Postgraduate

MSc in

Clinical Anatomy

Course length 1 year full-time, 2 - 3 years part-time

Start date September 2026

Location Hull Campus*

Discover Clinical Anatomy

Course content
Teaching and assessment
Careers
Entry requirements
Fees and funding
Applying

About the programme

Our MSc in Clinical Anatomy will allow you to develop a deep understanding of the complex nature of the human body and how that relates to clinical practice – so you can effectively evaluate, diagnose and treat illnesses in your future career.

The programme is built around core dissection-based modules, and a range of complementary anatomy modules allowing you to gain an in-depth understanding of the fundamental pillars of anatomy, including embryology, neuroanatomy, histology and radiology.

In our state-of-the-art facilities for dissection and plastination, you will gain the unique experience of working with a range of donor material preserved using Thiel, Formalin and plastination embalming techniques. In particular, dissection using Thiel-embalmed donor material offers the benefit of viewing material which is as close to living tissue as possible.

This course is also an ideal option for intercalation. Read on to find out more.

You may also be interested in our MSc in Clinical Anatomy and Education, a unique programme where you will develop a deep understanding of the clinical anatomy of the human body, applying this to teaching clinical anatomy and an educational research project.

Meet the Programme Directors

Book a one-to-one chat with Programme Directors Dr Anju Albert or Dr Paul McKeegan to learn more about our MSc in Clinical Anatomy.

Get the answers to your questions about the course, studying at Hull York Medical School, support, finance and more.

Book a meeting with Dr Anju Albert

Book a meeting with Dr Paul McKeegan

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CONTACT US

[email protected] 01904 321690

Dr Anju Albert,
Programme Director

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Dr Paul McKeegan,
Programme Director

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Webinar

Discover Clinical Anatomy

Wednesday 19 November, 18:00

Join Dr Anju Albert and Dr Paul McKeegan, Programme Directors for our MSc Clinical Anatomy programmes, for an engaging webinar and live Q&A session. This interactive event will give you valuable insights into the student experience, career pathways, and the unique strengths of our programmes. Bring your questions and join the conversation.

Whether you're a prospective student or currently preparing your application, this is a fantastic opportunity to learn more about the course content, structure, and the exciting career development opportunities on offer. You’ll also have the chance to speak directly with the Programme Directors and get the answers to your questions.

Book your place now

Course structure

Through our taught modules and research training sessions, you are provided with training in specialist and generic research skills to support your success in the 60-credit Research Project module, and for future research opportunities across academic, clinical and research careers. You will conduct a high-quality anatomy-focused research project, supported by experts in anatomy research and using tools including 3D computer modelling, quantitative analysis of patient imaging data, dissection and systematic literature review.

Accreditation

Our Advance HE-accredited Professional Practice modules are specifically designed to nurture skilled, qualified anatomy educators. You will gain valuable experience teaching on undergraduate programmes, including the MB BS Medicine course, preparing you to teach anatomy in higher education environments, whether or not you come from a clinical background. Upon completion, you’ll be accredited as an Advance HE Associate Fellow or Fellow (AFHEA or FHEA).

Course content

Modules

This programme offers a range of 20 credit modules, including three clinical anatomy dissection modules, two optional anatomy modules, a research skills module, two professional practice in education modules and one research project/dissertation (60 credits).

You will select a total of 180 credits from a flexible combination of modules. This will include 40 credits of clinical anatomy dissection modules and 60 credits from the research project/dissertation module.

All modules are subject to availability, and this list may change at any time.

*This programme is primarily based at the University of Hull, but some modules involve at least one study day delivered on the University of York campus.

Teaching and assessment

How is the programme taught?

You will have the opportunity to learn from experts at the forefront of new developments in clinical anatomy, who create a dynamic and supportive learning environment as part of a diverse and welcoming community.

We employ a variety of teaching, learning and assessment techniques to deliver this programme through structured sessions to help you get the most out of your studies with us. These sessions include:

Whole body dissection on Thiel-embalmed body donor material
Online and digital learning resources
Practical laboratory activities
Independent study and small group work
Seminars and workshops
Peer discussion and observation
Teaching practice
Flipped classrooms
Reflective portfolios
Dissertation supervision

This programme also features guest seminars from visiting surgeons and consultants, who will bring patient cases to share. These experts come from a range of specialities, including plastic, thoracic, and orthopaedic surgeons, physiotherapists, radiologists, and emergency medicine doctors.

Published dissertations

Students studying the MSc in Clinical Anatomy are integral to our research community and experience much of their learning through research and inquiry. This leads to our students produce high quality research for their dissertation, which we encourage and support them to publish in academic journals.

Our students' latest published dissertations for the MSc in Clinical Anatomy and MSc in Clinical Anatomy and Education include:

N Cinti, PJ McKeegan, P Bazira, A Smith, P Maliakal, M Danicut, H Nejadhamzeeigilani. (2025) Differences in internal carotid artery tortuosity in ruptured and unruptured anterior circulation aneurysms. A matched case-control study Neurochirurgie

Bruce C, Ubhi N, McKeegan P, Sanders K. Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Cardiovascular Consequences of Myocardial Bridging in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy. Am J Cardiol. 2023 Feb 1;188:110-119. Epub 2022 Dec 10. PMID: 36512852.

