| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2025-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
Cardiovascular Sciences MSc
Key information
Course type: Masters Delivery mode: In person Study mode: Full time Duration: One year full-time, September to September Credit value (UK/ECTS equivalent): UK 180/ ECTS 90 Application status: Open Start date: September 2025
Course essentials
The Cardiovascular Sciences MSc course provides comprehensive theoretical and practical training in specialist technical skills taught by experts in their respective fields. You will explore fundamental and applied modules focusing on the heart and vasculature and state of the art techniques in cardiovascular medicine and scientific research. You will also complete numerous Cardiovascular Skills Workshops before carrying out a research project and dissertation. Alongside your dissertation you will participate in an outreach event with the BHF centre. During your research project, you will become part of a research team for approximately six months where you will design, conduct and report on a project under appropriate supervision.
Course Aims
- Understand the theory behind the latest science in cardiovascular biology, and develop the research skills for a career in the field.
- Gain practical skills and learn how state-of-the-art techniques in cardiovascular medicine are being used in clinical settings.
- Develop a wider perspective on your career with modules related to imaging science and clinical outreach.
Base campuses
- Waterloo Campus: Home of the Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing & Midwifery and facilities for other faculties
- Guy’s Campus: The Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, Faculty of Dentistry, Oral & Craniofacial Sciences, and the Institute of Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience are based at the riverside Guy's Campus, next to the Shard.
- Denmark Hill Campus: Home to the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience.
- St Thomas’ Campus: Located near Waterloo Campus and home of continuing medical and dental teaching, as well as a museum dedicated to Florence Nightingale.
Please note that locations are determined by where each module is taught and may vary depending on the modules you study.
Regulating bodies
King's is regulated by the Office for Students
Entry requirements
UK applicants
- Standard requirements: A minimum 2:1 undergraduate Bachelor’s (honours) degree
- Programme-Specific Requirements: Minimum 2:1 first degree in a biological, molecular biological or biomedical sciences-related subject or to be medically qualified. Exceptionally, a high 2:2 may be considered. Current medical students may be accepted following the successful completion of the 3rd year of their MBBS programme.
International applicants
- Equivalent International qualifications: Select a country to view equivalent qualifications
- English language requirements: English language band D. To study at King's, it is essential that you can communicate in English effectively in an academic environment. You are usually required to provide certification of your competence in English before starting your studies.
Teaching & structure
Teaching methods - what to expect
- Lectures
- Seminars
- Group Tutorials
We use lectures, seminars and group tutorials to deliver most of the modules on the course. You will also be expected to undertake 700 hours of independent study.
Typically, one credit equates to 10 hours of work.
Assessment
- Coursework
- Written examinations
Your performance will be assessed through a combination of coursework and written examinations. Forms of coursework assessment may typically include oral presentations, workshop write-ups as well as a project dissertation. Coursework contributes approximately 75% and examinations approximately 25% to your final mark.
Location
This course is taught at the King’s College London Waterloo, Guy's and Denmark Hill Campuses. Practical workshops and research projects will be in the BHF Centre and aligned facilities, which can be on Waterloo, Guy’s, St Thomas’ or Denmark Hill Campuses. Please note that locations are determined by where each module is taught.
Structure
- Required modules:
- Vascular Biology and Inflammation (30 credits)
- Cardiac Syndromes and Heart Failure (30 credits)
- Cardiovascular Workshops and Skills (30 credits)
- Cross Cutting Techniques in Cardiovascular Research (15 credits)
- Cardiovascular Outreach (15 credits)
- Research Project in Cardiovascular Research (60 credits)
Careers
Employability
We designed this course to help you develop strong research skills useful for your career, whether you’re a recent graduate from a related science subject or you’re a foundation or core trainee doctor looking to improve your specialist knowledge.
Here at King’s, we offer a BHF PhD programme in Cardiovascular Science. While places are very limited, it’s a natural progression if you’re working towards a research role in academia or industry.
If you’re more interested in the practical clinical aspect, many of our students use the course to boost their knowledge in the subject during their career journey to specialist training. Of course, it’s a competitive field, but the skills and contacts you’ll develop at King’s will be useful throughout your career.
Medical graduates often subsequently pursue a specialism in cardiology.
Destinations
Recent graduates have found employment within the following job roles and companies:
- Medical Writing
- Fundraising at the British Heart Foundation
Fees & Funding
Tuition Fees
- UK: Full time: £16,950 (MSc) (2025/26)
- International: Full time: £35,800 (MSc) (2025/26)
These tuition fees may be subject to additional increases in subsequent years of study, in line with King’s terms and conditions.
Deposit
If you receive an offer for this programme, you will be required to pay a non-refundable deposit to secure your place. Deposit payments are credited towards the total tuition fee payment.
- Home deposit: £500
- International deposit: £2000
Please visit our web pages on fees and funding for more information.
