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.
Introduction
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.
What you'll learn
Develop practical and theoretical knowledge of structural and functional anatomy in health & disease
Develop practical skills by combining cadaveric dissection with a thorough exploration of human biology within the dedicated Human Anatomy Resource Centre
Enhance your understanding of topical issues, ethical principles, professionalism & respect in Anatomy
Become literate in finding, interpreting, evaluating and managing information
Communicate ideas effectively to a variety of audiences
Work independently and collaboratively
Develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills
Use lab equipment correctly and safely
Plan, initiate, and carry out projects
Teaching Excellence Framework 2023
We’re proud to announce we’ve been awarded a
Gold rating for educational excellence.
Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.
Year one
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.
COMPULSORY MODULES
Biology core concepts, principles, and fundamentals BIOS101
Development, function, immunity, infection, and therapeutics BIOS102
Introductory Practical Skills for Life Sciences BIOS103
From Individuals to Ecosystem BIOS104
Study and Communication Skills Tutorials BIOS105
Applied Practical Research Skills for Life Sciences BIOS106
Any optional modules listed above are illustrative only and may vary from year to year. Modules may be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved and staff availability. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed.
Year two
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 & Human Biology. You will begin to develop skills in cadaveric prosection & dissection through modules in systems anatomy, functional musculoskeletal anatomy and anatomy of the thorax. In addition, you will have optional modules enabling you to follow your interest in cellular biology, therapeutics, physiology, infection biology or comparative/animal biology.
COMPULSORY MODULES
Genetics, Microbiology & Infection BIOS201
Human Anatomy of the Thorax BIOS202
Intermediary Practical Research Skills for Life Sciences BIOS203
Academic & professional skills tutorials BIOS205
The Cellular Basis of Health & Disease BIOS209
Functional Anatomy of the Human Musculoskeletal System BIOS210
Human Systems Anatomy BIOS213
OPTIONAL MODULES (CHOOSE ONE)
Metabolism BIOS212
Cellular & Systems Physiology BIOS214
Drug Discovery & Development BIOS216
Animal Anatomy, Physiology & Husbandry BIOS220
Animal Ecophysiology BIOS222
Any optional modules listed above are illustrative only and may vary from year to year. Modules may be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved and staff availability. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed.
Year three
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 & pelvis, head, neck & 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.
COMPULSORY MODULES
Research Project BIOS301
Introduction to the World of Work BIOS302
Research Methods BIOS303
Applied Anatomy and Dissection BIOS304
Human Anatomy of the Abdomen, Pelvis and Perineum BIOS305
Human Anatomy of the Head & Neck BIOS329
OPTIONAL MODULES (CHOOSE ONE)
Molecular, Clinical & Translational Cancer BIOS307
Molecular Systems Biology BIOS309
Translational Pharmacology BIOS313
Any optional modules listed above are illustrative only and may vary from year to year. Modules may be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved and staff availability. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed.
Year four
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 internship with other modules that cover advanced topics of global importance.
COMPULSORY MODULES
Research Project LIFE700
Research Methods LIFE731
OPTIONAL MODULES (CHOOSE ONE)
Advanced Statistics for Biological Research LIFE707
Informatics for Life Sciences LIFE721
OPTIONAL MODULES (Students choose either the research internship, or two of the remaining modules)
Research Internship LIFE701
Coding for Life Sciences LIFE733
Cellular Biotechnology and Biological Imaging LIFE749
Frontiers in Cancer Research LIFE724
Cancer Clinical Trials LIFE726
Immunology LIFE728
Diagnostics Therapeutics and Vaccines LIFE732
Computational Biology LIFE752
Proteomics, Metabolomics and Data Analysis LIFE754
Synthetic Biology and Biotechnology LIFE756
Any optional modules listed above are illustrative only and may vary from year to year. Modules may be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved and staff availability. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed.
How you'll learn
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.
How you're assessed
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.
Liverpool Hallmarks
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.
Course options
Studying with us means you can tailor your degree to suit you. Here's what is available on this course.
Support for students with differing needs from the Disability advice and guidance team. They can identify and recommend appropriate support provisions for you.
Inside Biosciences. A conversation with Tanya Horne and Professor Jay Hinton
Careers and employability
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:
Postgraduate study: (MBiolSci, MSc, MRes, MPhil or PhD)
Public sector – research institutes, government departments, the National Health Service, forensic science and the Environment Agency.
Commercial sectors – pharmaceutical, food, biotechnology, water and agriculture industries.
Journalists and information/liaison officers – by developments in molecular biology and biotechnology.
Teaching profession by taking a postgraduate qualification (PGCE).
Routes to postgraduate Medicine, Dentistry or Veterinary Science.
