Healthcare Science (Cardiac Physiology) BSc

Course overview

You are reading the course information for 2023 year of entry. The entry requirements for applications to Leeds Medical School have changed. Please refer to the 2024 course information pages if you are considering application for that year.

With cases of heart disease rising across the globe, there is growing demand for people with your skills. At Leeds, you will be equipped for a rewarding career with ensured longevity and prepared for the challenge ahead.

Cardiac Physiology is a specialised course that combines problem solving with patient care. From diagnosis to treatment, Cardiac Physiologists are involved throughout the patient journey to perform diagnostic tests, analyse results and make vital clinical decisions – decisions that improve patient outcomes and quality of life every day.

Our course focuses primarily on the diagnosis, assessment and treatment of heart disease. Careers in Cardiac Physiology are stimulating, varied and suited to a diverse range of subject interests. As well as diagnosing and treating heart disease, many professionals enjoy meaningful and rewarding careers as researchers, industry representatives or academics.

Why choose Leeds?

• We prepare you for a career from day one, with 100% of our students finding work and/or further study within 15 months of finishing the course (Discover Uni, 2021).

• Take part in exceptional clinical placements across NHS trusts and private providers. Our strong relationships with hospital departments across Yorkshire and the Humber help you develop professional networks and relationships before you go into employment.

• Ours is the only programme of its kind to sit within a School of Medicine, giving you access to world-leading researchers and experienced industry professionals.

• Learn how to diagnose and treat heart conditions within the globally renowned Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine. Our dedicated on-campus facilities are designed to give you an outstanding student experience and help you develop clinical skills in a safe environment before putting them into practise.

• You will have the opportunity to present your work at research conferences and in professional journals, participate in academic research seminars alongside practising cardiologists and senior medical researchers.

• Our course is designed around your wellbeing, with dedicated personal tutors to assist with your academic and pastoral needs. Our timetable is designed around the needs of commuting students, to help everyone make the most of their time at Leeds.

On successful completion of the course, students are eligible to apply for registration with the Academy of Healthcare Science as a Practitioner.

The course is accredited by the National School of Healthcare Science (NSHCS).

Course details

Throughout the course, you’ll secure the skills necessary to become a successful and well-rounded Cardiac Physiologist. Importantly, you’ll also gain more general skills to broaden your career horizons through critical thinking, problem solving, scientific enquiry and reflective practice.

Once completed, you will meet the necessary standards required by Academy of Healthcare Science and National School of Healthcare Science to allow you to register with the Academy of Healthcare Sciences as a Cardiac Physiologist Practioner.

Modules

The course information shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our terms and conditions.

Most courses consist of compulsory and optional modules. There may be some optional modules omitted below. This is because they are currently being refreshed to make sure students have the best possible experience. Before you enter each year, full details of all modules for that year will be provided.

For more information please read Healthcare Science (Cardiac Physiology) BSc in the course catalogue.

Those in bold are interprofessional shared modules with other courses.

Year 1 Compulsory modules

• Cardiovascular Science (20 credits)– This module will look at the basic principles associated with cardiovascular science, including anatomy and physiology, physiological measurements and diagnostic procedures to assess cardiovascular status.
• Cardio-Respiratory Practice (20 credits)– This module is where you will gain hands on experience, both through simulation and with patients in a clinical setting. It’s an opportunity to practice techniques to obtain optimal diagnostic recordings, as well as to develop key skills of a healthcare professional such as patient communication and empathy.
• Respiratory and Sleep Science (20 credits) – This module focuses on the basic principles related to respiratory and sleep physiology. You will cover topics such as anatomy and physiology, respiratory and sleep disorders and diagnostic procedures utilised in this setting. This module will be closely linked to the impact of respiratory and sleep disorders on the cardiovascular system and cardiovascular disease.
• Professional Practice for Healthcare (20 Credits)–This interprofessional module seeks to introduce you to the healthcare setting. It focuses on the role you will have as a healthcare professional, both as an individual and as a member of the team. This will allow you to begin to establish your contribution within the healthcare setting focusing on patient-centred care.
• Introduction to Biological Principles (20 credits) –This module will cover the underlying principles of biological systems that can then be related to profession-specific examples in the profession-specific modules.
• ECG interpretation (20 Credits) –This module will focus on interpreting ECGs from basic principles to complex cardiac conditions. The focus is on accurate measurements and interpretation in line with current guidelines.

