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.
Entry requirements
For Academic year 202223
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
DDM in the BTEC National Extended Diploma DD in BTEC National Diploma plus B in A-Level subject o D in the BTEC National Extended Certificate plus BB in two A-level subjects
RQF BTEC
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.
Additional information
We accept Health studies or science
QCF 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
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.
Access to HE Diploma
60 credits with a minimum of 45 credits at Level 3, of which 33 must be at Distinction and 9 credits at Merit
Access to HE additional information
Irish Leaving Certificate
Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2017)
H1 H2 H2 H2 H3 H3 including a pure science
Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2016)
AAABBB including a pure science
Irish certificate additional information
Plus English and Maths Ordinary Level O4 or higher
Scottish Qualification
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) for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
Cambridge Pre-U
D3 M2 M2 in three Principal subjects including a pure science subject
Cambridge Pre-U additional information
Cambridge Pre-U's can be used in combination with other qualifications such as A Levels to achieve the equivalent of the typical offer, where D3 can be used in lieu of A Level grade A or grade M2 can be used in lieu of grade B.
Welsh Baccalaureate
ABB from 3 A levels including a science subject or AB from two A levels including a science subject and B from the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate
Welsh Baccalaureate additional information
Welsh 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.
European Baccalaureate
77% overall to include a pure science subject
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.
Find the equivalent international qualifications for our entry requirements.
English language requirements
If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need all of the following scores as a minimum:
IELTS score requirements
- overall score
- 7.0
- reading
- 6.5
- writing
- 6.5
- speaking
- 6.5
- listening
- 6.5
We accept other English language tests. Find out which English language tests we accept.
You might meet our criteria in other ways if you do not have the qualifications we need. Find out more about:
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our Access to Southampton scheme for students living permanently in the UK (including residential summer school, application support and scholarship)
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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.
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
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
Changes due to COVID-19
Although the COVID-19 situation is improving, any future restrictions could mean we might have to change the way parts of our teaching and learning take place in 2021 to 2022. We're working hard to plan for a number of possible scenarios. This means that some of the information on this course page may be subject to change.
Find out more on our COVID advice page.
For entry in Academic Year 2021-22
Year 1 modules
You must study the following modules in year 1:
This module will allow you to safely practice in a clinical environment. Supervised by experienced qualified staff, you will perform tests you have learnt within the programme's unique clinical skills facility base at University Hospital Southampton. Th...
At the heart of this interprofessional module is the belief that all health care students should not only share the same core values and skills that underpin their professional practice, but they should also have learning opportunities that enable them t...
This shared module will continue from 'Foundations' and 'Extended' Healthcare Sciences modules to provide broad underpinning scientific and healthcare science information on which to build the knowledge, principles and skills necessary for advancing your ...
Using the biopsychosocial model, you will gain an understanding of the health sciences that underpin Cardiac Physiology practice. You will learn about the relevant anatomy and physiology, and how it is integrated from the cellular level to the organ syste...
This shared module builds upon aspects of the preceding 'Foundations of Healthcare Sciences' module. Students will advance their understanding in key aspects of neuromuscular physiology and anatomy in addition to being introduced to fundamental and applie...
This module will introduce you to the theoretical concepts and application of testing the cardiovascular and respiratory systems. Our dedicated clinical skills facilities will allow you to apply your knowledge in a safe environment under the supervision ...
This module will consolidate and expand your knowledge and clinical practice. Clinical specialists will deliver the theoretical and practical aspects of this module. Using our dedicated clinical skills facility, you will apply the theory and perform a r...
Year 2 modules
You must study the following modules in year 2:
Medical Devices lie at the heart of all measurements performed by Clinical Physiologists and correct use is therefore essential to providing a high quality service. This module will introduce you to the principles of operation of common devices that yo...
This module will further establish your knowledge, technical skills and develop your clinical reasoning within non-invasive cardiology. The fundamental theme will be your ability to clinically interpret electrocardiographic data derived from a range of pr...
This module is designed to ensure that you understand the overarching principles of global health strategies in promoting and improving public health.
Healthcare professionals should be able to engage with different forms of inquiry (such as research, audit and service evaluation) and understand how these can help inform practice. This module begins by focusing on the reasons we carry out research and o...
This module will allow you to safely practice in a cardiac physiology department, working independently or as part of a multidisciplinary team. Supervised by specialist qualified cardiac physiologists, you will perform cardiac investigations you have lea...
This module will allow you to safely practice in a cardiac physiology department. Supervised by qualified cardiac physiologists, you will perform cardiac investigations tests you have learnt within the programme's unique clinical skills facility base at ...
Year 3 modules
You must study the following modules in year 3:
This module will consolidate and expand your specialist cardiac knowledge and practice. You will be introduced to invasive cardiology including cardiac catheterisation and cardiac rhythm management (CRM). These invasive procedures detect, quantify and t...
You will initially develop a project proposal before gaining the governance approval required to conduct the project. You will then undertake the project during your final placement.
This module will allow you to demonstrate that the knowledge and skills you have gained are consistent with those required for professional registration. Accordingly, you will develop a clinical portfolio detailing you clinical/professional experience ga...
This module will allow you to safely practice in a cardiac physiology department and in a cardiac theatre environment, working independently or as part of a multidisciplinary team. Supervised by specialist qualified cardiac physiologists, you will perfor...
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)
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
- essays
- individual and group projects
- teamwork
- written and practical exams
- written exams
- placement assessment
Your assessment breakdown
Year 1:
Year 2
Study time
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 2:
How we'll assess you
- essays
- individual and group projects
- teamwork
- written and practical exams
- written exams
- placement assessment
Your assessment breakdown
Year 2:
Year 3
Study time
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 3:
How we'll assess you
- essays
- individual and group projects
- teamwork
- written and practical exams
- written exams
- placement assessment
Your assessment breakdown
Year 3:
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 £23,720.
- 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
-
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
