This MSc in Clinical Anatomy aims to provide students with a greater understanding of advanced human anatomy including appropriate radiological anatomy, microscopic anatomy and embryology.
The modules presented emphasise clinically and surgically relevant anatomy, although they are not designed exclusively for clinicians.
Intercalated Medical and Dental Students: Completing an intercalated degree will boost your CV when applying for postgraduate training. Depending on the discipline, selection panels look for completion of an additional degree, or for publications or posters. An intercalated degree gives you the opportunity to improve your chances of future success.
Applicants are advised to apply as early as possible and ideally no later than 31st July 2025 for courses which commence in late September. In the event that any programme receives a high number of applications, the University reserves the right to close the application portal. Notifications to this effect will appear on the Direct Application Portal against the programme application page.
Please note a deposit will be required to guarantee a place on the course. Due to high demand, applications may not be considered if the course has reached its maximum class size and will be placed on a waiting list. Please see deposit terms and conditions for more details.
Queen's is one of the few medical schools in the UK where students have access to human cadaveric specimens in a purpose-built facility licensed by the Human Tissue Authority (HTA).
Clinical Anatomy highlights
World Class Facilities
Students will have access to human cadaveric specimens.
Internationally Renowned Experts
Teaching will be based in the Centre for Biomedical Sciences Education, whose staff have won a number of Queen's University Teaching Awards.
Student Testimonials
“Pursuing the MSc in Clinical Anatomy was an exhilarating and profoundly transformative journey.
“The programme's rigorous curriculum seamlessly integrated theory alongside hands-on cadaveric explorations of pristine specimens.
“These experiences, paired with in-depth clinical case studies, cultivated a deep and nuanced understanding of human anatomy within a clinical framework.
“Each day was a dynamic blend of enlightening lectures and immersive practical sessions, all of which reinforced the intricate complexities of the human body.
“Collaborating closely with esteemed professors and like-minded peers, I honed not only my technical expertise but also a collaborative ethos, fostering a comprehensive mastery of the subject.
“The programme constantly pushed me to think critically, applying anatomical knowledge to real-world medical challenges, and effectively bridging the gap between scientific inquiry and patient care.
“The MSc in Clinical Anatomy also enhanced my research skills. Through rigorous coursework and independent projects, I learned to design and conduct detailed anatomical studies, critically analyse data, and interpret findings within a clinical framework.”
“This year, I had the opportunity to pursue an intercalated degree between years four and five of my MBBS course.
“I enrolled onto the MSc in Clinical Anatomy at Queen’s University Belfast to build upon my existing anatomical knowledge, and to enhance my preparation for a medical career and a potential surgical pathway.
“The course offered a thorough and immersive experience with in-depth teaching covering a range of applicable anatomical areas from radiological to gross and surgical anatomy.
“It provided me with first-hand clinically applicable experience and a deeper understanding of the conditions and concepts studied in medicine.
“Poster and oral presentations provided experience in presenting research and developing academic communication skills.
“The research project enabled me to pursue a specific area of anatomy that interested me, while also providing a foundation for conducting research in the future with the potential for publication. “
The course offers an extensive exploration of anatomy, and should be a fundamental component in any comprehensive medical education.”
Students undertake three taught modules (120 CATS) and the Anatomy Project module (60 CATS).
The MSc is awarded to students who successfully complete 120 CATS of taught modules and the Anatomy Project (60 CATS).
A Diploma exit qualification is available for those students who have successfully completed 120 CAT points of taught modules.
A Certificate exit qualification is available for those students who have successfully completed 60 CAT points of taught modules.
Introduction
Anatomy Modules:
Applied Anatomy of the Trunk (SCM8112)
This module will cover the theoretical and practical aspects of applied clinical anatomy of the trunk including the thorax, abdomen and pelvis by the study of relevant human cadaveric specimens and their radiology.
Applied Anatomy of the Head, Neck and Brain (SCM8113)
This module will cover the applied/clinically relevant anatomy of the head and neck region, including the central nervous system and cranial nerves, by the study of relevant human cadaveric specimens and relevant radiology/imagery.
