Reproductive and Developmental Biology
Develop your skills for a scientific or clinical career in reproductive and developmental biology.
Reproductive and Developmental Biology
Build a detailed understanding of reproductive and developmental biology while developing research and transferable skills to support your future career.
Course key facts
Qualification
MSc
Duration
1 year
Start date
October 2027
Study mode
Full-time
Delivered by
Location
-
Hammersmith
-
Minimum entry standard
2:1 in Biological Science, Medicine or Veterinary Science.
Qualification
PG Cert
Duration
4 months
Start date
October 2027
Study mode
Full-time
Delivered by
Location
-
Hammersmith
-
Minimum entry standard
2:1 in Biological Science, Medicine or Veterinary Science.
Course overview
Explore reproductive and developmental biology in this exciting MSc.
Gain a strong foundation in molecular and cellular mechanisms while connecting core science to clinical practice.
Build transferable skills, think critically about emerging questions, and learn in a vibrant research setting.
Complete an independent project to specialise, strengthen your expertise, and prepare for a career in research or assisted reproduction.
Gain detailed theoretical knowledge of reproductive and developmental biology on this course, which leads to the award of a Postgraduate Certificate (PG Cert).
Through a series of taught modules, you'll develop academic, practical and transferable skills towards a career in scientific research or assisted reproduction.
The study programme focuses on the basic sciences and their application to selected clinical aspects of the subject. Teaching is carried out within a vibrant research environment on our Hammersmith campus.
You'll build an in-depth knowledge of molecular and cellular aspects of reproduction and development within a vibrant research environment on our Hammersmith campus.
You'll also critically evaluate the limits of current knowledge in this field of biology, and propose alternative explanations for controversies in the field.
Structure
This page is updated regularly to reflect the latest version of the curriculum. However, this information is subject to change.
Find out more about potential course changes.
Please note: it may not always be possible to take specific combinations of modules due to timetabling conflicts. For confirmation, please check with the relevant department.
You’ll study all the following modules.
Core modules
Explore the origins, development and function of the germ cells and the gonads, with a focus on how local and systemic signalling pathways regulate these processes from foetal life to adulthood. This module examines key biological events including germ cell specification and migration, sex determination, fetal gonadal development, folliculogenesis, spermatogenesis, and hormonal regulation of reproductive cycles, while also addressing clinical contexts such as reproductive disorders.
Develop your understanding of the cellular and molecular events that occur during fertilisation, in preimplantation embryo development, at implantation and early post-implantation. You will also examine the development of IVF and therapeutic assisted reproductive technologies, and the impact of the in vivo and in vitro environment on maturing gametes and preimplantation embryos.
Explore the main events of human pregnancy, from the development of the placenta and embryo, to birth. This module covers normal and pathological pregnancy at the cellular and tissue level and includes consideration of basic biological processes, clinical and broader aspects of pregnancy, including disparities in healthcare and communicating to patients and the public about research.
You'll join an active research team to conduct an independent research project in an area of your interest.
Projects usually cover a variety of topics across the breadth of reproductive and developmental biology. These have previously included gonadal development and function, stem cell biology, embryonic and placental development, and reproductive medicine.
Working full-time on the project, you’ll be supervised and supported by members of the group and encouraged to join in all the activities of the research group, including lab meetings and seminars.
You’ll study the following core module.
Core modules
Explore the origins, development and function of the germ cells and the gonads, with a focus on how local and systemic signalling pathways regulate these processes from foetal life to adulthood. This module examines key biological events including germ cell specification and migration, sex determination, fetal gonadal development, folliculogenesis, spermatogenesis, and hormonal regulation of reproductive cycles, while also addressing clinical contexts such as reproductive disorders.
You’ll study one of two optional modules.
Optional modules
Develop your understanding of the cellular and molecular events that occur during fertilisation, in preimplantation embryo development, at implantation and early post-implantation. You will also examine the development of IVF and therapeutic assisted reproductive technologies, and the impact of the in vivo and in vitro environment on maturing gametes and preimplantation embryos.
Explore the main events of human pregnancy, from the development of the placenta and embryo, to birth. This module covers normal and pathological pregnancy at the cellular and tissue level and includes consideration of basic biological processes, clinical and broader aspects of pregnancy, including disparities in healthcare and communicating to patients and the public about research.
Teaching and assessment
Balance of teaching and learning
This is a general guide to how teaching and learning are usually balanced across this course. The methods used may change based on the modules you take.
Key
- Lectures, tutorials and independent study
- Research project and dissertation
- 50% Title 1 goes here
- 50% Title 2 goes here
Teaching and learning methods
-
Group discussions
-
Lectures
-
Seminars
Assessment methods
-
Critical appraisals
-
Report writing / writing for a lay audience
-
Oral presentations
-
Poster presentations
-
Data handling and analysis
-
Experimental design and project planning
-
Examinations
Balance of teaching and learning
This is a general guide to how teaching and learning are usually balanced across this course. The methods used may change based on the modules you take.
Key
- Lectures, tutorials and independent study
- Research project and dissertation
- 100% Title 1 goes here
Teaching and learning methods
-
Group discussions
-
Lectures
-
Workshops
-
Seminars
Assessment methods
-
Critical appraisals
-
Report writing / writing for a lay audience
-
Oral presentations
-
Poster presentations
-
Data handling and analysis
-
Experimental design and project planning
-
Examinations
Entry requirements
We consider all applicants on an individual basis, welcoming students from all over the world.
How to apply
Applications open on 30 September 2026
We operate a staged admissions process with several application rounds throughout the year.
