Continuing professional development

Clinical Anatomyof the Head and Neck

Course length

12 weeks part-time

Start date

February 2027

Location

Hull campus

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Course content
Teaching and assessment
Entry requirements
Fees and funding
Applying

Develop advanced knowledge and practical understanding of the clinical anatomy of the head and neck through regional dissection, seminars, tutorials and independent study.

This short course is designed for those seeking a deeper understanding of the spatial, topographical and relational anatomy of the head and neck, with clear application to clinical practice, education, research and professional development. You will explore the region in anatomical, developmental, functional, biomechanical and radiological contexts.

Key areas include:

Clinical anatomy of the head, face and neck
Anatomy of the cranial cavity and cranial nerves
Anatomy of the oral cavity, nasal cavity, pharynx and larynx
Neurovascular anatomy of the head and neck
Anatomical basis of common clinical presentations, disease and injury
Anatomical variation and its clinical significance
Radiological and functional anatomy
Practical dissection skills and laboratory techniques

Through guided dissection and clinically integrated teaching, you will examine the anatomical basis of disease, injury and clinical presentation in one of the body’s most complex regions. Direct engagement with human anatomy will help you appreciate intricate anatomical relationships, normal variation and their significance in clinical and surgical practice.

You will also have the opportunity to develop practical dissection skills, manual dexterity and anatomical observation, while building a more critical and applied understanding of the trunk.

Learning activities include:

Guided practical dissection of Thiel-embalmed human body donors
Self-directed dissection and anatomical investigation
Clinician-led seminars and tutorials
Preparatory reading and structured tasks through the virtual learning environment
Independent study to develop clinical, functional, radiological and anatomical knowledge
Portfolio-based learning and reflection

Students will be encouraged to engage critically with regional anatomy, anatomical variation, functional relationships and the clinical relevance of the structures they study.

You will receive 20 Level 7 credits on completing this short course, including passing the assessments.

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Contact Us

[email protected] 01904 321690

Dr Anju Albert, Lecturer in Clinical AnatomyView profile

University of Hull - Hull York Medical School

Who is this short course for?

This course is suited to healthcare professionals, clinicians in training, anatomy educators, demonstrators, allied health professionals and researchers who want to strengthen their applied understanding of the head and neck.

It is also appropriate for those wishing to refresh or extend their anatomical knowledge for professional practice, teaching, specialist development or further study.

Eligible applicants may take this course as a standalone CPD option or as part of the PGCert/PGDip/MSc in Clinical Anatomy and Education or PGCert/PGDip/MSc in Clinical Anatomy.

Teaching and assessment

What you will learn

You will study the clinical, surgical and applied regional anatomy of the head and neck through detailed dissection and clinically focused teaching. The course also explores anatomical variation, radiological anatomy, developmental anatomy, functional anatomy, and the structural basis of disease and injury.

By the end of the course, you will be able to:

Describe and apply the clinical anatomy of the head and neck in professional contexts.
Explain the anatomical basis of selected conditions, injuries and clinical presentations.
Recognise and interpret anatomical variation in clinically relevant ways.
Critically evaluate the relevance of head and neck anatomy in modern clinical and surgical practice.
Develop practical dissection and observation skills to support applied anatomical understanding.

How is this short course delivered?

The programme combines tutor-led and self-directed human body donor dissection with seminars, tutorials and guided independent study. Practical sessions focus on detailed dissection of the head and neck, supported by structured preparatory learning and guided tasks.

Alongside the practical work, seminars explore the clinical, surgical and applied dimensions of the region. You will benefit from direct interaction with tutors and facilitators from anatomically relevant clinical and non-clinical disciplines, helping you connect your learning to your own professional or specialist interests.

Structured preparatory activities and learning resources are provided through the virtual learning environment to support independent study throughout the course.

Time commitment

As a 20 credit level 7 module, the total time commitment, including contact time and self-directed learning, is 200 hours. Across the module, this is approximately 16 hours per week, including timetabled sessions.

Assessment

Learning is assessed through a written portfolio that incorporates academic content and reflective elements. This provides a structured opportunity for students to consolidate their learning, demonstrate depth of understanding and reflect on the development of their anatomical knowledge and skills.

Anatomical knowledge is also assessed through a practical anatomy spotter (or spot-test) examination.

Applying

Entry requirements

An undergraduate (strong 2.2 or above) or postgraduate degree in a relevant subject containing significant anatomy, such as:

Anatomy, Medicine, Medical Engineering, Physician Associate Studies, Veterinary Medicine
Biological or Biomedical Science and related programmes (Zoology, Bioengineering), with significant evidence of anatomy study (curricular or extra-curricular)

Applicants are encouraged to highlight previous anatomical experience in the application.