Clinical Anatomy MSc Level: Postgraduate taught Subject: Medicine Year of entry: 2026 Study options Mode of study On campus Full-time MSc | 1 year | Start date: September 2026 Key facts School Edinburgh Medical School College College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine Programme website MSc Clinical Anatomy Study location Central Area Accreditation Not available Apply now 19 to 21 November 2025: Postgraduate Virtual Open Days Join us live to explore postgraduate taught and research study at Edinburgh and gain key insights before you apply. Register now Overview About the degree programme Human anatomy is a core component of undergraduate medical degree programmes, as well as programmes allied to medicine such as radiography and physiotherapy.However, the relative amount of anatomy taught on these programmes is now considerably less, and there are limited opportunities across the UK, and further afield, for medical and dental students to gain an in-depth knowledge of human anatomy beyond their core programmes.We have established this programme not only to directly address this deficiency but also to offer an opportunity for graduate entry intercalating medical/dental students to significantly enhance their clinically-relevant anatomical knowledge and research skills.The programme is tailored specifically for intercalating medical or dental students.AimsThere are three main aims of the MSc Clinical Anatomy programme, providing you with:the opportunity to gain a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of clinically-related human anatomy by dissectiona comprehensive understanding of the anatomical basis of clinical subjects, including surgery, radiology and histologyexperience of undertaking a cutting-edge anatomically/clinically-related research projectThe programme’s principal educational and clinical aims are specifically to give you thorough knowledge in all aspects of anatomy, including:gross anatomyembryologyneuroanatomyanatomical imagingYou will also gain knowledge in clinical-related subjects, including radiology, histology and surgery, to the level of being competent to teach these elements to medical students and students in professions allied to medicine. Programme rankings 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). Programme benefits A unique opportunity to enhance your clinically relevant anatomical knowledge and research skills.Tailored to intercalating medical and dental students, the programme will support your development and widen your career options.Unique features such as hands-on learning through cadaveric dissection and undertaking a clinically related research project.Designed to support your clinical development with modules covering anatomical aspects of surgery, radiology and histology. Gain a prestigious qualification from a world top 50 university, world-renowned for Anatomy teaching. The thing I enjoy the most is the self-directed dissection that we were offered. It allows us to learn from what it would look like in real life as well as in a textbook. I know after finishing this programme, it will help me with a career in surgery because my knowledge of anatomy will be much better. Amr Houda MSc Clinical Anatomy, graduated 2023 Fees, costs and funding Tuition fees Tuition fees by award and duration Tuition fees for full-time and part-time options are listed for one academic year. Full-time MSc Clinical Anatomy (1 year) tuition fees Graduate discount If you are a University of Edinburgh graduate, you will be eligible for a 10% discount on your tuition fees for this programme. You may also be eligible if you were a visiting undergraduate student.Find out how to receive your graduate discount Deposit If you receive an offer of admission, this will be conditional as you will be asked to pay some of your tuition fees in advance as a deposit.How and when to pay the deposit £200 (this contributes towards your tuition fees) Costs Accommodation and living costs You need to cover your accommodation and living costs for the duration of your programme.We estimate that you might spend £1,167 to £2,330 per month if you are a single student.Living costs include:foodutility billstravel, clothes, books and stationeryrecreational costs (for example, TV subscriptions and social events)Living costsAccommodation costs depend on where you live while studying and the type of accommodation you choose.University postgraduate accommodation options and costs Funding opportunities 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 moneytaking out a loanfamily supportpersonal savingsincome from workemployer sponsorshipscholarshipsExplore sources of funding for postgraduate study Funding entitlementsIf you intercalate on a masters programme, it could affect future funding entitlements for your medicine degree.You should consult with your funding body to confirm how you will finance your intercalated year and if there are any implications for funding your remaining undergraduate medical degree. Search for other funding opportunities You can find scholarships, bursaries and other funding you might be eligible for on our Scholarships and Student Funding site.Postgraduate funding opportunities Entry requirements These entry requirements are for the 2026-27 academic year and requirements for future academic years may differ. Entry requirements for the 2027-28 academic year will be published on 1 Oct 2026. Qualifications A UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent, in a medical, biomedical or relevant bioscience subject, or other subject allied to medicine, or;You must be currently studying for a MBChB, MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine/Bachelor of