Applications for graduate studies now open

Applications are now open for graduate study at the University of Oxford. There are more than 25 research and 30 taught courses in different subject areas across the Medical Sciences Division. Watch this video.

11-14 week pregnant women to participate in study

We are currently searching for volunteers near Oxford to contribute to this important research to improve prenatal care and early anomaly detection.

Research Unveils High Prevalence of Symptom Flares in Women with Chronic Pelvic Pain

A recent study published in BJOG reveals that the majority of women with chronic pelvic pain (CPP) experience recurrent symptom flares, leading to considerable impact on their daily lives.

The Impact of AI on Healthcare: Examining ChatGPT's Role

ChatGPT use in providing medical advice has raised significant concerns, but whats the truth?

Prof. Ahmed and Dr. Zaarour secure funds to develop ovarian cancer vaccine

Cancer Research UK are funding up to £600,000 for the study over the next three years to support lab research into the vaccine.

Advancing women's & reproductive health through research and education

Welcome to the Nuffield Department of Women's and Reproductive Health, a pioneering institution with a rich legacy dating back to 1937.

Our vision is clear: a world where everyone enjoys high-quality, evidence-based women's and reproductive healthcare. Through cutting-edge research and transformative teaching, we're committed to elevating the standard and accessibility of women's healthcare worldwide.

Explore our site to delve into impactful research, academic programs, and our global mission. Join us as we propel the future of women's health—one breakthrough at a time.

Study with WRH

MSc in Clinical Embryology

This one-year, residential masters provides graduates with advanced theoretical and practical understanding of human reproductive biology, embryology, infertility and assisted reproductive technology (ART).

Below, you will find information on the DPhil and MSc by Research in Women's and Reproductive Health programmes and the process to apply for them. You can also search for an exciting project for your DPhil or, if you have a project in mind, you can find a supervisor to contact to discuss your plans. Dr Karl Morten, Director of Graduate Studies.

Research degrees

WRH offer DPhil and MSc by Research in Women's and Reproductive Health programmes. You can also search for an exciting project for your DPhil or, if you have a project in mind, you can find a supervisor to contact to discuss your plans.

Seminars

Departmental Seminars run at the John Radcliffe Hospital (and online) with internal and external speakers covering a range of topics (particularly related to our research themes).

WRH Research Themes

WRH comprises over 30 cutting-edge research groups spanning five core themes (listed below), each led by world-renowned experts in their respective fields. Many of these groups collaborate with other departments at the University of Oxford, as well as with universities and business partners globally.

Our findings strive to provide lasting benefits to women and families worldwide, shaping the future of healthcare. We extend heartfelt gratitude to all our supporters and funders, without whom this research would not be possible.

Cancer

Led by Karin Hellner and coordinated by Mara Artibani, our Cancer theme focuses on eradicating HPV infections, utilising nanoparticles for cancer therapy, and discovering targeted treatments for ovarian cancer.

Global Health

Under the leadership of Aris Papageorghiou and coordination of Nicole Votruba, our Global Health theme addresses critical global health challenges, including cardiovascular disease, deep medicine, and urban health, through various research groups.

Maternal & Fetal Health

Maternal & Fetal Health theme (led by Fadil Hannan and coordinated by Reza Soltaninejad) investigates lactation, fetal health imaging, labor monitoring, placental health, and pre-eclampsia.

Our Reproductive Medicine & Genetics research covers the following research groups: Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART); Endometriosis; Fertility Preservation; Miscarriage; Oocytes and Ovaries; Pain in Women; Rhino Fertility Project and Sperm.

Reproductive Medicine and Genetics

Our Reproductive Medicine & Genetics theme explores assisted reproductive technology, endometriosis, fertility preservation, miscarriage, and various aspects of reproductive health and genetics. The theme is led by Suzannah Williams and coordinated by Lydia Coxon

Data Science

Under the leadership of Kazem Rahimi and coordination of Yi Yin, our Data Science theme spans across the other research themes, and researches the use of AI and other technology to advance the understanding and treatment in women's & reproductive health.

Latest publications

Current developments in endometriosis-associated pain.
Journal article

Coxon L. et al, (2024), Cell Rep Med, 5
Advancing stem cell technologies for conservation of wildlife biodiversity.
Journal article

Hutchinson AM. et al, (2024), Development, 151
Safety, tolerability, and efficacy outcomes of the Investigation of Levetiracetam in Alzheimer's disease (ILiAD) study: a pilot, double-blind placebo-controlled crossover trial.
Journal article

Sen A. et al, (2024), Epilepsia Open
Adverse perinatal outcomes associated with different classes of antiretroviral drugs in pregnant women living with HIV: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Journal article

Hey M. et al, (2024), AIDS

Latest article

Anti Bullying and Harassment week

11 November 2024

The University of Oxford is deeply committed to addressing bullying and harassment, and has implemented a range of proactive measures to prevent and manage these issues. The University expects all members of its community—along with visitors and contractors—to uphold the highest standards of respect, courtesy, and consideration in their interactions with one another.

View our news page

Discover more

Our MSc course was specifically designed to include intense laboratory practical training. Students learn skills and techniques directly relevant to assisted reproductive technology (ART), as well as a range of ‘traditional’ and ‘cutting edge’ scientific techniques and procedures.

Study

We offer two postgraduate research programmes: a two year MSc by Research and a three year DPhil. These involve students undertaking independent research in their chosen area under the supervision of two or more experts in the field. In addition we offer a one year taught MSc in Clinical Embryology.

See our courses

Research

Our worldwide acclaimed research covers four main themes; Reproductive Medicine & Genetics, Maternal & Fetal Health, Cancer and Global Health. We also run a range of clinical trials from women who are not currently pregnant, to those in the first trimester of pregnancy and onward, as well as general women's health studies.

See our research groups

Image shows five women sat round a table chatting and drinking cofee.

People

We have over 160 members in our department spread across eight sites in Oxford, consisting of post-graduate students, academic and research staff and professional staff. Our people are our life-blood and we are committed to ensuring they feel valued and nurtured as part of the Women's & Reproductive Health community.

See our team

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