Cardiovascular Health and Disease

Course overview

As the leading cause of death worldwide, heart and circulatory diseases contribute to the majority of 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 dedicated to 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 through study of the heart, vasculature, blood and diabetes. Our expert academics will equip you with skills in:

• Clinical simulation training

• Advanced biomolecular technologies

• Genetic epidemiology

• Clinical trials research

• Bioinformatics

• Translational research skills

Whether you are a recent graduate or a professional looking to bolster your career, our course will prepare you for your next step in Cardiac Physiology, Cardiac Medicine, bioscience, healthcare, industry, academia or research.

Make an impact

• Learn in our internationally renowned School of Medicine
• 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 cross-faculty modules delivered from the Faculty of Medicine and Health, Biological Sciences and Leeds University Business School

Facilities

As part of our MSc in Cardiovascular Health and Disease you will have access to the specialist laboratories and equipment housed within the Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine’s LIGHT laboratories within School of Medicine.

Course details

Gain an in-depth scientific and clinical understanding of cardiovascular health and disease through study of the heart, vasculature, blood and diabetes.

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. Your programme leaders and personal tutors will work with you to identify a bespoke programme of optional modules, specifically tailored to your interests that will support your career development and future career goals.

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.

For more information and a full list of typical modules available on this course, please read Cardiovascular Health and Disease Full Time in the course catalogue

For more information and a full list of typical modules available on this course, please read Cardiovascular Health and Disease Part Time in the course catalogue

Year 1 compulsory modules

Learning and teaching

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

The course is campus-based with 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 you choose).

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 an overall grade. These include assessed written work i.e essays, literature reviews, assignments, reports, abstracts, problem solving, appraisals, hands-on practical and computer-based assessments, presentations i.e. oral presentations, posters, group presentations and time-limited examinations (multiple choice questions, short answer questions, long answer questions). Assessments are designed to evaluate key knowledge and skills 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 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 an undergraduate 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. Find out more about our six week online pre-sessional.

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.

Application deadlines

• 18 July 2025 for International applicants
• 15 August 2025 for home applicants

The ‘Apply’ link at the top of this page will take 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.

Admissions policy

School of Medicine Taught Postgraduate Policy 2025

Contact us

School of Medicine Postgraduate Admissions

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

Fees

UK: £14,250 (Total)

International: £33,000 (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 on our living costs and budgeting page.

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 may be help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government.  Find out more at Masters funding overview.

Studying in the School of Medicine at Leeds is an amazing opportunity, but we know that the cost can be difficult for many people to meet. If you are keen to join us, a range of funding opportunities are available.

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

Previous graduates of our course have gone on to careers in:

• NHS – Cardiac physiologist
• NHS- Allied Health training program
• PhD research programmes
• Medical Practice
• Return to medical education (intercalating medical students)