The spin-wave Brillouin light scattering (BLS) was observed from CoFe/IrMn-based bottom and top spin-valve structures. The magnitude of perpendicular magnetic anisotropy of these structures was investigated by means of BLS. The experimental spin-wave frequency was simulated using a simple model which includes crystallographic, exchange, in-plane uniaxial, and in- and out-of-plane anisotropies and takes the exchange interaction between the two ferromagnetic layers into account. This enabled us to determine, in addition to the other magnetic parameters, both in- and out-of-plane anisotropy constants near the surface. It was found that the top spin-valve is in a strong out-of-plane anisotropy whereas in-plane anisotropy is dominant for the bottom spin-valve. (C) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.