Applied Anatomy of the Limbs and Back (SCM8114)
This module will cover the detailed anatomy of the upper and lower limbs and the back through the study of a range of human cadaveric specimens. Particular emphasis will be made on functional and clinical anatomy.
Anatomy Project (SCM8079)
This module comprises a student-led piece of research/scholarly activity in the general field of anatomy, overseen by an academic supervisor. The research may be on any aspect of anatomical science including gross, microscopical, radiological, comparative or archaeological anatomy or any combination thereof.
Learning opportunities associated with this course are outlined below:
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There is a combination of classes on this course and a number of practical learning methods including, lectures, practical's, self-directed study and one-to-one training.
Assessment
Assessments associated with the course are outlined below:
Formats of assessment include: written reports, specimen analyses, oral and poster presentations, practical examinations.
The information below is intended as an example only, featuring module details for the current year of study (2024/25). Modules are reviewed on an annual basis and may be subject to future changes – revised details will be published through Programme Specifications ahead of each academic year.
The course will cover the applied / clinically relevant anatomy of the head and neck region, including the central nervous system and cranial nerves by the study of human embalmed material and relevant radiology / imagery. More specifically, the module will present the detailed osteology of the cranium, face and cervical regions including the oral, nasal and orbital cavities; muscles of the neck, face and mastication; the regional vasculature and its special clinical applications; lymph drainage of the head and neck region; the pharynx and laryngeal apparatus; the detailed neuroanatomy of the brain, spinal cord and cranial nerves. The study of detailed embryology and microanatomical features of selected organs or systems. The study of detailed embryology and microanatomical features of selected organs or systems.
Learning Outcomes
On completion of the module the successful student should be able to:
1. Synthesise, evaluate and demonstrate detailed knowledge of the areas listed above including the relevant gross, surface and radiological anatomy as appropriate.
2. Discuss the application of anatomical knowledge of the head, neck and neuroanatomy to relevant clinical / applied situations.
3. Demonstrate how the current theoretical understanding of anatomical-pathological changes are related to embryological defects.
4. Creatively present detailed recent knowledge of microanatomy through a peer-led teaching scenario.
5. Describe, evaluate and demonstrate, appropriate anatomical techniques for the study of human anatomy.
6. Evaluate critically, current research and advanced scholarship in the anatomical variations within the head, neck, brain and spinal cord.
Skills
On completion of this module successful students will have developed further the following: -
• Observation skills
• Skills of anatomical study such as dissection etc. as appropriate
• Management and timekeeping skills
• Oral and written communication skills
• Skills of reasoning and analysis
The course will cover theoretical and practical aspects of applied clinical anatomy of the regions of the trunk including thorax, abdomen and pelvis by the study of relevant human embalmed specimens and their radiology. More specifically, it will present aspects of thoracic osteology; the cardiovascular and respiratory systems including the appropriate vasculature and innervation; mediastinal structures including relevant anatomy and pathology. The digestive system and biliary system; structural and functional relations of the peritoneum with various viscera; together with the associated vasculature and innervation. The male pelvis and associated structures, vasculature and innervation; the female pelvis and associated structures, vasculature and innervation; structural and clinical aspects of the perineum. The study of detailed embryology and microanatomical features of selected organs or systems.
Learning Outcomes
On completion of the module the successful student should be able to:
1. Synthesise, evaluate and demonstrate detailed knowledge of the areas listed above including the relevant gross, surface and radiological anatomy as appropriate.
2. Discuss the application of anatomical knowledge of the thorax, abdomen and pelvis to relevant clinical / applied situations.
3. Analyse and evaluate current theoretical understanding of anatomical-pathological changes as related to embryological defects.
4. Describe, evaluate and demonstrate, appropriate anatomical techniques for the study of human anatomy.
5. Evaluate critically, current research and advanced scholarship in the anatomical variations within the thorax, mediastinum, abdominal and pelvic viscera, their vasculature and innervation.
