Program Overview

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Cardiac Physiology (Healthcare Science) (BSc)

Award

Bachelor of Science

Typical Offer

ABB

Duration

3 years

Course Type

Full-time

Campus

University Hospital Southampton and Highfield

UCAS Course code

B120

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Cardiac Physiology (Healthcare Science) (BSc) starting September 2023 for 3 years

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Clearing 2025: this course will be available in Clearing

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About this course

Cardiac Physiology is a challenging but rewarding programme that focuses on the detection and quantification of heart disease in a wide range of settings. The programme's awarding body, the NHS National School of Healthcare Science commended this course an ‘excellent programme’ in May 2025.

You’ll study academic and clinical modules to gain knowledge and skills to change patients' lives through your specialist care.

In your first year you’ll study cardiovascular, respiratory and sleep physiology, 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 specialist cardiac skills lab. You’ll benefit from a high level of patient interaction and workplace training through placements in out-patient departments, wards, theatres and ITU.

On successful completion of this degree course you'll be able to apply for registration with the Academy for Healthcare Science (AHCS).

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.

Foundation year

If you have not studied the required Science subjects for this course, you may be eligible to apply for and enter through our Science Foundation Year.

We regularly review our courses to ensure and improve quality. This course may be revised as a result of this. Any revision will be balanced against the requirement that the student should receive the educational service expected. Find out why, when, and how we might make changes.

Our courses are regulated in England by the Office for Students (OfS).

Accreditations

• Academy for Healthcare Science (AHCS)
• National School of Healthcare Sciences (NSHCS)

Learn more about this subject area

• Nursing, midwifery and healthcare

Lead and challenge practice as you become a confident, capable healthcare professional. Choose from cardiac physiology, midwifery, nursing, occupational therapy and physiotherapy.

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 Course Description Document

The Course Description Document details your course overview, your course structure and how your course is taught and assessed.

• Download Course Description Document

Entry requirements

Academic year filter options

For Academic Year 2025/26

A-levels

ABB from 3 A-levels including one science

A-levels additional information

Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. Science A-levels are Biology, Chemistry, Physics, PE and Maths

International Baccalaureate Diploma

Pass with 32 points overall with 16 points at Higher Level including a science

International Baccalaureate Diploma additional information

Science subjects are Biology, Chemistry, Physics, PE and Maths

BTEC

RQF BTEC

DDM in the BTEC National Extended Diploma DD in BTEC National Diploma plus B in A-Level subject or D in the BTEC National Extended Certificate plus BB in two A-level subjects.

Additional information

We accept Health Studies or Science

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

Must be Science Based

Irish Leaving Certificate

Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2017)

H1 H2 H2 H2 H3 H3 including a science - Science subjects include Biology, Chemistry, Physics, PE and Maths

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.

Cambridge Pre-U

D3 M2 M2 in three Principal subjects including a science subject. Science subjects include Biology, Chemistry, Physics, PE and Maths

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

Science A-levels are Biology, Chemistry, Physics, PE and Maths

T-Level

An overall distinction with grade B in the core element in the Health or Healthcare Science T-Level

Other requirements

• UK students
• International students
• Other ways to qualify

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.

English language requirements

If English is not your first language, you must show that you can use English to the level we require. Visit our English language pages to find out which qualifications we accept and how you can meet our requirements.

Mature applicants

We welcome applications from learners of all ages. Students who are aged 21 and over at the start of their undergraduate course are defined as mature by the University of Southampton. We take a holistic assessment of the application looking for academic ability and commitment to study.

Non-academic entry requirements

You must have completed recent, relevant study within 3 years

Occupational Health and Vaccinations

Completion and confirmation of a satisfactory health screening including confirmation of appropriate vaccinations will be a condition of your offer. All students must comply with the vaccination requirements of the programme which must be met in order to undertake placements. The list of vaccinations required is updated by the NHS and may change over the course of your programme.

Declaration of Good Character and Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)

You will be required to complete a satisfactory, University of Southampton Self-Declaration of Good Character form. You will be subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service Check (DBS) as this is a legal requirement for those involved in contact with children or vulnerable adults. The DBS certificate will be reviewed by the School of Health Science in conjunction with your Declaration of Good Character, the University’s Fitness to Practice Policy and Nursing and Midwifery Council guidance or Health and Care Professions Council guidance. At the start of each subsequent year of study you will also be asked to complete a Self-Disclosure form.

