Transform your clinical practice and help shape the future of high-risk pregnancy care worldwide. This dynamic online MSc in Maternal and Fetal Medicine from the University of Liverpool blends cutting-edge research, expert clinical insight, and specialist ultrasound training to develop confident, globally minded leaders in the field.
Please note, your course welcome starts on 25 January 2027. Teaching starts on the 1 February 2027.
This course is subject to approval for 2027 entry; course content may be subject to change.
The MSc in Maternal and Fetal Medicine is designed for doctors, advanced specialist midwives or sonographers who want to deepen their expertise in maternal medicine and fetal medicine care. You’ll explore how medical conditions, fetal development and pregnancy physiology interact, while gaining practical insight into ultrasound and evidence-based management.
Taught entirely online, the course combines interactive lectures, clinical case discussions and peer learning.
Led by international experts from the University of Liverpool’s Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences and Liverpool Women’s Hospital NHS Foundation Trust — one of Europe’s leading centres for obstetric and perinatal medicine — this programme connects you to a global community of clinicians and researchers dedicated to improving outcomes for mothers and babies.
Through its flexible online structure, strong clinical partnerships, and research-informed teaching, the MSc develops the advanced knowledge, analytical capability, and leadership skills required for progression in maternal and fetal health worldwide. The curriculum aligns closely with the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) advanced training curriculum in maternal and fetal medicine and supports clinicians working towards specialist or subspecialist training pathways, as well as experienced practitioners seeking to update and extend their expertise.
Flexible exit awards are available, allowing students to complete a Postgraduate Certificate (60 credits) or Postgraduate Diploma (120 credits) in Maternal and Fetal Medicine.
This programme is suitable for:
It supports clinicians already in independent practice as well as those preparing for advanced training pathways. The MSc is also well suited to professionals aspiring to leadership, service development, or research roles in maternal and fetal health, both in the UK and internationally.
Designed to complement busy clinical schedules, the fully online format enables flexible study while maintaining academic rigour and specialist depth.
This programme is delivered by the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences at the University of Liverpool, a global leader in maternal and perinatal health research and education. While the MSc in Maternal and Fetal Medicine isn’t formally accredited by an external professional body, the curriculum aligns closely with the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) advanced training curriculum in maternal and fetal medicine and beyond. It also supports professional development for clinicians working towards specialist or subspecialist training pathways, as well as those seeking to extend and formalise their expertise in high-risk maternity care.
Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.
This course is subject to approval for 2027 entry; course content may be subject to change.
In year one, you’ll cover high risk pregnancy ultrasound including the management of multiple pregnancy, fetal growth, placental anomalies and preterm labour prevention alongside a module on research skills. Within the research skills component there’s the option to tailor your learning to your prior experience. You’ll then cover general fetal medicine and maternal medicine, closely applied to clinical practice.
You’ll choose one of the following modules:
For completion of the MSc all modules are compulsory to achieve 180 credits in total. Flexible study options allow exit with:
Please note that in order to complete the fetal medicine focused modules, you should have the ability to perform an obstetric scan to the level of a UK fetal anomaly scan. This could be shown by RCOG ‘intermediate scan’ competency or self and peer recommendation. You should have some access to ultrasound scanning to allow for practical application of taught techniques and imaging. This could be through access to a physical ultrasound machine and printer with a cohort of pregnant women to scan or through access to an ultrasound scan simulator. For any student that does not have access to either of these, we can offer access to the OPUS software system (at additional cost), enabling you to simulate ultrasound scans.
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
This course is subject to approval for 2027 entry; course content may be subject to change.
In year two, you’ll advance your expertise in Fetal Medicine, with focused training in fetal echocardiography and advanced neurosonography, developing structured approaches to complex cardiac and central nervous system anomalies, diagnostic algorithms, and multidisciplinary counselling.
You’ll also complete the second maternal medicine module which concentrates on high-impact maternal conditions and clinical complexity in pregnancy. Topics include obesity and nutritional extremes, advanced diabetes (including digital and CGM-based care), hypertensive disorders and the pre-eclampsia spectrum, thromboembolic disease, renal and respiratory disorders, maternal sepsis, and acute clinical deterioration. The module also explores long-term maternal cardiovascular risk, perinatal mental health, complex vulnerability, and oncology in pregnancy. Emphasis is placed on interpretation of complex clinical data, guideline variation, escalation pathways, and multidisciplinary decision-making under uncertainty.
In addition, you’ll undertake a 60-credit supervised dissertation. Working with an expert supervisor, you’ll design and complete an independent research project on a topic of your choice, developing advanced skills in critical appraisal, methodology, and academic writing.
