MSc Advanced Fertility Practice

Overview

Course Length:2-5 Years Part-Time
Start Dates:September 2019, September 2020
Department:Faculty of Health and Social Care
Location:Edge Hill University
Liverpool Women's Hospital
  • Gain clinical expertise in the field of fertility and assisted conception that will allow you to advance your career in this clinical speciality;
  • Join a programme based on Royal College of Nursing competencies;
  • Combine online learning with taught sessions at Edge Hill University and Liverpool Women’s Hospital and clinical practice.

This Masters degree is delivered in partnership between Edge Hill University and Liverpool Women’s Hospital. It bridges the theory of fertility and assisted conception with practice related to the assessment, investigation and treatment of the infertile/sub fertile couple.

The programme is designed to ensure you will be able to plan and implement a treatment pathway for infertile couples, whilst providing opportunities to focus on areas such as ultrasound scanning for reproductive medicine, embryo transfer, oocyte retrieval and clinical andrology. There are practice competencies to achieve that will allow you to develop and enhance your clinical skills, underpinned by exploration of the evidence base that supports fertility practice.

The overall aim is to ensure that on completion of the programme you will meet and exceed the standards of an advanced practitioner in fertility and assisted conception.

In Depth

What will I study?

You will study the clinical assessment and diagnostics that relate to practice within assisted conception. Modules cover topics centred round the anatomy, physiology and pathology of the male and female reproductive systems, alongside the therapeutic and pharmacological interventions aimed at assisting conception and the medico-legal aspects of fertility practice.

You will be able to choose from a range of clinical practice modules which are designed to develop specific clinical skills relating to embryo transfer, oocyte retrieval and ultrasound scanning in reproductive medicine. In addition, you may choose to complete a non-medical prescribing module or undertake negotiated learning around a specific topic of interest within reproductive medicine.

An introduction to research methods and approaches will engage you with the evidence base that supports practice and prepare you for the final dissertation. This is an advanced practice project that allows you to make use of your newly developed skills and immerse yourself in a specific area of fertility practice.

How will I study?

The theoretical component of the course is delivered 50% online (via the virtual learning environment) and 50% through attendance at taught sessions at Liverpool Women’s Hospital and Edge Hill University.

The taught sessions typically run on Saturdays so that attendance can be incorporated with clinical work. Online delivery includes podcasts and lectures by consultants working with reproductive medicine and also incorporates interactive sessions relating to anatomy, physiology and pathology.

Several modules contain practice competencies that need to be met so a significant amount of time for learning is allocated to this work in practice supported by a clinical mentor.

How will I be assessed?

There are a range of practice competencies to be met in clinical practice. Case studies, reflections and presentations will also be assessed to allow you to demonstrate your engagement with the evidence base that supports practice and the application of best practice guidance to your clinical work.

Who will be teaching me?

The programme will be delivered by consultant gynaecologists, obstetricians and andrologists from the field of reproductive medicine, together with specialist nurses, councillors and sonographers.

A Great Study Environment

Edge Hill University

The Faculty of Health and Social Care is one of the leading providers of education and training for health and social care professionals in the North West of England.

Offering some of the best facilities for health and social care students in the country, the innovative £14m Faculty of Health and Social Care building provides outstanding teaching and learning resources, including leading edge clinical skills facilities, ten teaching rooms, an 860-seat lecture theatre and a number of social learning spaces.

The faculty is home to a thriving research culture which includes a series of staff and student conference programmes, guest lectures and seminars, as well as active research groups.

Liverpool Women’s Hospital

The Hewitt Fertility Centre at Liverpool Women’s Hospital has been co-created with a number of clinicians, GPs, specialists and patients to design a useful, easy-to-use hub of information that matters to patients. You will be able to meet various specialists here, get to grips with the services they provide, get a taste of the patient journey and become acquainted with their ground breaking technology.

Modules

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HEA4002Advanced Practice Project (60 credits)

Advanced Practice Project challenges you to explore how to lead, implement and evaluate a service improvement project within a health and social care setting. This will involve either working with other professionals within your practice area to identify, plan and implement a small scale project that is directed at promoting service improvement or developing a business case for a project designed to improve the quality of care.