Applicants who have been resident outside of the UK within the last 5 years will normally be required to provide information of criminal record checks from the appropriate organisation in your country of current/previous residency. All documentation must be officially stamped and translated into English, proving authenticity of the documents. See GOV.UK website

Course structure

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.

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
• Year 2
• Year 3

Year 1

Study time

Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 1:

19% Scheduled learning & teaching

67% Independent learning

14% Placement

How we'll assess you

• essays
• individual and group projects
• teamwork
• written and practical exams
• written exams
• placement assessment

Your assessment breakdown

Year 1:

59% Written exam

12% Coursework

29% Practical exam

Year 2

Study time

Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 2:

12% Scheduled learning & teaching

55% Independent learning

33% Placement

How we'll assess you

• essays
• individual and group projects
• teamwork
• written and practical exams
• written exams
• placement assessment

Your assessment breakdown

Year 2:

17% Written exam

46% Coursework

37% Practical exam

Year 3

Study time

Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 3:

7% Scheduled learning & teaching

53% Independent learning

40% Placement

How we'll assess you

• essays
• individual and group projects
• teamwork
• written and practical exams
• written exams
• placement assessment

Your assessment breakdown

Year 3:

10% Written exam

26% Coursework

64% Practical exam

Academic support

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

Careers and employability

Employability skills

This degree will allow you to develop and evidence subject-specific and targeted employability skills. This includes the required skill set for a range of future careers, further study, or starting your own business.

The skills you can expect to focus on and gain from this course include:

• Research
• Critical thinking
• Self-management
• Confidence
• Leadership
• Communication
• Teamwork
• Networking
• EDI leadership
• Adaptability
• Problem solving
• Resilience

The employability and enterprise skills you'll gain from this course are reflected in the Southampton skills model. When you join us you'll be able to use our skills model to track, plan, and benefit your career development and progress.

Download skills overview

Career pathways

Graduates commonly work in a range of organisations or sectors including:

Health,

Education.

Careers directly related to this course:

• Biomedical scientist
• Clinical research associate
• Clinical scientist
• Exercise physiologist
• Pharmacologist
• Research scientist
• Cardiac sonologist
• Cardiac physiologist
• Healthcare scientist practitioner

See more

Wider career opportunities:

• Epidemiologist
• Medical science liaison
• Physician associate
• Physiotherapist
• Science writer
• Secondary school teacher
• Therapeutic radiographer
• Health service manager
• Medical sales executive

See more

Example job titles of Southampton BSc (Hons) Cardiac Physiology (Healthcare Science) graduates*:

• Physiologist
• Nurse
• Advanced clinical practitioner
• Deputy manager
• Senior lecturer
• Team manager
• Teacher

See more

Job prospects for BSc (Hons) Cardiac Physiology (Healthcare Science) graduates

£30.5k Average professional salary

100% In a skilled profession or further study

100% Graduate employment rate

Source

*Example graduate job titles and job prospect statistics taken from The Graduate Outcomes Survey, which gathers information about the activities and perspectives of graduates 15 months after finishing their course.

Work experience opportunities

Choosing to do work experience is a great way to enhance your employability, build valuable networks, and evidence your potential. Learn about the different work and industry experience options at Southampton.

Read more

Careers services and support

We are a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022). Our Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise team will support you. 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.

Your career ideas and graduate job opportunities may change while you're at university. So it is important to take time to regularly reflect on your goals, speak to people in industry and seek advice and up-to-date information from Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise professionals at the University.

More about careers support

Fees, costs and funding

Tuition fees

Fees for a year’s study:

• UK and Irish students pay £9,250.
• EU students pay £29,400.
• 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:

• 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. There may also be extra costs for retake and professional exams.

Explore:

• accommodation costs
• living costs
• budgeting advice
• fees, charges, and expenses regulations

Bursaries, scholarships and other funding

If you're a UK or EU student and your household income is under £36,200 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 to help fund your studies.

We award scholarships and grants for travel, academic excellence, or to students from under-represented backgrounds.

Support during your course

The Student Hub 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

Apply for this course

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'll aim to process your application within 2 to 6 weeks, but this will depend on when it is submitted. Applications submitted in January, particularly near to the UCAS equal consideration deadline, might take substantially longer to be processed due to the high volume received at that time.

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: [insert email] Tel: +44(0) [insert phone number]

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