Please note that in order to complete the fetal medicine focused modules, you should have the ability to perform an obstetric scan to the level of a UK fetal anomaly scan. This could be shown by RCOG ‘intermediate scan’ competency or self and peer recommendation. You should have some access to ultrasound scanning to allow for practical application of taught techniques and imaging. This could be through access to a physical ultrasound machine and printer with a cohort of pregnant women to scan or through access to an ultrasound scan simulator. For any student that does not have access to either of these, we can offer access to the OPUS software system (at additional cost), enabling you to simulate ultrasound scans.
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Teaching is delivered fully online through the University of Liverpool’s virtual learning environment, designed to provide flexibility for busy healthcare professionals working in clinical settings.
You will learn through a blend of interactive lectures, case-based discussions, problem-based learning, practical application of taught scan techniques and asynchronous discussion forums led by national and international experts in maternal and fetal medicine. Modules integrate multimedia resources, guided reading, and peer learning activities to promote collaboration and critical reflection.
Each 20-credit module includes approximately 3-4 hours per week of structured online teaching and additional independent study, which may include reading, clinical reflection, practicing ultrasound scanning techniques, guideline appraisal, and assignment preparation.
You are encouraged to apply learning directly to your own clinical practice, supported by opportunities for feedback and academic supervision. You should attempt to identify a local mentor who will support improvements in ultrasound scan training.
Assessment throughout the MSc in Maternal and Fetal Medicine is designed to test your ability to apply evidence, clinical reasoning, and research to real-world obstetric practice.
Each 20-credit module is assessed through coursework assignments, which may include critical literature reviews, case-based essays, or guideline evaluations, typically between 3,000–5,000 words in length. Additional assessments include the submission of ultrasound images, academic poster development, and short oral presentations. Together, these assessments enable you to integrate research evidence with clinical decision-making, demonstrate professional reflection, develop practical ultrasound skills, and communicate findings effectively.
Online examinations will be open book. Assessment is split between applied written work and online quiz material and a final research dissertation.
The Research Dissertation (60 credits) is completed in the final year of study and provides an opportunity to undertake an independent project on a topic relevant to maternal or fetal health. You will be supported by an academic supervisor and have approximately six months to complete and submit a 15,000–20,000-word dissertation.
Formative feedback and online supervision are provided throughout the programme to support academic development and progression.
We have a distinctive approach to education, the Liverpool Curriculum Framework, which focuses on research-connected teaching, active learning, and authentic assessment to ensure our students graduate as digitally fluent and confident global citizens.
The Liverpool Curriculum framework sets out our distinctive approach to education. Our teaching staff support our students to develop academic knowledge, skills, and understanding alongside our graduate attributes:
Our curriculum is characterised by the three Liverpool Hallmarks:
All this is underpinned by our core value of inclusivity and commitment to providing a curriculum that is accessible to all students.
Studying with us means you can tailor your degree to suit you. Here's what is available on this course.
If you enrol on a master’s degree and complete 60 credits you may be able to exit the programme early and earn a Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) for the work you have completed. This usually amounts to one semester when completed full-time.
If you enrol on a master’s degree and have completed 120 credits you may be able to exit the programme early and earn a Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) for the work completed. This usually amounts to two full semesters when completed full-time, without having to complete the final dissertation module.
Designed for busy healthcare professionals, this flexible online course allows you to study from home while balancing clinical practice. You’ll engage with an international cohort through interactive teaching, discussion forums, and case-based learning, while developing research skills and clinically focused expertise in maternal and fetal medicine.
From arrival to alumni, we’re with you all the way:
In an era of rapid clinical and technological change, this programme prepares the next generation of leaders in Womens health and Maternal Fetal Medicine. Through advanced training, interdisciplinary collaboration, and a strong foundation in research, we aim to shape safer, smarter, and more equitable maternity care.
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This MSc supports career progression in obstetrics, maternal and fetal medicine, medicine and advanced midwifery. Graduates develop the expertise needed for senior clinical roles, subspecialty training, leadership positions, research careers, and service development in high-risk pregnancy care in the UK and internationally.
The programme is also suitable for independent practitioners who wish to consolidate and extend their expertise, formally demonstrate advanced knowledge in maternal and fetal medicine, and strengthen their professional profile within obstetric or medical practice.
When you graduate from this programme, you’ll be well prepared for a range of clinical, academic, and leadership roles, including:
Our campus Career Studio is a space for students and graduates to drop into and talk to a career coach. Career coaches are highly trained to help no matter what stage you are at in your career planning. You can access support to find and apply for full-time and part-time roles, placements, internships and graduate schemes. You will also find the help you need if you have a start-up idea or want to create a business plan. You can explore the world of work, prepare for job interviews, and access careers events and workshops. The Career Studio is open Monday to Friday from 10am-5pm, simply drop in at a time that works for you.
We develop our programmes with employers in mind. You will be supported to enhance your long-term employment prospects as you learn. We do this by exposing you to professionals, a variety of sectors and supporting you to work collaboratively with others to develop transferable skills. You are equipped with a clearer view of what to focus on in your area of interest, and to reflect on your studies. Our digital employability tools give you a tech-enhanced curriculum experience and make it easy for you to prepare for the world of work. You can use tools like the Handshake platform to connect with employers and message the Career Studio 24/7.
