High-quality education, knowledge with an international horizon

Human Reproduction

Master Degree Program

A few words about the Master’s Degree Program

Celebrating 12 years of successful operation since its launch in 2014—initiated by Prof. Nikos Nicolettos and the author—the Master’s Degree Program “Human Reproduction” offers comprehensive and intensive training in the field of Assisted Reproduction. Supported by a highly distinguished faculty from Greece and across Europe (making English proficiency essential), the program seamlessly combines deep theoretical knowledge of the physiology and pathophysiology of the reproductive system with hands-on laboratory and practical training at Democritus University facilities and Medically Assisted Reproduction Units. By also covering vital complementary areas such as bioethics, legislation, and research methodology—culminating in an obligatory scientific thesis—it serves as an invaluable stepping stone for young scientists, healthcare professionals, and researchers seeking robust specialization through dedication and active engagement.

Postgraduate

Duration & Teaching Modules

The duration of studies leading to the award of the Master’s Degree (MSc) is two (2) semesters and cannot exceed four (4) semesters. In exceptional cases (e.g., military service, serious illness), it is possible, following a justified application by the Postgraduate Student, a relevant recommendation by the Coordinating Committee, and a decision by the General Assembly of the Special Composition, for a portion of this time not to be counted toward the aforementioned time limits.

To obtain the MSc, compulsory attendance and successful examination in all mandatory courses and laboratories are required, as distributed over the two semesters of study (A, B). The preparation of the Master’s thesis is assigned during the B semester of study and is completed at the end of the semester, with the possibility of a three-month extension for the execution, writing, and presentation of the postgraduate thesis. The total number of ECTS credits is 60. In detail, the program is structured as follows:

A΄ Semester

  • Anatomy of the Reproductive System – Biostatistics

  • Genetic Basis of Reproduction

  • Γονιμοποίηση – Πρώιμη εμβρυική ανάπτυξη

  • Καθοριστικοί Παράγοντες στην έκβαση της εξωσωματικής

  • Γυναικεία – Ανδρική Υπογονιμότητα

  • Διερεύνηση Υπογονιμότητας

  • Βασική Ανάλυση / Κρυοσυντήρηση Σπέρματος – Χειρισμός / Μικρογονιμοποίηση Ωαρίων

B΄ Semester

  • Προεμφυτευτική Γενετική Διάγνωση – Βασικές αρχές Κρυοβιολογίας

  • Βιοηθικά προβλήματα στην αναπαραγωγή

  • Καθοριστικοί Παράγοντες στην έκβαση της εξωσωματικής

  • Βασικές αρχές υπερηχογραφιών και βιοχημικών δεικτών για την παρακολούθηση της κύησης

  • Πρακτική Άσκηση

  • Διπλωματική Εργασία

Course exams are held at the end of the semesters.

The course exam may be conducted orally, in writing, by preparing assignments or in another manner determined by the course coordinator in collaboration with the instructors

The Postgraduate Student is considered to have successfully completed his/her studies and is awarded a Master of Science (MSc) if:
a. he/she completed the required semesters of studies,
b. he/she successfully completed all courses
c. he/she successfully completed his/her postgraduate thesis (see 6.4)

Postgraduate Students who have successfully completed their student obligations in the M.S. in “Human Reproduction” are awarded a Postgraduate Diploma of Specialization in “Human Reproduction”. Graduates of the Master of Science (MSc) have successfully completed 60 credits of the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS).

The awarding of the Master of Science (MSc) degree takes place in a special ceremony.

Graduates of Medical Departments and other Departments of Health Sciences Schools (Dentistry, Nursing, Molecular Biology, Genetics, Veterinary Medicine) of domestic Universities or equivalent recognized institutions abroad are admitted to the Postgraduate Program.

Graduates of departments of the Faculties of Sciences (Pharmacy, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biology, Biotechnology, Psychology) of domestic Universities or equivalent recognized institutions abroad are also admitted, as well as graduates of TEI departments of a related subject (e.g. midwifery).

 

Candidates submit the following supporting documents within the deadline set by the Coordinating Committee:

Application for participation
Copy of degree and other academic qualifications (with the required translations and recognitions for foreign qualifications)
Photocopy of identity document
A recent photograph
Proof of knowledge of the English language or a sworn statement of satisfactory language proficiency (to be evaluated during the possible oral examination). Proof of another language optional
CV where studies, scientific, research and professional experience will be shown
Copies of publications (the full publication in a journal in a copy or full details of the journal and a copy of the abstract), announcements (copy only of the abstract from the book of abstracts)
Recommendation letter(s) up to 2 optional
Justifications regarding the previously mentioned scoring criteria.

The Selection Committee may, at its discretion, invite prospective Postgraduate Students to an oral interview. The oral interview is conducted on topics of broader scientific interest and aims to: i) assess the candidate’s general training and qualifications, ii) form (depending on previous studies) an image of the candidate’s specific educational needs in the event that he/she is admitted (attendance of undergraduate courses, assignments, etc.).