UCC Postgraduate courses

Human Anatomy

Course Fact File
CodeMSCHAN
Duration1 Year Full-time
Teaching ModeFull-time
QualificationsMSc
NFQ LevelLevel 9
FeesSee Fees and Costs for full details.
Closing DateRolling deadline. Open until all places have been filled. Early application is advised.
Non-EU Closing DateOpen until all places have been filled or no later than 30 June. Early application is advised.
Start Date9 September 2024

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.

Academic Programme Catalogue

See the Academic Programme Catalogue where you can search for the complete and up-to-date content for this course. Note that the modules for all courses are subject to change from year to year. For complete descriptions of individual modules, see the Book of Modules.

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

As a part of the pedagogy module I had the opportunity to practice as an anatomy demonstrator...

Audrey Dempsey, MSc Human Anatomy graduate

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This course opens up a considerable range of career opportunities, both professionally and academically...

Martyna Stasiewicz, MSc Human Anatomy graduate

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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

  • Candidates will be required to hold a minimum Second Class Honours Grade II in a primary honours degree (NFQ Level 8) or equivalent 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 nurses who completed their training prior to the introduction of honours nursing degree programmes. Such candidates must hold full professional registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI) or equivalent.
  • In exceptional circumstances applicants with a Second Class Honours Grade II in a primary honours degree (NFQ, Level 8) or equivalent, 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.

For Applicants with Qualifications Completed Outside of Ireland

Applicants must meet the required entry academic grade, equivalent to Irish requirements. For more information see our Qualification Comparison page.

International/Non-EU Applicants

For full details of the non-EU application procedure visit our how to apply pages for international students.

  • In UCC, we use the term programme and course interchangeably to describe what a person has registered to study in UCC and its constituent colleges, schools, and departments.
  • Note that not all courses are open to international/non-EU applicants, please check the fact file above. For more information contact the International Office.
English Language Requirements

Applicants who are non-native speakers of the English language must meet the university-approved English language requirements. Vsit our PG English Language Requirements page for more information.

Fees and Costs

Postgraduate EU and International Fees 2024/2025

See our Postgraduate EU and Non-EU (International) Fee Schedule for the latest information.

Deposits 

If your course requires a deposit, that figure will be deducted from your second-semester fee payment in January.

Fee payment 

Fees are payable in two equal instalments. First payment is at registration and the balance usually by the end of January.

How can I pay? 

See different options on our How Do I Pay My Fees? page.

Any questions? See the 'Contact Us' section on the Fees Office page.

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

1. Check dates

Check the opening and closing dates for the application process in the fact file boxes at the top of the page.

2. Gather documents

Scanned copies of supporting documents have to be uploaded to the UCC online application portal and include:

  • Original qualification documents listed on your application including transcripts of results from institutions other than UCC.
  • Any supplementary items requested for your course if required.

3. Apply online

Apply online via the UCC online application portal. Note the majority of our courses have a non-refundable €50 application fee.

Any questions? Use our web enquiry form to contact us.

The closing date for non-EU applications is Open until all places have been filled or no later than 30 June. Early application is advised.

Apply Now

For queries regarding course content or timetables please contact

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