University of Sunderland

BSc (Hons) Cardiac Physiology

University of SunderlandOn campus, United Kingdom

Course overview

The BSc (Hons) Cardiac Physiology course follows the National School of Healthcare Science (NSHCS) curriculum, which is designed to prepare you for a career as a healthcare science professional specialising in cardiac physiology. You’ll learn the core principles of professional practice, human physiology, and the science behind the heart and lungs. As you progress further, you’ll build on this knowledge by exploring how diseases affect the heart and respiratory system, and you'll learn how modern techniques are used to detect and diagnose these conditions.

By the end, you’ll be confident in carrying out and interpreting a variety of clinical tests, such as 12-lead ECG, ambulatory ECG monitoring, non-invasive blood pressure (NIBP) checks, ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM), and exercise tolerance tests (ETT). You’ll also gain the skills to work in more advanced clinical settings, including environments where procedures like cardiac catheterisation and pacemaker implantation are

Key highlights

  • Follows the National School of Healthcare Science (NSHCS) curriculum
  • Covers human physiology and the science of the heart and lungs
  • Explores how disease affects the heart and respiratory system
  • Trains you to perform and interpret 12-lead and ambulatory ECGs
  • Includes blood pressure monitoring and exercise tolerance testing
  • Prepares you for cardiac catheterisation and pacemaker implantation settings

Entry requirements

  • UCAS tariff points: 96-112 — Our typical offer is 96-112 UCAS points from a minimum of two A Levels or equivalent (for example, 1 x AVCE double award) including biology or chemistry.
  • GCSE: C or above — You also need three passes at GCSE grade C or above.
  • Additional condition: interview — Shortlisted applicants will participate in a selection interview, which will be conducted by a panel with members from the University of Sunderland, the cardiac physiology workforce, and the Patient C…
  • Additional condition: dbs_check — If you are successful at the interview stage, you'll be required to undergo an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, along with an Occupational Health Check.
  • Additional condition: occupational_health — If you are successful at the interview stage, you'll be required to undergo an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, along with an Occupational Health Check.

Scholarships

  • Douglas Clasper Elite Sports Scholarship

    The scholarship will award the following in each year of study (based on academic progression): £2,000 cash payment; a tuition fee discount of 20%; a 20% discount on university-managed accommodation.

  • East Durham College Partnership Award

    This award provides a £1,500 cash award in each year of study, helping you access higher education with greater ease.

    Up to £1,500

  • First Choice Travel Award

    This award provides £500 cash in your first year of study to assist with transport expenses, helping students access higher education with greater ease.

    Up to £500

  • Global Leaders Scholarship

    £6,000 tuition fee reduction for undergraduates, £4,000 for MPharm Pharmacy students, or £5,500 tuition fee reduction (postgraduates).

  • Helen McArdle Nursing Scholarship

    There are five scholarships available. Each scholarship awards £1,200 in each year of study.

    Up to £1,200

  • Interview Travel Reimbursement

    Up to £100

  • Open Day Travel Reimbursement

    Up to £100

  • Sir Bob Murray Health Scholarship (Psychology)

    There are five scholarships available. Each scholarship awards £1,000 in your first year of study.

    Up to £1,000

  • Sunderland College Award

    Our Sunderland College Award provides £1,500 plus a £250 voucher, in each year of continuous study. This will support you financially throughout your time at university.

  • Tees Valley Travel Award

    This award provides a £1,500 cash award in each year of study to assist with transport expenses, helping you access higher education with greater ease.

    Up to £1,500

  • The Mary and Brian Archer Experience Scholarships

    Up to £750.

Careers this course leads to

  • Cardiac physiologist
  • Healthcare science practitioner (cardiac physiology)
  • Cardiac catheter laboratory physiologist
  • Cardiac rhythm management physiologist
  • Respiratory physiologist

Cost of study

UK/Home: £9,790 per year | International: £17,500 per year

Admission

Applications are made through AHZ at no cost. Share your transcripts, English test scores and personal statement, and your AHZ Counsellor will review your profile, submit your application to University of Sunderland, and guide you through interview, offer, CAS and visa — right up to enrolment.

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