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UCAS code B113
This is a practical, hands-on degree in anatomy that allows you to combine cadaveric dissection with a thorough exploration of human biology at all levels of organisation, from the DNA right up to organ systems.
The course content on these pages is for 2026 entry. The University is currently reviewing its programmes for 2027 entry. Course listings for students beginning in September 2027 will be published on our website before our Open Days on June 19 and 20. Please note, the University reserves the right to make reasonable changes, including to content, entry requirements, or fees, or to discontinue programmes. Applicants will be informed of any significant change.
The Master of Anatomy & Human Biology (MBiol) is a four-year programme, in which students first follow the three-year BSc in Anatomy & Human Biology and then continue into a fourth year, subject to performance.
In the first three years, you will study a broad range of modules that focus on anatomical topics covering the 6 main systems (MSK, cardiovascular, urogenital, respiratory, nervous, digestive) and the 6 main regions (thorax, abdomen, pelvis, head & neck, & limbs) of the body. This is complemented with wider topics such as physiology, disease biology, genetics, development, and comparative biology, and culminates in an individual dissection project. You will also have the opportunity to specialise and carry out your own research project. Each year you will be allocated time within the Human Anatomy Resource Centre, our dedicated anatomy facility.
The fourth (Master’s) year aims at developing enhanced research and personal skills for students seeking a high-level career in research (e. g. studying for a PhD or working in industry) or those seeking to enhance their qualification. Students will join a research team to undertake a significant research project. Students can also apply for a six-week summer research internship in the UK or overseas or apply to spend time working in industry or in other enterprises in the final year.
Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.
In this first year, you’ll gain an understanding of core concepts of biology as well as the fundamental principles of immunity, infection, and therapy. You will also study how organisms develop and function and learn about ecology and the global environment. You will develop practical skills where you will discover how to utilise quantitative skills and study techniques. You will also be introduced to the universities excellent Human Anatomy Resource Centre.
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
In your second year you’ll expand your range of knowledge building those essential research skills, experimental design and analysis together with professional skills preparing you for a career within or outside the area of Anatomy and Human Biology. You will begin to develop skills in cadaveric prosection and dissection through modules in systems anatomy, functional musculoskeletal anatomy and anatomy of the thorax. In addition, you will choose one optional modules enabling you to follow your interest in cellular biology, therapeutics, physiology, infection biology or comparative/animal biology.
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Year three will provide an unparalleled opportunity for you to learn at the cutting edge of anatomical research and be taught by world-leading academics in the subjects of anatomy of the abdomen and pelvis, head, neck and neurological anatomy, alongside a choice of modules covering application of your knowledge to wider life sciences disciplines. You will also be able to showcase your dissection and prosection skills through an individual dissection module and will have the opportunity to take a physical or virtual placement. Central to this year is the research project where you will plan and execute your own research, analyse and critically evaluate data and communicate your research findings in your chosen specialisation. You will choose one optional module.
| Optional modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| ANIMAL BEHAVIOUR (BIOS207) | 15 |
| MOLECULAR SYSTEMS BIOLOGY (BIOS309) | 15 |
| TRANSLATIONAL PHARMACOLOGY (BIOS313) | 15 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
The fourth year of study offers great flexibility – students may spend it entirely on campus at Liverpool, but more commonly they take up opportunities to broaden their experiences, for example a six-week research internship in the UK (in hospitals, industry or research institutes) or abroad (in our partner universities in Thailand or China). Others may elect to spend the entire fourth year on placement, in similar host institutions. Students will take core modules in research methods and statistics or informatics, together with a 60-credit research project. Students may replace the optional internship with other optional modules that cover advanced topics of global importance.
Optional module selection in Year 4 must include one of the following combinations:
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| GLOBAL PERSPECTIVES (BIOS776) | 15 |
| RESEARCH PROJECT (LIFE700) | 60 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
You will experience a range of learning environments during your studies at Liverpool. These will include student-centred activities as well as lectures, tutorials, laboratory practicals, dissection classes, fieldwork, data handling sessions and computer workshops. Some of these activities will be performed individually, such as personal research projects, and others in small tutorial or project groups, in addition to formal lectures and workshops. You will have research staff as well as your own academic adviser for individual tuition on our acclaimed tutorial programme.
As well as factual knowledge and understanding, biologists need practical and organisational skills, and an ability to work both alone and with other people. We record development of these abilities through continuous assessment during each semester and by final examination.
We have a distinctive approach to education, the Liverpool Curriculum Framework, which focuses on research-connected teaching, active learning, and authentic assessment to ensure our students graduate as digitally fluent and confident global citizens.
The Liverpool Curriculum framework sets out our distinctive approach to education. Our teaching staff support our students to develop academic knowledge, skills, and understanding alongside our graduate attributes:
Our curriculum is characterised by the three Liverpool Hallmarks:
All this is underpinned by our core value of inclusivity and commitment to providing a curriculum that is accessible to all students.
Studying with us means you can tailor your degree to suit you. Here's what is available on this course.
University of Liverpool students can choose from an exciting range of study placements at partner universities worldwide. Choose to spend a year at XJTLU in China or a year or semester at an institution of your choice.
Immerse yourself in Chinese culture on an optional additional year at Xi'an Jiaotong Liverpool University in stunning Suzhou.
Broaden your world by spending an additional year of study at a partner university abroad following your second year of study.
Take a semester of your second year of study at one of our worldwide partner institutions.
Spend a summer abroad on a study placement or research project at one of our worldwide partner institutions.
Every student at The University of Liverpool can study a language as part of, or alongside their degree. You can choose:
This course is also available as a three year BSc (Hons) programme.
From arrival to alumni, we’re with you all the way:
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As a Biosciences graduate from the University of Liverpool, you will have an excellent set of career options ahead of you.
Typical types of roles/routes our graduates have gone on include:
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