Apply by 23.59 (UK time) on the closing date of an application round, to ensure you receive a response on your application by the relevant decision date.
Round 1
Business School courses only.
Round 2
- Applications open on Wednesday 30 September 2026
- Applications close on Wednesday 6 January 2027
- Decision by Wednesday 3 March 2027
Round 3
- Applications open on Thursday 7 January 2027
- Applications close on Wednesday 10 March 2027
- Decision by Wednesday 5 May 2027
Round 4
- Applications open on Thursday 11 March 2027
- Applications close on Wednesday 28 April 2027
- Decision by Thursday 1 July 2027
We recommend applying as early as you can – we cannot guarantee that places will be available, or that courses will remain open, in later rounds.
This course is divided into two progressional levels of study:
- PG Certificate (PG Cert)
- MSc
Each level of study has its own entry point; you can apply to either level in the first instance, but we recommend you apply for the award with which you wish to exit.
Read more about Postgraduate Certificate, Diploma and Master's degrees.
If you are applying for a Master’s course, you will need to pay an application fee before submitting your application.
The fee applies per application and not per course.
The application fees for postgraduate courses are:
- £90 for all Master's applications, excluding those to Imperial Business School
- £125 for MSc applications to Imperial Business School
- £150 for MBA applications to Imperial Business School
There is no application fee for Postgraduate Certificates, Postgraduate Diplomas, or courses such as PhDs and EngDs. This includes MRes and PhD combined (1+3) courses with the Centre for Doctoral Training.
If you are facing financial hardship and are unable to pay the application fee, we encourage you to apply for our application fee waiver.
Find out more about how to apply for a Master's course, including references and personal statements.
An ATAS certificate is not required for students applying for this course.
Fees and funding
Home fee - Reproductive and Developmental Biology
MSc
Not set
As a guide, the fee for 2026-27 was £16,300
PG Cert
Not set
As a guide, the fee for 2026-27 was £8,150
You should expect and budget for your fees to increase each year.
Your fee is based on the year you enter the university, not your year of study. This means that if you repeat a year or resume your studies after an interruption, your fees will only increase by the amount linked to inflation.
Find out more about our tuition fees payment terms, including how inflationary increases are applied to your tuition fees in subsequent years of study.
Whether you pay the Home or Overseas fee depends on your fee status. This is assessed based on UK Government legislation and includes things like where you live and your nationality or residency status. Find out how we assess your fee status.
If you're a UK national, or EU national with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, you may be able to apply for a Postgraduate Master’s Loan from the UK government, if you meet certain criteria.
The maximum value of the loan is £13,206 if your course starts on or after 1 August 2026.
The loan is not means-tested and you can choose whether to put it towards your tuition fees or living costs.
Please note that the loan is only available if you’re studying a full Master’s course from the start. If you start on a Postgraduate Certificate (PG Cert) or Postgraduate Diploma (PG Dip) and later move on to the Master’s, you won’t be eligible for this loan.
Overseas fee - Reproductive and Developmental Biology
MSc
Not set
As a guide, the fee for 2026-27 was £47,300
PG Cert
Not set
As a guide, the fee for 2026-27 was £23,650
You should expect and budget for your fees to increase each year.
Your fee is based on the year you enter the university, not your year of study. This means that if you repeat a year or resume your studies after an interruption, your fees will only increase by the amount linked to inflation.
Find out more about our tuition fees payment terms, including how inflationary increases are applied to your tuition fees in subsequent years of study.
Whether you pay the Home or Overseas fee depends on your fee status. This is assessed based on UK Government legislation and includes things like where you live and your nationality or residency status. Find out how we assess your fee status.
If you're a UK national, or EU national with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, you may be able to apply for a Postgraduate Master’s Loan from the UK government, if you meet certain criteria.
The maximum value of the loan is £13,206 if your course starts on or after 1 August 2026.
The loan is not means-tested and you can choose whether to put it towards your tuition fees or living costs.
Please note that the loan is only available if you’re studying a full Master’s course from the start. If you start on a Postgraduate Certificate (PG Cert) or Postgraduate Diploma (PG Dip) and later move on to the Master’s, you won’t be eligible for this loan.
How will studying at Imperial help my career?
Graduates of our faculty of medicine courses go on to succeed in a wide range of sectors. These include healthcare, pharamceuticals, government, charities and NGOs, consultancy, technology, research and development, education.
Who do our graduates work for?
Our faculty of medicine graduates have worked for companies including Cancer Research, NHS, Department of Health and Social Care, Costello Medical, Medpace, Sanofi, AstraZenica, Oxford Genetics, Wellcome Stranger Institute.
What jobs do our graduates do?
Data analyst, Policy advisor, Trainee Patent Attorney, Project Manager, Medical Affairs Writer, Associate Scientist, Regulatory advisor, Healthcare Consultant.
What about further study?
PhD at leading institutions worldwide.
What careers support does Imperial offer?
Our Careers Service can support you as you consider your next steps. You can access one-to-one guidance, workshops, employer events and online resources to help you explore your options and plan your career.
Further links
Contact the department
Course Co-Directors: Dr Beth Holder and Dr Viki Male
Visit the Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction website.
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Our students
Meet Reproductive and Developmental Biology students and see what they have to say about their studies.
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Register your interest
Stay up to date on news, events, scholarship opportunities and information related to this course.
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Events, tasters and talks
Meet us and find out more about studying at Imperial.
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Terms and conditions
There are some important pieces of information you should be aware of when applying to Imperial. These include key information about your tuition fees, funding, visas, accommodation and more.
You can find further information about your course, including degree classifications, regulations, progression and awards in the programme specification for your course.
Programme specifications