Program Overview

PG Certificate (Postgraduate Certificate) Clinical Perfusion Science

Overview

This blended learning programme includes high-quality, research-led education that focuses on adult and paediatric perfusion principles and practice. This addresses both the academic and professional requirements to enable perfusionists to practice in Great Britain or Ireland.

The programme is specifically for Limited Registrant clinical perfusion scientists who have secured a post at an accredited cardiac centre in Great Britain or Ireland. Limited Registrants will usually have a primary perfusion qualification from overseas, and a minimum of 12 months post-qualifying experience working as a perfusionist, or be GB or Ireland accredited perfusionists who have not practised for 4 years or more.

It will equip you with enhanced knowledge, understanding and critical awareness of the current approaches and emerging research in the field. It includes:

• Academic and research skills training, including study design and data analysis.
• Advanced physiology of blood and organs that are affected by cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) and thereby relevant to perfusion science.
• Principles and practical aspects of the currently used techniques in adult and paediatric perfusion science.

The programme provides a firm theoretical grounding in the basic scientific principles and clinical applications of perfusion science. In conjunction with work-based clinical practical training, this will provide you with the essential skills for employment as a clinical perfusion scientist in GB or Ireland, or further qualifications in this field.

Key Information

Programme Duration

• One year.

Start Date

• September 2025

Application Deadline

• 8 August 2025.

Delivery Method

• Online with On-Campus Elements

Location

• Online learning with study weeks and exams in Clifton

Awards Available

• PG Certificate (Postgraduate Certificate)

Programme Structure

The PG Certificate in Clinical Perfusion Science consists of four taught units (including the work-based clinical practice and assessment).

Students study by blended learning while working/training as Limited Registrant perfusionists in accredited hospitals in Great Britain or Ireland. In-person teaching and exams are delivered in four intensive study weeks in Bristol. Self-directed learning and assessments are undertaken remotely in allocated distance learning weeks.

World-Leading Research

• 5th: The University of Bristol is ranked fifth for research in the UK (Times Higher Education).
• 94%: 94% of our research assessed as world-leading or internationally excellent.

Entry Requirements

You will typically need an upper second-class honours degree or an international equivalent in a science or medicine-related subject.

To be successful in your application, you must have secured a clinical perfusion scientist Limited Registrant post at an accredited centre in Great Britain or Ireland.

If you are currently completing a degree, we understand that your final grade may be higher than the interim grades or module/unit grades you have achieved during your studies to date.

We will consider your application if your interim grades are currently slightly lower than the programme's entry requirements and may make you an aspirational offer. This offer would be at the standard level, so you would need to achieve the standard entry requirements by the end of your degree.

We will also consider your application if your final overall achieved grade is slightly lower than the programme's entry requirement. If you have at least one of the following, please include your CV (curriculum vitae / résumé) when you apply, showing details of your relevant qualifications:

• Evidence of relevant work experience in a medical profession, or with a scientific background.
• A relevant postgraduate qualification in a science or medicine-related subject.

See international equivalent qualifications on the International Office website.

Fees and Funding

Home: Part-Time (One Year)

• £4,800 per year

Overseas: Part-Time (One Year)

• £11,616 per year

Fees are subject to an annual review. For programmes that last longer than one year, please budget for up to an 8% increase in fees each year.

Bench Fees

• £1,080. Further information about bench fees can be found on our webpages. Confirmation of bench fees will be stated in the offer letter sent to applicants.

Alumni Discount

University of Bristol students and graduates can benefit from a 25% reduction in tuition fees for postgraduate study. Check your eligibility for an alumni discount.

Funding and Scholarships

Further information on funding for prospective UK and international postgraduate students.

Career Prospects

Completion of this programme allows graduates to practice as accredited clinical perfusion scientists in Great Britain or Ireland.