Introduction
A Masters degree delivered by a dedicated and active research team of developmental and reproductive biologists and clinicians, allowing a truly research-led teaching experience for students.
Study Information
At a Glance
- Learning Mode
- On Campus Learning
- Degree Qualification
- MSc
- Duration
- 12 months
- Study Mode
- Full Time
- Start Month
- September
- Location of Study
- Aberdeen
Infertility and other reproductive biology issues are increasing in the UK and the call for more expertise in the subject to help understand these conditions is needed.
This MSc programme aims to provide advanced knowledge in reproductive biology and developmental biology and their relevance to health professionals. Focused on humans, and using animal models as well, you will be equipped with knowledge and skills involved in embryonic and foetal development and health; prenatal diagnosis and management of pregnancy; in vitro fertilisation; use of genomic technologies to understand gene function and identify disease causing gene mutations; role of stem cells in development and potential stem cell and gene therapy strategies to tackle congenital defects.
In addition, the programme provides laboratory based research projects in developmental and/or reproductive biology. Upon completion, you will have a thorough understanding of the key concepts of reproductive and developmental biology including the latest state-of-the-art tools to study these processes. You will be equipped for professions allied to medicine, which may require additional specialist/clinical training, as well as research careers.
What You'll Study
Students will take a series of compulsory courses giving information on:
- Principles of reproductive biology, which includes understanding fertility, infertility and treatments.
- Applied developmental biology which includes exposure to advanced imaging methods, tools for understanding gene function, understanding birth defects and diagnosis.
- Genetics, bioinformatics and genome-enable medicine which includes genomic editing technologies.
- Research-led tutorials providing critical analysis of the latest research in reproductive and developmental biology.
Students will also have the option to select courses of their own to further develop/expand their interests for example statistics, drug metabolism and toxicology and issues in healthcare science.
- Stage 1
-
Compulsory Courses
- MT5010 - Basic Skills - Induction (0 credit points)
- Bioinformatics (MB5021)
-
15 Credit Points
A course containing a series of lectures describing 'latest-methods and discoveries' in areas of bioinformatics and functional genomics including transcriptomics, proteomics, and DNA sequence analysis.Contains a series of in-depth workshops that teach the principles and practice of next generation sequence analysis, transcriptomics, proteomics and sequence similarity analysis.
- Principles of Reproductive Biology (MB5026)
-
15 Credit Points
This course will provide an interdisciplinary approach to understand normal and abnormal human reproduction, fertility and pregnancy. Assisted reproductive technologies and the surrounding ethical issues will be covered in detail. All students will have the opportunity to visit and experience the day-to-day running of the Aberdeen Fertility Centre.
- Applied Statistics (PU5017)
-
15 Credit Points
This course in Applied Statistics focuses on the application of statistical techniques in postgraduate research for health professionals, with a particular emphasis on the correct interpretation of statistical analyses results. The course will NOT focus on the statistical theory underlying the subject. An important component of the course is the use of a statistical package (IBM SPSS), which can be used to implement all the methods taught on this course.
- Molecular Genetics (MB5025)
-
15 Credit Points
The course provides a detailed exploration of the structure and function of genes at the molecular and biochemical level. It covers the analysis of genome activity from the 3D structure of chromosomes through to RNA and DNA-protein interactions. The course will provide you with a thorough understanding of the approaches and molecular biology techniques used in modern molecular genetics research and its applications in gene editing and gene therapies.
- Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen (PD5006)
-
This course, which is prescribed for all taught postgraduate students, is studied entirely online, takes approximately 5-6 hours to complete and can be taken in one sitting, or spread across a number of weeks.
Topics include orientation overview, equality and diversity, health, safety and cyber security and how to make the most of your time at university in relation to careers and employability.
Successful completion of this course will be recorded on your Enhanced Transcript as ‘Achieved’.
- Stage 2
-
Compulsory Courses
Students complete two compulsory courses:
- Evaluating and Communicating Research (MB5529)
-
15 Credit Points
The aim of this course is to develop understanding of hypothesis-led research and to provide an opportunity to study advanced science concepts and critically evaluate research led by an experienced member of academic staff.
- Applied Developmental Biology (MB5524)
-
15 Credit Points
This course will provide a thorough understanding of the mechanisms regulating embryonic and fetal development. Factors influencing normal and abnormal development, including, genes and the environment, will be discussed. The impact of developmental biology upon reproductive and regenerative medicine, including stem cells, cloning, gene editing and genetic manipulation technologies, as well as the ethical considerations, will be evaluated.
Optional Courses
Students complete two courses from the following:
- Basic Research Methods (MT5515)
-
15 Credit Points
This course reviews a range of essential methodologies that are currently used in medical research from molecular technologies to human studies. Experts in the various techniques will describe the fundamentals of the methodology and show how they can be applied.
