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1. Study
2. Postgraduate
3. Taught Courses
4. Masters
5. Human Anatomy

Course Fact File

Code	MSCHAN
Duration	1 Year Full-time
Teaching Mode	Full-time
Qualifications	MSc
NFQ Level	Level 9
Fees	See Fees and Costs for full details.
Closing Date	Rolling deadline. Open until all places have been filled. Early application is advised.
Non-EU Closing Date	Open until all places have been filled or no later than 15 June. Early application is advised.
Start Date	8 September 2025

Course Outline

The MSc in Human Anatomy is a 12-month full-time programme that is uniquely designed to provide advanced training in clinically applied human anatomy.

While different pedagogies are used as part of this programme, cadaveric dissection is a crucial component of the course situated at our state-of-art FLAME laboratory. The FLAME laboratory takes its name from the sculpture Flame which was commissioned in recognition of the altruism of those who donate their bodies for medical education and research. 

This MSc programme is designed to reinforce and advance the anatomical knowledge and dissection skills of the participants. Core modules cover different anatomical sciences such as gross anatomy, neuroanatomy and human embryology and elective modules are designed to accommodate students with different interests.

Participants will have opportunities to develop radiological skills and experience in the Radiological Imaging module (AN6009). In addition to the theoretical knowledge learned, participants will have access to practical experience in a range of radiological modalities e.g. CT, MRI, ultrasound, and PET. Students do not need prior experience in this type of imaging. 

The programme is full-time over three semesters. Students take taught modules to the value of 60 credits and complete a research dissertation (AN6010) to the value of 30 credits.

Modules

Part I 

Core Modules (55 credits)

• AN6002 Human Gross Anatomy I (15 credits)
• AN6003 Human Gross Anatomy II (15 credits)
• AN6004 Neuroanatomy (10 credits)
• AN6009 Radiological Imaging (5 credits)
• AN6011 Learning and Teaching in Anatomy Education (10 credits)

Elective Modules* (choose 5 credits)

• AN6012 Human Embryological Development (5 credits)
• AN6013 Human Cell and Tissue Structure (5 credits)

Part II

• AN6010 Research Dissertation (30 credits)

*Elective modules will run based on meeting the requirement for the minimum number of students.

Course Practicalities

This programme is full-time over three semesters. Students should expect to attend a mixture of lectures, tutorials, seminars, and laboratories from 9am to 5pm daily, with some time dedicated to independent learning, during Semesters 1 & 2. In each semester, students will attend 5-8 hours of lectures, 2-3 hours of tutorials, 6-9 hours of lab practical work, and 1-2 hours of seminars per week. During Semester 3, students will need to complete a short research proposal and complete a research project of limited scope.

Our Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience staff keep in mind the different learning styles of course participants. We incorporate assessment techniques and methods that will complement our teaching style and varied participant preferences as well as enhance learning. Modules will be assessed using a combination of continuous assessment and written exams.

Connected Curriculum

Our learning approach reflects our commitment to the Connected Curriculum where we emphasise the connection between students, learning, research and leadership through our vision for a Connected University. Our staff are at the forefront of this integrative approach to learning and will support you in making meaningful connections within and between topics such as medicine, anatomy, science, and leadership.

Why Choose This Course

This is the first taught MSc in Human Anatomy in the Republic of Ireland. It has a large cadaver-based dissection component which will provide participants with a unique and exceptional opportunity to develop their dissection and anatomical knowledge on human material. It will be based in the FLAME Laboratory, the department's newly constructed human anatomy research facility based on the Western Campus at UCC.

Students will develop and deliver innovative teaching methods, will receive hands-on practical experience in radiological modalities, will design and implement an independent anatomy-related research project. The variety of assessment methods experienced in this course will provide students with skills they can employ in future careers.

Skills and Careers Information

• What can I do after I graduate with an MSc in Human Anatomy?

The MSc in Human Anatomy will enhance the application profile of graduates furthering their career paths. Graduates will be equipped with skills that enable them to excel in careers in anatomical sciences including teaching and technical positions. Applications by medical graduates seeking positions on clinical schemes will be enhanced by the advanced skills and knowledge gained in this course.

• Occupations associated with an MSc in Human Anatomy.

Occupations of graduates with an MSc in Human Anatomy will pursue a career within academic/allied health settings as a medical demonstrator, instructor, teaching fellow, prosector, technician. Also, lab-based careers in the medical device industry, as well as medical illustrator, are also potential occupations. This MSc is also suitable for those in medical or surgical fields to further their career as well as providing opportunities for those having completed a relevant undergraduate degree.

Requirements

• Applicants will be required to hold a minimum Second Class Honours Grade 2 in a primary honours degree (NFQ Level 8) in a subject related to that of the MSc programme such as (but not exclusive to) healthcare, nursing, biomedical, bioengineering, pre-med or any biological science; Or hold a medical qualification of the NUI or an equivalent institution, and hold full professional registration with the Medical Council of Ireland or equivalent national regulatory body.
• Applications will also be considered from registered healthcare professionals who completed their training prior to the introduction of honours degree programmes. Such applicants must hold full professional registration in Ireland or an equivalent.
• In exceptional circumstances applicants with a Second Class Honours Grade 2 in a primary honours degree (NFQ, Level 8) in a subject unrelated to that of the MSc, may be recommended for entry to the programme under Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), subject to the approval of the Programme Committee.

Fees and Costs

Please note that successful applicants will be required to pay a non-refundable deposit of €500 to secure their place in advance of registration.

How To Apply

The closing date for non-EU applications is Open until all places have been filled or no later than 15 June. Early application is advised.

Apply Now