Healthcare Science (Cardiac Physiology) BSc Honours

Why choose Healthcare Science (Cardiac Physiology) BSc Honours at Middlesex?

Our healthcare science degree with a specialism in cardiac physiology is quite rare in the UK and is one of only 2 such courses in London.

Develop practical skills in our new facilities, learn from teaching staff who have worked in the industry, and spend nearly a year working within cardiology departments using our industry links to London and the South East NHS.

This course is designed to meet the demands of the Department of Health's Modernising Scientific Careers programme so you develop the specific skills that are in short supply – and high demand.

What you will gain

You will graduate with the ability to critically evaluate research evidence in the context of current theory and practice and the confidence to solve clinical problems under pressure. You will also have the communication skills to provide an excellent standard of patient care

Our graduates have gone on to become cardiac physiologists employed by the NHS and in private organisations, including the following; Harley Street Clinic, Newcastle Hospitals NHS Trust, Mid and South Essex NHS Trust, Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust, Barts Health NHS Trust, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Trust and The Royal Brompton Hospital, among many others.

Accreditations

This course is accredited by the National School of Healthcare Science, T and NHS England (formerly HEE).

What you will learn

Covering everything from diagnostics and monitoring to analytical and intervention procedures, you’ll gain an expert understanding of the heart, how it functions, and how to provide treatment to patients of all ages.

You’ll develop experience and skills in varied investigations, such as electrocardiograms (ECGs), exercise stress testing, blood pressure measurement and cardiac angiography.

We will help you put theory into practice at our brand new West Stand facility where you will be based with other healthcare science students.

You will be amongst the first cohorts to fully experience this exciting £23 million redevelopment which has created a state-of-the-art educational and high-performance centre for teaching and research excellence.

To develop your knowledge and skills you will be using facilities such as the cardiology practical lab and cardiology simulation suite. You'll be using revolutionary technology to create simulations, with the latest virtual and augmented reality.

In this healthcare science cardiac physiology degree you will:

• Study the most recent research and use the most up-to-date technology in the field
• Get plenty of hands-on learning experience in our specialist labs
• Have clinical placement opportunities throughout London and the South East
• Develop the skills and knowledge needed to start a career in cardiac physiology

Careers

How can the BSc Healthcare Science (Cardiac Physiology) support your career?

The NHS is one of the largest employers in the world and this degree provides you with the skills, knowledge and experience to work at the heart of the NHS as a healthcare scientist in cardiac physiology. The NHS has recognised a skills shortage in this area and our course is designed to meet the requirements of the sector.

You can find more useful information about cardiac physiology careers when you visit the NHS careers website.

Graduate job roles

On completion of the programme, you would be eligible to apply for Band 5 physiological science posts in the NHS, although many employers will retain an apprentice graduate in a Band 5 position or higher.

You could also further your studies on an NHS Scientist Training Programme (STP) to become a physiological scientist, working in the NHS at Band 7 or higher.

You can find more useful information about Healthcare Science careers on the NHS careers website.

Graduate employers

Our graduates have gone on to become cardiac physiologists employed by the NHS and in private organisations, including the Harley Street Clinic, Huddersfield NHS, Kingston Hospital and Royal Brompton among many others.

Transferable skills

You will develop skills such as teamwork, communication, task management, problem-solving, and decision-making

MDXworks

Our employability service, MDXworks will launch you into the world of work from the beginning of your course, with placements, projects and networking opportunities through our 1000+ links with industry and big-name employers in London and globally.

Our dedicated lifetime career support, like our business start-up support programme and funding for entrepreneurs, has made us:

• The top 20 UK universities for business leaders and entrepreneurs – Business Money, 2023
• A top 10 university for producing CEOs – Novuana, 2023.

MDXcelerator student start-up support

Want to be your own boss? You'll have the chance to pitch your business to gain mentoring and grants of up to £15,000.

Global network

You’ll study with students from 122 countries who’ll hopefully become part of your global network. And after you graduate, we'll still support you through our alumni network to help you progress in your chosen career.

Work placements

Placements are a key element of the course. Over the three years, you may spend up to a total of 50 weeks in NHS clinical physiology departments at hospitals in London or the South East. The availability and operation of these placements is subject to the control of the placement organisation.

Your time on placements is usually Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, and is divided as follows:

• Year 1 – up to 10 weeks
• Year 2 – up to 15 weeks
• Year 3 – up to 25 weeks

All placement providers are officially approved by the University and learning opportunities and support will be available to help you complete your Practitioner Training Programme (PTP) training manual.

In the final year, you also have an opportunity to undertake a research project, which could include a clinical audit - research projects carried out on placement will normally require local ethical approval.