Anatomical Sciences (Online Learning)
Provided by The University of Edinburgh Medical School
About the course
The Anatomical Sciences programme is a unique opportunity for students who want to explore aspects of human anatomy through the flexibility of an online learning programme.
This is a postgraduate level qualification for medical, biomedical, allied health professionals and those in holistic practice with an interest in human anatomy. The programme draws upon the highly regarded teaching and research staff within the University.
What will you learn?
The Anatomical Sciences programme will develop your knowledge of:
- basic human anatomy covering several different body systems
- human development
Optional courses in year 2 allow you to focus on areas of your interest including:
- medical and anatomical visualisation techniques
- microscopic structure of tissues and organs
- how technology is used to replicate the human anatomical form and function
Year 1 (Certificate) (1 year part-time, 2 years intermittent study)
In Year 1 you will develop your knowledge of basic human anatomy and human development with courses in human anatomy, embryology, and neuroanatomy.
Fundamentals of Human Anatomy 1 and 2
Through Fundamentals of Human Anatomy 1 you will develop an understanding of basic human anatomy, with focus on the musculoskeletal, respiratory and endocrine systems. In Fundamentals of Human Anatomy 2, you will continue to explore the human body systems, focusing on cardiovascular, urinary, lymphatic, integumentary and digestive systems.
Embryology
You will explore aspects of human development from ovulation through fertilisation, pre-and post-implantation to embryonic and fetal development of body systems. You will also look at what happens when typical human development is altered and how this manifests in commonly developed abnormalities.
Neuroanatomy
You will develop your understanding of the nervous system, including gross anatomy of the central nervous system, gross anatomy of the peripheral nervous system, and spinal cord, spinal nerves, and autonomic nervous system.
Year 2 (Postgraduate Diploma) (2 years part-time, 4 years intermittent study)
On successful completion of Year 1, you will expand your anatomical knowledge in Year 2 with compulsory courses in Advanced Human Anatomy. You will explore the upper limb, lower limb and thorax regions in Advanced Human Anatomy 1, and then the abdomen, pelvis, and head and neck regions in Advanced Human Anatomy 2.
In year 2 you will also choose two courses from the following options:
Imaging
This course will provide you with an excellent understanding of the use of medical imaging techniques to study the anatomy of the human body.
Histology
This course will introduce you to the microscopic structure of tissues and organs. It will initially look at the histology of the basic tissues before going on to look at the histology of specific structures within body systems. Areas covered will include:
- introductions to cell and tissue types
- respiratory
- urinary & reproductive
- digestive
- circulatory
Visualising Human Anatomy
This course will provide you with an excellent understanding of the use of visualisation techniques in relation to anatomy education. A range of topics focusing on how visualisation is used as a teaching method will include:
- the history of anatomical visualisation
- advances in technology including the use of MRI and CT scans
- the development of virtual reality
- how these developments aid or hinder anatomy education.
Artificial Organs
This course will provide you with an excellent understanding of how technology is used to replicate the human anatomical form and function in organs and in body systems. A range of topics including advancements in areas such as the artificial heart, lungs, liver, kidney and limbs will be covered.
Please note that Diploma Optional Courses availability will be subject to student demand. Course availability and allocations will be finalised in consultation with students.
Why choose Edinburgh?
- There is a long and distinguished tradition of anatomy teaching in Edinburgh, with the first Chair of Anatomy appointed here in 1705. Today our courses are taught by leading academics who are passionate about teaching and research, who are making an impact on an international level.
- Edinburgh is ranked 19th in the world for Anatomy & Physiology and 21st in the world for both Life Sciences & Medicine and Biological Sciences (QS World University Rankings by subject 2024).
- Our graduates are ranked 26th in the world by employers (QS World University Rankings 2024).
- The University of Edinburgh is 4th in the UK based on the quality and breadth of its research - known as research power - and is Scotland’s top ranked institution, according to Times Higher Education's REF 2021 power ratings.
More information on anatomy at the University can be found on our website:
Part-time
Studying part-time means you will complete the Postgraduate Certificate in Year 1 and the Postgraduate Diploma in Year 2.
| Year of study | Semester One | Semester Two | Semester Three |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | Fundamentals of Human Anatomy 1 | Fundamentals of Human Anatomy 2 | Neuroanatomy, Embryology |
| Year 2 | Advanced Human Anatomy 1 | Advanced Human Anatomy 2 | Optional Courses 1 & 2 |
Intermittent Study
Intermittent study allows more flexibility in how you choose to study. With this option you will have up to two years to complete the certificate, and up to four years to complete the diploma.
The standard programme structure is still maintained in terms of the progression requirement. However, you can tailor your education to fit more closely with commitments in both your private and professional life.
If you choose to study this programme on a part-time intermittent basis, you also pay your tuition fees on a course-by-course basis rather than paying for the entire programme at the outset.
Postgraduate Professional Diploma
Postgraduate Professional Development (PPD) is aimed at working professionals who want to advance their knowledge through a postgraduate-level course, without the time or financial commitment of a Postgraduate Diploma or Postgraduate Certificate.
You may take a maximum of 50 credits worth of courses over 2 years through our PPD scheme. These lead to a University of Edinburgh postgraduate award of academic credit. Alternatively, after one year of taking courses you can choose to transfer your credits and continue on to studying towards a higher award on a Postgraduate Diploma or Postgraduate Certificate programme.
Although PPD courses have various start dates throughout the year you may only start a Postgraduate Diploma or Postgraduate Certificate programme in the month of September. Any time spent studying PPD will be deducted from the amount of time you will have left to complete a Postgraduate Diploma or Postgraduate Certificate programme.
Find out more about compulsory and optional courses
We link to the latest information available. Please note that this may be for a previous academic year and should be considered indicative.
Enquire
| Start date | Venue | |
|---|---|---|
| 08 Sep 2025 | Distance learning | Book now |