Year 2 Compulsory modules

• Clinical Practice (40 credits) –This module is where you will gain hands on experience in the clinical setting to further develop your skills in performing and reporting diagnostic tests. You will be involved in ECG, BP, ambulatory monitoring, functional imaging and cardiac catheterisation procedures in your Year 2 clinical placements.
• Research Methods and Evaluation (20 credits) – The objective of this module is to help you develop an understanding of how clinical practice is informed by evidence, and to provide you with the knowledge and tools to appraise both practice and published work. This module will introduce you to the skills you will need to carry out research effectively including how to formulate research questions, gather information from a range of sources, make judgements on the quality of data gathered and draw conclusions.
• Pathophysiology of Common Cardiovascular & Respiratory Conditions (20 credits) – Understanding the pathophysiology behind cardiovascular and respiratory conditions allows you to broaden your understanding of the data captured through diagnostic testing. This module therefore helps you develop your understanding of key pathophysiology associated with common disorders.
• Functional cardiac testing (20 credits) –This module will focus on the varying functional imaging techniques utilised for assessment of cardiovascular status, these tests are utilised to assess perfusion and function both at rest and after stress. Functional imaging procedures are used clinically to assess cardiac perfusion, and are essential to aiding treatment strategies for cardiac disease.
• Cardiac Catheterisation (20 credits) – This module will focus on all aspects of cardiac catheterisation utilised to assess and treat various cardiac conditions. The module will cover both right and left heart catheterisation for both the diagnosis, assessment and treatment of cardiac disease.

Year 3 Compulsory modules

• Research Project (40 credits) –This interprofessional module is the culmination of the research thread that has run through your degree programme. You may carry out one of a range of projects in this module including audit and systematic review, as well as the possibility of a piece of original research. You will be supported by a named supervisor.
• Advanced Cardiac Principles (40 credits) –This module will focus on advanced cardiac principles, including cardiac device implantation and follow up as well as introduce cardiac ultrasound. Within this module you will be able to choose a topic of your own relating to cardiology; the aim will be to investigate the topic in detail. Options include (but are not limited to) clinical conditions, treatment options, diagnostic processes and management of a cardiac condition. This will allow you to develop your independent working.
• Clinical Practice (40 credits) –This is your final clinical placement of the programme, and the focus will be on developing your advanced skills as a cardiac physiologist. This module will enable you to develop skills in both invasive and non-invasive cardiac procedures, and will prepare you for working as a qualified cardiac physiologist. Additionally, as healthcare professionals you will become a member of a multidisciplinary team within a healthcare organisation. You will also be called upon to make decisions and be accountable for them. Therefore, within this module there will be interprofessional components where you will be able to consider the transition from student to healthcare professionals. You will also prepare for your first graduate post and these demands.

Learning and teaching

On this course you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.

Assessment

Entry requirements

A-level: ABB including a science subject (Biology, Human Biology, Chemistry, Maths and Physics). Other science based subjects will be considered.

We consider all A-level subjects for the remaining grades, except general studies or critical thinking.

EPQs are not considered within our scoring.

Values based recruitment is carried out across our vocational programmes. Candidates who apply to more than one vocational course in the School of Medicine will only be considered for one course. Please note that if a candidate demonstrates motivation and insight for another non-School of Medicine vocational course (e.g. nursing or dentistry) they will be rejected without further consideration.

GCSE: A minimum of 5 GCSEs grade C or above (or 4 or above) required in Maths, English Language, and Science. The School of Medicine recognises that some applicants may have studied a more flexible curriculum, where they have been able to progress through their educational development at an appropriate rate according to their ability. Where a Level 2 (for example, GCSE) or Level 3 (for example, A Level) qualification has been taken ‘early’ the academic reference should include the reasons for this so that it can be taken into consideration by the admissions team.

Other course specific tests:

Age

Please note that applicants must be 18 years of age or over by the first day of the programme.

Evidence of Study

Applicants will need to show evidence of study in the last 5 years.

DBS Checks

The University of Leeds is obliged to refuse admission to applicants for certain courses, which are regulated by national or statutory bodies, where an Enhanced DBS certificate or International Criminality check reveals prior criminal behaviour giving rise to concern for the protection of the public. Clinical placements cannot be attended by those who fail to comply with the clearance processes. 

As part of your application to study you are required to declare any criminal convictions in order that certain checks with the DBS can be undertaken. The University will send further instructions as part of the admissions process where such checks are required.

Occupational Health Clearance

Any offer of a place to study on this course is conditional upon a satisfactory confidential occupational health assessment. All students will complete a pre-registration screening questionnaire which allows our occupational health team at the University support you to meet your true potential on the programme despite any pre-existing health concerns you may have.

The process also allows our occupational health team to check your immunity requirements so we can ensure that both patients and you are protected and kept safe. This will involve understanding your immunisation record to date.

For students and applicants to the Faculty of Medicine and Health, please see our dedicated webpage for more information about Occupational Health.

HEOPS offers guidance on occupational health resources and health surveillance.

Alternative qualification

Read more about UK and Republic of Ireland accepted qualifications or contact the School’s Undergraduate Admissions Team.

