Reproductive Sciences

Entry requirements

We require applicants to hold, or be about to obtain, an Upper Second class Honours degree, or the equivalent qualification gained outside the UK, in a related subject area for entry to a PhD programme. A Lower Second class Honours degree may be considered if applicants also hold a Master's degree with a Merit classification.

Months of entry

January, April, September

Course content

Our PhD/MPhil Reproductive Sciences programme enables you to undertake a research project that will improve understanding of Reproductive Sciences.

This area hosts a clinical and academic research programme with the overarching aim of improving the safety and efficacy of assisted conception (IVF) treatment.

Our specific aims are to:

1. Understand the biochemistry and molecular biology of early human embryo development and in particular, the impact of the in vitro environment and IVF technologies;

2. Use IVF technologies as a model intervention (the only ethically acceptable one) in early human development to understand early programming of child and adult health;

3. Understand the formation and composition of the periconceptual environment (in vitro and in vivo) and how this programmes early development;

4. Use cellular models including embryonic and trophoblast stem cells derived from human embryos for use as a model system for the study of early human development;