporting documents required.
If English is not your first language, you will need to reach the requirements outlined in our profile level E.
Further information about English language requirements and profile levels.
Fees and funding
- UK: full-time (MSc)
- £9,900 per year
- UK: part-time (two years) (MSc)
- £4,950 per year
- Overseas: full-time (MSc)
- £24,000 per year
- Overseas: part-time (two years) (MSc)
- £12,000 per year
- UK: full-time (PGDip)
- £7,920 per year
- Overseas: full-time (PGDip)
- £19,200 per year
- UK: full-time (PGCert)
- £3,960 per year
- Overseas: full-time (PGCert)
- £9,600 per year
Fees are subject to an annual review. For programmes that last longer than one year, please budget for up to an 8% increase in fees each year.
More about tuition fees, living costs and financial support.
Alumni discount
University of Bristol students and graduates can benefit from a 25% reduction in tuition fees for postgraduate study. Check your eligibility for an alumni discount.
Funding for 2023/24
Further information on funding for prospective UK and international postgraduate students.
Career prospects
Students on the programme come from a variety of countries and backgrounds; all have an interest in reproduction, infertility and development, or wish to pursue careers in these areas.
Clinical students follow the programme for progression and promotion in their discipline, or as a foundation qualification to specialise in IVF and infertility, or obstetrics and gynaecology. Our clinical graduates use knowledge and research skills to aid publication, develop their practice and enhance their expertise in reproductive medicine.
Scientific graduates go on to work in a clinical or diagnostic setting, training as Clinical Embryologists or Andrologists, through the NHS Scientific Training Programme. Our science graduates have also used this MSc as a springboard to non-clinical or clinical research and PhD studentships.
Contact us
- Contact
- Enquiries Team
- Phone
- +44 (0) 117 394 1649
- choosebristol-pg@bristol.ac.uk
- Faculties
- Schools