- Advanced Bioinformatics and Genome Sequencing (MB5522)
-
15 Credit Points
An exciting course that brings a student right up to date with bioinformatics, genome assembly and annotation technology. You, the student, will analyse the genome of an unknown bacterium from the environment. The genome of this isolate has been extracted and whole genome sequenced. You will assemble your own bacterial genome and functionally annotate it, taught by expert bioinformaticians from our Centre for Genome-Enabled Biology and Medicine. Your analysis will enable you to identify the species you have isolated, produce a full inventory of genes and their presumptive functions, allowing an exploration of the antibiotic resistance potential of the bacteria. Overall, the course prepares a student for future employment in a biosciences' workplace, where genome sequencing, assembly and annotation is becoming an everyday tool of modern biotechnology.
- Advanced Genomic Tools in Biomedical Research (MB5528)
-
15 Credit Points
A course describing the wide range of ways in which genome sequencing has transformed biomedical research and our understanding of human disease.
Contains material detailing a range of examples of advanced genomic tools and technologies and their applications in biomedical science.
A course that makes wide use of the literature, allowing you to read about and understand the latest genomics-based methods.
A course placing a high value on its teaching and learning; lecture material supported by workshops – your chance to put knowledge into practice, ask questions and enjoy the science.
- Stage 3
-
Compulsory Courses
Students must take one of the following:
- Masters Research Project (Laboratory) (MB5904)
-
60 Credit Points
This course offers students the opportunity to complete a substantial piece of data-driven, empirical work within their field of study under the supervision of an experienced researcher.
Topics available will be varied but within the domain of their field of study. Alongside supervisors, students will identify a suitable topic area, describe an appropriate study design and implement an empirical study to be completed within a laboratory setting. Students will be involved alongside the supervisors in the process of defining the research question, and developing the research plan and, where appropriate, obtaining regulatory approvals. This course is for laboratory-based projects (if you are intending to undertake a project in non-laboratory setting you should register on PU5913)
- Masters Research Project (PU5922)
-
60 Credit Points
This course offers students the opportunity to complete a substantial piece of data-driven, empirical work within their field of study under the supervision of an experienced researcher.
Topics available will be varied but within the domain of their field of study. Alongside supervisors, students will identify a suitable topic area, describe an appropriate study design and implement an empirical study to be completed within a laboratory setting. Students will be involved alongside the supervisors in the process of defining the research question, and developing the research plan and, where appropriate, obtaining regulatory approvals. This course is for non-laboratory based projects (if you are intending to undertake a project in a scientific laboratory setting you should register on MB5913)
We will endeavour to make all course options available. However, these may be subject to change - see our Student Terms and Conditions page. In exceptional circumstances there may be additional fees associated with specialist courses, for example field trips.
| Fee category | Cost |
|---|---|
| UK | |
| Tuition Fees for 2025/26 Academic Year | £12,200 |
| Tuition Fees for 2025/26 Academic Year (University of Aberdeen Graduates *) | £7,000 |
| EU / International students | |
| Tuition Fees for 2025/26 Academic Year | £26,250 |
| Tuition Fees for 2025/26 Academic Year (Self-funded Students *) | £18,250 |
Fee Information
Scholarships
All eligible self-funded international Postgraduate Masters students starting in September 2025 will receive an £8,000 scholarship. Learn more about this Aberdeen Global Scholarship here.
To see our full range of scholarships, visit our Funding Database.
How You'll Study
The teaching on this programme is lecture based with self-directed learning, practical classes and tutorials to support the lecture material.
The MSc makes the most of hands-on learning to enable repeated exposure to evidence-based practice using real life examples. Some of the teaching methods employed in the programme include:
- Inter-disciplinary and multi-disciplinary learning
- Exposure to leading academic and industry experts
- Research-led teaching taught by key opinion leaders
- Insight into real-life situations and examples
On-going support is provided by the University’s dedicated, interdisciplinary team of experienced researchers, who will be tutoring you. Peer support will develop throughout the course(s) as engagement with students from other countries and disciplines is actively encouraged.
Much of the teaching on this course is participatory and you are expected to consolidate all taught content by completing related tasks and activities and engaging in independent study in your own time.
Learning Methods
- Clinical Learning
- E-learning
- Group Projects
- Individual Projects
- Lab Work
- Peer Learning
- Research
- Seminars
- Tutorials
- Workshops
Assessment Methods
By practical work, by written essays and by oral presentations, or by a combination of these, as prescribed for each course. The project will be assessed on the basis of performance, written thesis, and oral presentation. There will usually be an oral examination to complete the programme. Candidates must pass all courses at an appropriate standard for the award of the MSc degree.
Why Study Reproductive and Developmental Biology?
