Postgraduate

MSc in

Clinical Anatomy

Unlike a basic anatomy course, this 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.

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

Start date September 2024

Location Primarily based at the University of Hull*

Discover Clinical Anatomy

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

Introduction

About the programme

The MSc in Clinical Anatomy, based at the University of Hull campus, provides unique opportunities to immerse yourself in the practical and in-depth study of clinical anatomy. The programme is built around core dissection-based modules, and a range of complimentary optional modules allowing you to gain an in-depth understanding of all the fundamental pillars of anatomy, including embryology, neuroanatomy, histology and radiology. You will be encouraged to be a self-directed learner and challenge your knowledge and ways of thinking about the human body.

This programme offers you the opportunity to conduct whole-body dissection and in doing so develop a deep understanding of the complex nature of the whole of the human body and how that relates to your clinical practice. You will gain the unique experience of working with a range of cadaveric material preserved using Thiel, Formalin and plastination embalming techniques. In particular, dissection using Thiel-embalmed cadavers offers the benefit of viewing material which is as close to living tissue as possible.

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. As well as learning from their expertise, you will be challenged to think differently and learn how to become a self-directed learner as you continue to develop your anatomy knowledge throughout your career.

This programme also features guest seminars from visiting surgeons and consultants, who will bring patient cases to share with you, so you can apply your knowledge within a clinical context. These experts come from a range of specialties and include plastic, cardiothoracic and orthopaedic surgeons, gastroenterologists, radiologists and emergency medicine doctors.

*This programme is primarily based at the University of Hull. Some modules involve at least one study day delivered on the University of York campus, see the module information below for details.

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CONTACT US

pgtadmissions@hyms.ac.uk 01904 321690

Dr Paul McKeegan,
Interim Programme Director

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Course content

Modules

This programme offers a range of 20 credit modules including. To gain the MSc, students must select 180 credits in total. The chosen combination of modules is flexible, however, for MSc Clinical Anatomy students the choice of modules must include 40 credits of clinical anatomy dissection modules and 60 credits from the research project / dissertation module.

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.

Intercalating at Hull York

Medicine students on a hospital ward at Hull Royal Infirmary

MSc Clinical Anatomy and Education student Walter Mercer-Holland

Teaching and assessment

How is the programme taught?

We encourage all our students to be life-long self-directed learners. You will have numerous opportunities to immerse yourself in the subject, and you will be the driving force behind your own learning and development.

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

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

In addition, some modules are delivered by York-based teaching staff and will involve online distance learning and face-to-face study days at the University of York.

Clinical Anatomy students with Peter Bazira, examining anatomical models

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.

Teaching and assessment

What support is available?

This MSc is intensive and challenging but ultimately hugely rewarding. In addition to the student support services at the University of Hull, we also have our own dedicated student support team providing a range of pastoral services to all our Hull York Medical School students.

This programme develops you to become a self-directed learner – and therefore a lifelong learner. This may be a new skill to you to learn, but you will not be on your own; you will benefit from small teaching groups and high contact hours during your programme, so you always have someone to help you throughout your learning.

Support and wellbeing

Clinical Anatomy students and lecturer in discussion around a CT scan of a brain

HULL YORK MEDICAL SCHOOL Stories

Conducting whole-body Thiel dissection is a real privilege, and allows you to manipulate the human body in a realistic manner which is incredibly insightful. The small group seminars are a great help in putting the anatomical learning into a clinical context, supported by experts in the field including surgeons.

2018 graduate

Dr Savraj Kalsi

About the programme

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.

Published dissertations

Students studying the MSc in Clinical Anatomy are very much part of our research community, and experience much of their learning through research and inquiry. This leads to our students producing 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:

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. doi: 10.1016/j.amjcard.2022.10.059 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.

Entry

Entry requirements

Applicants must have a 2:1 (Hons) degree 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 2024 entry; fees for subsequent years are subject to confirmation as fees are reviewed on an annual basis and may change.

The level of fee that you will be asked to 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: £12,480
Part-time (2 years): £6,240
Part-time (3 years): £4,160

International (including EU)

Full-time: £29,400
Part-time (2 years): £14,700
Part-time (3 years): £9,800

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 to secure a place for 2024-entry. 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.