BSc Clinical Physiology (Cardiac Physiology)
About this course
BSc (Hons) in Clinical Physiology (Cardiac Physiology), a healthcare science degree focused on cardiac physiology, human pathophysiology, and diagnostic testing. Core topics include Laboratory Techniques, Research Methods, Communication & Writing, and Ethics & Professional Practice. This four-year programme includes a mandatory professional training placement in a clinical environment between stages two and four, alongside an optional foundation year. The first year covers the foundations of human anatomy, pathology, and physiological science through modules such as Biomedical Investigation and Experimentation, Human Anatomy and Physiology: Cells to Systems, Introduction to Human Pathology, and Cardiovascular and Respiratory Physiology. Year two develops clinical instrumentation and monitoring skills through Electrocardiography, Clinical Physiology Instrumentation and Techniques, and Healthcare Physiological Science Professional. The final year consolidates professional practice and advanced diagnostics with modules including Clinical Cardiac Sciences, Specialist Cardiovascular Investigations, and Professional Practice in Healthcare Science. Students also complete an independent Research Project in Healthcare Science involving a literature review and report writing.
Written by AI from the university's course page and module list. It can get details wrong, so check the official course page before you rely on it.
Entry requirements
GCSE: Mathematics and English Language grade C/4. A level: 120 points from three A levels to include the following: Grade B in Biology Grade B in a second Science subject from Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics, Applied Science, Geography, Geology, Psychology, Nutrition or Environmental Science/Studies General studies is not accepted for this course. BTEC RQF National Extended Diploma/QCF Extended Diploma: DDM in BTEC (Science/Human Health based) – depending on the BTEC and units studied. If you hold a BTEC qualification it is vital that you provide our Admissions team with details of the exact modules you have studied as part of the BTEC. Without this information we may be unable to process your application quickly and you could experience significant delays in the progress of your application to study with us. Please explicitly state the full list of modules within your qualification at the time of application or contact Admissions for further advice. Access to HE Diploma: Pass an Access to Higher Education Diploma (Science/Human Health based) with 33 Level 3 credits at merit or distinction, including 15 Level 3 credits in Biology and 18 Level 3 credits in Chemistry, Maths, or Physics. T level: Merit – preference pathways would be Health or Science. Typical offer will be confirmed once an application is received. International Baccalaureate: 28 points overall to include the following: Higher Level 5 in Biology Higher Level 5 in a second Science from Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics, Applied Science, Geography, Geology, Psychology, Nutrition or Environmental Science/Studies English and Mathematics accepted within as GCSE equivalent at higher level 4, standard level 5 WJEC Level 3 Advanced Skills Challenge: We accept the Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Skills Challenge / Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales in lieu of a third A Level subject at grade B or above. Applicants must continue to evidence an A Level in Biology and an A Level in a second Science subject as above. BTEC: BTEC qualifications are considered in line with BTEC requirements. Other UK qualifications: Other suitable combinations and equivalent international qualifications will be considered on an individual basis. Please contact admissions@plymouth.ac.uk for more information.
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What students say
Based on about 7 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 100%
- Learning opportunities: 100%
- Assessment and feedback: 82%
- Academic support: 100%
- Organisation and management: 100%
- Learning resources: 90%
- Student voice: 100%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 240 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- Continued on course: 86%
- Left higher education: 13%
- Moved to a lower qualification: 1%
What graduates do next
Based on about 49 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university
- Working: 52%
- Working and studying: 12%
- Further study: 15%
- Unemployed: 2%
Most common jobs
- Other Health Professionals: 30%
- Science, engineering and technology associate professionals: 20%
- Elementary occupations: 10%
- Natural and social science professionals: 10%
- Health associate professionals: 10%
- Find their work meaningful: 85%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 80%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 65%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 90 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 1%
- East Midlands: 1%
- West Midlands: 7%
- East of England: 1%
- London: 18%
- South East: 14%
- South West: 56%
- Wales: 1%
- Scotland: 1%
Who gets in
Based on about 10 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 100%
Accreditation & quality ratings
- Accredited by the NSHCS (National School of Health Care Science), on behalf of Health education England, for the purpose of eligibility for registration as a Health-care Science Practitioner on the AHCS (Academy for Healthcare and Science) voluntary accredited register.
TEF 2023 (whole university): Gold overall, Gold for student experience, Gold for student outcomes.
Modules
- Professional Practice Placement
- Biomedical Investigation and Experimentation
- Human Anatomy and Physiology: Cells to Systems
- Introduction to Human Pathology
- Human Disease
- Foundations of Healthcare Science Practice and Workplace Learning
- Cardiovascular and Respiratory Physiology
- Cardiovascular and Respiratory Pathophysiology
- Interprofessional Learning 1
- Clinical Cardiovascular, Respiratory and Sleep Physiology
- Clinical Physiology Instrumentation and Techniques
- Healthcare Physiological Science Professional
- Electrocardiography
- Interprofessional Learning 2
- Professional Practice in Healthcare Science
- Clinical Cardiac Sciences
- Specialist Cardiovascular Investigations
- Research Project in Healthcare Science
- Interprofessional Learning 3
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc Clinical Physiology (Cardiac Physiology) at University of Plymouth earn?
The median salary is £30,000 after 15 months, £26,000 after 3 years, £33,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £26,000 and £40,000. The £33,500 median after five years is £4,500 less than the UK median for Anatomy, physiology and pathology.
What do graduates of BSc Clinical Physiology (Cardiac Physiology) at University of Plymouth do next?
80% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on BSc Clinical Physiology (Cardiac Physiology) at University of Plymouth?
100% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for BSc Clinical Physiology (Cardiac Physiology) at University of Plymouth?
The typical offer is 28 points in the IB. The average entrant had 114 UCAS points.
Is BSc Clinical Physiology (Cardiac Physiology) at University of Plymouth accredited?
Yes. Accredited by the NSHCS (National School of Health Care Science), on behalf of Health education England, for the purpose of eligibility for registration as a Health-care Science Practitioner on the AHCS (Academy for Healthcare and Science) voluntary accredited register.
Does BSc Clinical Physiology (Cardiac Physiology) at University of Plymouth include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has a compulsory placement year.
How many students continue on BSc Clinical Physiology (Cardiac Physiology) at University of Plymouth?
86% of students continued into their second year, and 13% left higher education.