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Anatomy courses

Are you fascinated by the structure of living things and how the human body works? If so you may be interested in a biomedical science degree in either anatomy or physiology, although courses usually have a mix of both topics. Anatomy focuses on the human skeleton, cells, tissues and organs and may include human dissection. Graduate destinations include university or industry-based research, the pharmaceutical industry, lab-based careers in hospitals, medical sales or further study in medicine.

Studying anatomy at university

Example course modules

  • Molecules and cells
  • Evolution and biodiversity
  • Functional neuroanatomy
  • Locomotor system
  • Core concepts in anatomy
  • Practical human anatomy
  • Circulatory and respiratory anatomy
  • Clinical applied anatomy
  • Advanced neuroanatomy
  • Developmental biology

Teaching hours / week

Average for this subject

17
Hours
5
14
Hours

Average for all subjects

The time you'll spend in lectures and seminars each week will vary from university to university, so use this as a guide.

More on studying and contact hours at uni

Who studies this subject

  • Female : 30%
    Male : 70%
  • Mature : 7%
    School leaver : 93%
  • Full-time : 97%
    Part-time : 3%

What students say about anatomy

What you need to get on a course

Subjects you need

A-levels (or equivalent) usually required

  • Chemistry
  • Biology

Useful to have

  • Psychology
  • Physics
  • Mathematics

Application checklist

Here's a guide to what to expect from the application process - also check individual university entry requirements, as these may differ.

  • January application
  • October application
  • Personal statement
  • Portfolio
  • Interview
  • Entry test
  • Work experience
  • Audition

Personal statement advice

Your personal statement is a core part of your university application, and getting it just right takes time. Before you start work on yours, take a look at our five quick tips on writing a personal statement. We'll help you past that writer's block!

Career prospects

Sources: HECSU & KIS
Anatomy and physiology graduates often take further study – usually moving on to a medical degree, whilst pathology graduates tend to go into work.
Professional and accrediting bodies:

Six months after graduating

Typical graduate job areas
  • Engineering professionals

Longer term career paths

Jobs where this degree is useful

  • Anatomical laboratory technician
  • Haematologist
  • Medical doctor (after extra training)

Other real-life job examples

  • Business analyst
  • Events manager
  • Work experience coordinator

What employers like about this subject

An anatomy degree will help you develop subject-specific skills in investigating the form, function and development of the human body, in modern scientific theory, in the use of technology in anatomy and in practical laboratory skills. Transferable skills you can develop include excellent communication and reporting skills, team-working, project management, problem-solving, self-motivation, research and excellent numeracy skills. Anatomy is a very specialist subject and many graduates go on to complete a medical degree after completing their anatomy studies. Anatomy graduates usually work in universities or hospitals on graduating.