Assessment: Coursework: 100%.

HEA4111Clinical Reproductive Practice (40 credits)

Clinical Reproductive Practice focuses on the application of physiology, pharmacology and pathology into the clinical environment in support of the reproductive medicine unit. You will acquire an advanced understanding of the management of the infertile couple from presentation at secondary level to basic invitro-fertilisation and intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection techniques. You will learn how to interpret clinical investigative information and to construct a management plan for the infertile couple.


Assessment: Coursework: 100%, Practical(s): Pass/Fail Element.

HEA4112Ultrasound Scanning for Reproductive Medicine (20 credits)

Ultrasound Scanning for Reproductive Medicine develops your skills in the utilisation of ultrasound scanning for reproductive medical practice. The focus will be on the particular use of scanning for fertility investigations and interventions. The module provides you with comprehensive training in screening for female pelvic anomalies with respect to infertility investigation and treatment of the common causes of infertility. It will also provide tuition in the physics of ultrasound and the utilisation of equipment. You will gain a thorough working knowledge of the physics of ultrasound and the use of ultrasound equipment to enable you to further develop your skills in advanced fertility practice.


Assessment: Coursework: 100%, Practical(s): Pass/Fail Element.

HEA4444Research Methods (20 credits)

Research Methods introduces you to the research process including the philosophical fundamentals of both quantitative and qualitative traditions and a range of research methodologies. The module will enable you to demonstrate the ability to critically appraise a range of research methodologies and plan a small-scale empirical project in your chosen discipline, as well as gaining awareness of the theoretical and practical implications of undertaking such a study.


Assessment: Coursework: 100%.

You will select two of the following modules:

HEA4034Negotiated Learning Shell (20 credits)

Negotiated Learning Shell provides an opportunity for you to study a topic or work related issue at Masters level. It involves you identifying the chosen area for study before developing and negotiating a learning contract, which will outline the what, how, when, where and why of the study period as well as the means of assessment to showcase the acquired learning.


Assessment: Coursework: 100%.

HEA4105Independent and Supplementary Non-Medical Prescribing (30 credits)

Independent and Supplementary Non-Medical Prescribing is validated by the Nursing and Midwifery Council and the General Pharmaceutical Council. The module is designed to prepare nurses, pharmacists and eligible allied health professionals to prescribe safely, appropriately and competently within the relevant area of clinical expertise and in compliance with current prescribing legislation.


Assessment: Coursework: 100%, Written Exam(s): Pass/Fail Element, Practical(s): Pass/Fail Element.

HEA4113Undertaking Embryo Transfer (20 credits)

Undertaking Embryo Transfer focuses on the embryological techniques associated with reproductive medicine and the clinical process of selection and transfer of appropriate embryos to the uterus. The management of the infertile couple has witnessed remarkable changes over the past twenty years with new techniques becoming available in tertiary level reproductive medicine units. Advancements in technology have allowed multi-professional access to the skills associated with undertaking embryo transfer. This intervention has become a key part of fertility practice.


Assessment: Coursework: 100%, Practical(s): Pass/Fail Element.

HEA4114Oocyte Retrieval (20 credits)

Oocyte Retrieval has been devised primarily for the development of clinical skills associated with a safe and effective retrieval of oocytes as part of a whole programme for invitro-fertilisation. The skills combine a thorough knowledge of ultrasound techniques relevant to the speciality, together with the clinical skills necessary for safe and effective recovery of oocytes from the ovary.


Assessment: Coursework: 100%, Practical(s): Pass/Fail Element.

HEA4115Clinical Andrology (20 credits)

Clinical Andrology focuses on the application of advanced knowledge of anatomy, physiology, pathology and microbiology to clinical andrology. The module enables you to acquire an advanced understanding of the process involved in the investigation and treatment of the infertile and subfertile male.


Assessment: Coursework: 100%.

HEA790Non-Medical Prescribing (45 credits)

Non-Medical Prescribing aims to prepare allied health professionals, nurses, midwives, health visitors and pharmacists to practice as prescribers within the criteria and standards set by the General Pharmaceutical Council, the Health and Care Professions Council and the Nursing and Midwifery Council. The module is designed to enable you to build upon your existing knowledge and skills whilst developing competence in prescribing practice.  The module is designed to ensure that you gain the necessary knowledge and skills to prescribe safely and competently.