Surgery), BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery), or equivalent and have at least three years of study and gained at least 360 credits. You must demonstrate successful completion of all assessed work at a pass level of 60% or above, at first attempt.Personal statements will be considered a key criterion in the assessment of your application. Your personal statement should demonstrate your knowledge and experience of research and the research process. Due to limited places, entry to this programme is highly competitive. Meeting the minimum requirements for consideration does not guarantee an offer of study. International qualifications To find international equivalent qualifications, select where you studied from the country or region list. Where you studied - Select a country or region -AfghanistanAlbaniaAngolaArgentinaArmeniaAustraliaAustriaAzerbaijanBahamasBahrainBangladeshBelarusBelgiumBelizeBeninBoliviaBosnia and HerzegovinaBotswanaBrazilBulgariaBurkina FasoBurundiCambodiaCameroonCanadaChileChinaColombiaCosta RicaCôte d'IvoireCroatiaCubaCyprusCzech RepublicDemocratic Republic of CongoDenmarkDominican RepublicEcuadorEgyptEl SalvadorEritreaEstoniaEswatiniEthiopiaFinlandFranceGabonThe GambiaGeorgiaGermanyGhanaGreeceGuatemalaGuineaHaitiHondurasHong Kong-SAR ChinaHungaryIcelandIndiaIndonesiaIranIraqIrelandIsraelItalyJamaicaJapanJordanKazakhstanKenyaKorea, Republic ofKuwaitLatviaLebanonLesothoLiberiaLibyaLithuaniaLuxembourgMacau-SAR ChinaMadagascarMalawiMalaysiaMaldivesMaliMaltaMauritiusMexicoMoldovaMongoliaMontenegroMoroccoMozambiqueMyanmarNamibiaNepalNetherlands, TheNew ZealandNicaraguaNigeriaNorth MacedoniaNorwayOmanPacific IslandsPakistanPalestinian TerritoriesPanamaParaguayPeruPhilippinesPolandPortugalQatarRomaniaRussiaRwandaSaudi ArabiaSenegalSerbiaSierra LeoneSingaporeSlovakiaSloveniaSomaliaSouth AfricaSouth SudanSpainSri LankaSudanSwedenSwitzerlandSyriaTajikistanTaiwanTanzaniaThailandTogoTrinidad and TobagoTurkeyTurkmenistanUgandaUkraineUnited Arab EmiratesUnited States of AmericaUruguayUzbekistanVenezuelaVietnamWest Indies and CaribbeanZambiaZimbabweMy country or region is not listed English language requirements You must prove that your English language abilities are at a high enough level to study this degree programme.This is the case for all applicants, including UK nationals.You can meet our English language requirements with one of the following:an English language testa degree that was taught and assessed in Englishcertain professional qualifications English language tests we accept We accept any of the following English language tests, at the specified grade or higher: IELTS Academic: total 6.5 with at least 6.0 in each component. We do not accept IELTS One Skill Retake to meet our English language requirements. TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition): total 92 with at least 20 in each component We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements. C1 Advanced (CAE) / C2 Proficiency (CPE): total 176 with at least 169 in each component. Trinity ISE: ISE II with distinctions in all four components. Oxford ELLT: total 7 with at least 6 in each component. Oxford Test of English Advanced: total 145 with at least 135 in each component. How old your English language tests can be Tests no more than two years oldThe following English language tests must be no more than two years old on the 1st of the month in which your programme starts, regardless of your nationality:IELTS AcademicTOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition)Trinity ISEOxford ELLTOxford Test of English AdvancedTests no more than three and a half years oldAll other English language tests must be no more than three and a half years old on the 1st of the month in which your programme starts, regardless of your nationality. Degrees taught and assessed in English We accept an undergraduate or postgraduate degree that has been taught and assessed in English in a majority English-speaking country, as defined by UK Visas and Immigration.UKVI list of majority English speaking countriesWe also accept a degree that has been taught and assessed in English from a university on our list of approved universities in non-majority English-speaking countries (non-MESC).Approved universities in non-MESCHow old your degree can beIf you are not a national of a majority English-speaking country, then your degree must be no more than five years old on the 1st of the month in which your programme starts.This time limit does not apply to your degree if you are a national of a majority English-speaking country. Find out more about our English language requirements Find out about other English language qualifications we accept, including professional qualifications.English language requirements Programme details What you will study This programme is a one-year, full-time MSc, beginning in September and ending in August the following year. 