The University of Edinburgh – College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine
Reproductive Sciences MScR
Edinburgh, United Kingdom
MSc
DURATION
1 year
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
25 Jul 2025
EARLIEST START DATE
08 Sep 2025
TUITION FEES
GBP 37,300 / per year *
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* for international/EU | for scotland and rest of UK: GBP 10,400
Key Summary
This one-year, full-time MSc by Research programme aims to introduce you to modern, up-to-date molecular and cellular biological research in the field of:
- Reproductive sciences
- Reproductive health
- Reproductive medicine
You will study in a stimulating, challenging and vibrant research atmosphere, at the interface between basic science and clinical patient care.
Research topics and themes
The main components of the programme are two 20-week research projects, performed on a very wide range of research fields within the reproductive sciences.
Topics that can be offered include using a wide range of models and inhuman, studying a number of important problems associated with human reproductive health and disease in:
- Testis
- Ovary
- The uterus during the menstrual cycle and throughout pregnancy and labour
- The fetus and neonate
- Fetal programming results in an increased risk of chronic disease in adulthood
The Centre for Reproductive Health has arranged its research under four themes:
- Gonadal function - Including prenatal gonad and germ cell development; spermatogenesis; oocyte maturation and competence; and fertility preservation.
- Sexual health - Including contraception; abortion care; and cervical cancer screening
- Pregnancy and early life - Including stillbirth preterm birth; and in-utero programming
- Menstrual health - Including pelvic pain and heavy menstrual bleeding; endometriosis, adenomyosis and fibroids; and reproductive cancer
These theme titles illustrate some of the remarkable properties that make reproductive systems such relevant and powerful models for translational studies across a wide spectrum of human diseases and pathologies in other systems.
Links with other research centres
The programme is based at the Centre for Regenerative Medicine (CRH).
The Centre is part of the University of Edinburgh’s Institute for Regeneration and Repair (IRR). Our scientists and clinicians study gonadal function, sexual health, menstrual health, and pregnancy and early life.
Student projects and activities are organised with other centres based within IRR, reflecting the interdisciplinary research environment, where students and trainees are regarded as the ‘lifeblood’ of the future.
The program is intended for high-caliber students with biological science, medical or veterinary backgrounds.
An interview with the program director is required prior to making your application to ensure this program meets your academic aims.
This programme is the ideal route for those wishing to embark on a PhD, or explore a PhD as a career option, or in a technical laboratory role, in the field of reproductive sciences and health, or spanning the biosciences, clinical and veterinary fields.
The broad range of skills gained is also readily transferable into careers at the clinical laboratory interface and in the broader biosciences industry opportunities.
This programme does not amount to specific training to become a clinical embryologist.
The program provides a core grounding in basic science and interlinked medical aspects of reproductive sciences.
It is delivered by undertaking a two-week basic core laboratory skills training course, followed by gaining practical experience by performing two 20-week laboratory-based research projects.
Research projects
These research projects provide you with hands-on laboratory experience and training in a wide range of up-to-date techniques in molecular and cellular biology.
Skills development
You also gain a wide range of generic professional and scientific skills such as developing effective communication skills, and scientific writing through project reports and a grant application.
Lectures and seminars
Alongside the project work, there is a series of lecture modules and seminars delivered by internationally recognized experts in the field, together with both staff- and student-led small-group tutorials.
Compulsory courses
- CMVM Scientific Academic Writing
- Research Proposal (Reproductive Biology)
- Reproductive Sciences Project I
- Reproductive Sciences Project II
- Reproductive mechanisms and systems
Funding for postgraduate study is different to undergraduate study, and many students need to combine funding sources to pay for their studies.
Most students use a combination of the following funding to pay their tuition fees and living costs:
- Borrowing money
- Taking out a loan
- Family support
- Taking out a loan
- Family support
- Personal savings
- Income from work
- Employer sponsorship
- Scholarships
UK government postgraduate loans
If you live in the UK, you may be able to apply for a postgraduate loan from one of the UK’s governments.
The type and amount of financial support you are eligible for will depend on:
- Your programme
- The duration of your studies
- Your residency status