About this course
Cardiac physiology is a challenging but rewarding field of healthcare science that focuses on the detection and assessment of heart disease in a wide range of settings. This course is divided equally between academic and clinical placement learning, giving you the skills to change lives through your specialist care.
You’ll study cardiovascular, respiratory and sleep physiology in your first year, then specialise in cardiac physiology in your second and third years. You’ll learn how to use specialist diagnostic equipment and interpret clinical information to make key decisions.
Based at the University Hospital Southampton and Highfield campus, you'll put your learning into practice in our dedicated clinical learning environment. You’ll benefit from a high level of patient interaction and workplace training through placements in out-patient departments, wards and theatres.
On successful completion of this degree course you'll be able to apply for registration with the Academy for Healthcare Science (AHS) and the Registration Council for Clinical Physiologists (RCCP).
You may be able to study this course part-time if you're already working in a Cardiac Physiology Department (UCAS code 7D25). Please contact our admissions team for more information.
You can download the course details, including modules, in the programme specificationPDF opens in a new window (PDF, 221.63 KB).
Location and awarding body
The course location is Highfield in Southampton and University Hospital Southampton campus in Southampton. The awarding body is University of Southampton.
Entry requirements
Other qualifications
International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) offer
Please see the University of Southampton International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) StatementPDF opens in a new window (PDF, 62.17 KB) for further information.
Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
Scottish Qualification offers
Offers will be based on exams being taken at the end of S6. Subjects taken and qualifications achieved in S5 will be reviewed. Careful consideration will be given to an individual’s academic achievement, taking in to account the context and circumstances of their pre-university education. Please see the University of Southampton’s Curriculum for Excellence Scotland Statement (PDF, 111.01 KB) for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
International qualifications
Find a list of accepted international qualifications listed by country.
This is a list of the international qualifications that are recognised by the University of Southampton. If you are not sure that your qualifications meet the requirements of this course please contact our Admissions Teams.
Other ways to qualify
You might meet our criteria in other ways if you do not have the qualifications we need. Find out more about:
our Access to Southampton scheme for students living permanently in the UK (including residential summer school, application support and scholarship)
skills you might have gained through work or other life experiences (otherwise known as recognition of prior learning)
Find out more about our Admissions Policy.
Course structure
You’ll take several core modules each year, and they must all be passed. Around half of your time will be spent learning on campus. For the remainder, you’ll be on clinical practice placements.
Year 1
For 10 weeks of the first year you'll be on placements. You'll practice clinical investigations in a safe environment, supervised by qualified and experienced staff. You'll be in contact with patients and learning in real-world settings from the start.
You’ll also study:
anatomy and physiology
aspects of pathophysiology from the cellular level to whole-body systems
theory and application of cardiovascular and diagnostic respiratory testing
psychosocial issues and mental health
applied aspects of pharmacology and genetics
how to perform a range of cardiac and respiratory tests on model patients
Year 2
In your second year you'll:
undertake a 15-week clinical placement, working under supervision as part of a multidisciplinary team performing cardiac investigations
learn about instrumentation, testing devices, signal processing and imaging
study non-invasive cardiac physiology, such as ambulatory ECG monitoring
explore research methods
learn more about the wider public health aspects of cardiac pathology
Year 3
In the final year you’ll complete your preparation for professional practice.
You'll:
undertake an extended, 25-week clinical placement
study invasive cardiac physiology, such as pacing and pressure measurement
explore innovation, leadership, influencing change and business development
explore the legal, political and cultural context of professional practice
undertake an investigative project in a healthcare environment
In total you’ll spend 1,875 hours in clinical placements during the course. This will give you experience in working as part of a multidisciplinary team, and applying and developing your clinical skills.
We have placement centres across a wide area, however most are based in central South England. When you start the course we'll discuss any particular wishes and constraints you have before identifying a placement centre for you.
When on placement you'll be continually assessed by your supervisor. All practice experience will count towards your final degree.
Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.
Modules
Modules year 1
Core modules
You must study and pass these core modules in year 1:
Modules year 2
Core modules
You must study and pass these core modules in year 2:
Modules year 3
Core modules
You must study and pass these core modules in year 3:
Learning and assessment
The learning activities for this course include the following:
- lectures
- classes and tutorials
- coursework
- individual and group projects
- independent learning (studying on your own)
Support for your studies
You'll be supported by a personal academic tutor and have access to a senior tutor.
