Sexual and Reproductive Medicine

Aims of the module:

Critically analyse and synthesise advanced knowledge of reproductive anatomy, physiology, and endocrinology, evaluating their interrelationships and implications for clinical practice in sexual and reproductive medicine.

Module Content:

• Female reproductive physiology
• Male reproductive physiology
• Fertilisation and early embryogenesis
• Embryogenesis including AI evaluation of embryo quality
• Placental function
• Pregnancy

Learning outcomes:

1. Critically analyse and evaluate the anatomical, physiological, and endocrine functions in relation to reproduction, synthesising complex information to inform advanced clinical practice.
2. Critically assess and integrate knowledge of normal physiology in relation to conception, implantation, and pregnancy, applying this understanding to complex clinical scenarios.

Aims of the module:
Evaluate and integrate complex physiological and psychological mechanisms underlying sexual function and dysfunction, developing advanced diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for diverse patient populations.

Module Content:

• The psychology of sex, attraction and orgasm
• Female psychosexual dysfunction
• Erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation
• Hypoactive sexual disorder
• Psychosexual counselling
• Medical management of sexual disorders

Learning outcomes:

1. Synthesise and critically evaluate the psychological and pathophysiological factors contributing to sexual function, applying this knowledge to develop comprehensive assessment strategies.
2. Critically appraise and design evidence-based management strategies for male and female sexual disorders, considering diverse patient needs and emerging treatments.

Aims of the module:
Critically appraise the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying male infertility, synthesising current research to develop and evaluate innovative therapeutic approaches for complex cases of male reproductive disorders.

Module Content:

• Interpretation of semen analysis including new applications of AI
• Pathophysiology of semen generation
• Primary hypogonadism
• Secondary hypogonadism
• Medical management of male infertility 1
• Medical management of male infertility 2

Learning outcomes:

1. Apply a critical approach to the diagnosis, investigation, and management of male sub and infertility, including the ability to differentially diagnose varying causes of primary and secondary hypogonadism.
2. Formulate and justify comprehensive management plans for complex cases of male subfertility and infertility, integrating current research and best practices.

Aims of the module:
Analyse and evaluate the multifaceted causes of female infertility, designing and critiquing evidence-based clinical management strategies that incorporate emerging treatments and technologies.

Module Content:

• Menstrual abnormalities
• Primary and Secondary ovarian failure
• Polycystic ovarian syndrome
• Structural abnormalities leading to female subfertility
• Medical management of female subfertility 1
• Medical management of female subfertility 2

Learning outcomes:

1. Critically evaluate and apply advanced clinical approaches to the diagnosis, investigation, and medical management of female subfertility/infertility, integrating knowledge of structural pathological causes.
2. Analyse and assess the consequences of structural pathological causes of reduced female subfertility/fertility, developing evidence-based strategies for patient care and management.

Aims of the module:
Synthesise advanced knowledge to develop and critically evaluate comprehensive investigation and management strategies for couples presenting with fertility issues, considering psychosocial factors and ethical implications.

Module Content:

• Defining infertility
• Counselling of the infertile couple and communication skills
• Referral to fertility services
• Recurrent miscarriages 1
• Recurrent miscarriages 2
• Genetics and genetic counselling

Learning outcomes:

1. Design and critically evaluate management strategies for a variety of infertility scenarios, from initial presentation to appropriate referral, demonstrating advanced clinical decision-making skills.
2. Critically analyse and develop diagnostic and investigative approaches for recurrent miscarriages and genetic factors in diverse clinical settings, synthesising current research findings.

Aims of the module:
Critically examine and evaluate the complex landscape of assisted reproduction, including its scientific, ethical, and societal challenges, developing strategies to navigate these issues in clinical practice.

Module Content:

• Understanding IUI, IVF and ICSI, including basic embryological procedures.
• Selection of patients for assisted conception and treatment pathways depending on the underlying physiological or anatomical disorder.
• Understanding the complications of Assisted Reproduction treatments including the potential genetic abnormalities in the resultant offspring.
• The indication and appropriate use of donor eggs and sperm, in addition to the use of a surrogate.
• Understanding expected treatment success rates depending on age, aetiology of subfertility and how this relates to expectations.
• Ethical and legal considerations surrounding Assisted Reproduction Selection/Treatment and Subsequent child birth.

