MSc Reproduction and Pregnancy (Research)

Course description

Our MSc Reproduction and Pregnancy Research course is designed to train those who wish to pursue a research career in reproductive medicine or pregnancy, or to work in associated areas in health or science.

You will undertake two interrelated research projects on a specific topic in reproduction and pregnancy, alongside taught units providing up-to-date knowledge of reproduction and pregnancy and training in research skills. You do not need any prior research experience before starting the course.

Our course will give you hands-on experience of cutting-edge technologies applicable to reproduction and pregnancy, and transferable to other areas of medical research.

You will also gain training and experience in scientific writing and developing a research proposal and receive a grounding in a wide range of reproductive medicine and pregnancy-related issues by attending seminars in the Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre.

We also give you the opportunity to contribute to public domain research output. Most of our students do so either during or after the course, with output including conference presentations (national and international conferences), published abstracts, published papers (first or co-authored papers), and awards such as RCOG oral presentation and essay prizes and travel grants.

You will graduate with an in-depth knowledge of clinically relevant reproduction and pregnancy research from bench to bedside, as well as advanced research skills and experience of running your own research project.

You will also have a strong understanding of the ethical issues and social implications of research in reproduction and pregnancy and a strong CV for your future research or medical career.

Teaching and learning

You will benefit from individual and small group supervision by experienced academic staff with scientific and clinical backgrounds. Our staff include internationally renowned experts in reproduction and pregnancy.

Coursework and assessment

Assessment is conducted through coursework, including a dissertation and final thesis, marked by the supervisors and an independent MHFRC staff member under the scrutiny of an expert external examiner.

Career opportunities

Our MSc graduates have continued their scientific or medical careers in the following areas.

• PhD research - 60% of home science graduates and 40% of our international graduates go on to conduct further research.
• Clinical training - Through the O&G and Academic pathways (Academic Foundation and Academic Clinical Fellows (ACF)).
• Other clinical/science professions - eg MBChB, midwifery, journal publishing, biotechnology, NHS STP and HIV Clinical Mentor.

We require a BSc (First or Upper Second) or MBChB or equivalent from a British university ( or overseas equivalent ) in an appropriate biological or medical subject. This course is also available for intercalating medical students, both from the University of Manchester and other UK universities. For intercalating MBChB students, we require satisfactory achievement in Years 1-3 or 1-4, with normally no failure at any examination, as well as research motivation. We will consider applicants with other professional (including midwifery) or research-related experience. We do not require applicants to develop a research proposal or have any research experience.