The University of Edinburgh – College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine
Human Anatomy MSc
Edinburgh, United Kingdom
MSc
DURATION
1 year
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
24 Jul 2026
EARLIEST START DATE
14 Sep 2026
TUITION FEES
GBP 39,200 / per year *
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* for international/EU | for Scotland and rest of UK: GBP 16,000
Key Summary
Embark on a transformative journey into anatomical sciences with our prestigious 12-month programme. If you are driven by a passion to teach, research, and lead in the field of human anatomy, this programme is for you. Dive deep into the complexities of the human body through an intensive on-campus dissection course, where you will dissect a full cadaver, gaining unparalleled insights into human structure.
You will benefit from a curriculum that integrates six key strands:
- cadaveric dissection
- anatomy education
- embryology and development
- neuroanatomy
- anatomy law and ethics
- research skills
Each component is designed to equip you with specific skills that build into a comprehensive understanding of human anatomy, from a microscopic to a macroscopic level, ensuring you develop both practical dissection skills and deep theoretical knowledge.
One of the standout features of this programme is the opportunity to develop your teaching skills. You will engage in teaching anatomy at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, preparing you for a potential career in academic or clinical education settings. This hands-on experience is supported by a teaching portfolio that you will compile over the course of the year, which can support your applications for professional recognition, such as the Associate Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy.
The programme culminates in a 60-credit dissertation that allows you to conduct independent research in an area of anatomy that fascinates you. Whether you choose a literature-based investigation or a practical research project, you will enhance your ability to conduct rigorous academic research, setting a solid foundation for further studies or a career in biomedical research.
Programme benefits
- Gain in-depth practical knowledge through extensive cadaveric dissection, essential for medical and academic careers.
- Explore a wide range of subjects, including neuroanatomy, embryology, and anatomy law and ethics, equipping you for various careers in biomedical research and healthcare education.
- Enhance your educational skills by teaching anatomy to undergraduate and postgraduate students, preparing you for roles in academic and clinical education.
- Conduct a significant independent research project, enhancing your ability to perform critical analysis and research, valuable in academic and professional settings.
- Build a portfolio to support applications for professional recognitions like the Associate Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy, boosting your employability.
- Study at a world top 50 university, world-renowned for its anatomy teaching.
- Ranked 19th in the world for Life Sciences and Medicine (QS World University Rankings by subject 2025).
- Ranked top 10 in the UK for the employability of our graduates (Times Higher Education, Global Employability University Rankings 2025).
This programme has been designed to help you gain a highly regarded qualification in anatomy and the teaching of anatomy.
It will provide you with a set of major transferable skills such as:
- dissecting experience
- teaching experience
- expertise in health and safety
- anatomy law and ethics
You will also complete a teaching portfolio, which can support applications for professional recognition, such as the Associate Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy (AFHEA).
This programme can therefore open up possibilities in:
- anatomy teaching
- anatomy laboratories
- further studies in medical and biomedical sciences
- further research leading to a PhD
Our graduates
Graduates of the MSc Human Anatomy programme have pursued a wide range of careers in academia, clinical education, research, and healthcare-related fields. Many go on to teach anatomy, work in medical research or clinical laboratories, or engage in advanced study and professional development.
Some graduates have progressed to PhD studies or medical school, while others contribute to surgical practice, radiology, and other applied medical disciplines, demonstrating the programme’s strong preparation for both professional and academic careers.
Further study
After completing this programme, you may wish to consider applying for a PhD or other research programme.
Our MSc in Human Anatomy is full-time for 12 months, beginning in September and ending in August the following year. Successful MSc candidates graduate in November/December of the following year.
The programme offers a comprehensive, hands-on, and academically rigorous education in human structure. It is built around six integrated strands with its multidisciplinary approach preparing you for careers in anatomical teaching, biomedical research, healthcare education, and academic medicine.
Cadaveric dissection
At the heart of the programme is hands-on cadaveric dissection, carried out over two semesters in small groups of four to five students. You will undertake a full-body dissection, developing:
- a regionally and systemically integrated understanding of human anatomy
- practical dissection skills relevant to anatomical education
- critical thinking through structured "surgery" sessions with expert academic staff
The dissection experience is primarily self-directed, mirroring professional practice and encouraging independent learning. Weekly guided “surgery” sessions provide expert support, help clarify complex anatomical structures and foster collaborative discussion.