Additional Costs
In addition to your tuition costs, you can also expect to pay for:
- Books if you choose to buy your own copies
- Clothing for optional course related events and competitions
- Library fees and fines
- Personal photocopies
- Printing course handouts
- Society membership fees
- Stationery
- Travel costs for travel around London, between campuses and for project placements
- Graduation costs
Funding
To find out more about bursaries, scholarships, grants, tuition fees, living expenses, student loans, and other financial help available at King's please visit the Fees and Funding section.
Program Outline
Cardiovascular Research MSc
Degree Overview:
The Cardiovascular Research MSc is an advanced program providing a theoretical and practical foundation in cardiovascular research. It is designed for biomedical science and medically qualified graduates who aim to pursue further studies or careers in research environments. Participants are taught by academics and clinical specialists actively researching the mechanisms behind human cardiovascular disease.
Objectives:
- Understand the science behind the latest breakthroughs in cardiovascular biology.
- Develop advanced research skills for a career in the field.
- Gain practical skills and learn how state-of-the-art cardiovascular medicine techniques are being used in clinical settings.
- Develop a broader career perspective through modules related to imaging science and clinical outreach.
Outline:
Modules:
The program is comprised of six required modules:
- Vascular Biology and Inflammation (30 credits): Explores the cellular and molecular mechanisms of vascular inflammation and its role in cardiovascular diseases.
- Cardiac Syndromes and Heart Failure (30 credits): Provides in-depth knowledge of the mechanisms, diagnosis, and management of various cardiac syndromes and heart failure.
- Cardiovascular Workshops and Skills (30 credits): Equips students with essential practical skills in cardiovascular research techniques, including molecular biology, cell culture, and animal models.
- Cross Cutting Techniques in Cardiovascular Research (15 credits): Introduces students to advanced research techniques like bioinformatics, statistics, and imaging analysis applied in cardiovascular research.
- Cardiovascular Outreach (15 credits): Provides students with the opportunity to participate in public engagement initiatives related to cardiovascular health and research.
- Research Project in Cardiovascular Research (60 credits): Allows students to delve into independent research under the guidance of supervisors, culminating in a dissertation.
Structure:
- Full-time, one year program starting in September.
- 180 credits total.
- Modules are delivered through lectures, seminars, group tutorials, and independent study.
- Approximately 700 hours of independent study expected.
- Location: King's College London Waterloo, Guy's, and Denmark Hill Campuses.
- Practical workshops and research projects take place in BHF Centre and aligned facilities.
Assessment:
- A combination of coursework and written examinations.
- Coursework (75%): oral presentations, workshop write-ups, project dissertation.
- Examinations (25%): written exams at the end of each semester.
Teaching:
- Lectures from leading researchers in the field.
- Seminars and tutorials for in-depth discussion and analysis.
- Hands-on training in practical workshops and research projects.
- Individual supervision and guidance from research experts.
Careers:
- Graduates are well-equipped for careers in academia, industry, and clinical research related to cardiovascular diseases.
- Recent graduates have secured positions in medical writing, fundraising, and PhD programs in cardiovascular science.
Other:
- The program is hosted within the BHF Centre, a leading British Heart Foundation-funded cardiovascular research center.
- Students have access to state-of-the-art research facilities and technologies.
- The program promotes collaboration with leading researchers and participation in research conferences.
UK:Full time: £15,840 (MSc) (2024/25) International:Full time: £33,258 (MSc) (2024/25) These tuition fees may be subject to additional increases in subsequent years of study, in line with King’s terms and conditions. Deposit Deposit payments are credited towards the total tuition fee payment. The Home deposit is £500. The International deposit is £2000. If you receive an offer between 1 March and 20 May, payment is due within one month of receiving the offer. If you receive an offer between 16 July and 15 August, payment is due within one week of receiving the offer. Additional Costs Library fees and fines Personal photocopies Printing course handouts Society membership fees Stationery Graduation costs
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Entry Requirements:
Standard Requirements:
- A minimum 2:1 undergraduate Bachelor’s (Hons) degree.
- Lower degree holders may be considered if they demonstrate significant relevant work experience or a related postgraduate qualification.
Program-Specific Requirements:
- Minimum 2:1 first degree in a biological, molecular biological, or biomedical sciences-related subject or medical qualification.
- Exceptionally, a high 2:2 may be considered.
- Current medical students may be accepted after successful completion of the 3rd year of their MBBS program.
International Applicants:
- Equivalent international qualifications are accepted.
Specific Notes:
- King's College London reviews the modules offered on a regular basis to ensure they are up-to-date and relevant. the specific modules offered may change. Applicants are usually required to provide certification of their English language skills before starting their studies.
Nationals of English-speaking countries
(as defined by the UKVI) who have resided permanently in those countries are usually not required to complete an additional English language test. This also applies to applicants who have successfully completed a relevant degree in an English-speaking country within five years of the course start date.
