Healthcare Science (Cardiac Physiology) BSc

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 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.

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.

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.

Accreditation

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

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

Our staff are experienced, innovative educators who deliver teaching to suit all learning styles. Methods of training are broad and highly participative, with a combination of tutor-led input and support, learning through group work, individual exercises and practice.

There will be extensive opportunity to use simulation and technology within the programme to help support your learning, both within the University and clinical environment.

Facilities

As well as specialist ambulatory and clinical skills rooms, we have a dedicated Health Sciences Library in the newly refurbished medical school. You will also use the Clinical Practice Centre at St James's University Hospital, with state-of-the-art clinical skills training equipment.

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

We use a range of assessment methods to assess your clinical and professional skills. These include presentations, group assessments, unseen examinations, practical skills examinations, seen examinations, along with essays and clinical practice profiles of evidence.

You’ll need to demonstrate the knowledge and application of standard concepts, information and techniques relevant to the discipline, as well as your emerging abilities, skills and competencies. You need to be able to draw on a wide variety of material and be able to evaluate and criticise received opinion.

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.

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 1st September in the year that they will be entering the course.

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 enhanced DBS checks or Certificates of Good Conduct reveal prior criminal behaviour giving rise to concern for the protection of the public.

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.

The DBS check can only include background checks on your time in the UK. If you have been resident in the UK for less than 3 years, then a criminal record check from your home country is required in addition to the UK DBS check. This may be referred to as a ‘Certificate of Good Conduct’ (CoGC) but the name varies.

Occupational Health Clearance

Any offer of a place to study on this course is conditional upon a satisfactory confidential occupational health assessment, which will include a health questionnaire, and if necessary further telephone consultation and/or an appointment with an occupational health clinician. Screening for serious communicable disease, (Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, HIV, tuberculosis (TB) and a review of immunisation status and needs, which includes COVID-19, will also be arranged before beginning your studies.

HEOPS offers guidance on occupational health resources and health surveillance.

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

• Access to HE Diploma

  45 credits at level 3, which must be at distinction and include 15 credits from science subjects. 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 had no previous access to higher education.

• BTEC

  BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma (QCF): distinction/distinction/distinction and must contain at least one-third science content at distinction.

  Health and Social Care qualifications have insufficient science content and will only be considered with an additional science A level – Biology, Human Biology, Chemistry, Maths and Physics.

• Cambridge Pre-U

  Three Merits (M1) in 3 Principal Subjects, one of which must be a science

• International Baccalaureate

  34 points overall, including 3 higher level subjects at minimum of grade 5, one of which must be a science subject

• Irish Leaving Certificate (higher Level)

  (Leaving Certificate): AABBBB, including English, Maths and 2 science subjects.

• Scottish Highers / Advanced Highers

  BB at Advanced Higher level and AABBB at Higher level
  Or
  B at Advanced Higher level and AAABB at Higher level.
  
  For applicants without Advanced Highers, we require AABBBB at Higher level.

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

• T-Levels

  We do not accept T Level qualifications for this course.

• Other Qualifications

  Foundation Year

  Interdisciplinary Science Foundation: a minimum grade of 60% overall, with a minimum of 55% in each subject.

  Refer to admissions for other foundation course eligibility.

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.

How to apply

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.

The School of Medicine does not normally participate in the UCAS Extra scheme for entry onto the Healthcare Sciences (Cardiac Physiology) BSc degree course. You must tell us in your UCAS application if you want to defer entry and if you have any prior criminal convictions.

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

Selection

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.

Interviews

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

Fees

UK: £9,250

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

<p>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</p>

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.

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.

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.

Clinical placements

Our clinical placements are exceptional and are offered throughout the duration of the course. You will benefit from our excellent and well-established relationships with hospitals across Yorkshire, and gain experiences that set you apart from other graduating students.

We cannot guarantee a student can be placed at a particular site for their training and students may be placed at any of these trusts within the Yorkshire and Humber Region.