Clinical Embryology MSc at LJMU

The MSc in Clinical Embryology is a unique academic–industry collaboration between Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) and Care Fertility, the UK’s largest private fertility treatment provider.

Care Fertility is recognised for innovation, professional collaboration, and excellence in Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART). LJMU is ranked among the top 600 universities globally, with strong international research links and a well-established reputation in biomedical sciences. In 2022, together we launched the UK’s first academic–industry Master’s programme in Clinical Embryology, designed to meet the growing demand for specialist embryology training from science and medical graduates in the UK and internationally.

This partnership combines academic depth with real-world clinical experience.

As a joint venture, LJMU delivers university-based teaching in Liverpool through the School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, while Care Fertility provides academic input, practical laboratory training, and research supervision across several postgraduate modules.

Students gain access to:

Teaching from actively practising embryologists and fertility consultants
Clinical insight from a working IVF laboratory environment
Training that reflects current UK fertility practice and regulation
Supervision from professionals actively working in assisted reproductive technologies

For three full modules, students attend Care Fertility Manchester, learning directly within a clinical setting. Students are recruited from around the world, travelling between Liverpool and Manchester to experience both academic study and hands-on embryology training inside a regulated fertility laboratory.

This structure ensures graduates develop not only scientific understanding, but the practical and professional skills required to progress into clinical embryology roles or the UK’s Scientist Training Programme (STP).

Why study an MSc in clinical embryology with LJMU and Care Fertility?

If you're considering a career in clinical embryology, choosing the right MSc matters. You need more than lectures. You need real clinical exposure, laboratory experience, and a clear pathway into employment.

Our MSc Clinical Embryology programme, delivered in partnership with Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU), combines academic excellence with hands-on training inside one of the UK’s largest fertility clinic networks.

Partnership Program

The Clinical Embryology MSc, jointly taught by LJMU and Care Fertility, is the only fully integrated UK master’s program in clinical embryology delivered in collaboration with fertility treatment providers.

Learn from the experts

Students benefit from learning directly from academic, research-active staff at LJMU and clinical embryology experts at Care Fertility. The course places a strong emphasis on practical experience and provides insight into current advancements in fertility research.

Career Preparation

The program equips students with a robust theoretical foundation and hands-on skills to prepare for a career in assisted reproduction. Teaching takes place in state-of-the-art facilities at both LJMU and Care Fertility, ensuring a top-tier learning environment.

Hands-on IVF laboratory training

Clinical embryology is a practical discipline. That’s why this MSc includes full-day practical sessions in our purpose-built training laboratory at Care Fertility Manchester.

Students gain exposure to:

Egg collection procedures
Embryo grading
Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)
Vitrification (embryo freezing)
Embryo biopsy
Andrology techniques

You’ll observe procedures in a live IVF laboratory before practising laboratory-based elements in a controlled training environment using specialist materials. . Students document their learning in a reflective journal, helping prepare them for progression into the UK’s Scientist Training Programme (STP) or an equivalence route.

Training Lab - Full View

Follow real patient journeys from referral to outcome

One of the most distinctive aspects of this MSc Clinical Embryology programme is the opportunity to follow patient journeys through the clinic.

From referral and fertility investigations to treatment cycles and outcomes, students gain insight into the full pathway of assisted reproduction. Understanding that balance between technical skill and patient impact is central to becoming a skilled clinical embryologist.

Research opportunities that influence real-world fertility practice

As part of the MSc Clinical Embryology course, students complete a research project. With access to over 150 scientists across Care Fertility’s UK clinics, projects can be laboratory-based or focus on large dataset analysis.

Research areas focus on improving embryology techniques and IVF technologies — work that can directly influence patient treatment in the future.

In the first three years of the programme:

14 student abstracts were submitted to the UK Fertility Conference
100% were accepted
5 were delivered as oral presentations
4 as rapid-fire posters
5 as poster presentations

Presenting at a national fertility conference gives graduates professional visibility, networking opportunities, and early career credibility.

Course modules

Assisted Reproduction Technologies (20 credits) Provides postgraduate level knowledge and understanding of fundamental concepts and issues involved in Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART), at both a scientific and clinical level.

Genetics (20 credits) Aims to develop a reflective understanding of the genetic basis of disease and its investigation.

Assisted Reproductive Technologies (20 credits) Provides you with increasing understanding of infertility and assisted reproductive technologies (ART), with more emphasis on clinical aspects than in the ART I module. The module also has a focus on drug regiments and clinical management.

Advanced Laboratory Skills (20 credits) Provides an understanding of cell culture as a technological component of aspects of biological research and commercial exploitation.