How you’ll spend your study time
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study, year by year:
Year 1
- Scheduled learning and teaching
- 19%
- Independent study
- 67%
- Placement
- 14%
Year 2
- Scheduled learning and teaching
- 12%
- Independent study
- 55%
- Placement
- 33%
Year 3
- Scheduled learning and teaching
- 7%
- Independent study
- 53%
- Placement
- 40%
Course leader
Richard Bain is the course leader.
How we’ll assess you
We’ll assess you using:
- essays
- individual and group projects
- teamwork
- written and practical exams
- written exams
- placement assessment
Your assessment breakdown, year by year:
Year 1
- Written exam
- 59%
- Practical exam
- 29%
- Coursework
- 12%
Year 2
- Written exam
- 17%
- Practical exam
- 37%
- Coursework
- 46%
Year 3
- Written exam
- 10%
- Practical exam
- 64%
- Coursework
- 26%
Careers
You can expect excellent career prospects as a cardiac physiologist. Many of our graduates work in NHS cardiac physiology departments or undertake postgraduate study.
The NHS is the UK’s largest employer of health practitioners. More information about careers in cardiac physiology can be found on the NHS Careers website.
Careers services at Southampton
We are a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2019). Our Careers and Employability Service will support you throughout your time as a student and for up to 5 years after graduation. This support includes:
work experience schemes
CV and interview skills and workshops
networking events
careers fairs attended by top employers
a wealth of volunteering opportunities
study abroad and summer school opportunities
We have a vibrant entrepreneurship culture and our dedicated start-up supporter, Futureworlds, is open to every student.
Fees, costs and funding
UK/EU fees
You'll pay £9,250 in tuition fees for the academic year 2020 to 2021. This fee might change for further years of your course.
International student fees
You’ll pay £21,580 each year. This fee will stay the same throughout your studies.
What your fees pay for
Your tuition fees pay for the full cost of tuition and all examinations. Your fee also covers the cost of your uniform for clinical practice.
Find out how to:
Your tuition fees do not cover:
suitable shoes for your practice placements
your enhanced DBS certificate
your professional registration fee (on graduation)
Placement expenses: on your placements you'll incur some travel and accommodation expenses over and above your normal daily travel costs to university.
Extra costs you might have to pay
- Other
- Travel Costs for placements
See the full list of extra items and costs in the programme specificationPDF opens in a new window 2020 to 2021 (PDF, 221.63 KB).
Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. Explore:
Bursaries, scholarships and other funding
If you're a UK or EU student and your household income is under £25,000 a year, you may be able to get a University of Southampton bursary to help with your living costs. Find out about bursaries and other funding we offer at Southampton.
If you're a care leaver or estranged from your parents, you may be able to get a specific bursary.
Get in touch for advice about student money matters.
Scholarships and grants
You may be able to get a scholarship or grant that's linked to your chosen subject area.
We award scholarships and grants for travel, academic excellence, or to students from underrepresented backgrounds.
Support during your course
The Student Services Centre offers support and advice on money to students. You may be able to access our Student Support fund and other sources of financial support during your course.
Funding for international students
Find out about funding you could get as an international student.
University life
The University offers a friendly, diverse and welcoming home for you while you study. You'll work, live and socialise with students from more than 130 countries.
Clubs, societies and facilities
Our campuses have:
cafes and restaurants
bars
health centres
banks
a post office
student shops
a hairdresser
Our sports facilities include a 25-metre swimming pool, a gym with 140 fitness stations, squash courts, a bouldering wall, outdoor pitches and much more. There are over 80 sports clubs you could join, and activity classes including yoga and spin.
We have an internationally known theatre, concert hall, art gallery and cinema showing everything from mainstream blockbusters to international arthouse classics. You could perform at a gig, concert or show, take part in an exhibition or join a writers’ workshop. Find out more about arts and culture at Southampton.
Whatever your passion or community, you can find like-minded people at one of the Students’ Union clubs and societies. There are more than 200 to join, and social activities in every hall of residence.
Support while you study
We aim to help you deal with any problems you might come across, so you can make the most of your time at university. We offer support with:
mental health, learning difficulties and disability
money and accommodation
childcare
computers and IT
How to apply
When you apply use:
UCAS Course Code: B120
UCAS Institution Code: S27
What happens after you apply
We will assess your application on the strength of your:
- predicted grades
- academic achievements
- personal statement
- academic reference
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a selection day, which will include an interview. If the admissions tutor decides to invite you to a selection day you’ll receive an email. This will include information on how to prepare and what to expect during the session.
We aim to respond to you within 2 to 6 weeks with a decision about your application.
We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.