About this course
Healthcare Science (Cardiac Physiology) is a challenging but rewarding field that focuses on the detection and assessment of heart disease in a wide range of settings. Our cardiac courses are 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 Southampton General Hospital 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.
Support for students with a disability/health condition
We are fully committed to supporting students with disabilities who wish to join programmes of study which require the acquisition and practise of professional competencies.
We offer students personal, informal advice by telephone, email or face to face, and we are happy to discuss your specific needs prior to you applying. This could include how your specific needs may impact on your ability to meet the clinical competencies. This will not affect your application in any way, but may help you to select the right programme for you.
Please contact the admissions team for further details.
Accreditations
Course locations
This course is based at University Hospital Southampton and Highfield.
Awarding body
This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.
Download the programme specification
The programme specification sets out the learning outcomes of this course and details how the course is taught and assessed.
In light of COVID-19, we’ve made changes to some elements of course delivery for 2020-21. For details as to how this has changed delivery for this course, please view the Addendum to the Programme Specification PDF.
Entry requirements
For Academic year 202021
A-levels
ABB from 3 A-levels including one science
A-levels additional information
Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking.
A-levels with Extended Project Qualification
If you are taking an EPQ in addition to 3 A levels, you will receive the following offer in addition to the standard A level offer:
BBB and grade A in the EPQ
A-levels contextual offer
We are committed to ensuring that all applicants with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise an applicant's potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience.
Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme, as follows:
BBB from 3 A-levels including one science
International Baccalaureate Diploma
Pass with 32 points overall with 16 points at Higher Level including a pure science
International Baccalaureate contextual offer
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) statement
Offers will be made on the individual Diploma Course subject(s) and the career-related study qualification. The CP core will not form part of the offer. Where there is a subject pre-requisite(s), applicants will be required to study the subject(s) at Higher Level in the Diploma course subject and/or take a specified unit in the career-related study qualification. Applicants may also be asked to achieve a specific grade in those elements.
Please see the University of Southampton International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
BTEC
DDD in the BTEC Extended Diploma
DD in BTEC Diploma plus B in A-Level subject
D in the BTEC Subsidary Diploma plus BB in two A-level subjects
BTEC additional information
We accept Health studies or science
Other requirements
GCSE requirements
Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C), Mathematics (minimum grade 4/C) and Science (minimum grade 4/C) if not offered at a level 3 qualification.
Non-academic entry requirements
Satisfactory Occupational Health and Police Checks. Recent relevant study within 3 years
Got a question?
Please contact our enquiries team if you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
Course structure
COVID-19: we've made some changes to the structure of the course for this academic year. Download the programme specification addendum in 'About this course' to learn more.
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:
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anatomy and physiology
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aspects of pathophysiology from the cellular level to whole-body systems
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theory and application of cardiovascular and diagnostic respiratory testing
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psychosocial issues and mental health
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applied aspects of pharmacology and genetics
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how to perform a range of cardiac and respiratory tests on model patients
Year 2 overview
In your second year you'll:
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undertake a 15-week clinical placement, working under supervision as part of a multidisciplinary team performing cardiac investigations
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learn about instrumentation, testing devices, signal processing and imaging
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study non-invasive cardiac physiology, such as ambulatory ECG monitoring
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explore research methods
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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:
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undertake an extended, 25-week clinical placement
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study invasive cardiac physiology, such as pacing and pressure measurement
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explore innovation, leadership, influencing change and business development
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explore the legal, political and cultural context of professional practice
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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
COVID-19: we've made some changes to our modules for this academic year. Download the programme specification addendum in 'About this course' to learn more.
For entry in Academic Year 2021-22
Year 1 modules
You must study the following modules in year 1:
Learning and assessment
COVID-19: we've made some changes to our learning and assessment methods for this academic year. Download the programme specification addendum in 'About this course' to learn more.
The learning activities for this course include the following:
- lectures
- classes and tutorials
- coursework
- individual and group projects
- independent learning (studying on your own)
Course time
How you'll spend your course time:
Year 1
Study time
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 1:
How we'll assess you
Your assessment breakdown
Year 1:
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.
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
Tuition fees
Fees for a year's study:
- UK students pay £9,250.
- EU students pay £22,760.
- This course is not available to international students.
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:
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suitable shoes for your practice placements
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your enhanced DBS certificate
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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:
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.
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.
Equality and diversity
We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.
Got a question?
Please contact our enquiries team if you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
