Study at the University of Oxford
Teaching and Learning
Gain advanced training from leading experts, develop proficiency with cutting-edge technologies, and benefit from comprehensive academic and professional support throughout your studies.
How You Will Learn
Our MSc in Clinical Embryology programme is delivered by the senior education team within the Nuffield Department of Women’s & Reproductive Health, supported by guest lecturers who are world leaders in their fields. We use a variety of teaching methods to create an engaging and interactive learning environment, including:
- Lectures and seminars led by Oxford academics and visiting experts.
- Small-group tutorials and problem-based learning sessions where you work collaboratively to analyse and present solutions to real-world challenges.
- Group discussions, designed to build your critical thinking and presentation skills.
- Demonstrations from visiting companies, providing insight into emerging technologies and applications.
- Laboratory practicals and clinical observations ensuring hands-on experience with state-of-the-art equipment and techniques.
We are committed to combining academic excellence with innovative teaching that prepares you for careers in research, clinical practice, and global health leadership.
Support and Mentoring
You will be supported throughout your MSc by a dedicated teaching team. Each student is allocated a Departmental Mentor, a senior academic or clinician who provides individual guidance on coursework, exams, and career planning.
The Course Director monitors your progress and provides feedback each term College advisors and tutors are available to support your academic development Staff are accredited by national bodies such as the Higher Education Academy, ensuring our teaching is innovative, inclusive, and student-focused
Learning Resources
Oxford offers exceptional resources to support your learning:
- Access to specialist teaching laboratories and dedicated study spaces at the Institute of Reproductive Sciences
- A Postgraduate Study Room with IT facilities and access to Oxford’s virtual learning environment (Canvas)
- One of the world’s best library collections, with full access to journals, databases, and textbooks across medicine, genetics, and global health
Our Commitment to Excellence
Our teaching team has won multiple awards for excellence in education, reflecting their dedication to student success. We continually review and enhance our programmes to ensure they remain at the forefront of reproductive and global health education.
Student Experience and Wellbeing
Oxford provides a supportive environment for your academic and personal development. Students have access to:
- Comprehensive health and welfare services, including counselling and wellbeing support
- The Disability Advisory Service, which ensures students with disabilities receive tailored support and adjustments
- Named departmental Disability Coordinators who can provide additional guidance throughout your studies
Core teaching staff
The course staff maintain a proactive role in the pedagogy of higher education and have close links with the Higher Education Academy, a national institution for inspiring, teaching, and transforming learning. We are firm believers in understanding how our students learn and take active steps in the design of our teaching and curriculum to provide the best possible learning experience.
Associate Professor Kevin Coward
Director of Taught Programmes
- Lead for Testicular Cryopreservation Research
- Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy
- Fellow of the Royal Society of Biology
- Senior Tutor (Divisional Skills Training Programme)
Prof. Kevin Coward was awarded a Postgraduate Diploma in Learning and Teaching in Higher Education (PGDipLATHE) with Distinction by the Department of Education, University of Oxford. His final course portfolio focussed upon academic development of the MSc in Clinical Embryology in a series of strategic areas: student learning & development, feedback & assessment, diversity, equality, inclusivity, teaching settings and strategies, discipline-specific teaching concerns, course design and leading education change.
By gaining Distinction, Kevin gained Senior Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy - a national institution which promotes excellence in higher education.
MSc in Clinical Embryology Course Director
- Postdoctoral Research Scientist in the Endometriosis CaRe Centre
- Tutor (MSD Skills Training Programme)
- Most Acclaimed Lecturer Award (Medical Sciences)
Dr. Dragovic gained accreditation for teaching through the Staff and Educational Development Association (SEDA) and holds a Supporting Learning Award (2017) and a Learning, Teaching and Asssessing Award (2019), both of which are aligned to the UK Professional Standards Framework.
In addition to teaching on the MSc in Clinical Embryology, Rebecca is also a tutor on the Medical Sciences Division Preparing and Learning at Oxford (PLTO) 'Tutorials' course.
Mrs Celine Jones, Deputy Director of Taught Programmes
- Part of Assisted Reproductive Technology, Fertility Preservation and Sperm research groups
- Awarded Fellowship of the HEA in 2017
Mrs Jones was appointed as Laboratory Manager for the NDWRH’s MSc in Clinical Embryology in 2008 and played an instrumental role in setting up the course. In addition to her teaching and managerial duties for the MSc, Celine undertakes research into cellular, biochemical and molecular mechanisms of oocyte activation at fertilisation. In 2024, Celine was promoted to Deputy Director of Taught Programmes.
Departmental teaching staff
The Nuffield Department of Women's & Reproductive Health has a wealth of renowned and world-leading experts. We often invite these specialists to teach specific elements of the courses.
Prof. Ahmed Ahmed, Prof. Tim Child, Dr. Andy Greenfield, Dr. Pedro Melo, Prof. Jo Poulton, Dr. Jen Southcombe, Dr. Neda Taghinejadi, Prof. Dagan Wells, Prof. Suzannah Williams, Prof. Krina Zondervan
Teaching Awards
Our MSc course staff have been recognised nationally and within the University of Oxford for their excellence in teaching and student support:
- Masters Teacher of the Year (2019) – awarded to Professor Kevin Coward at the FindAMasters & FindAPhD Postgrad Awards, recognising his passion, innovation, and long-term impact on students.
- Best Postgraduate Teacher (2019) – awarded to Mrs Celine Jones by the Oxford Students’ Union Annual Teaching Awards, as voted by students for her inspiring and supportive teaching.
- Most Acclaimed Lecturer (2017) – awarded to Dr Rebecca Dragovic by the Oxford University Student Union for outstanding teaching.
- Higher Education Bioscience Teacher of the Year Finalist (2016) – Professor Kevin Coward was shortlisted by the Royal Society of Biology as one of the UK’s most inspirational bioscience teachers.
- Major Educator Award (2012) – awarded to the MSc course staff through the University of Oxford’s Teaching Excellence Scheme, recognising exceptional contributions to postgraduate education in medical sciences.
More about the course
Course overview
Why choose the MSc in Clinical Embryology, and other essential information
Course structure
View full module content and academic calendar.
Course provision
Postgraduate Taught (PGT) Course provision for the MSc in Clinical Embryology
Alumni
Our alumni make meaningful contributions across research, policy, clinical practice, and global health leadership.
Fees and funding
Find out more about course fees, funding opportunities, and scholarship opportunities.
How to apply
Step-by-step guidance on eligibility and the application process.
Other masters courses
Research degrees
We offer two prestigious postgraduate research programmes: the two‑year MSc by Research and the three‑year DPhil.
Both programmes provide an exceptional opportunity to conduct original, independent research in a specialised area of your choice, guided by world‑leading experts in women’s and reproductive health. You’ll develop advanced research skills, contribute to cutting‑edge scientific discovery, and work within one of the most influential academic departments in the field.
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.
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.
Useful links
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