Skills
On completion of this module successful students will have developed further the following: -
• Observation skills
• Skills of anatomical study such as dissection etc. as appropriate
• Management and timekeeping skills
• Oral and written communication skills
• Skills of reasoning and analysis
This module comprises a student-led piece of research/scholarly activity in the general field of anatomy, overseen by an academic supervisor. The research may be on any aspect of anatomical science including gross, microscopical, radiological, comparative or archaeological anatomy or any combination thereof. Students will gather data and then use this data to write an academic paper following the guidelines for authors in one of the following journals - Clinical Anatomy or the Journal of Anatomy.
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this module successful students will be able to:
1) Summarise relevant background literature underlying their investigation and present it in an assimilable form.
2) Critically analyse published anatomical data.
3) Correctly cite published research.
4) Develop the skill of writing an extended report with appropriate display and analysis of data, forming conclusions in line with findings.
5) Explain the relevance of their findings in relation to established concepts and accepted models in the field.
6) Critically assess whether their data supports their conclusions and rationalise discrepancies between their work and the published results of others.
7) Suggest future investigations as extensions of their work.
8) Give an oral summary of their work to an audience of subject experts.
Skills
On completion of this module successful students will have developed further the following skills:
1) Critical and analytical thought processes.
2) Precis and organise background literature of a diverse nature.
3) Manage, organise and analyse data/material as appropriate for its nature.
4) Appropriate and competent use of standard IT software.
5) Written and oral communication
6) Management of resources including financial, time etc.
The module will cover the detailed anatomy of the upper and lower limbs and the back through the study of a range of human cadaveric specimens. Specifically, this will include the vasculature, innervation, musculature, osteology and joints of the limbs, together with aspects of the vertebral column osteology and arthrology; the intrinsic and extrinsic muscles of the back including the appropriate vasculature and innervation and relevant pathology. Particular emphasis will be made of the functional and clinical aspects of these. The study of detailed embryology of limb development.
Learning Outcomes
On completion of the module the successful student should be able to:
1. Synthesise, evaluate and demonstrate detailed knowledge of the upper and lower limbs and the back including the relevant gross, surface and radiological anatomy as appropriate.
2. Discuss the application of anatomical knowledge of the limbs to relevant clinical / applied situations.
3. Analyse and evaluate current theoretical understanding of anatomical-pathological changes as related to embryological defects .
4. Describe, evaluate and demonstrate, appropriate anatomical techniques for the study of human anatomy.
5. Evaluate critically, current research and advanced scholarship in the anatomical variations within the upper and lower limbs and the musculo-skeletal aspects of the back.
Skills
On completion of this module successful students will have developed further the following: -
• Observation skills
• Skills of anatomical study such as dissection etc. as appropriate
• Management and timekeeping skills
• Oral and written communication skills
• Skills of reasoning and analysis
A medical or dental degree or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University, or a 2.1 Honours degree or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University in a relevant discipline (e.g. Anatomy, Biomedical Science, Human Biology), provided that all applicants have studied human anatomy as a significant part of their undergraduate degree.
Intercalating Medical and Dental Applicants:
i) QUB:
Intercalating medical and dental students within QUB will be considered if:
a) QUB 3rd year students – must pass all 3rd year modules at first attempt achieving an overall profile of 2.1 equivalent*.
a) QUB 4th year students - must pass all 3rd year modules at first attempt achieving an overall profile of 2.1 equivalent* and also pass all 4th year modules at first attempt.
c) have permission to intercalate from either the Director of Medical Education or Dentistry as appropriate.
ii) External:
An external medical or dental student wishing to intercalate will be considered if:
a) they have successfully completed all assessments at first attempt for the year in which they are applying.
b) they have achieved at least an overall Upper Second Class Honours degree standard as determined by their University.
c) they have permission to intercalate from their Medical or Dental School, as appropriate.
iii) International:
a) Applicants who are currently studying an overseas Medical (e.g. MBBS or MBChB) or Dental degree at a recognised institution acceptable to the University, may apply.
b) Applicants must have passed all assessments at first attempt for the year in which they are applying, normally 3rd year for those completing a 5 year programme or 4th year for those completing a 6 year programme.
c) Applicants may be required to provide details of the medical or dental curriculum they are studying in order to confirm compatibility.
d) Have permission to intercalate from their Medical or Dental School, as appropriate.
