Logo close icon

Healthcare Science (Cardiac Physiology) (Degree Apprenticeship) BSc Honours

Key details

Start dateSeptember 2023
Duration3  years full-time
Attendance Full-time degree apprenticeship via blended learning
Fees See the Fees and funding tab
Course leader Lesley Davies

Find out more

Get in touch for more information about apprenticeships at Middlesex University:

Email:

apprenticeship@mdx.ac.uk

Overview

This three-year apprenticeship programme is ideal to for apprentices employed within local trusts, or healthcare organisations who wish to undertake the BSc Healthcare Science (Cardiac Physiology) and are supported by an employer to undertake the course as an Apprentice.

This BSc apprenticeship will be delivered across each academic year in designated periods of placement learning and study blocks. This model allows the apprentice to gain the advantages of the University resources and support processes, become integrated as a Middlesex University student, and develop a sense of belonging and cohort identity. Placement periods are assessed within their own area of employment according to the National School of Healthcare Science programme requirements.

The modules are delivered through attendance at University, independent study days and a range of planned placement experiences. As students they will be employed within local Trusts or Healthcare organisations as Cardiac Physiologist Degree Apprentices (CPDAs). In order to meet the National School of Healthcare Science requirements, the apprentice will complete planned practice placements within their place of work.

The apprentice will have access to My Learning at module and programme level, and all resources provided within it. These resources allow them to undertake the required pre and post sessional work within each module.

Whilst in practice, the apprentice's learning and assessment are supported and assessed by an identified mentor, who have prepared for the role by the University, for learning and assessment in practice. A range of practice learning experiences are planned in line with National School of Healthcare Science requirements.

This course is accredited by the National School of Healthcare Science.

  • Qualifications

    The apprentice will have the opportunity to gain professional status and upon successful completion of their degree apprenticeship they will have gained:

    • BSc PHealthcare Science (Cardiac Physiology)
    • Apprenticeship Certificate demonstrating they have met the national Apprenticeship Standard for full occupational competence as a Healthcare Science (Cardiac Physiology) Professional
  • Course highlights

    • The apprentice's professional development will take place as part of their integration to the workplace and under continuous guidance from a Workplace Tutor
    • The daily interaction with their work colleagues will help them to appreciate work ethics, develop professional conduct and apply expected standard practices for their chosen sector
    • The apprentice will have the opportunity to participate in planned practice placements within real-life situations of work
    • The apprentice will develop transferable skills such as working in teams, communicating with peers, managing tasks, solving problems and reaching decisions
    • They will benefit from study days at the University and independent directed learning

Course content

This degree will give the apprentice knowledge of cardiac physiology and the many forms of patient testing and treatments. We are focused on improving healthcare for future generations through leading on pioneering research that saves lives and the apprentice will be encouraged to become an independent learner by leading on their own research projects in an area of specialist interest.

Throughout their studies they will develop their skills in state-of-the-art laboratories with professional standard equipment.

What skills will the apprentice gain?

  • Practical skills (gained from placements in clinical physiology)
  • Public speaking skills (through class debates and presentations)

Modules

  • Year 1

    • Professional Practice (15 credits) - Compulsory

      The module is designed to ensure that the apprentice acquires the knowledge, gains the skills and develops the attitude required for a career as a Healthcare Science Practitioner. It also provides an insight into the roles and responsibilities of the practitioner and helps the apprentice develop their communication, study and team working skills.

    • Biological Basis of Healthcare (30 credits) - Compulsory

      The module aims to provide the apprentice with basic knowledge and understanding of the biology related to healthcare, with a solid foundation upon which to build the knowledge and skills required to work as a Healthcare Science Practitioner.

    • Social Aspects of Healthcare (15 credits) - Compulsory

      The module introduces the apprentice to the principles and core concepts of the sociology of health and illness, plus the importance of epidemiology, health prevention and protection and public health function.

    • Clinical Technology and Mathematics (15 credits) - Compulsory

      The module introduces the apprentice to the basic principles of both physics and mathematics that are related to healthcare. It also ensures that they have a good range of the mathematical and statistical skills that underpin the practice of healthcare science.

    • Cardiovascular and Respiratory Systems (15 credits) - Compulsory

      The module is designed to provide the apprentice with an in depth knowledge of the anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology related to cardiology, vascular, respiratory and sleep sciences.

    • Cardiac, Respiratory and Sleep Physiology (30 credits) - Compulsory

      The module provides the apprentice with basic theory and practice of cardiac, vascular, respiratory and sleep sciences.

  • Year 2

    • Research Methods and Professional Practice (30 credits) - Compulsory

      The module aims to provide the apprentice with knowledge and understanding of the importance of research, development and innovation in clinical practice. In addition, it provides the underpinning knowledge required to undertake a research project. A final aim is to prepare them for a career as a Healthcare Science Practitioner.

    • Medical Instrumentation and Imaging (15 credits) - Compulsory

      The module aims to provide the apprentice with knowledge and understanding of principles and properties of measurement techniques used in carrying out physiological measurements in their specialism.

