A magnetic sensing element is provided in which the magnetization of a pinned magnetic layer is pinned by a uniaxial anisotropy of the pinned magnetic layer itself. A nonmagnetic layer for increasing the coercive force of the pinned magnetic layer is disposed adjacent to the pinned magnetic layer at the opposite side of a nonmagnetic conductive layer. Specifically, the nonmagnetic layer is composed of, for example, Cu. In addition, the thickness of the nonmagnetic layer is adequately controlled.