Recent employers and sectors:
Pharmaceutical sector: Eli-Lilly, AstraZeneca, Glaxo SmithKline, NHS, Red X Pharma;
Tourism/Conservation sector: Blue Planet Aquarium, Chester Zoo, RSPCA;
Government/Legal sector: Crown Prosecution Service, The Environment Agency, Public Health England, Home Affairs, Ministry of Defence, Security and International Development;
Media/Entertainment Sector: BBC;
Corporate and Utilities sector: United Utilities, Vodafone, Unilever.
4 in 5 biosciences students find their main activity after graduation meaningful.
Graduate Outcomes, 2018-19.
Fees and funding
Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.
Tuition fees
UK fees (applies to Channel Islands, Isle of Man and Republic of Ireland)
Full-time place, per year
£9,535
Year abroad fee
£1,385
International fees
Full-time place, per year
£29,100
Year abroad fee
£14,550
The UK full-time tuition fee, international course fee and fee for the year abroad for international students shown are correct for 2025/26 entry. We are currently awaiting confirmation of whether the year abroad fee for UK students will change, so the fee shown is for 2024/25. Please note that the year abroad fee also applies to the year in China.
Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support. Learn more about fees and funding.
Additional costs
We understand that budgeting for your time at university is important, and we want to make sure you understand any course-related costs that are not covered by your tuition fee. This includes the costs associated with placements or internships, and the optional field course in Uganda.
Applicants with the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) are eligible for a reduction in grade requirements.
For this course, the offer is ABB with
A
in the EPQ.
You may automatically qualify for reduced entry requirements through our contextual offers scheme.
T levels
Health and Science (Science pathway) is accepted with an overall grade of Distinction to include B in the core.
Biology and a second science, preferably Chemistry, at A level
Also accepted as a second science: Environmental Science, Mathematics, Physics, Geography, Psychology, Geology and Applied Science.
For applicants from England, where A levels in Biology, Chemistry or Physics have been taken, we will also require a pass in the Practical Endorsement
BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma
D*DD in Applied Science with a selection of preferred units in Biology and Chemistry, to include Distinction in Units 1 and 5 (Principles and Applications of Science I and II).
For previous BTEC (QCF) qualification:
D*DD in Applied Science with a selection of preferred units in Biology and Chemistry, with at least 120 Level 3 credits at Distinction.
Please note alternative BTEC subjects are not acceptable for this programme.
34 points including 5 in Higher Level Biology and 5 in another Higher Level science subject.
Irish Leaving Certificate
H1, H1, H2, H2, H2, H3 - including grades H1 and H2 in Higher Level Biology and Higher Level (second science) (any order).
Scottish Higher/Advanced Higher
Not accepted without Advanced Highers at grades AAB.
Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced
Accepted at grade B alongside A levels in Biology and one other science at AA
Access
45 Level 3 credits in graded units in a relevant Diploma, including 30 at Distinction and a further 15 with at least Merit.
15 Distinctions are required in each of Biology and Chemistry.
GCSE Mathematics and English grade C/4 also required.
International qualifications
Many countries have a different education system to that of the UK, meaning your qualifications may not meet our entry requirements. Completing your Foundation Certificate, such as that offered by the University of Liverpool International College, means you're guaranteed a place on your chosen course.
International applicants who do not meet the minimum required standard of English language can complete one of our Pre-Sessional English courses to achieve the required level.
English language qualification
Requirements
IELTS
6.5 overall, with no component below 5.5
TOEFL iBT
88 overall, with minimum scores of listening 17, writing 17, reading 17 and speaking 19. TOEFL Home Edition not accepted.
Duolingo English Test
120 overall, with no component below 95
Pearson PTE Academic
61 overall, with no component below 59
LanguageCert Academic
70 overall, with no skill below 60
Cambridge IGCSE First Language English 0500
Grade C overall, with a minimum of grade 2 in speaking and listening. Speaking and listening must be separately endorsed on the certificate.
Cambridge IGCSE First Language English 0990
Grade 4 overall, with Merit in speaking and listening
Cambridge IGCSE Second Language English 0510/0511
0510: Grade B overall, with a minimum of grade 2 in speaking. Speaking must be separately endorsed on the certificate. 0511: Grade B overall.
Cambridge IGCSE Second Language English 0993/0991
0993: Grade 6 overall, with a minimum of grade 2 in speaking. Speaking must be separately endorsed on the certificate. 0991: Grade 6 overall.
International Baccalaureate English A: Literature or Language & Literature
Grade 5 at Standard Level or grade 5 at Higher Level
International Baccalaureate English B
Grade 7 at Standard Level or grade 6 at Higher Level
Cambridge ESOL Level 2/3 Advanced
176 overall, with no paper below 162
PRE-SESSIONAL ENGLISH
Do you need to complete a Pre-Sessional English course to meet the English language requirements for this course?
The length of Pre-Sessional English course you’ll need to take depends on your current level of English language ability.