    • Cardiovascular and Respiratory Conditions (30 credits) - Compulsory

      The module aims to provide the apprentice with an in depth knowledge and understanding of disease processes and common diseases associated with the cardiovascular and respiratory systems.

    • Cardiovascular Science (45 credits) - Compulsory

      This module will provide the apprentice with a firm grounding in interpretation of the abnormal ECG and its causative pathologies. Recording of the blood pressure through non-invasive measurement at rest and on the ambulant patient is discussed. The module also provides a detailed background for ambulatory monitoring of the ECG.

  • Year 3

    • Professional Practice (30 credits) - Compulsory

      The module provides the apprentice with consolidate knowledge and technical skills gained earlier in the programme. In addition, the module provides the opportunity to undertake a full range of practice required to work effectively as a Healthcare Science Practitioner.

    • Dissertation (30 credits) - Compulsory

      This module will build on the skills and knowledge the apprentice has gained throughout the programme. Further development of analysis, critical thinking and scientific literary style will be promoted. The apprentice will be enabled to pursue areas of individual interest in the subject area appropriate to their target award and will have the opportunity of gaining increased theoretical and practical knowledge in a chosen specialist field. Individual research experience will be gained in an area that may provide future employment opportunities. Personal responsibility for own learning through self-directed study and supervised preparation will be fostered. It is an integral part of the degree programme, furthering the development of skills in critical analysis and reflection.

    • Provocative Electro-cardiography (15 credits) - Compulsory

      The module aims to provide the apprentice with knowledge and understanding of provocative electrocardiography. In addition, they will gain a deep appreciation of physiology, pathophysiology and pharmacology related to this investigative procedure. This module will also build on earlier work to develop the themes of public health and epidemiology of cardiovascular disease, risk factors, risk assessment and primary prevention including behavioural change management. It will also explore the importance of patient-centred care and the clinical audit.

    • Pacing and Catheterisation (45 credits) - Compulsory

      The module aims to provide the apprentice with knowledge and understanding of a pacing and cardiac catheterisation in adults. In addition, they will gain a deep appreciation of physiology, pathophysiology and pharmacology related to each investigative procedure or therapeutic intervention.

You can find more information about this course in the programme specification.

  • Teaching

    This is a professional programme and the apprentice will be taught via a work-integrated blended learning approach which will comprise the following:

    • Work based learning will consist of on the job development and application of skills, knowledge and professional behaviours. The apprentice’s progress will be monitored through regular tutorials with tutors and supervised in the work place by the apprentice’s Coach
    • Module workshops will be taught by professional practitioners and specialist staff introducing new relevant academic and professional content
    • Specialist workshops will be delivered face-to face and/or online
    • Contextualised work based projects where skills, knowledge and behaviour can be applied in a professional working environment
    • Online learning includes structured individual and/or group online learning activities and tasks that involves facilitated tutor and peer group feedback to support learning development.
  • Assessment

    The apprentice will be required to submit a range of evidence of work-integrated learning for assessment that reflect aspects of practice as a Senior Leader. This can include learning journals, portfolios, role playing, work-based projects, reports, professional development plans and a business transformation project.

    End-point Assessment

    All apprenticeships in England are required to include an End-point Assessment (EPA) to test that apprentices have demonstrated all the knowledge, skills and behaviours required for full occupational competence as specified in the nationally approved Apprenticeship Standard. For degree apprenticeships, the EPA can either be integrated within the degree or separate to the degree programme.

    The specific requirements for EPA for BSc Professional Practice in Digital Technology apprenticeship is detailed in the nationally approved End-point Assessment Plan and this can be found on the Institute for Apprenticeships website.

Entry requirements

Qualifications

  • Applicants are required to be employed in a role that will enable them to engage in work activities that are relevant to developing the knowledge, skills and behaviours required to operate as a Chartered Manager.
  • Individual employers will set the selection criteria for their Apprentices. Most candidates will have two A levels (or equivalent alternative relevant Level 3 qualifications), and English, Maths and ICT at Level 2. Relevant or prior experiential learning may also be considered as an alternative.

Evidence of the ability to successfully engage with reflective work-based learning based on pre-entry assessment

Fees

There is no cost to do a higher or degree apprenticeship for the apprentice/student. They will earn at least the minimum wage for apprentices but many companies pay more than this, particularly for higher and degree apprenticeships.

They could potentially earn upwards of £300* per week plus the employer and the government is required to pay the tuition fees, meaning the apprentice won't need a tuition fee loan.

*Information and statistics from GOV.UK

Careers

On completion of the programme, the apprentice could be eligible to apply for band 5 physiological science posts in the NHS. They could also further their studies on an NHS Scientist Training Programme (STP) to become a physiological scientist, working in the NHS at Band 7 or higher.

background-image

Want to partner with us?


Get in touch to explore apprenticeship opportunities

Email us

In this section

Back to top