Human 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
Study location

Central Area

Accreditation

Not available

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About the degree programme

​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 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

  • 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 anatomy teaching.

I enjoy the full-year Teaching Anatomy module the most. Besides learning about different pedagogical approaches, we had opportunities to conduct laboratory-based and lecture-based teaching to clinical and medical students. It is an exciting element to apply our learning. 

Sumar Chan MSc Human Anatomy, graduated 2024
Profile picture of Sumar Chan, MSc Human Anatomy graduate 2024

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

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:

  • food
  • utility bills
  • travel, clothes, books and stationery
  • recreational costs (for example, TV subscriptions and social events)

Living costs

Accommodation 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 money
    • taking out a loan
    • family support
  • personal savings
  • income from work
  • employer sponsorship
  • scholarships

Explore sources of funding for postgraduate study

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.

View details: UK government loans

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

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.

We may also consider applicants with a UK 2:1 or 2:2 honours degree or its international equivalent, if you have other qualifications with relevant work experience, normally of at least one year; for example if you have human anatomy work experience (i.e. human anatomy tutor, demonstrator, dissector etc) or in medical and paramedical fields. Please contact the programme team to check before you apply.

International qualifications

To find international equivalent qualifications, select where you studied from the country or region list.

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 test
  • a degree that was taught and assessed in English
  • certain 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 old

The 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 Academic
  • TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition)
  • Trinity ISE
  • Oxford ELLT
  • Oxford Test of English Advanced
Tests no more than three and a half years old

All 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 countries

We 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-MESC

How old your degree can be

If 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

What you will study

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.

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

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 Human 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 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

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 lab
  • anatomical museum with PCs for study and research
  • access to the main university library
  • specialist teaching rooms
  • computing resources

These spaces support both practical and theoretical learning throughout the programme.​

Career opportunities

​​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.

Applying for research degrees

Moving on to a PhD (advice from the University's Careers Service)

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 strengths
  • try different types of experiences and reflect on how and what you develop
  • get help finding work, including part-time jobs, vacation work, internships and graduate jobs
  • attend careers events and practice interviews
  • get information and advice to help you make informed decisions 

Visit the Careers Service website 

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: 

You will also need to submit some or all of the following supporting documents:

When you start your application, you will be able to see the full list of documents you need to provide.

References

You 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.

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 application

We 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 decision

What to do if you receive an offer:

What our students say

Our students talk about their experience of the MSc Human Anatomy programme and describe the opportunities opened up to them beyond graduation.

What our students say

Spencer Thraikill shares her experience studying MSc Human Anatomy at the University of Edinburgh.

Our community

The student and staff community is a very tight-knit community. We can chat and communicate via email anytime. They are very approachable. This programme has also offered us some opportunities to join professional communities like BACR or Anatomical Society, so we can join the conferences for networking. 

Sumar Chan Human Anatomy Graduate 2024

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 programme
  • accept an unconditional firm offer to study at the University by 31 July
  • study at the University for the whole of the academic year starting in September

University accommodation website

Accommodation guarantee criteria

We also offer accommodation options for couples and families.

Accommodation for couples and families

If 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.

Societies

Sport 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

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 adjustments

Health and wellbeing support services 

Disability and Learning Support

General enquiries

Postgraduate Admissions Office

College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine

CMVM College Office

Usher Institute, Usher Building, The University of Edinburgh

5-7 Little France Road, Edinburgh BioQuarter – Gate 3

Edinburgh

EH16 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

Address

Anatomy Department, Old Medical School
Teviot Place, Doorway 3
Edinburgh
EH8 9AG

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