Advanced Facial Anatomy Online distance learning
Duration: 10 weeks
Credits: 10 Academic Credits (PG)
Delivery: All course content is delivered on Moodle, our virtual learning platform. You will converse with the tutors and fellow students in online forums.
Timetable: Fully online and flexible, with no scheduled classes to attend.
Fee: £625 per place (See Fees & Funding section below)
College: College of MVLS
School: School of Medicine, Dentistry and Nursing
Next course start date: September 2026
The Advanced Facial Anatomy Microcredential offers a comprehensive, clinically grounded exploration of the anatomical structures of the face. Designed for dentists, healthcare professionals, and international clinicians seeking to upskill, this 10-week online course integrates multimodal digital learning, research informed activities, clinically relevant applications, and an online research week. Through readings, videos, digital 3-D models, guided discussions, and structured analytical tasks, students will progressively build both foundational and advanced knowledge of facial structures, functional relationships, and associated clinical considerations.
Why this course
Who This Micro‑credential Is For
This course is ideal for:
- Dental practitioners and dental specialists
- Healthcare professionals involved in facial procedures
- International clinicians preparing for UK clinical practice
- Professionals seeking CPD in anatomy or clinical skills
- Learners seeking stackable postgraduatel evel‑level microcredentials
A healthcare or clinical background is recommended.
Learning Experience
You will engage with:
- Expert selected‑selected readings and videos
- High quality‑quality 3‑D digital models
- Clinical cases and reflective activities
- Research interpretation and critique tasks
- Discussion forums with peers and tutors
This varied digital learning approach supports flexibility, depth, and clinically relevant understanding.
What You Will Learn
By the end of this course, you will:
- Develop advanced knowledge of facial anatomy with clinical application.
- Critically appraise research literature relating to facial structures.
- Understand specialised anatomical regions including cranial nerves, salivary glands, sinuses, vasculature, and functional systems.
- Use multimodal digital materials—including videos and 3‑D models—to support anatomical interpretation.
- Integrate anatomical knowledge to support safe clinical decision making‑making in dentistry and related facial procedures.
Course structure
Course Structure (10 Weeks)
Fully online and asynchronous via Moodle.
Week 1 – Introduction to facial anatomy
- Core anatomical principles
- Overview of facial regions
- Guided discussions and introductory readings
Week 2 – Foundational structures of the face
- Bones of the skull and orbit
- Orientation activities using 3‑D models
- Applied reading and reflection tasks
Week 3 – Muscles of facial expression and mastication
- Functional anatomy of mouth and jaw
- Curated videos and anatomical diagrams
- Clinical context discussion
Week 4 – Blood supply of the face
- Arterial supply and venous drainageA
- Applied vascular mapping activities
Week 5 – Cranial nerves: facial and trigeminal
- Sensory and motor pathways
- Interactive tutorials
- Critical analysis of nerve related‑related clinical conditions
Week 6 – Salivary glands and associated structures
- Parotid, submandibular, and sublingual glands
- Anatomical pathways and clinical implications
Week 7 – Nose, nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses
- Extended readings and clinical cases
- Anatomical variability
- Reflection on sinus ‑related clinical presentations
Week 8 – Lymphatics of the head and neck
- Lymphatic drainage routes
- Relevance to infection and oncology
Week 9 - Botox-relevant anatomy
- Key muscular and neurovascular structures
- Clinical considerations for injectable procedures
- Short critique assignment
Week 10 – Integration and Research Engagement
- Synthesis of anatomical systems
- Research paper review and critique
- Applying anatomical knowledge to clinical scenarios
Course alteration or discontinuation
The University of Glasgow endeavours
to run all courses as advertised. In exceptional circumstances, however, the University may withdraw
or alter a course. For more information, please see: Student contract.
Career prospects
This course is designed to equip learners with skills that can be applied in the following roles and industries:
- Dental practitice and dental specialisms
- Healthcare professionals involved in facial procedures
- International clinicians preparing for UK clinical practice
- Professionals seeking CPD in anatomy or clinical skills
Fees & funding
Course fee: £625 per place.
Alumni, volume-based (group), former UofG SFC Upskilling learner, and NHS discounts may be available (please direct discount enquiries to Keir.Elder@glasgow.ac.uk)
Entry requirements
It is suggested that learners on this course are educated to at least Undergraduate level, with a healthcare or clinical background, and have an IELTS equivalent of 6.5. Learners will not be asked to prove their academic or professional history.
