MB ChB Manch 1938, MD 1943; MRCS Eng LRCP Lond 1937.
Barlow was born in Stockport on 8 December 1913. He was educated at Stockport Grammar School and the University of Manchester. After qualifying Barlow held house positions at Ancoats Hospital, MRI then St Mary's Hospital. In 1939 he became demonstrator in anatomy at University of Manchester, being appointed assistant lecturer in 1940. Barlow held this position until 1947 when he was appointed Lecturer in Anatomy at the University of Durham. He was promoted to senior leturer in 1951, then in 1963 he held the same position at the University of Newcastle. Barlow was a member of Manchester Medical Society and the Anatomical Society of Great Britain and Ireland.