Cardiovascular Health and Disease

Course overview

As the leading cause of death worldwide, heart and circulatory diseases contribute to the majority of deaths occurring in low and middle-income countries. At Leeds, we are dedicated to improving the prognosis of cardiovascular disease through discovery science, clinical and health research.

Join our world leading institute dedicated to cardiovascular and diabetes research to improve patient outcomes and develop your skills and knowledge. Contribute to impactful research and make a difference.

Our MSc provides a detailed understanding of cardiovascular health and disease through study of the heart, vasculature, blood and diabetes. Our expert academics will equip you with skills in:

• Clinical simulation training

• Advanced biomolecular technologies

• Genetic epidemiology

• Clinical trials research

• Bioinformatics

• Translational research skills

Whether you are a recent graduate or a professional looking to bolster your career, our course will prepare you for your next step in Cardiac Physiology, Cardiac Medicine, bioscience, healthcare, industry, academia or research.

Applying

Entry requirements

BSc 1st class or 2i, or equivalent (e.g. a pass in MBChB) in a relevant scientific discipline (e.g. biological science, medicine, healthcare science or a relevant allied health degree).

Applicants with a 2ii in a relevant scientific discipline will be considered if they have extensive experience working in a professional healthcare, scientific or clinical role (minimum of 1 year experience required). Alternatively, a candidate may offer recognised relevant professional qualifications/experience. As a guide, a minimum of 2 years’ experience would be required for candidates who do not have a relevant degree.

The course is also available as an intercalated MSc programme to students who have completed three years of a medical degree. Read more at intercalation.

The optional Introduction to Genetic Epidemiology module (EPIB5032M) has additional requirements. Students need an undergraduate degree (at least a 2i) in a quantitative and/or scientific subject with substantial maths, statistics, or numerical component. Work experience (>2 years) in a similar quantitative field will be counted equivalently. A strong basic knowledge of statistics is assumed (e.g. hypothesis testing, regression analysis, experience of data analysis using statistical software), as well as knowledge of the basics of R.

English language requirements

IELTS 7.0 overall, with no less than 6.0 in writing and no less than 6.5 in all other components. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.

Improve your English

International students who do not meet the English language requirements for this programme may be able to study our postgraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.

This pre-sessional course is designed with a progression route to your degree programme and you’ll learn academic English in the context of your subject area. To find out more, read Language for Science (6 weeks) and Language for Science: General Science (10 weeks).

We also offer online pre-sessionals alongside our on-campus pre-sessionals. Find out more about our six week online pre-sessional and our 10 week online pre-sessional.

You can also study pre-sessionals for longer periods – read about our postgraduate pre-sessional English courses.

Career opportunities

With an MSc in Cardiovascular Health and Disease, you’ll be well placed to apply directly for jobs in:

• Academia (e.g. research technician)
• Healthcare – NHS and beyond (e.g. enhanced / advanced cardiac practitioner, clinical trials manager, biomedical scientist)
• Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology companies (e.g. research scientist)
• Private sector organisations (e.g. medical writing / publishing / sales / application specialists)
• PhD research, particularly in the area of cardiovascular research, leading to job opportunities at a more senior level in Academia (e.g. research fellow, lecturer), the NHS and the private sector

Previous graduates of our course have gone on to careers in:

• NHS – Cardiac physiologist
• NHS- Allied Health training program
• PhD research programmes
• Medical Practice
• Return to medical education (intercalating medical students)