Ranking
80th
in the world
Intercalation at Birmingham
Register your interest to receive more information about our intercalation opportunities at the University of Birmingham.
Course overview
Why not take a break from your degree for a year to deepen your understanding of anatomy? The intercalated Clinical Anatomy degree offers the perfect chance to elevate your anatomical knowledge to new heights.
The significance of anatomy has surged with advancements in imaging and minimally invasive interventions, from laparoscopic surgeries, diagnostic and interventional radiology to ultrasonography, endoscopic procedures, and interventional cardiology. As most new medical graduates will engage with these methods, a thorough knowledge of anatomy is crucial for their success. Explore the role of anatomy in modern clinical medicine and how emerging techniques and treatments demand a deeper understanding of anatomical structure, function, and dysfunction.
All aspects of the course are attractive, including full-body dissection, deep-dive into the embryological basis of disease, integration of anatomy into the clinical environment, and, of course, the chance to lead your own research project through a dissertation.
Course highlights
- 80th
in the world, maintaining our position in the top 100 universities globally and placing us 12th amongst UK universities
QS World University Rankings, 2025
- No 1
most targeted UK university by top graduate employers
High Fliers Report, 2024
Working alongside a research team of academics and clinicians, you will conduct your own piece of clinically relevant research. This can be a hugely enriching experience, not only will you learn a wide range of new and transferable skills, but you may also discover something truly novel that changes the way we approach medicine.
- Engage in challenging dissections, guided by experts from a multidisciplinary team of dissectors, anatomists, and surgeons. Dissection opportunities will be more comprehensive than what is typically offered in most pre-clinical curriculums.
- Benefit from close ties between the University’s anatomy department and local hospitals, including University Hospitals Birmingham and Birmingham Children’s Hospital.
- Our modules have significant input from senior clinical staff and include on-site hospital rotations. Participate in the 'Anatomy in the Clinical Environment' module, which includes presenting a clinical case to the public.
- Collaborate with a research team of academics and clinicians to conduct your own clinically relevant research.
- Gain new and transferable skills such as effective communication skills by gaining experiences of interacting with patients and clinicians.
Advance your medical career
Preparation for your career in medicine should be a major consideration as you proceed through Medical School. You will have opportunities to produce international conference presentations and academic publications through your research project. These educational achievements are well recognised in applications for Foundation Programme and Academic Foundation Programmes at the start of your post-graduate medical training.
Course delivery
The course blends academic anatomy studies with a practical emphasis on its clinical significance and impact. Teaching is delivered through various methods, including classic lectures, interactive tutorials, journal clubs, and student-led seminars, as well as traditional dissection, hands-on research activities, and numerous clinical placements.
Lecture
Tutorial
Seminar
- Enhance your medical career by participating in interactive tutorials and leading your own student-led seminar.
- Through involvement in educational development and delivery you will be able to demonstrate proven aptitude in education, an essential element for career advancement as a Junior Doctor.
- Place yourself at the forefront of research and collaborate with a research team of academics and clinicians to conduct your own clinically relevant research.
Assessment methods
The programme adopts a diverse range of assessment methods, allowing you to develop a wide range of transferable skills. For each assessment there will be a formative or practice exercise, which will be accompanied by detailed constructive feedback. Assessment methods include;
- Essays and assignments
- Written and oral examinations including oral examination over dissected specimen
- Submission of a logbook of dissection
- Poster and reflection/interview/theatre presentations in Queen Elizabeth Hospital
- Supervisors report
- 15,000 word dissertation
- 10 minute research project presentation with questions
Module information
The modules listed for this programme are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods. The optional module information listed for this programme is intended to be indicative, and the availability of optional modules may vary from year to year. Where a module is no longer available, we will let you know as soon as we can and help you to make other choices.
You will take 120 credits of compulsory modules. The following must be taken:
| Module Title | Credits | Term |
|---|---|---|
| Anatomy in the Clinical Environment | 20 | Term 2 |
| Embryological and Developmental Basis of Disease | 20 | Term 1 |
| Form, Function and Dysfunction | 30 | Term 1 |
| Project | 50 | Full Term |
Entry requirements
- Available for students studying Medicine or Dentistry
You must be in year 3 or 4 of your medical degree, or year 2 in your Dental degree.
This course is only available to internal or external students currently studying Medicine or Dentistry looking to intercalate between years 3 and 4, or years 4 and 5.
Students studying medicine following successful completion of their third or fourth year and who will return to the fourth or fifth year of the MBChB course on completion of the intercalation. The programme is not available before you have completed at least one year of clinical training.
Dental students are advised to contact the Programme Lead prior to applying.
Fees and scholarships
- £9,535 (Home students)
For students studying in the UK and paying overseas fees, you will still pay overseas fees during your intercalation year. Please contact mdsintercalationenquiries@contacts.bham.ac.uk for more information.
Undergraduate loans
To help with the cost of studies, undergraduate students from the UK can apply for student finance through the Student Loans Company. The support available is made up of a tuition fee loan and a maintenance loan which helps to cover living costs.
Application process
To apply or for any enquiries, please email our Intercalation team on mdsintercalationenquiries@contacts.bham.ac.uk. Please note: This programme may not run in any given academic year if there is insufficient student interest.
- 31 March 2025
Deadline to submit application
Career opportunities
Preparation for your career should be one of the first things you think about as you start university. Whether you have a clear idea of where your future aspirations lie or want to consider the broad range of opportunities available, we can help you achieve your goal.
Your Birmingham degree is evidence of your ability to succeed in a demanding academic environment. Employers target Birmingham students for their drive, diversity, communication and problem-solving skills, their team-working abilities and cultural awareness.
Careers Network
Our aim is to make sure that success in your studies leads you on to a fulfilling career. Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network offer support to help you identify your options, develop your skills and gain access to opportunities that propel you towards your career goal.
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Student experience
Your experience studying at Birmingham will give you the opportunity to discover new experiences, develop different skills and make friends for life.
Our bustling campus with its beautiful grounds, friendly community, and excellent facilities will quickly make you feel at home. We offer you a huge variety of accommodation options in the UK’s second city, exciting activities to get involved in outside your studies, as well as all the support and advice you need.
Accommodation
Coming to Birmingham to study might be your first time living away from home. In our student accommodation, you can enjoy your independence in safe, welcoming and sociable surroundings.
Living in Birmingham
Our cosmopolitan city has a unique history and so much to see and do. With an ever-changing food and drink scene, a vibrant nightlife and plenty of culture, our city is more than somewhere to study.
Student support
Whoever you are and wherever you come from, we are committed to providing the best possible support to our students, both before you start and throughout your time on campus.
Campus life
Our beautiful campus is the place where our diverse community comes together to learn and socialise. Like a town of its own, it’s just minutes from the hustle and bustle of the UK’s second city.
Take a virtual tour
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