Cardiovascular Health and Disease

Course overview

Diseases of the heart and circulatory system are the leading cause of death globally, with the majority of these deaths occurring in low and middle-income countries. At Leeds, we are dedicated to improving the prognosis of cardiovascular disease through discovery science, clinical and health research.

Join our world leading institute working in cardiovascular and diabetes research to improve patient outcomes and develop your skills and knowledge. Contribute to impactful research and make a difference.

Our MSc provides a detailed understanding of cardiovascular health and disease at the levels of the heart, vasculature, blood and diabetes. Our expert academics will advance your knowledge of areas including:

• Clinical simulation training
• Advanced biomolecular technologies
• Genetic epidemiology
• Clinical trials research
• Bioinformatics

Whether you are a recent graduate, or a professional looking to advance your career, our course will prepare you for your next step in bioscience industries, the healthcare sector, academia, or research.

Make an impact

• Learn in an internationally excellent cardiovascular and diabetes research and teaching community
• Create a bespoke learning experience with optional modules that reflect your personal and professional interests
• Work with leading cardiovascular researchers, clinicians and Healthcare Science Practitioners
• Complete an extensive research project in an area of your choosing - whether science, clinical or health related
• Develop the necessary skills for employment in industry, the NHS or areas of professional practice employment, careers in Academia or a higher research degree.
• Learn from leading experts across the University with modules from Medicine and Health, Biological Sciences and the Business School

Course details

Gain an in-depth overview of cardiovascular health and disease at the levels of the heart, vasculature, blood and diabetes, incorporating scientific, clinical and health perspectives.

You will undertake 60 credits of core modules on Cardiovascular Health, Disease & Diabetes, Research Methods, and Paper Criticism (literature skills), as well as an extensive 60-credit cardiovascular-related research, clinical or practice-based project. You will also select 60 credits of optional modules across science, medicine and health disciplines to complement your interests and future career plans.

Our course will help you:

• Demonstrate in-depth, specialist knowledge of Cardiovascular Health and Disease
• Evaluate academic literature and perform data analysis
• Critically and creatively evaluate current practice and research
• Develop the necessary skills for employment in industry, the NHS or areas of professional practice employment, careers in Academia or a higher research degree.

Course structure

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

Core modules (120 credits)

You will study a series of compulsory modules, solidifying your understanding of the core concepts of Cardiovascular Health and Disease.

Cardiovascular Health, Disease and Diabetes: Basics and Beyond (30) - This module will provide core and advanced knowledge in the cardiovascular and diabetes field, including the development and physiology of the cardiovascular system and glucose metabolism, cardiovascular and diabetes pathology, clinical management of disease, experimental models and methods used in research. Students will also attend a series of keynote presentations by academic and clinical professors on their research and/or clinical practice.

Research Methods (15) - This module is designed to help prepare students to carry out their projects later in the course. It will enable students to make judgements about the quality of the peer reviewed literature base, to understand the concepts of research and data analysis and how to present and interpret appropriate information derived from statistical analysis.

Paper Criticism in Medicine (15) - The aim of the module is to equip students with the critical and analytical skills to allow them to quickly assess the merits of published research. By exposing them to papers in different fields, alongside tutors from different backgrounds, they will gain understanding of the variety of publications and how to evaluate them, quickly assessing the type of study being presented, and whether it fulfils various criteria used to judge its merits.

Cardiovascular Project (60) - Students will undertake a bespoke extensive laboratory-based project, clinical research project or practice-based project offered by leading cardiovascular researchers, clinicians and healthcare science practitioners from our cardiovascular community.

Examples of Optional Modules (total 60 credits):

We also offer a choice of optional modules for you to tailor our course to your own interests, a selection of which are shown below. As our optional modules are still being finalised, please contact Dr Piru Sukumar who will be able to discuss with you the optional modules we are developing across genetics, biomedical technologies, bioinformatics and clinical & health sciences.

Please note that some optional modules may have a limited capacity, and certain combinations of optional modules may not be possible due to overlapping timetables.

Advanced Biomolecular Technologies (15) - This module will expose you to a range of techniques and technologies that are applicable to the modern biosciences, including molecular biology methods, genetic analyses, genomics, proteomics and structural biology.

Fundamentals of Echocardiography (30) - Apply your learning to work based practice needs in echocardiography. This module provides theoretical knowledge to support practical and interpretation skill development for the use of imaging in the investigation and management of a range of diseases and conditions. You can build their study and skill development around echocardiography which directly relates to your own working circumstances.

Bradycardia Device and Rhythm Management (30) – This module covers many aspects of bradycardia rhythm management with primary focus of bradycardia devices. This module is particularly relevant for practicing cardiac physiologists and allied health professionals who are involved with cardiac pacemaker implantation and follow up. Topics covered include: anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology related to conduction system; pharmacology; pacemaker implantation and follow up; patient management.