Kenny, E.J.G., Makwana, H.N., Thankachan, M., Clunie, L., Dueñas, A.D. (2022, Jul 27) The Use of Ultrasound in Undergraduate Medical Anatomy Education: a Systematic Review with Narrative Synthesis. Medical Science Educator.

Ayre, J.R., Bazira, P.J., Abumattar, M., Makwana, H.N., Sanders, K.A. (2021, Dec 21). A new classification system for the anatomical variations of the human circle of Willis: A systematic review. Journal of Anatomy.

Jones, J. D., Castanho, P., Bazira, P., & Sanders, K. (2020, Jul 26). Anatomical variations of the circle of Willis and their prevalence, with a focus on the posterior communicating artery: A literature review and meta-analysis. Clin Anat.

Brown, M. E. L., Coker, O., Heybourne, A., & Finn, G. M. (2020, 2020/09/01). Exploring the Hidden Curriculum’s Impact on Medical Students: Professionalism, Identity Formation and the Need for Transparency. Medical Science Educator, 30(3), 1107-1121.

Brown, M. E. L., Hunt, G. E. G., Hughes, F., & Finn, G. M. (2020, Aug 13). 'Too male, too pale, too stale': a qualitative exploration of student experiences of gender bias within medical education. BMJ Open, 10(8), e039092.

Curlewis, K., Leung, B., Perera, M., Bazira, P. J., & Sanders, K. A. (2020, Jun 22). Clay-Based Modeling in the Anatomist's Toolkit: A Systematic Review. Anat Sci Educ.

Teaching and assessment

How is the programme assessed?

Throughout the programme, you will be evaluated through a combination of means. Please see the module information for details. The assessments include exams, portfolio submissions, written assessments, oral presentations, group projects, research reports and a dissertation.

HULL YORK MEDICAL SCHOOL Stories

Learning by dissection was invaluable. Although difficult initially, it allowed me to put my Anatomy knowledge in a three-dimensional context. This is a quality that is transferable to all other aspects of an academic life. I also enjoyed working on my research project - I worked on an original piece of research in a field I am passionate about, with the support of the academic team from the University.

MSc Clinical Anatomy graduate

Noemi Cinti

Eduardo Muscogliati, Clinical Anatomy and Education student

Careers

Career prospects

Students on these programmes come from a diverse range of backgrounds and go on to develop careers in surgery, clinical practice and allied health disciplines, or go on to further study.

This programme is also invaluable if you are a practising clinician or healthcare professional considering an academic career or a career in medical education.

Intercalation

An ideal option for intercalation

The MSc in Clinical Anatomy is an intensive programme, but one that will equip you with the skills and experience to become a better clinician or clinical academic, giving you a competitive edge when applying for foundation year training, specialty training and jobs.

If you are considering taking a year out from your undergraduate Medicine programme to intercalate, and you are interested in developing your clinical anatomical knowledge and skills including whole-body dissection, this programme is ideal.

Discover intercalation

Medicine students on a hospital ward at Hull Royal Infirmary

Entry

Entry requirements

Applicants must have a 2:1 (Hons) degree or a strong 2:2 and relevant experience in Biomedical Science, Anatomical Science, Veterinary Medicine, Zoology or a related subject, to include training in human or mammalian biology with considerable emphasis on anatomy. You are encouraged to highlight previous anatomical experience in your application.

Intercalating medical students must have successfully completed a minimum of three years of an MB BS or comparable medical qualification.

English language requirements

Applicants whose first language is not English must have one of the following:

IELTS: 6.5, with no less than 6.0 in each component
PTE Academic: 61, with no less than 55 in each component
CAE and CPE (from January 2015): 176, with no less than 169 in each component
TOEFL: 87, with a minimum of 21 in each component
Trinity ISE: level 3 with Merit in all components
LangCert B2 Communicator High Pass (minimum score 33/50)
WASSCE: C5

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

Fees listed are for 2026 entry. Fees are reviewed on an annual basis and may change for subsequent years.

The level of fee that you pay depends on whether you're classed as a UK (Home) or International (including EU) student. Check your fee status on the University of York website.

UK (Home)

Full-time: £13,900
Part-time (2 years): £6,950*
Part-time (3 years): £4,630*

International (including EU)

Full-time: £32,900
Part-time (2 years): £16,450*
Part-time (3 years): £10,960*

*The fees listed for part-time study relate to the current year only, fees for subsequent years are subject to confirmation.

Applicants who are self-funded and assessed by the University of Hull as paying the overseas tuition fee rate are required to pay a non-refundable deposit at the point of offer. A place will not be guaranteed until the full deposit has been received. The University reserves the right to stop accepting deposit payments once course places are full and, as a result, may defer an offer to the next available intake. Find out more about the University of Hull Tuition Fee Deposit.