Study Programmes
Oxford is one of the world’s leading centres for research and teaching in women’s and reproductive health. These fields are of global importance: women’s health underpins family health, drives social and economic development, and has a direct impact on future generations.
By studying with us, students gain access to world-class researchers, cutting-edge facilities, and a vibrant, interdisciplinary community addressing challenges that range from infertility and gynaecological cancers to maternal health and global inequalities in healthcare.
Our world-class postgraduate study programmes
- MSc in Clinical Embryology – a one-year residential programme exploring the science and clinical practice of assisted reproduction.
MSc in Global Women’s Health – a two-year, part-time postgraduate course delivered online with two one-week residentials in Oxford
MSc in Reproductive Genetics – a one-year residential programme examining the genetic basis of reproduction, infertility, and hereditary conditions.
MSc by Research in Women’s & Reproductive Health – a two-year research degree enabling students to conduct independent research under expert supervision.
DPhil in Women’s & Reproductive Health – a three- to four-year doctoral research degree making an original and significant contribution to the field.
In addition to our postgraduate programmes, we also teach the fundamentals of Obstetrics and Gynaecology to clinical undergraduate students as part of their medical degree.
MSc - Taught courses
MSc in Clinical Embryology
An intensive one-year residential course at the University of Oxford combines theory and practical training in IVF and embryology. The course is designed for graduates in biological sciences, medicine, or veterinary medicine who aspire to careers in reproductive medicine, IVF laboratories, or academic research.
You will gain cutting-edge knowledge in reproductive biology, laboratory techniques, and clinical embryology practices, delivered by internationally recognised experts in the field.
MSc in Reproductive Genetics
Developed in response to increasing demand, the MSc in Reproductive Genetics is a cutting‑edge one‑year programme at the forefront of genetics and reproductive science.
This course provides an in‑depth understanding of the genetic basis of reproduction and its clinical applications, preparing graduates for careers in reproductive medicine, genetic counselling, and academic research.
MSc in Global Women's Health
Our first online postgraduate course is an innovative two‑year part-time programme combining the flexibility of online learning with two one-week residentials at the University of Oxford, offering students a unique opportunity to connect in person with peers and leading academics.
Designed for those passionate about improving women’s health worldwide, the course equips you with the knowledge, skills, and global perspective needed to tackle pressing health challenges facing women across diverse settings.
Research degrees
MSc by Research - two-year
The Nuffield Department of Women’s & Reproductive Health offers a two-year MSc by Research. This programme provides the opportunity to undertake independent research in your chosen area under the guidance of an expert supervisor. It is ideal for those wishing to develop advanced research skills and contribute to new knowledge in the field of women’s and reproductive health.
Research areas include genetic studies; the molecular, biochemical and cellular mechanisms underlying normal and abnormal reproductive tissue function; gynaecological cancer; clinical studies in women’s health and pregnancy; epidemiological research into women’s health; and growth and development across the first 1000 days of life.
DPhil in Women’s & Reproductive Health
The Department also offers a three-year DPhil programme, designed for students aiming to pursue doctoral-level research training. As a DPhil candidate, you will carry out substantial independent research under the supervision of leading experts, with the aim of making an original and significant contribution to the discipline.
Topics of study range from genetic and molecular investigations, gynaecological cancers, and pregnancy research to broader epidemiological studies and the developmental processes across the first 1000 days of life.
Undergraduate teaching
Teaching
Women’s & Reproductive Health is a core subject in the fifth year of the Medical School curriculum. Therefore, the provision of high quality and innovative teaching for clinical medical students is a departmental priority. Six groups a year 26-30 students attend a two‐week taught course, followed by five weeks of clinical work in one of six hospitals.
Links to University of Oxford pages
Getting started
The University of Oxford’s Getting Started with Graduate Study guide provides an overview of the postgraduate options available, including distinctions between taught and research degrees. It outlines the process of selecting an appropriate course, the academic and language requirements for admission, and the documentation needed for a competitive application. The guide also sets out key timelines and deadlines, serving as an essential resource for prospective applicants.
Graduate funding
The Oxford Graduate Funding page outlines the financial support available to prospective graduate students, including University scholarships, research council studentships, and external funding opportunities. It highlights that funding is competitive yet accessible (with about 48 % of new graduate students in 2024-25 receiving full or partial support).
Graduate Courses A–Z (Oxford)
The Graduate Courses A–Z listing is an authoritative directory of all graduate-level programmes offered at Oxford, searchable by discipline, mode (taught vs research), course level, and department.
Academic matters
Access to study-related information including resources, handbooks and progression forms, examinations, submissions and results, student conduct regulations and disciplinary procedures, the complaints and appeals process, and a University regulations listing.
Student life
Get the most out of life as a student in Oxford. Find out more about accommodation, gaining work experience, societies to join, travel and providing your feedback. Find out more about Accommodation, Clubs & Societies and Community & Safety.
Health and welfare
There are a number of services available to provide support to you during your studies at the University. Advice is available from your college, department, central University services, fellow students and the Student Union. Find our more about Disability, Counselling, and Sexual Harassment & Violence Support Service.