Learning outcomes:

1. Critically appraise and evaluate current infertility treatments, including their indications, success rates, and potential complications, synthesising this knowledge to inform advanced clinical practice.
2. Analyse and critically debate the ethical dilemmas surrounding assisted reproduction, evaluating their relationship to diverse political and religious sensitivities and developing strategies to navigate these complex issues in clinical practice.

As each Medical Council has their own rules/regulations with regard to Postgraduate study we recommend that you contact your local Medical Council with regard to recognition.

Upon completion of the course the University would invite you to a graduation ceremony and provide your certificate which makes no reference to the fact that the course was studied online and is therefore typically recognised the same as any other UK University qualification.

Rest assured, the overall Postgraduate Diploma carries a total of 1,200 CPD points, with the MSc an additional 600 CPD points, and all official certifications are issued directly by the University.

When you study one of our programmes you may be surprised to find that there are no lectures or seminars. Your learning will be self-directed meaning that rather than being told information you find it for yourself (with tutor guidance and support). We do this via a series of clinically rich scenarios which your tutor will post on our academic forum which you and your classmates will research, respond to and discuss.

You will be assessed through the Academic Forum, Reflective Journal and Assignments. Learning will be carried out using our online learning platform: Moodle.

You can study whenever and wherever you want - our programmes are totally flexible to fit around your other work and life commitments.

The course is specifically designed so that part of your study is the application of theory to practice in your day job.

We typically suggest that students aim to log into the Moodle platform daily. We recommend a "little and often" approach for reading, reflection and/or posting. High achieving students will typically spend 1-2 hours dedicated to their studies a day; 10 hours per week is sufficient time to spend on the platform.

Those who cannot dedicate more time than once/twice per week may struggle with the demands of this postgraduate programme.

Yes, everything is done entirely online through our learning platform, Moodle. You do not need to attend the University.

All of our courses are delivered in English, so proficiency in the English language is essential for success. If English is not your first language, we require proof of competency as part of your application. We accept the following as proof of English Language skills:

We Accept a Range of English Language Qualifications
While IELTS and TOEFL are among the most commonly used English tests, we understand that students come from diverse backgrounds — and we’re happy to work with you to accept a wide range of other recognised English language qualifications.

We accept IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
Our most commonly accepted test, IELTS is globally recognised and widely used for university admissions.

We accept TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
Another widely accepted test, TOEFL assesses your reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills in an academic setting.

We accept English Medium of Instruction (EMI) Letters
Many of our international students provide an EMI (English Medium Instruction) letter from their previous institution. This letter should confirm that you were taught in the medium of English. It is a popular and widely accepted form of proof, especially if you have completed prior academic studies in English.

Our University partners Requirements
The University of South Wales accepts an overall score of 6.0 (minimum of 5.5 for each band) and The University of Buckingham accepts an overall score of 6.5 (minimum of 6.0 for each band).

Our Flexible Instalment Plan is designed to offer ultimate flexibility to pay for your programme. You have the choice of two payment options:

Make an Upfront Payment in Full: For those who prefer to settle their fees upfront, you can pay the full amount at the beginning of your programme.

Interest-Free Payments: Alternatively, you can choose to spread your payments out with interest-free instalments every month for the duration of your course.

These options are separate from our existing lending partners, which you can explore further on our programme pages. We believe that education should be accessible to all, and our Flexible Instalment Plan is just one of the ways we are committed to supporting you in your academic journey.

We currently offer two discounts: the Early Bird Discount and the Action Taker Discount. The Early Bird discount allows you to save up to £500 or more, available only to self-funders and is a limited-time offer that runs for the entirety of November for the March cohort or the entirety of May for the September cohort. Our Action Taker Discount allows you to save up to £150 off for PGCert and £250 off for PGDip/2-year MSc programmes. To qualify for Action Takers, you must pay the deposit within 7 days of acceptance.

For Early Bird Discounts, the discount is visible if your application and acceptance are completed within the required timeframe. For Action Taker Discounts, it will reflect once conditions are met.