Anatomy education
This strand equips you with the theoretical foundation and practical skills necessary for teaching anatomy. You will study:
- principles of adult learning
- small-group and large-group teaching techniques
- assessment design and feedback strategies
You will also complete a teaching portfolio to document your development. This portfolio can support applications for professional recognition, such as Associate Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy (AFHEA).
Embryology and development
This strand provides essential insights into prenatal human development. You will learn:
- the processes of organogenesis and structural formation
- the anatomical basis of common congenital abnormalities
- how embryological development shapes adult anatomical structures
Neuroanatomy
The neuroanatomy module offers a focused exploration of the central and peripheral nervous systems through lectures and prosection-based lab sessions. You will study:
- the brain, brainstem, spinal cord and cranial nerves
- sensory and motor pathways
- the organisation of the nervous system and its role in movement, sensation and cognition
Clinical correlations are embedded throughout the module, enabling you to understand the anatomical foundations of neurological disorders. This component is especially valuable for students interested in neuroscience, clinical education, or neurological research.
Anatomy law and ethics
This module provides a foundational understanding of the legal and ethical aspects of anatomical practice.
Research skills (independent research project)
In Semester 3, you will undertake a 60-credit dissertation, choosing a topic aligned with your interests. This may be a literature-based investigation or involve practical research, providing the opportunity to:
- develop independent research and critical analysis skills
- deepen your expertise in a particular area of anatomy
- produce a piece of scholarly work contributing to the field
Compulsory courses
The programme consists of 120 taught credits, with a 60-credit dissertation component. The credit rating for each of the courses is set at SCQF Level 11.
Semester 1
- Basic Human Anatomy, Imaging and Embryology 1 (40 credits): This course provides you with an in-depth understanding of the anatomy of the upper and lower limbs, as well as the thorax. It integrates key elements of gross anatomy, surface anatomy, medical imaging, and embryology to offer a comprehensive view of human structure and development in these regions.
- Anatomy Law and Ethics (10 credits): This course is divided into three key components, covering:
- the health and safety protocols related to anatomical practice and body handling
- the legislation governing the operation of anatomy departments in Scotland and across the UK
- the ethical considerations involved in the use of human material for anatomical education
Semester 2
- Basic Human Anatomy, Imaging and Embryology 2 (40 credits): This course provides you with an in-depth understanding of the anatomy of the abdomen, pelvis, and head and neck. It integrates gross anatomy, surface anatomy, medical imaging, and embryology to deliver a comprehensive knowledge of these complex and clinically significant regions.
- Neuroanatomy (10 credits): This course covers the gross anatomy of the central and peripheral nervous systems, including:
- sensory and motor pathways
- cranial nerves
- spinal cord
- spinal nerves
- autonomic nervous system
Semesters 1 and 2
- Teaching Anatomy (20 credits): This course runs across both Semesters 1 and 2 and provides practical experience in delivering anatomy teaching, helping you develop the skills needed to effectively educate undergraduate and postgraduate learners. It focuses on the theory and practice of anatomy education, covering:
- adult learning principles
- teaching methods for small and large groups
- curriculum development
- assessment strategies
Semester 3
- Dissertation (60 credits): This independent research project allows you to pursue an in-depth study of a specific topic within human anatomy. You will develop critical research skills by designing, conducting, and presenting either literature-based or practical investigations, culminating in a comprehensive written dissertation that contributes to the field of anatomical science.
Funding for postgraduate study is different to undergraduate study, and many students need to combine funding sources to pay for their studies.
Most students use a combination of the following funding to pay their tuition fees and living costs:
- Borrowing money
- Taking out a loan
- Family support
- Personal savings
- Income from work
- Employer sponsorship
- Scholarships
UK government postgraduate loans
If you live in the UK, you may be eligible for a postgraduate loan for study from one of the UK’s governments.
You should check that your chosen programme is eligible for the funding you want to apply for.
Teaching
The MSc Human Anatomy programme is delivered through lectures, seminars and tutorials.
Video recording of the lectures pertaining to this programme is prohibited.
Assessment
- written and practical exams
- coursework
- multiple choice question exams
- extended matching question exams
- research reports
- seminar presentations
- oral examination
- spot examination
- dissertation