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. Hands-on cadaveric dissectionYou will gain a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of human anatomy by dissection. This strand will involve the dissection of a body in groups of three to five students over two semesters.A major component of this course involves self-directed learning. When there are no scheduled lectures or tutorials, you are required to spend your time in the lab, fully engaged in the process of dissecting and learning anatomy from your assigned dissected body.Additionally, there will be regular 'surgeries' where teaching staff will be present to offer guidance and support during the dissections.Bespoke modulesYou will study bespoke modules covering anatomical aspects of radiology, histology and surgery.The knowledge gained will enable you to:understand and apply basic anatomical principles underpinning radiology, histology and surgerylocate and identify key anatomical structures, including major clinical phenotypes, on medical imagesidentify and interpret light microscopic histological images of core human tissuesClinically-oriented research projectThe research project gives you an opportunity to gain a more in-depth knowledge of a particular aspect of anatomy and to present your findings by writing a dissertation.Complementing these three strands will be a lecture-based Medical Law and Ethics course.You will learn:the health and safety of embalming procedures and handling bodiesthe legal and historical aspects of anatomy in Scotland and the UKan introduction to the ethics of using bodies in medical educationYou will also explore clinical techniques used to image the body. Compulsory courses Semester 1Basic Human Anatomy, Imaging and Embryology 1 (40 credits)Surgery, Radiology and Histology 1 (10 credits)Anatomy Law and Ethics (10 credits)Semester 2Basic Human Anatomy, Imaging and Embryology 2 (40 credits)Surgery, Radiology and Histology 2 (10 credits)Neuroanatomy (10 credits)Semester 3Dissertation (60 credits) Find courses for this programme Find out what courses you can study on this programme and how each of them are taught and assessed. The courses on offer may change from year to year, but the course information will give you an idea of what to expect on this programme. Full-time MSc Clinical Anatomy (1 year) (2025-2026) We link to the latest information available. This may be for a previous academic year and should be considered indicative. Disclaimer The course starts in September each year. Should you face delays due to valid reasons, such as visa issues, and therefore be unable to commence the MSc Clinical Anatomy programme on time, a one-week delay may be permitted with the Programme Director's consent. However, if you are not in attendance by the start of Week 2, your place may be withdrawn.If you have any pre-existing medical conditions that could affect your health while working in the anatomy lab, please contact the Programme Director before applying. Teaching and assessment Teaching The MSc Clinical Anatomy programme is delivered through lectures, seminars, tutorials and specialist workshops, supported by expert staff. A distinctive feature is hands-on cadaveric dissection. This blend of teaching ensures you gain both in-depth anatomical knowledge and practical skills for clinical and academic application. Video recording of lectures in this programme is prohibited. Assessment written and practical examscourseworkmultiple-choice questions (MCQs) and extended matching questions (EMQs)research reportsseminar presentationsoral examinationspot examinationdissertation Learning outcomes By the end of the programme, you should be able to demonstrate: Extensive and detailed working knowledge and understanding of clinically-relevant human anatomy, to a level allowing you to teach anatomy to both undergraduate and postgraduate students.The ability to relate normal processes of embryology and development to anatomy observed by dissection.An appreciation of the health and safety aspects of handling bodies for dissection.A thorough understanding of the use of bodies and the law.An understanding of the ethics of using bodies for medical education.A critical knowledge of the anatomical basis of radiology, histology and surgery.An ability to work independently on an anatomically- or clinically-based research project. Support for your studies You will have access to a range of support services if you need them throughout your degree.We will assign you to a student adviser, and this should be the first person to contact if you need help. They can guide you to other University service teams depending on what support you need. How we support you Our academic staff Teaching is delivered by a team of expert academic staff with clinical, research, and teaching experience in anatomy and related fields. Their guidance ensures a research-led, hands-on learning experience that develops both knowledge and practical skills. Meet our programme team Where you will study Academic facilities You will benefit from excellent academic facilities, including:fully equipped anatomy dissection labanatomical museum with PCs for study and researchaccess to the main University libraryspecialist teaching roomscomputing resourcesThese spaces support both practical and theoretical learning throughout the programme. Careers and further study Career opportunities We anticipate that you will return to your medical/dental studies on completion of the programme, and utilise your new knowledge and skills to accelerate your clinical career and widen your career options. Further study After completing this programme, you may wish to consider applying for a PhD or other research programme.Applying for research degreesMoving on to a PhD (advice from the University's Careers Service) Graduate profiles Why choose this Masters in Clinical Anatomy? Our student, Newman Caddies, talks about why he chose the Masters in Clinical Anatomy and how he has benefited from learning through dissection. Careers Service Our Careers Service can help you to fully develop your potential and achieve your future goals. The Careers Service supports you not only while you are studying at the University, but also for up to two years after you finish your studies. With the Careers Service, you can: access digital resources to help you understand your skills and strengthstry different types of experiences and reflect on how and what you developget help finding work, including part-time jobs, vacation work, internships and graduate jobsattend careers events and