BSc Applied Anatomy (B112)

2026 entry | view 2025 entry

Course summary

Applied Anatomy at the University of Bristol teaches a thorough understanding of human and veterinary anatomy. Through hands-on, practical teaching, including some dissection, you will explore the principles of comparative anatomy and the structure of the major mammalian body systems.

As the programme progresses you will develop an understanding of the principles of comparative anatomy, and structures of the major body systems, through functional, applied and clinical lenses. Dissection opportunities will give depth and nuance to your anatomical knowledge, and the key focus of the final year is an original research project, aligned with your future ambitions, alongside expert-led discussions of the latest anatomical research.

A personal and professional development theme runs through the course and equips you with essential discipline-specific and transferable skills for future employment. Applied Anatomy BSc graduates enter a wide range of career paths and use their skills in a variety of fields including research, professions allied to health, journalism, and education.

Our graduates may go on to pursue a PhD or an MSc degree in anatomy, biomedical sciences, clinical sciences or imaging. Many of our graduates go on to study medicine, veterinary medicine, or dentistry. Other graduates choose to use their transferable skills in non-scientific careers.

You will learn in a friendly and vibrant environment with enthusiastic teaching staff and have access to many student study spaces, anatomy museums, imaging suites, and a wide range of online resources to supplement your learning.

Course structure

In year one you will study Anatomical Sciences, which explores the principles of vertebrate design with an emphasis on structure-function relationships and comparative anatomy. Alongside these units, you will also study Physiology, Functional Neuroanatomy, and Introduction to Neuroscience.

In year two you will further your existing anatomical knowledge with detailed prosection-based units, Human Anatomy and Vet Anatomy. You will have the rare opportunity to undertake a full-body dissection. You will also apply your existing anatomical knowledge in the context of diagnostic imaging of normal and abnormal tissue through a variety of diagnostic imaging modalities.

In year three you follow a seminar-based unit where you will be actively involved in expert-led discussion of the latest anatomical research. The teaching explores two key themes; the normal function of, and the aging and dysfunction of, the mammalian body. The highlight of this year is an original research project where you can choose a topic which potentially supports your interests and career aspirations.

Full details about the course structure and units for this course can be viewed in the programme catalogue.

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Entry requirements

We accept a wide variety of qualifications and welcome applications from students of all backgrounds. Below is a guide to the typical offers for this course.

ABB including two science subjects, at least one of which must be a core science. Core science subjects include: Biology (or Human Biology); Chemistry; Mathematics (or Further Mathematics); and Physics. Science subjects also include: Environmental Science; Geography; Geology; Psychology; Physical Education; and Marine Science. Due to overlapping content, applicants should only have one of: Biology or Human Biology Physical Education or Sport Science.
BBC including BB in two science subjects, at least one of which must be a core science. Core science subjects include: Biology (or Human Biology); Chemistry; Mathematics (or Further Mathematics); and Physics. Science subjects also include: Environmental Science; Geography; Geology; Psychology; Physical Education; and Marine Science. Due to overlapping content, applicants should only have one of: Biology or Human Biology Physical Education or Sport Science.

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DDM in Applied Science BTEC National Level 3 Extended Diploma

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32 points overall with 16 at Higher Level, including 5 at Higher Level in two science subjects, at least one of which must be a core science. Core science subjects include: Biology (or Human Biology); Chemistry; Mathematics (or Further Mathematics); and Physics. Science subjects also include: Environmental Science; Geography; Geology; Psychology; Physical Education; and Marine Science. Due to overlapping content, applicants should only have one of: Biology or Human Biology Physical Education or Sport Science.
29 points overall with 14 at Higher Level, including 5 at Higher Level in two science subjects, at least one of which must be a core science. Core science subjects include: Biology (or Human Biology); Chemistry; Mathematics (or Further Mathematics); and Physics. Science subjects also include: Environmental Science; Geography; Geology; Psychology; Physical Education; and Marine Science. Due to overlapping content, applicants should only have one of: Biology or Human Biology Physical Education or Sport Science.

Find out if you are eligible for a contextual offer
77% overall, with 8.0 in two science subjects including at least one core science. Core science subjects include: Biology (or Human Biology); Chemistry; Mathematics (or Further Mathematics); and Physics. Science subjects also include: Environmental Science; Geography; Geology; Psychology; Physical Education; and Marine Science. Due to overlapping content, applicants should only have one of: Biology or Human Biology Physical Education or Sport Science.
Advanced Higher: AB in two science/mathematics subjects and Standard Higher: AABBB. Core science subjects include: Biology (or Human Biology); Chemistry; Mathematics (or Further Mathematics); and Physics. Science subjects also include: Environmental Science; Geography; Geology; Psychology; Physical Education; and Marine Science. Due to overlapping content, applicants should only have one of: Biology or Human Biology Physical Education or Sport Science.
Access to HE Diploma in Science, Biomedical/Medical/Health Science or Psychology (or similar titles). The 45 graded Level 3 credits must include: 15 credits at Distinction and 30 at Merit or above; and at least 12 credits (including 9 at Distinction) in each of two separate science subjects.. Core science subjects include: Biology (or Human Biology); Chemistry; Mathematics (or Further Mathematics); and Physics. Science subjects also include: Environmental Science; Geography; Geology; Psychology; Physical Education; and Marine Science. Due to overlapping content, applicants should only have one of: Biology or Human Biology Physical Education or Sport Science.

More about Access to HE entry requirements
Requirements are as for A-levels, where you can substitute a non-subject specific grade for the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales or the Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate at that grade.
Requirements for principal subjects are as for A-level, where D1/D2 is A*, D3 is A, M1/M2 is B, and M3 is C.
The University of Bristol welcomes applications from international students, and we accept a wide range of qualifications for undergraduate and postgraduate study.

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