MSci Applied Anatomy (B113)

2027 entry

Course summary

MSci Applied Anatomy at Bristol teaches a thorough understanding of human and veterinary anatomy.

You'll explore the principles of comparative anatomy and the structure of the major mammalian body systems through hands-on, practical teaching, including some dissection.

As you progress through the programme, you'll develop an understanding of comparative anatomy and structures of the major body systems through different lenses: functional, applied and clinical.

Dissection opportunities will give depth and nuance to your anatomical knowledge. You'll develop skills in research, problem-solving and dealing with uncertainty, through expert-led discussions of the latest anatomical research.

In the final year, you'll pull these threads together, designing your own seminar session, exploring how anatomy is taught. You'll plan and complete an independent research project with support from our specialist supervisors.

Personal and professional development runs through the course, helping you build specialist and transferable skills for future employment. As a MSc Applied Anatomy graduate, you'll be well equipped for a range of career paths, including research, journalism, education and allied health professions.

You won't be doing this alone. You'll be part of a friendly and vibrant community with enthusiastic teaching staff. Your learning will be supported by access to anatomy museums, imaging suites, dedicated study spaces and online resources.

Course structure

The programme has been built to give you a comprehensive understanding of human and veterinary anatomy.

Year one

You'll study Anatomical Sciences, exploring the principles of vertebrate design with an emphasis on structure-function relationships and comparative anatomy. Alongside these units, you will also study Physiology, Functional Neuroanatomy and Introduction to Neuroscience.

Year two

You'll further your existing anatomical knowledge with detailed prosection-based units, Human Anatomy and Vet Anatomy. You'll have the rare opportunity to undertake a full-body dissection. You'll also apply your existing anatomical knowledge, in the context of diagnostic imaging of normal and abnormal tissue, through a variety of diagnostic imaging modalities.

Year three

You'll follow a seminar-based unit where you will be actively involved in expert-led discussion of the latest anatomical research. The teaching explores two key themes: the normal function of, and the aging and dysfunction of, the mammalian body. The highlight of this year is an original research project, where you can choose a topic which potentially supports your interests and career aspirations.

Year four

You'll learn through a programme of research and project-based, problem-solving learning, dealing with the uncertainties of anatomical research and anatomy's place within wider society. You'll be supported in developing as an independent researcher, as well as exploring the teaching and learning of anatomy from the teacher's perspective.

Full details about the course structure and units for this course can be viewed in the programme catalogue.

Go to programme catalogue

Entry requirements

We accept a wide variety of qualifications and welcome applications from students of all backgrounds. Below is a guide to the typical offers for this course.

ABB including two science subjects, at least one of which must be a core science. Core science subjects include: Biology (or Human Biology); Chemistry; Mathematics (or Further Mathematics); and Physics. Science subjects also include: Environmental Science; Geography; Geology; Psychology; Physical Education; and Marine Science. Due to overlapping content, applicants should only have one of: Biology or Human Biology Physical Education or Sport Science.
BBC including BB in two science subjects, at least one of which must be a core science. Core science subjects include: Biology (or Human Biology); Chemistry; Mathematics (or Further Mathematics); and Physics. Science subjects also include: Environmental Science; Geography; Geology; Psychology; Physical Education; and Marine Science. Due to overlapping content, applicants should only have one of: Biology or Human Biology Physical Education or Sport Science.

Find out if you are eligible for a contextual offer
DDM in Applied Science BTEC National Level 3 Extended Diploma

Find out more about BTEC entry requirements
32 points overall with 16 at Higher Level, including 5 at Higher Level in two science subjects, at least one of which must be a core science. Core science subjects include: Biology (or Human Biology); Chemistry; Mathematics (or Further Mathematics); and Physics. Science subjects also include: Environmental Science; Geography; Geology; Psychology; Physical Education; and Marine Science. Due to overlapping content, applicants should only have one of: Biology or Human Biology Physical Education or Sport Science.
29 points overall with 14 at Higher Level, including 5 at Higher Level in two science subjects, at least one of which must be a core science. Core science subjects include: Biology (or Human Biology); Chemistry; Mathematics (or Further Mathematics); and Physics. Science subjects also include: Environmental Science; Geography; Geology; Psychology; Physical Education; and Marine Science. Due to overlapping content, applicants should only have one of: Biology or Human Biology Physical Education or Sport Science.

Find out if you are eligible for a contextual offer
Advanced Higher: AB in two science/mathematics subjects and Higher: AABBB. Core science subjects include: Biology (or Human Biology); Chemistry; Mathematics (or Further Mathematics); and Physics. Science subjects also include: Environmental Science; Geography; Geology; Psychology; Physical Education; and Marine Science. Due to overlapping content, applicants should only have one of: Biology or Human Biology Physical Education or Sport Science.
Access to HE Diploma in Science, Biomedical/Medical/Health Science or Psychology (or similar titles). The 45 graded Level 3 credits must include: 21 credits at Distinction and 24 at Merit or above; and at least 12 credits (including 9 at Distinction) in each of two separate science subjects, at least one of which must be a core science. Core science subjects include: Biology (or Human Biology); Chemistry; Mathematics (or Further Mathematics); and Physics. Science subjects also include: Environmental Science; Geography; Geology; Psychology; Physical Education; and Marine Science. Due to overlapping content, applicants should only have one of: Biology or Human Biology Physical Education or Sport Science.

More about Access to HE entry requirements
Requirements are as for A-levels, where you can substitute a non-subject specific grade for the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales or the Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate at that grade.
Requirements for principal subjects are as for A-level, where D1/D2 is A*, D3 is A, M1/M2 is B, and M3 is C.
The University of Bristol welcomes applications from international students, and we accept a wide range of qualifications for undergraduate and postgraduate study.

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More about UK qualifications.

Fees

Home students
Year
Year 1 fee
2027/28
£10,050
International students
Year
Year 1 fee
2027/28
£32,500
Further fees information

If you are studying an undergraduate course part-time, your tuition fee will normally be calculated pro rata to the full-time fee for the course.

Fees are subject to annual review and are liable to rise each year.

Home fees will be set in line with UK government policy and updated as per their guidance, while international fees increase annually in line with expected inflation rises.

More about tuition fees, living costs and financial support.