- The combination of expertise of our research active staff and clinicians, together with the facilities available at the adjacent Aberdeen Fertility Centre (part of Aberdeen Royal Infirmary) make Aberdeen a centre of excellence in reproductive and developmental biology.
- Teaching staff includes clinical staff with nationally recognised expertise in reproductive biology and fertility issues.
- You will have the opportunity to undertake a comprehensive research project supervised by an established developmental and/or reproductive biology researcher.
- This Masters programme uniquely integrates elements of reproductive and developmental biology in the context of reproductive health issues and therapies.
- You will benefit from being on a campus with the Aberdeen Fertility Centre and have the opportunity of gaining direct experience of fertility therapies, including IVF, within the Unit.
- You will be equipped for career destinations in Reproductive and Developmental Biology in industry and academia.
- The programme is run from our Foresterhill Health Campus which includes a large teaching hospital, Institute of Medical Sciences and the Medical School.
- You will benefit from skills training to help with scientific writing, analytical skills, CV writing, interview skills and reading scientific literature.
- Our small class sizes give you the opportunity to participate in class discussions and to have good access to the teaching staff.
Entry Requirements
Qualifications
The information below is provided as a guide only and does not guarantee entry to the University of Aberdeen.
Upper Second Class Honours degree (2.1 or above) (or equivalent) in a Biological or Molecular sciences discipline. Other degree classes (2:2 is a minimum) and subjects may be considered as long as the applicant demonstrates experience in biological subjects. Please check the In My Country or Territory pages to find out if your degree is equivalent.
Please enter your country or territory to view relevant entry requirements.
Aberdeen Global Scholarship
Eligible self-funded Postgraduate Taught (PGT) students will receive the Aberdeen Global Scholarship. Eligibility details and further information are available on our dedicated page.
Aberdeen Global ScholarshipEnglish Language Requirements
To study for a Postgraduate Taught degree at the University of Aberdeen it is essential that you can speak, understand, read, and write English fluently. The minimum requirements for this degree are as follows:
IELTS Academic:
OVERALL - 6.5 with: Listening - 5.5; Reading - 6.0; Speaking - 5.5; Writing - 6.0
TOEFL iBT:
OVERALL - 90 with: Listening - 17; Reading - 21; Speaking - 20; Writing - 21
PTE Academic:
OVERALL - 62 with: Listening - 59; Reading - 59; Speaking - 59; Writing - 59
Cambridge English B2 First, C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency:
OVERALL - 176 with: Listening - 162; Reading - 169; Speaking - 162; Writing - 169
Read more about specific English Language requirements here.
Document Requirements
You will be required to supply the following documentation with your application as proof you meet the entry requirements of this degree programme. If you have not yet completed your current programme of study, then you can still apply and you can provide your Degree Certificate at a later date.
- CV
- an up-to-date CV/Resumé
- Degree Certificate
- a degree certificate showing your qualifications
- Degree Transcript
- a full transcript showing all the subjects you studied and the marks you have achieved in your degree(s) (original & official English translation)
- Personal Statement
- a detailed personal statement explaining your motivation for this particular programme
Careers
The MSc Reproductive and Developmental Biology Programme will provide you with the academic, analytical and practical skills to assist you into many careers.
Many of our graduates choose to continue in research careers and begin PhDs or become research scientists (research assistants or technicians). Our scientists have obtained posts in Universities, industry (including research and development), biotechnology and professions allied to medicine, which may require additional specialist/clinical training, including hospital diagnostic (including IVF and Andrology labs) and pathology laboratories.
More generally, reproductive and developmental biologists can use their training in education, working in schools, colleges of further education and in Universities. Further opportunities are available to apply reproductive and developmental biology training in scientific publishing, in patent offices working on biological patents, in science outreach and contributing to the public understanding of reproductive and developmental biology issues, including ethical issues like cloning and genomic editing.
Our Experts
- Programme Coordinators
- Professor Neil Vargesson
- Professor Lynda Erskine
- Other Experts
- Professor Stefan Hoppler
- Professor Martin Collinson
- Dr Jonathan Pettitt
- Dr Alasdair MacKenzie
- Professor Paul Fowler
Information About Staff Changes
You will be taught by a range of experts including professors, lecturers, teaching fellows and postgraduate tutors. However, these may be subject to change - see our Student Terms and Conditions page.
Facilities
The Institute of Medical Sciences
Focused on developing future effective therapies, the Institute of Medical Sciences houses nearly 400 researchers and support staff working on cutting-edge biomedical subjects aimed at understanding the human body's response to infection and disease.
Large teaching hospital
Aberdeen Royal Infirmary is the largest hospital in Grampian and is based on the Foresterhill Health Campus.
Get in Touch
Contact Details
- Address
-
Student Recruitment & Admissions
University of Aberdeen
University Office
Regent Walk
Aberdeen
AB24 3FX