practice interviewsget information and advice to help you make informed decisions Visit the Careers Service website Applying How to apply You apply online for this programme. After you read the application guidance, select your preferred programme, then choose 'Start your application' to begin. If you are considering applying to more than one programme, you should be aware that we cannot consider more than 5 applications from the same applicant. When to apply Programme start date Application deadline 14 September 2026 24 July 2026 We encourage you to apply as soon as possible so that we have enough time to process your application. This is particularly important if you are also applying for funding or will require a visa. Applications may close earlier than published deadlines if there is exceptionally high demand.For an application to be reviewed, it must be a complete application by the application deadline with all supporting documentation uploaded, including references and transcripts.If you already have evidence that you meet the English language entry requirements, such as via an approved English language test, please upload this evidence at the time of your application. If you have not already met your English language requirements, please upload that evidence as soon as you have it. Application fee There is no fee to apply to this programme. What you need to apply As part of your online application, you will need to provide: a personal statementdetails of relevant knowledge/training skillsYou will also need to submit some or all of the following supporting documents:copies of your degree certificates and academic transcripts that confirm your current or final marksreferencesevidence you meet the English language requirementscertified translations if your original documents are not in EnglishWhen you start your application, you will be able to see the full list of documents you need to provide. Intercalating applicants UK intercalating applicants must submit a letter of confirmation from their University with their application stating permission to intercalate on this programme from their Head of Undergraduate Medical or Dental Education.International applicants may be required to provide details of the medical or dental curriculum they are studying in order to confirm eligibility.ReferencesYou must submit one reference with your application. Apply Select the award, duration and delivery mode you want to study. Then select the start date you want to apply for. Select programme - Select a programme -MSc Clinical Anatomy (1 year) After you apply Once you have applied for this programme, you will be able to track the progress of your application and accept or decline any offers.Checking the status of your applicationWe will notify you by email once we have made a decision. Due to the large number of applications we receive, it might take a while until you hear from us.Receiving our decisionWhat to do if you receive an offer:Receiving an offerAccepting an offerSubmitting supporting documents Life at Edinburgh What our students say Find out what our students say about their experience on the programme, and what a week on the Masters looks like.Find out what our students say Accommodation We guarantee an offer of University accommodation for all new, single postgraduate taught students from outside the UK and new, single postgraduate research (typically PhD) students who:apply for accommodation by 31 July in the year when you start your programmeaccept an unconditional firm offer to study at the University by 31 Julystudy at the University for the whole of the academic year starting in SeptemberUniversity accommodation websiteAccommodation guarantee criteriaWe also offer accommodation options for couples and families.Accommodation for couples and familiesIf you prefer to live elsewhere, we can offer you advice on finding accommodation in Edinburgh.Accommodation information from the Edinburgh University Students' Association Advice Place Societies and clubs Our societies and sports clubs will help you develop your interests, meet like-minded people, find a new hobby or simply socialise.SocietiesSport Clubs The city of Edinburgh Scotland's inspiring capital will form the background to your studies — a city with an irresistible blend of history, natural beauty and modern city life. Find out more about living in Edinburgh Exercise, leisure and support facilities Outside of your studies, we offer a range of facilities that you might find useful day-to-day, including:sport and exercise facilitiesUniversity cafes and cateringEdinburgh University Students' Association (EUSA) venues and shopsa multi-faith chaplaincy for all faiths and nonea University nursery (based at King’s Buildings campus) Health and wellbeing support You will have access to free health and wellbeing services throughout your time at university if you need them.The support services we offer include: a student counselling service a health centre (doctor's surgery) support if you're living in University accommodation dedicated help and support if you have a disability or need adjustmentsHealth and wellbeing support services Disability and Learning Support Contact General enquiries Postgraduate Admissions OfficeCollege of Medicine and Veterinary MedicineCMVM College OfficeUsher Institute, Usher Building, The University of Edinburgh5-7 Little France Road, Edinburgh BioQuarter – Gate 3EdinburghEH16 4UX futurestudents@ed.ac.uk Phone:+44 (0)131 651 7998 Academic contact Dr Abduelmenem Alashkham Programme Director Edinburgh Medical School: Department of Anatomy College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine University of Edinburgh Contact details Email: abduelmenem.alashkham@ed.ac.uk
