Our graduates tell of their experiences with the programme.
The MSc Human anatomy programme at the university of Edinburgh provides a very special opportunity for students to take part in the long tradition of learning human anatomy through dissection. Furthermore, the teaching component provides an excellent platform to pursue a teaching profession in Higher Education because the course allows you to develop teaching skills by putting the theoretical knowledge of teaching into real-life practice. Overall, the MSc in Human Anatomy provides a highly enriching experience which I would recommend to any student with an interest in learning the human body in a more in-depth manner.
The Human Anatomy MSc at Edinburgh University was a fantastic way to advance my knowledge of anatomy and improve my confidence in teaching. I came away with a brilliant qualification and lots of new friends.
Class of 2015
The 1 year MSc was the most intense yet rewarding year I have experienced to date! There was plenty to cover in the year, including a three-month research project, therefore my timetable was always full. The unique daily dissection ensured continual lab attendance in order to cover all aspects of the relevant anatomy. The wide range of examination types also tested me in unfamiliar ways e.g. vivas and SPOT exams. Taking on modules such as law and ethics, as well as health and safety meant that we really had a holistic approach to learning within the field of anatomy; preparing us for careers in any aspect of the field. Modules in neuroanatomy and embryology made sure we had a complete approach to learning anatomy, and I personally found embryology particularly useful in getting my head around the more complex structures by understanding its development.
This was a quite practical taught masters that put you in control of your learning and pushes you to explore the subject autonomously. All the staff, both academic and technical, were really helpful and responsive. It provides a great base in human anatomy while also rounding the subject out with other subjects such as embryology and ethics.
I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Edinburgh University, completing the MSc In Human Anatomy. It was a very intensive and expansive programme that taught me a range of versatile skills, both in and outside the laboratory and classroom. For me, the life long friends I made during the MSc programme was the highlight, as they pushed me to attain higher standards whilst always supporting me.
The MSc Human Anatomy has expanded my knowledge of the human anatomy beyond what was usually taught in medical schools, allowing me to have a deeper understanding of its clinical value and the complexity of our human body.
Class of 2013
I did the MSc Human Anatomy programme in 2013, and I absolutely loved it. The staff had a real passion for teaching anatomy, and their enthusiasm was contagious!
During my year of study, I had the freedom to spend as much time as I wanted dissecting and with only 3-4 of us to one cadaver the opportunity to investigate the human body was more than I had ever imagined. The regular tutorials, surgeries and prosection sessions organised by lecturers were fantastic for consolidating learning. This was all topped off by getting regular opportunities to teach the anatomy I had been learning to medical students.
Future prospects
Many students will go on to anatomy teaching positions in academic institute within the UK or overseas. Some continue in research by getting funding for a PhD position. A number of our students choose to study medicine.