Assessment: Coursework: 100%, Written Exam(s): Pass/Fail Element, Practical(s): Pass/Fail Element.

Optional modules provide an element of choice within the programme curriculum. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed. Optional module selection may also be affected by timetabling requirements.

For more information about each module, including the dates and times of module sessions, please visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/cpdmodules.

Timetables

You can expect to receive your timetable at enrolment. Please note that while we make every effort to ensure that timetables are as student-friendly as possible, scheduled teaching can take place on any day or evening of the week.

Disclaimer

Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of our published course information, however our programmes are subject to ongoing review and development. Changing circumstances may necessitate alteration to, or the cancellation of, courses.

Changes may be necessary to comply with the requirements of accrediting bodies, revisions to subject benchmarks statements, to keep courses updated and contemporary, or as a result of student feedback. We reserve the right to make variations if we consider such action to be necessary or in the best interests of students.

Entry Criteria

Entry Requirements

The normal minimum requirement is a lower second-class honours degree in a health or social care related subject. You must be employed within a clinical environment in the UK that delivers reproductive medicine. You should also be registered as a professional with a regulatory body based in health care, such as the Nursing and Midwifery Council. A clinical mentor must be identified within this environment to support learning.

You will be invited for interview to help determine your suitability for the programme. Proof of your work environment and clinical mentor access will need to be provided. Your clinical mentor will also need to be named and contacted prior to admission to the programme to ensure the University can provide support in undertaking the role of mentor and assessor.

Recognition of Prior Learning

Edge Hill University recognises learning gained elsewhere, whether through academic credit and qualifications acquired from other relevant courses of study or through recognition of an individual’s professional and employment experience (also referred to as ‘experiential learning’).

Previous learning that is recognised in this way may be used towards meeting the entry requirements for a programme and/or for exemption from part of a programme. It is your responsibility to make a claim for recognition of prior learning. For guidance, please consult the University’s Recognition of Prior Learning Policy and contact the faculty in which you are interested in studying.

Career Prospects

What are my career prospects?

This programme will develop and enhance your skills and knowledge in reproductive medicine and is designed to provide a strong foundation to progress your career within this discipline.

Finance

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees for part-time study on this MSc are:

  • £6,480 for the entire programme for UK and EU students enrolling on the course in academic year 2019/20;
  • £6,480 for the entire programme for UK and EU students enrolling on the course in academic year 2020/21 (pending confirmation of arrangements for EU students).

Financial Support

For comprehensive information about the financial support available to eligible UK and EU students joining postgraduate courses at Edge Hill University in academic year 2019/20, together with details of how to apply for potential funding, please view our Money Matters 2019/20 guide at www.edgehill.ac.uk/postgradfinance2019.

Financial support arrangements for eligible UK and EU students joining postgraduate courses in academic year 2020/21 are still to be announced. You are advised to check this page regularly and once the position has been confirmed we will update this information.

Apply

How to Apply

Apply directly to Edge Hill University.

Download the Health and Social Care Professional Development pathway application form and notes for guidance (pdf).

Should you accept an offer of a place to study with us and formally enrol as a student, you will be subject to the provisions of the regulations, rules, codes, conditions and policies which apply to our students. These are available at www.edgehill.ac.uk/studentterms.

Get in Touch

If you have any questions about this programme, please contact:

  • Faculty of Health and Social Care Student Recruitment and Marketing Support Team
  • Tel: 01695 657249
  • Email: cpdenquiries@edgehill.ac.uk

If you would like to talk to the programme leader about the course in more detail, please contact:

Course Changes

Expand All This page outlines any material changes to course content, programme structure, assessment methods, entry criteria, and modes of study or delivery, implemented in the past two years.

16th January 2019 - Withdrawal of Module

HEA4108 Sexual Health (20 credits) removed as an optional module.

11th January 2019 - Change of Modules

HEA4444 Research Methods (20 credits) replaces HEA4045 Research: The Development of a Research Proposal (20 credits) as a compulsory module.