Health Sciences

Bachelor of Science in Anatomy

The Bachelor of Science in Anatomy is a degree programme that equips students with knowledge and skills in in anatomy. The programme falls under the Health Sciences category and typically spans 1 year (intercalated) of full-time study at accredited Kenyan universities.

The curriculum covers Gross Anatomy, Topographic Anatomy, Neuroanatomy, Histology, Embryology, Cell Biology. Students engage with both theoretical foundations and practical applications, developing competencies in Anatomical Research Methods, Cell Biology, Dissection Techniques, Embryology, Gross Anatomy. The coursework is designed to build progressive understanding from foundational concepts to advanced topics.

Throughout the programme, students study Topographic Anatomy, Neuroanatomy, Histology and Cell Biology, Embryology and Developmental Anatomy, Gross Anatomy of the Head and Neck. The teaching approach combines lectures, laboratory practicals, tutorials, assignments and independent research projects. This blend ensures graduates can apply theoretical knowledge to real-world problems in their field.

The programme offers specialisations in Topographic Anatomy, Neuroanatomy, Histology and Cell Biology. Students can focus their studies on areas of particular interest, allowing them to tailor their degree to specific career goals. The flexibility enables graduates to pursue diverse professional paths within the sector.

Graduates of the Bachelor of Science in Anatomy pursue careers as Anatomy Research Assistant, Medical Officer (after MBChB), Anatomy Demonstrator, Surgical Trainee (after MBChB). They find employment in various sectors including government agencies, private companies, research institutions, non-governmental organisations and academic institutions. The degree opens doors to both local and international opportunities.

The programme is accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE) and offered at recognised universities across Kenya. Students benefit from industry attachments, fieldwork and practical training that complement classroom learning and enhance employability upon graduation.

Duration: 1 year (intercalated)
Public, up to: Ksh 450,000
Job market: Moderate

The programme

What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.

Practicalities

Study mode: Full-time
Attachment: 3 months
Average class: 25 students
Award: Bachelor

What you study

8 subjects

Gross Anatomy
Topographic Anatomy
Neuroanatomy
Histology
Embryology
Cell Biology
Research Methods
Anatomical Sciences

Modules

10 in the programme

Topographic Anatomy
Year 1Semester 16 creditsCore
Regional anatomy studying structural relationships of organs and systems within body regions.
Research Methods in Anatomy
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Quantitative and qualitative research methodologies applied to anatomical science research.
Neuroanatomy
Year 1Semester 16 creditsCore
Neuroanatomy: Structure and organisation of the central and peripheral nervous system. Covers theoretical foundations, practical applications, and industry-relevant skills.
Histology and Cell Biology
Year 1Semester 14 creditsCore
Histology and Cell Biology: Microscopic structure of tissues and cellular basis of anatomical organisation. Covers cellular processes, organismal biology, and ecological relationships.
Embryology and Developmental Anatomy
Year 1Semester 24 creditsCore
Human development from fertilisation through organogenesis and congenital variations.
Gross Anatomy of the Thorax and Abdomen
Year 1Semester 24 creditsCore
Detailed dissection and study of thoracic and abdominal viscera and their relationships.
Anatomical Research Project
Year 1Semester 26 creditsCore
Independent research project on an anatomical topic, culminating in a written dissertation.
Clinical Anatomy Applications
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Application of anatomical knowledge to clinical scenarios, surgical approaches and medical imaging.
Gross Anatomy of the Head and Neck
Year 1Semester 24 creditsCore
Gross Anatomy of the Head and Neck: Detailed dissection and study of the head, neck and cranial nerves. Covers theoretical foundations, practical applications, and industry-relevant skills.
Gross Anatomy of the Pelvis and Limbs
Year 1Semester 24 creditsCore
Gross Anatomy of the Pelvis and Limbs: Detailed dissection and study of pelvic structures and upper and lower limbs. Covers theoretical foundations, practical applications, and industry-relevant sk...

Specialisations

Topographic Anatomy
Focus on regional anatomy, studying the structural relationships of organs and systems within specific body regions.
Neuroanatomy
Specialisation in the structure and organisation of the nervous system, including the brain, spinal cord and peripheral nerves.
Histology and Cell Biology
Study of tissues at the microscopic level and the cellular basis of anatomical structures. This specialisation equips graduates with discipline-specific competencies for professional practice in Kenya and the East African region, with pathways to postgraduate study and professional certification.
Embryology and Developmental Anatomy
Focus on human development from fertilisation through organogenesis and congenital anatomical variations.
Anatomical Research
Research-focused specialisation covering research methods, dissection techniques and anatomical science research projects.

A day as a student

A typical day involves attending anatomy lectures, participating in dissection practicals in the anatomy laboratory, examining histology slides under the microscope, conducting literature reviews for the research project and engaging in guided reading sessions with faculty.

