Cardiac Physiology (BSc)

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 overview

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 overview

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 overview

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.

The learning activities for this course include the following:

• lectures
• classes and tutorials
• coursework
• individual and group projects
• independent learning (studying on your own)

How you'll spend your course time:

Academic support

You’ll be supported by a personal academic tutor and have access to a senior tutor.

Course leader

Richard Bain is the course leader.

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.

Tuition fees

Fees for a year's study:

• UK/EU students pay £9,250.
• International students pay £21,580.

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:

• pay your tuition fees

• calculate your student finances

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.

Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. Explore:

• accommodation costs

• living costs

• budgeting advice

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.

When you apply use:

• UCAS course code: B120
• UCAS institution code: S27

Apply for 2020 entry now

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.

Equality and diversity

We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.

Got a question?

If you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course please contact our enquiries team; we're very happy to help.