Research Project (60 credits) Provides you with the opportunity to conduct independent, in-depth research in an assisted reproductive technologies topic.

What previous students say

"The Care Fertility Masters course was my launchpad into a career in Reproductive science! It wasn't just about theory; it opened doors. Completing the program gave me the opportunity to work in the administrative department, providing invaluable insight into patient treatment pathways. This experience was my 'foot in the door' to Care Fertility. It allowed me to demonstrate my commitment, which ultimately led to my dream role as a lab practitioner. This course doesn't just teach you; it gives you the platform to build your career. If you want to work in fertility, this is where you start."

Ruby Grannell

"Completing the Care Fertility masters course was a truly transformative experience! The comprehensive curriculum and hands-on training provided me with the exact skills and knowledge needed to excel in the field of reproductive science. I'm thrilled to say that thanks to this course, I've secured a fantastic position as a Lab Practitioner at Care Fertility Manchester. What's even more impressive is that nearly every student from our cohort last year has successfully transitioned into roles within the industry. This course not only equips you with expertise but also opens doors to incredible career opportunities. I highly recommend the Care Fertility masters course to anyone passionate about reproductive science and eager to make a real difference in patients' lives!"

Dominika Sadowska

Global prospects for graduates

The skills acquired in our Master’s programme are be transferrable within this global industry. In addition to global employment opportunities, students may apply for a training position in embryology and/or andrology, or for the UK’s Scientist Training Programme (STP). Alternatively, the course provides ideal preparation for undertaking a PhD or applying for a research position or alternative role in the field.

Where are our students now?

As the only MSc in clinical embryology that includes professional collaboration, the employment prospects after completing this course are excellent, as demonstrated by our student alumni.

In the first three years of the programme, outcomes have been strong:

12% secured places on the Scientist Training Programme (STP)
41% moved directly into IVF laboratory roles
Over 50% entered embryology training posts
27% secured roles in related fields such as animal embryology laboratories, sperm banks, or patient support services

This MSc in Clinical Embryology is designed to prepare graduates for the real demands of UK fertility laboratories.

The LJMU and Care Fertility MSc in Clinical Embryology students graduating in 2023 and celebrating their achievements and the courses end.

Commendations

The course recently underwent Periodic Programme Review by an LJMU panel and an external assessor. It passed all requirements and received highly commended (see below). All graduates to date are employed within our sector.

The panel was invited to identify commendations (for example, the quality of documentation and staff involvement in the review process; processes or ways of working that make a positive contribution to the assurance of academic standards, the quality of the learning opportunities for students, the quality of resources, and the quality of the information produced about the programme(s).

- The programme should be highly commended for its direct relevance to the fertility industry, both in terms of clinical practice and research.

- The excellent student support and guidance from all staff at both delivery sites.

- The training laboratories at Care Fertility, offering opportunities for both real world and simulated clinical experiences.

Further information

Course fees The course will cost £20,700 for full time per year and for international students it will be £35,500 per year. Tuition fees are payable directly to LJMU. Additional costs for travel between the LJMU and Care Fertility may be incurred by the students. Buses and trains run regularly. 

Entry requirements 

Home

a minimum 2.1 honours degree in Biological Science or another related biological sciences degree

or:

alternative qualifications with significant work experience

International 

An international qualification that equates to UK requirements. International students must also have an English language qualification equivalent to at least IELTS 6.5 (a minimum of 6.0 is required in all components) as recognized by LJMU

Course assessment

Study hours

The 20 credit modules have on average 37 hours contact. Three modules will be delivered in semester 1, three modules in semester 2 and the 60-credit research project will be conducted from May to August. Generally, there are three contact days in semesters 1 and 2. The project will be conducted Monday to Friday for four months.

Teaching methods

Course content is delivered via a combination of lectures, practicals, workshops, seminars, tutorials, student-centred activities and independent research.

Applied learning

There may be the opportunity for some students to conduct their research project at Care Fertility, however this is dependent upon availability of places offered by industrial partners and competition at interview for places.

Equipment access

Laboratory equipment is provided for hands on training in gamete and embryo manipulation including ICSI, embryo biopsy and vitrification. Care Fertility has a dedicated, fully equipped training laboratory for student training and research projects.

Course duration and graduation The course begins in September and is for 1 year. Upon successful completion of the programme, one certificate will be issued by, and a graduation ceremony arranged by, LJMU.

MSC CLINICAL EMBRYOLOGY

MSc clinical embryology at LJMU and Care Fertility