Continuing professional development

Embryology and Clinical Neuroanatomy

Course length

12 weeks part-time

Start date

September 2026

Location

Hull campus

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Course content
Teaching and assessment
Entry requirements
Fees and funding
Applying

Build advanced knowledge of human embryology and clinical neuroanatomy through an immersive combination of interactive workshops, guided practical sessions and independent study.

This Level 7 CPD short course is designed for those who want to develop a rigorous, clinically contextualised understanding of the developing and adult nervous system. Through detailed exploration of embryological processes and neuroanatomical structures, you will strengthen your ability to connect developmental principles with clinical presentation, function and disease.

Key areas include:

Gametogenesis, fertilisation, implantation and placentation
Systems-based embryology, including musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal, genitourinary and central nervous systems
Meninges, ventricular system and blood supply to the brain and spinal cord
Yopographical and functional anatomy of the brain and spinal cord
Localisation of cortical function and functional regions of the CNS
Clinical cases in neuroscience and neurosurgery

A distinctive feature of this course is the integration of embryological and neuroanatomical content into a single, coherent learning journey. The module begins with the foundations of human development and builds progressively towards clinical neuroanatomy, helping you understand how structure, function and pathology are rooted in developmental processes. Lecturers are drawn from a range of clinical and non-clinical disciplines with expertise relevant to embryology and neuroanatomy, helping to signpost the transferability of knowledge across professional and specialist contexts.

Learning activities include:

Flipped interactive workshops with structured preparatory tasks
Guided practical sessions including review of brain anatomy
Clinician and specialist-led input on neuroanatomical topics
Preparatory reading and structured tasks through the virtual learning environment
Independent and self-directed study to develop clinical, functional, radiological and anatomical knowledge

Students will be encouraged to engage critically with embryological processes, neuroanatomical structures, clinical case studies and the functional basis of disease and injury.

You will receive 20 Level 7 credits on completing this short course, including passing the assessments.

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Contact Us

postgraduate@hyms.ac.uk 01904 321690

Dr Anju Albert, Lecturer in Clinical AnatomyView profile

Dr Paul McKeegan, Lecturer in Human PhysiologyView profile

University of Hull - Hull York Medical School

Who is this short course for?

This course is suited to healthcare professionals, clinicians in training, anatomy educators, allied health professionals and researchers who want to strengthen their applied understanding of human embryology and the nervous system. It is also appropriate for those wishing to refresh or extend their neuroanatomical knowledge for professional practice, teaching, specialist development or further study.

Eligible applicants may take this course as a standalone CPD option or as part of the PGCert/PGDip/MSc in Clinical Anatomy and Education or PGCert/PGDip/MSc in Clinical Anatomy.

Teaching and assessment

What you will learn

You will study the fundamentals of human embryology from a clinical and anatomical perspective, before progressing to the clinical anatomy of the brain, spinal cord and peripheral nerves in topographical, developmental, functional and radiological contexts. The course explores the embryological origins of neuroanatomical structures, the structural and functional basis of disease and injury, and the application of neuroanatomical knowledge to clinical decision-making, illustrated throughout with clinical case studies.

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

Critically discuss the processes of gametogenesis, fertilisation, implantation, placentation and embryogenesis, and evaluate the latest developments in their endocrinological control
Describe and evaluate the embryological development of the major body systems, including the musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal, genitourinary and central nervous systems
Describe the clinical anatomy of the brain and cranial nerves and explain the structural and functional basis of disease and injury affecting these structures
Critically evaluate the application of functional neuroanatomy and human embryology to modern clinical practice
Take responsibility for your own professional learning and development, identifying and addressing your learning needs within a structured but self-directed framework

How is this short course delivered?

The module employs a flipped classroom approach, combining tutor-led interactive workshops with guided practical sessions and structured independent study. Students engage with preparatory reading and tutor-supported tasks ahead of each taught session, enabling contact time to focus on active learning, clinical application and anatomical exploration. Practical sessions include guided review of brain anatomy, providing direct engagement with neuroanatomical structures in a laboratory setting.

You will benefit from input by lecturers drawn from a range of clinical and non-clinical disciplines with expertise in embryology and neuroanatomy, helping you connect your learning to your own professional or specialist interests. Structured preparatory activities and learning resources are provided through the virtual learning environment to support independent study throughout the course.

The module comprises 4 weeks of embryology and 8 weeks of neuroanatomy content.

Time commitment

As a 20 credit level 7 module, the total time commitment, including contact time and self-directed learning, is 200 hours. Across the module, this is approximately 16 hours per week, including timetabled sessions.

Assessment

Assessment includes a summative written article (2,000 words, 60%) and a neuroanatomy summative spotter examination (30 minutes, 40%).

Formative abstract and presentations are also completed early in the module to support the development of academic writing skills ahead of the written summative assessment.

Applying

Entry requirements

An undergraduate (strong 2.2 or above) or postgraduate degree in a relevant subject containing significant anatomy, such as:

Anatomy, Medicine, Medical Engineering, Physician Associate Studies, Veterinary Medicine
Biological or Biomedical Science and related programmes (Zoology, Bioengineering), with significant evidence of anatomy study (curricular or extra-curricular)

Applicants are encouraged to highlight previous anatomical experience in the application.