Reproductive Sciences MScR

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 in human, 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 resulting in an increased risk of chronic disease in adulthood

The MRC Centre for Reproductive Health has arranged its research under four themes:

• Reproductive resilience, proliferation, differentiation, repair
• Reproductive system cancers: aetiology, pathogenesis and therapy
• Optimising lifelong health through pregnancy and perinatal interventions
• Immune-endocrine interactions in reproductive health

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 MRC Centre for Reproductive Health (CRH) has close links with other internationally recognised research centres in the Queen’s Medical Research Institute (QMRI) and elsewhere in Edinburgh, namely:

• the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary
• the Veterinary School
• the University of Edinburgh science campus
• the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland

Many student projects are organised with and between these centres, reflecting the interdisciplinary research environment, where students and trainees are regarded as the ‘lifeblood’ for the future.

The University of Edinburgh is currently ranked 15th in the World in the QS World University Rankings 2023.

The programme is intended for high-calibre students with biological science, medical or veterinary backgrounds.

An interview with the programme director is required prior to making your application to ensure this programme 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 programme 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-recognised experts in the field, together with both staff- and student-led small-group tutorials.