The Anatomical Sciences programme is a unique opportunity to explore aspects of human anatomy through the flexibility of online learning. 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 is taught by leading academics who are passionate about teaching and research and who are making an impact on an international level. Being a part of the University of Edinburgh’s Postgraduate Certificate in Anatomical Sciences has been an excellent experience. The programme is really well-structured, with a diverse range of multi-media teaching.Kaumal Baig PgCert Anatomical Sciences (Online learning), graduated 2018What will you learn?By the end of this programme, you will have developed an advanced, system-wide understanding of human anatomy and development. You will gain detailed knowledge of the following:musculoskeletal systemcardiovascular systemnervous systemendocrine systemdigestive systemembryological developmentneuroanatomyIn Year 2, you will build on this foundation with region-specific anatomy and explore specialised areas such as histology, medical imaging, and technological innovations in anatomy education and artificial organ design.The programme equips you with the anatomical expertise and critical thinking skills needed for roles in healthcare, teaching, biomedical research or further postgraduate study.Year 1 (Postgraduate Certificate)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 2Through Fundamentals of Human Anatomy 1, you will develop an understanding of basic human anatomy, with a 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 the following systems: 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. NeuroanatomyYou will develop your understanding of the nervous system, including gross anatomy of the central nervous system, the peripheral nervous system, spinal cord, spinal nerves, and autonomic nervous system.Year 2 (Postgraduate Diploma) 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:ImagingThis course will provide you with an excellent understanding of the use of medical imaging techniques to study the anatomy of the human body.HistologyThis 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 typesrespiratoryurinary & reproductivedigestivecirculatoryVisualising Human AnatomyThis 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 visualisationadvances in technology including the use of MRI and CT scansthe development of virtual realityhow these developments aid or hinder anatomy education.Artificial OrgansThis 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 will be covered, including advancements in areas such as the artificial heart, lungs, liver, kidney and limbs. Please note that Diploma Optional Courses availability will be subject to student demand. Course availability and allocations will be finalised in consultation with students.Full course information is available on the university Degree Programme Table.Course informationProgramme structurePart-time Year of studySemester OneSemester TwoSemester ThreeYear 1Fundamentals of Human Anatomy 1Fundamentals of Human Anatomy 2NeuroanatomyEmbryologyYear 2Advanced Human Anatomy 1Advanced Human Anatomy 2Optional courses 1 + 2 Intermittent studyIntermittent study allows more flexibility in how you choose to study. With this option you will have up to 2 years to complete the certificate, and up to 4 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 DiplomaPostgraduate 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 two 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.Programme RankingRanked 19th in the world for Life Sciences and Medicine (QS World University Rankings by subject 2025). Ranked top 10 in the UK for the employability of our graduates (Times Higher Education, Global Employability University Rankings 2025).Entry RequirementsThese entry requirements are for the 2026-27 academic year and requirements for future academic years may differ. Entry requirements for the 2027-28 academic year will be published on 1 Oct 2026.A UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent, in a medical, biomedical, or relevant bioscience topic.We may also consider your application if you are in a profession allied to medicine or have relevant work experience; please contact the programme team to check before you apply. You may be admitted to the Professional Development Programme in the first instance with a view to joining the Postgraduate Certificate after satisfactory performance.Information about international qualifications and English language requirements can be found on the University Programme Degree Finder. University Programme Degree FinderFees and FundingTuition fees are standard for all students regardless of location or nationality. We offer a 10% scholarship in postgraduate degree tuition fees for all alumni who have graduated with an undergraduate degree from the University of Edinburgh.A breakdown of fees can be found on the University Programme Degree Finder. Deposit If you receive an offer of admission, this will be conditional as you will be asked to pay some of your tuition fees in advance as a deposit.How and when to pay the deposit£200 (this contributes towards your tuition fees) Ready to find out more?Entry Requirements and Fees (University Degree Finder)Learning onlineHow to applyContact usOur studentsSpeak to a current studentWant to speak to a current student about their experience of studying online? You can chat with a current student through our student portal, Unibuddy.Chat now This article was published on 2024-08-05