The trade offs

In its favour

Provides advanced anatomical knowledge that enhances clinical practice and surgical specialisation.
Develops research skills through an independent research project, positioning graduates for academic careers.
Demonstrates academic excellence, valued in competitive medical career pathways and postgraduate applications.

Against it

Only available at the University of Nairobi, limiting access for medical students at other universities.
Extends the overall duration of medical training by one year.

What it costs

Tuition at both ends of the market, and how to pay for it.

What it costs, and where

Against 349 health sciences courses

Public450k to 450k

450k at University of Nairobi450k at University of Nairobi

Annual tuition in Kenyan shillings, rounded. The upright tick is the median for this field, so a bar sitting entirely to its right is an expensive programme by the standards of its own subject.

The fine print

UoN Schedule II:450K/yr. Private (Strathmore/Kabarak) unverified for Anatomy.

Students can access HELB undergraduate loans, Universities Fund government scholarships and county government bursaries.

Funding options

HELB Undergraduate Loan
Universities Fund Government Scholarship
County Government Bursaries

Scholarships

3 recorded

County Government Bursaries
GrantKsh 50,000Kenyan
Students from specific counties. Criteria vary by county.
Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) Loan
LoanKsh 60,000Kenyan
Kenyan students admitted to accredited universities. Means-tested based on family income.
Higher Education Fund (HEF)
GrantKsh 200,000Kenyan
Government-sponsored (KUCCPS) students in public universities. Awarded through the Higher Education Funding Model.

Getting in

The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.

What you need

KCSE mean grade: N/A (Intercalated degree)
Alternative entry: Registered MBChB or BDS students at the University of Nairobi who have completed and passed all second-year courses with distinction in Human Anatomy. Students from other recognised universities may apply subject to entry examination and UoN Senate approval.

How you are assessed

3 components

Continuous Assessment Tests and Practical Examinations
Coursework30% of the mark
Written tests, dissection practical assessments and histology identification tests throughout the programme.
End of Semester Examinations
Examination50% of the mark
Comprehensive written and practical examinations covering topographic anatomy, neuroanatomy, histology and embryology.
Research Project
Project20% of the mark
Independent research project on an anatomical topic, assessed through a written dissertation and oral presentation.

Accreditation

Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). The programme is offered at the University of Nairobi as an intercalated degree for MBChB and BDS students. Graduates who complete their medical degrees must register with the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC) to practise.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education (CUE)
NationalRequired
CUE accredits all university programmes in Kenya. This programme must be offered by a CUE-accredited university.
Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC)
Professional
Graduates who complete their medical degrees must register with KMPDC to practise medicine in Kenya.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

5 roles

Anatomy Research Assistant
Moderate demandKsh 50,000 to Ksh 80,000
Supports anatomical research projects at universities, KEMRI or research institutions through data collection, dissection and analysis.
Medical Officer (after MBChB)
High demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 250,000
Practises medicine in hospitals and clinics after completing the MBChB degree, with enhanced anatomical knowledge for clinical specialisation.
Anatomy Demonstrator
Moderate demandKsh 60,000 to Ksh 100,000
Teaches anatomy to medical and nursing students in university anatomy departments, demonstrating dissection and histology.
Surgical Trainee (after MBChB)
High demandKsh 150,000 to Ksh 300,000
Pursues postgraduate surgical training, leveraging advanced anatomical knowledge for surgical specialisation.
Medical Writer
Moderate demandKsh 55,000 to Ksh 120,000
Writes scientific and medical content for publications, pharmaceutical companies and health communications agencies.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates return to complete their medical degrees and pursue careers as surgeons, radiologists, pathologists, researchers and university lecturers in anatomy.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

Microsoft Excel
SoftwarePrimary
Spreadsheet for anatomical research data management and statistical analysis.
SPSS
SoftwarePrimary
Statistical analysis software for anatomical research and data interpretation.
ImageJ
Software
Image processing and analysis tool for histology and microscopy images.
3D Slicer
Software
Open-source platform for medical image visualisation and 3D anatomical modelling.
EndNote
Software
Reference management software for anatomical research literature and citations.

Certifications

Industry links

Common misconceptions

BSc Anatomy is a standalone degree anyone can apply for.
It is an intercalated degree only available to MBChB or BDS students who have completed their second year with distinction in anatomy.
Anatomy is just about memorising body parts.
The programme covers topographic anatomy, neuroanatomy, histology, embryology, research methods and a research project.
Graduates work only as anatomy lecturers.
Graduates return to complete their medical degrees and pursue careers as surgeons, radiologists, pathologists, researchers or academic clinicians.
The programme is available at multiple universities.
Only the University of Nairobi offers this intercalated BSc in Human Anatomy in Kenya.