Applicants are advised to apply as early as possible and ideally not later than 31st July 2025. In the event that any programme receives a high number of applications, the University reserves the right to close the application portal prior to the deadline stated on course finder. Notifications to this effect will appear on the application portal against the programme application page.
Please note: A deposit will be required to secure a place on this course.
International Students
Our country/region pages include information on entry requirements, tuition fees, scholarships, student profiles, upcoming events and contacts for your country/region. Use the dropdown list below for specific information for your country/region.
English Language Requirements
An IELTS Academic test score of 6.5 overall with a minimum of 6.0 in each of the four elements or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University (taken within the last 2 years). IELTS test result/qualification must be submitted by 30 June 2025.
International students wishing to apply to Queen's University Belfast (and for whom English is not their first language), must be able to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study or research. Non-EEA nationals must also satisfy UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) immigration requirements for English language for visa purposes.
If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this degree programme, INTO Queen's University Belfast offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for admission to this degree.
Academic English: an intensive English language and study skills course for successful university study at degree level
Pre-sessional English: a short intensive academic English course for students starting a degree programme at Queen's University Belfast and who need to improve their English.
This programme will support career development for trainees in many medical specialties and those from the allied health professionals undertaking continued professional development. It would also be of benefit to those wishing to engage in a career as an anatomy teacher.
Prizes and Awards
The top ranked candidate in the year will receive a Book Prize and Certificate of Merit
Graduate Plus/Future Ready Award for extra-curricular skills
In addition to your degree programme, at Queen's you can have the opportunity to gain wider life, academic and employability skills. For example, placements, voluntary work, clubs, societies, sports and lots more. So not only do you graduate with a degree recognised from a world leading university, you'll have practical national and international experience plus a wider exposure to life overall. We call this Graduate Plus/Future Ready Award. It's what makes studying at Queen's University Belfast special.
1EU citizens in the EU Settlement Scheme, with settled status, will be charged the NI or GB tuition fee based on where they are ordinarily resident. Students who are ROI nationals resident in GB will be charged the GB fee.
2 EU students who are ROI nationals resident in ROI are eligible for NI tuition fees.
3 EU Other students (excludes Republic of Ireland nationals living in GB, NI or ROI) are charged tuition fees in line with international fees.
All tuition fees quoted relate to a single year of study unless stated otherwise. Tuition fees will be subject to an annual inflationary increase, unless explicitly stated otherwise.
Terms and Conditions for Postgraduate applications:
1.1 Due to high demand, there is a deadline for applications.
1.2 You will be required to pay a deposit to secure your place on the course. The current mandatory tuition fee deposit payment is:
• £400 for Domestic (NI/ROI/GB) students
• £1000 International (Non- EU & EU except ROI).
1.3 This condition of offer is in addition to any academic or English language requirements.
Depending on the programme of study, there may be extra costs which are not covered by tuition fees, which students will need to consider when planning their studies.
Students can borrow books and access online learning resources from any Queen's library. If students wish to purchase recommended texts, rather than borrow them from the University Library, prices per text can range from £30 to £100. Students should also budget between £30 to £75 per year for photocopying, memory sticks and printing charges.
Students undertaking a period of work placement or study abroad, as either a compulsory or optional part of their programme, should be aware that they will have to fund additional travel and living costs.
If a programme includes a major project or dissertation, there may be costs associated with transport, accommodation and/or materials. The amount will depend on the project chosen. There may also be additional costs for printing and binding.
Students may wish to consider purchasing an electronic device; costs will vary depending on the specification of the model chosen.
There are also additional charges for graduation ceremonies, examination resits and library fines.
How do I fund my study?
The Department for the Economy will provide a tuition fee loan of up to £6,500 per NI / EU student for postgraduate study. Tuition fee loan information.
A postgraduate loans system in the UK offers government-backed student loans of up to £11,836 for taught and research Masters courses in all subject areas (excluding Initial Teacher Education/PGCE, where undergraduate student finance is available). Criteria, eligibility, repayment and application information are available on the UK government website.