Clinical Trials Research (15) - You will be introduced to the structure of a clinical trials research unit, funding bodies and grant applications for clinical trials research, phases of clinical trials research, good clinical practice, running a clinical trial and dissemination of clinical trial results.

Entrepreneurship and Enterprise Creation (15) - This introductory module aims to integrate knowledge of entrepreneurship with new enterprise design. It will help create an advanced understanding of the process of new enterprise design within the context of enterprise skills and the theory of entrepreneurship. Skills outcomes include demonstrating entrepreneurial skills and in-depth commercial awareness; assessing and reporting on skills and attributes in these areas; self-managing a research project; and communicating to an advanced level in writing.

Learning and teaching

Our teaching is designed and delivered by experts from our cardiovascular community of researchers, clinicians and healthcare science practitioners, and incorporates the latest cutting-edge research and practice.

The course is campus-based and will have a blend of face-to-face and digital learning to maximise your experience. You will learn through a mixture of lectures, seminars, tutorials, practice-based learning sessions, practical sessions using the latest simulation technology, workshops, data handling sessions and self-directed learning, depending on the specific modules that are chosen.

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

Each module has a range of assessments which will be combined to determine the overall grade. These include assessed written work (e.g. essays, literature reviews, assignments, reports, abstracts, problem solving, appraisals), hands-on practical and computer-based assessments, presentations (e.g. oral presentations, posters, group presentations) and time-limited examinations (multiple choice questions, short answer questions, long answer questions). Assessments are designed to evaluate important knowledge and skills through a range of approaches in a fair and inclusive manner.

Applying

Entry requirements

BSc 1st class or 2i, or equivalent (e.g. a pass in MBChB) in a relevant scientific discipline (e.g. biological science, medicine, healthcare science or a relevant allied health degree).

Applicants with a 2ii in a relevant scientific discipline will be considered if they have extensive experience working in a professional healthcare, scientific or clinical role (minimum of 1 year experience required). Alternatively, a candidate may offer recognised relevant professional qualifications/experience (as a guide, a minimum of 2 years’ experience would be required for candidates who do not have a relevant degree).

The course is also available as an intercalated MSc programme to students who have completed three years of a medical degree and are normally ranked in the top 50% of their year of study. Read more at intercalation.

The optional Introduction to Genetic Epidemiology module (EPIB5032M) has additional requirements. Students need a first degree (at least a 2i) in a quantitative and/or scientific subject with substantial maths, statistics, or numerical component. Work experience (>2 years) in a similar quantitative field will be counted equivalently. A strong basic knowledge of statistics is assumed (e.g. hypothesis testing, regression analysis, experience of data analysis using statistical software), as well as knowledge of the basics of R.

English language requirements

IELTS 7.0 overall, with no less than 6.0 in writing and no less than 6.5 in all other components. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.

Improve your English

International students who do not meet the English language requirements for this programme may be able to study our postgraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.

This pre-sessional course is designed with a progression route to your degree programme and you’ll learn academic English in the context of your subject area. To find out more, read Language for Science (6 weeks) and Language for Science: General Science (10 weeks). 

We also offer online pre-sessionals alongside our on-campus pre-sessionals. You could study a part-time online course starting in January, or a full-time course in summer. Find out more about online pre-sessionals.

You can also study pre-sessionals for longer periods – read about our postgraduate pre-sessional English courses.

How to apply

Applications are considered on the basis of the applicant’s qualifications and experience. Applications may close before the deadline date if numbers accepted reach capacity.

The deadline to apply is:

• 28 July 2023 for International applicants
• 18th August 2023 for home applicants

The ‘Apply’ link at the top of this page takes you to information on applying for taught programmes and to the University's online application system.

If you're unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.

Documents and references you’ll need:

• An official and clear copy of your degree certificate.
• One reference is required at the point of application. If you are a recent graduate, the reference should be an academic referee. The reference should be provided on a headed document with either a stamp from the institution or an electronic signature.
• A CV, including details of relevant experience through employment or education.
• A supporting statement is required, covering three question prompts.

Contact us

School of Medicine Postgraduate Admissions

Email: pgmed-admissions@leeds.ac.uk
Telephone:

Fees

UK: £12,750 (total)

International: £28,000 (total)

Additional cost information

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

Career opportunities

With an MSc in Cardiovascular Health and Disease, you’ll be well placed to apply directly for jobs in:

• Academia (e.g. research technician)
• Healthcare – NHS and beyond (e.g. enhanced / advanced cardiac practitioner, clinical trials manager, biomedical scientist)
• Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology companies (e.g. research scientist)
• Private sector organisations (e.g. medical writing / publishing / sales / application specialists)
• PhD research, particularly in the area of cardiovascular research, leading to job opportunities at a more senior level in Academia (e.g. research fellow, lecturer), the NHS and the private sector