Healthcare Science (Cardiac Physiology) BSc

Course overview

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.

Course Structure

The list shown below represent typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. The names, descriptions and number of credits indicated are provisional and are subject to approval at revalidation. Read more in our Terms and conditions.

Year 1 Compulsory modules

Gain an understanding of the principles of Healthcare Science. Learn about the theory and practice of cardiovascular, respiratory and sleep studies. Start to develop your independent and critical thinking skills and learn about professional working. Focus on a range of non-invasive cardiac procedures including ECG performance and interpretation, and the fitting of ambulatory monitoring equipment. Complete clinical placements to support your learning.

• Cardiovascular Science 20 credits

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

Gain hands on experience both through simulation and with patients in a clinical setting. This is your 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

Focus on the basic principles related to respiratory and sleep physiology. 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.

• Role of the Healthcare Professional 20 Credits

An introduction to the healthcare setting. Focus on the role you will have as a healthcare professional, both as an individual and as a member of the team. Begin to establish your contribution within the healthcare setting, focusing on patient care.

• Introduction to Biological Principles 10 credits

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

Interpreting ECG’s from basic principles to complex cardiac conditions, with focus on accurate measurements and interpretation in line with current guidelines.

• Ambulatory Monitoring 10 Credits

Key principles of ambulatory ECG and BP monitoring. The main focus will be the fitting of appropriate monitors and accurate report writing in line with relevant current guidelines.

Year 2 Compulsory modules

Develop key skills for a range of non-invasive procedures, whilst also progressing into invasive cardiac diagnostic assessments, which will prepare you for your specialist clinical placement. Clinical skills training will focus on ambulatory monitoring report writing, functional imaging and basic coronary angiography. These are procedures you will train in during clinical placement. You’ll also study the pathophysiology of cardiac and respiratory diseases.

• Clinical Practice 30 credits

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 10 credits

Develop an understanding of how clinical practice is informed by evidence and gain 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

Understand the pathophysiology behind cardiovascular and respiratory conditions to broaden your understanding of the data captured through diagnostic testing. Develop your understanding of key pathophysiology associated with common disorders.

• Functional imaging 20 credits

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.

• Cardiac physiology in Practice – Case reviews 20 credits

Application of cardiac procedures in clinical practice is essential as a cardiac physiologist. This module will focus on reviewing cases from clinical practice to evaluate how diagnostic procedures have influenced treatment pathways.

Year 3 Compulsory modules

During your third year there will be a focus on supporting your transition from being a student to being a graduate Cardiac Physiologist.

Learn about a range of advanced invasive cardiac diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Explore more deeply a wide range of cardiac disorders and the options available to treat and manage these conditions. Conduct a research project in one particular area of cardiology whilst continuing to develop your practical skills both in the on-site clinical laboratories and in your dedicated final clinical placement.

• Research Project 30 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 a named supervisor.

• Independent Study 10 credits

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. This may (but is not exclusive to) include clinical conditions, treatment options, diagnostic processes and management of a cardiac condition. This will allow you to develop your independent working.

• Advanced Cardiac Principles 30 credits

This module will focus on advanced cardiac principles including cardiac device implantation and follow up as well as introduce cardiac ultrasound.

• 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.

• Transition to Practitioner 10 credits

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. The aim of this interprofessional module is to consider the transition from student to healthcare professionals and prepare you 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.

Please note we're unable to accept applications for A2L after the deadline of 8th February, so get your applications in as early as possible, ideally by the UCAS deadline of 25th January 2023.

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, with at least one-third science content which must be at distinction. We normally recommend the Applied Science route and strongly advise you to contact the School to discuss the suitability of your chosen BTEC course.

Access to HE

122 points equivalent.

We strongly advise you to contact the School to discuss the suitability of your chosen Access course. We consider Access Courses to be suitable for mature applicants (21 plus) who have been out of full-time education and have no previous access to higher education.

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 2022/23
For UK full-time undergraduate students starting in 2022/23 the fee will be £9,250. The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation and as permitted by law. Fees for UK undergraduate students are decided by the government and may vary if policy changes.

Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2023/24
Tuition fees for UK full-time undergraduate students for 2023/24 have been agreed by the UK Government and will remain at the current fee level of £9,250. The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation and as permitted by law. Fees for UK undergraduate students are decided by the government and may vary if policy changes.

Tuition fees for international undergraduate students starting in 2023/24
Tuition fees for international students for 2023/24 should be available on individual course pages from September 2022.

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 at the Careers website.

Study abroad and work placements

Clinical placements

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