MSci Applied Anatomy (B113)

2027 entry | view 2026 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. 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.

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DDM in Applied Science BTEC National Level 3 Extended Diploma

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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 Standard 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: 15 credits at Distinction and 30 at Merit or above; and at least 12 credits (including 9 at Distinction) in each of two separate science subjects.. 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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