University of Dundee - Medical Art MSc

What the Medical Art MSc gives you

You get a one-year, full-time master's degree in medical art at the University of Dundee, starting September 2026 at the Dundee City Campus. Medical art means creating artwork for medical use: patient information, teaching material, pharmaceutical explanations and courtroom visuals that help juries understand complex cases. You train in observational drawing, anatomy and specialist software to make 2D illustrations, interactive 3D models and animations. You study human anatomy hands-on using Thiel-embalmed cadavers, which keep real colour, texture and flexibility. Your final dissertation (your main research project) can focus on either medical art or forensic art. The course is accredited by the Institute of Medical Illustrators (IMI), so you can join the IMI as a professional member and register with the Academy for Healthcare Science.

Who can apply

• Degree: You have a bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in art or design, or in a medical or anatomical science subject.
• Grades: Usually an upper second class honours (UK 2:1). US applicants need a GPA of 3.0 to 3.69 out of 4.0.
• No degree? Relevant work experience can count instead.
• Portfolio: You submit up to 15 pages of work (10 to 15 images) in both traditional and digital media, including observational drawings such as life or specimen studies.
• English: You need IELTS Academic 6.5 overall, with at least 6.0 in each part. Other recognised tests are also accepted.
• Nationality: You can apply from any country.

How to apply

You apply online through the university's eVision portal and upload your portfolio shortly after. Some applicants are then invited to an online interview and may be asked to present their work. Demand is high and the course can close early, so apply as soon as you can.

How realistic are your chances?

This is a specialist course with a small intake. The portfolio and interview mean selection rests on your artwork, not just your grades. If you have a strong drawing portfolio and the right degree background in art or anatomical science, your prospects are good. Because places can fill before any fixed deadline, applying early is the main thing you control.