BSc (Hons) Clinical Physiology (Cardiac Physiology) at University of Plymouth

Programme overview

BSc (Hons) Clinical Physiology (Cardiac Physiology) is a four-year course with integrated practice placement learning, intended as the main route to train Clinical Physiologists and Healthcare Science Practitioners in cardiovascular physiology. Training is delivered as part of the National Academy of Healthcare Sciences.

Duration: 4 years full-time (including integrated NHS practice placement) | Study mode: full-time | Location: Plymouth, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

Year 1 covers Human Anatomy and Physiology, Introduction to Human Pathology, Human Disease, Foundations of Healthcare Science Practice, and Cardiovascular and Respiratory Physiology and Pathophysiology. Year 2 covers Clinical Cardiovascular, Respiratory and Sleep Physiology, Clinical Physiology Instrumentation and Techniques and Electrocardiography, with NHS clinical learning by day release. A professional practice placement of at least 40 weeks in a host NHS trust follows, and the final year covers Clinical Cardiac Sciences, Specialist Cardiovascular Investigations and a Research Project in Healthcare Science.

Career pathways

Graduates are eligible to apply for the Scientific Training Programme (masters level) or for NHS employment as Healthcare Science Practitioners in Cardiac Physiology.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Typical offer 120 UCAS points from three A levels including grade B in Biology and grade B in a second science (Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics, Applied Science, Geography, Geology, Psychology, Nutrition or Environmental Science); General Studies not accepted. GCSE Mathematics and English Language grade C/4. BTEC RQF National Extended Diploma: DDM in a science or human health BTEC, depending on units studied. Access to HE Diploma (science or human health): 33 Level 3 credits at Merit or Distinction including 15 in Biology and 18 in Chemistry, Maths or Physics. T level: Merit, preferably Health or Science pathways. International Baccalaureate: 28 points including Higher Level 5 in Biology and Higher Level 5 in a second science. Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Skills Challenge accepted in lieu of a third A level at grade B or above. Applicants must pass an interview, a DBS check and occupational health screening. International applicants whose first language is not English: IELTS 7.0 overall with at least 7.0 in every component. Contextual offers are typically 8 points below the advertised tariff.

Domestic applicants: GBP 9,790 a year (2026/27). Full-time tuition per year; UK students Source

International applicants: GBP 19,200 a year (2026/27). Full-time tuition per year; international students Source

Duration: 4 years

Health Sciences