Alternative entry

We’re committed to identifying the best possible applicants, regardless of personal circumstances or background.

Access to Leeds is an alternative admissions scheme which accepts applications from individuals who might be from low income households, in the first generation of their immediate family to apply to higher education, or have had their studies disrupted.

Find out more about Access to Leeds and alternative admissions.

Typical Access to Leeds Deadline

In order for us to give your application due consideration, we'll need you to submit your Access to Leeds (A2L) application at the same time as you submit your UCAS application.

Typical Access to Leeds Offer

GCSEs

A minimum of 5 GCSEs grade C or above (or 4 or above) required in Maths, English, and Science.

A Levels

BBC and must still include a science subject to grade B (Biology, Human Biology, Chemistry, Maths and Physics). Other science based subjects will be considered.

Scottish Highers

CC at Advanced Higher level and AABBB at Higher level.

Or

C at Advanced Higher level and AABBB at Higher Level.

For applicants without Advanced Highers, we require BBBBBB at Higher level.

Each of these options requires 1 science, from Biology, Human Biology, Chemistry, Maths or Physics

Irish Highers (leaving certificate)

Require a minimum of 6 subjects taken at Higher level (not ordinary IO) and must include English Language and Maths plus 2 sciences from Biology, Physics or Chemistry, grades required are minimum BBBBBB.

Cambridge Pre-U

Three Merits (M2) in 3 Principal Subjects, one of which must be a science.

IB

33 points overall, including 2 higher level subjects at minimum of grade 5, one of which must be a science subject.

BTEC

DDM but at least one-third science at distinction

Foundation year or OU module candidates are not eligible for A2L offers

English language requirements

IELTS 7.0 overall, with no less than 6.5 in any component. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.

Fees

UK: £9,250 (per year)

International: £27,500 (per year)

Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2023/24 and 2024/25
Tuition fees for UK full-time undergraduate students are set by the UK Government and will remain capped at £9,250 for 2023/24 and 2024/25. The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation only as a consequence of future changes in Government legislation and as permitted by law.

Tuition fees for international undergraduate students starting in 2023/24 and 2024/25
Tuition fees for international students for 2023/24 and 2024/25 are available on individual course pages.

Read more about paying fees and charges.

Additional cost information

Travel and accommodation costs you incur in attending your clinical placements must be paid for by the student. Contributions to these costs is considered on an annual basis for Health Education England

There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more about additional costs.

Scholarships and financial support

If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There is help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government. Find out more in our Undergraduate funding overview.

Applying

Apply to this course through UCAS. Check the deadline for applications on the UCAS website.

Values-based recruitment is carried out across our vocational programmes. Candidates who apply to more than one vocational course in the School of Medicine will only be considered for one course. Please note that if a candidate demonstrates motivation and insight for another non-School of Medicine vocational course (e.g. nursing or dentistry) they will be rejected without further consideration.

Where possible, candidates who apply for multiple programmes within the School of Medicine will be informed that they must choose one course only.

Please see the latest School of Medicine Admissions Appeals and Complaints Procedure.

International students apply through UCAS in the same way as UK students. Our network of international representatives can help you with your application. If you’re unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.

Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.

We shortlist applicants against agreed criteria, using the information you submit on your UCAS form only. You must meet the academic entry requirement for the programme, at application or within the academic cycle. Your academic background and personal statement help us to assess your interest in the academic subject and are an important part of the process. The reference you provide on the UCAS form must also support your application.

Shortlisted applicants are normally receive a written invitation to attend a multiple mini interview with the School of Medicine. This allows us to further assess your aptitude for and interest in the course.

If shortlisted, you'll receive a written invitation from the School to attend a selection event on a specific time and date. If this date is unsuitable, contact the School and where possible we'll offer an alternative date. If you don't notify us and don't attend a selection event, your application will be rejected.

Admissions policy

School of Medicine undergraduate admissions policy 2023

This course is taught by

School of Medicine

Contact us

Healthcare Science Undergraduate Admissions

Email: healthcarescienceadmissions@leeds.ac.uk
Telephone:

Career opportunities

We will prepare you for a long and fulfilling career, responding to the increasing demand for Cardiac Physiologist professionals across the UK and the wider world.

After graduating, you may choose to go into the NHS, or the private sector or in GP surgeries. Cardiac physiologists are also given opportunities to work in industry as application specialists, supporting clients in using and troubleshooting equipment. Roles can also include consultant, counsellor, advisor, educator, facilitator, researcher and therapist.

Careers support

We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. That’s one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.

Leeds for Life is our unique approach to helping you make the most of University by supporting your academic and personal development. Find out more at the Leeds for Life website.

The Careers Centre and staff in your faculty provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more about Careers support.

Study abroad and work placements

Clinical placements

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