You can start building good professional networks by attending events and employability activities. Our events are designed to develop your skills and expose you to many different employers, as well as to help you make contacts in your field. We help you improve your confidence when speaking to employers and give you access to unique opportunities. Our networking events also boost your understanding of the competencies and skills that employers are looking for in their recruitment process, giving you a competitive edge.
Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.
Part-time place, per year - £6,850
Part-time place, per year - £6,850
Tuition fees shown are for the academic year 2026/27. Please note, if you apply for a PGCert, your total tuition fee will be £4,600 and if you apply for a PGDip, your total tuition fee will be £9,150 for academic year 2026/27.
Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support.
You can pay your tuition fees in instalments.
All or part of your tuition fees can be funded by external sponsorship.
International applicants who accept an offer of a place will need to pay a tuition fee deposit.
If you're a UK national, or have settled status in the UK, you may be eligible to apply for a Postgraduate Loan worth up to £12,167 to help with course fees and living costs. Learn more about paying for your studies.
You’ll need access to an ultrasound scan simulator, which may incur an additional cost. All images required should demonstrate normal fetal anatomy. You're expected to obtain the required ultrasound views and images for your assessment portfolio through clinical practice. Where this isn't possible, use of the approved OPUS ultrasound simulation platform will be required.
A three-month OPUS licence is available at an additional cost of approximately £1,000 for machine rental to your home, with extended access available if needed. In some regions, OPUS simulation centres or hospital-based machines may be accessible locally. You're encouraged to explore these options where available.
Find out more about the additional study costs that may apply to this course.
We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries that could help pay your tuition and living expenses.
Studying a masters in any subject and aspiring to a career using data and digital skills in the public sector or within public missions such as health, renewable energy or climate change ? If you live in the Liverpool City Region, you could be eligible to apply for £5,000. Two awards are available per academic year.
If you’re a UK student, either born in or with strong family connections to Merseyside, you could be eligible to apply for a fee discount of up to £4,500. You’ll need to demonstrate an active interest in global, community and environmental issues to be considered.
Apply to receive tailored training support to enhance your sporting performance. Our athlete support package includes a range of benefits, from bespoke strength and conditioning training to physiotherapy sessions and one-to-one nutritional advice.
The qualifications and exam results you'll need to apply for this course.
| Qualification | Details |
|---|---|
| Postgraduate entry requirements | You should have a minimum UK 2:2 healthcare degree (for example in medicine, nursing or radiography) or an international equivalent. You should currently be working in the field of obstetrics and have the registration of a professional body that oversees the relevant medical profession. In order to complete the fetal medicine focused modules, you should have the ability to perform an obstetric scan to the level of a UK fetal anomaly scan. |
| International qualifications |
You should have a minimum 2:2 healthcare degree (for example in medicine, nursing or radiography) or an international equivalent. You should currently be working in the field of obstetrics and have the registration of a professional body that oversees the relevant medical profession. In order to complete the fetal medicine focused modules, you should have the ability to perform an obstetric scan to the level of a UK fetal anomaly scan. |
You'll need to demonstrate competence in the use of English language, unless you’re from a majority English speaking country.
We accept a variety of international language tests and country-specific qualifications.
International applicants who do not meet the minimum required standard of English language can complete one of our Pre-Sessional English courses to achieve the required level.
| Qualification | Details |
|---|---|
| IELTS | 7.0 overall, with no component below 6.5 |
Do you need to complete a Pre-sessional English course to meet the English language requirements for this course?
The length of Pre-sessional English course you’ll need to take depends on your current level of English language ability.
If you don’t meet our English language requirements, we can use your most recent IELTS score, or the equivalent score in selected other English language tests, to determine the length of Pre-sessional English course you require.
Use the table below to check the course length you're likely to require for your current English language ability and see whether the course is available on campus or online.
| Your most recent IELTS score | Pre-sessional English course length | On campus or online |
|---|---|---|
| 6.5 overall, with no component below 6.0 | 6 weeks | On campus or online |
| 6.0 overall, with writing at 6.0 and no component below 5.5 | 10 weeks | On campus or online |
| 6.0 overall, with no component below 5.5 | 12 weeks | Online |
| 5.5 overall, with no component below 5.5 | 20 weeks | On campus |
| 5.5 overall, with no component below 5.0 | 30 weeks | On campus |
| 5.0 overall, with no more than one component at 4.5 | 40 weeks | On campus |
If you’ve completed an alternative English language test to IELTS, we may be able to use this to assess your English language ability and determine the Pre-sessional English course length you require.
Please see our guide to Pre-sessional English entry requirements for IELTS 7.0 overall, with no component below 6.5, for further details.
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Last updated 11 March 2026 / / Programme terms and conditions