Clinical Physiology (Cardiology) MSc/PGDip

Cardiac physiologists record and analyse physiological data to diagnose and treat cardiac disease. They play an essential role in healthcare, saving many lives and improving many more. Cardiac physiologists in hospitals deal with patients first hand, meaning they need not only highly specialised knowledge and excellent analytical abilities but good people skills.

Why study the MSc/PGDip Clinical Physiology (Cardiology) at Middlesex University?

Our biomedical and biological science courses have a burgeoning international reputation, due to our world-class research in areas including biomarkers, public health and biomodelling. The university is home to the Centre for Investigative and Diagnostic Oncology, which has pioneered techniques for cancer diagnosis and treatment, including our breakthrough in the development of a vaccine for bladder cancer.

Our teaching and research facilities surpass those at some UK medical schools, and our course will provide you with both in-depth practical experience and comprehensive, up- to-date theoretical knowledge. Our specialist clinical physiology laboratory houses a wide range of diagnostic equipment and is run by experienced practitioners. As well as attending practical classes in the lab, you'll be able to use it for independent study and research, and will have access to specialist journals.

Please note: this programme will not lead to a qualification as a Healthcare Scientist (Cardiac Physiologist).
For further information please follow the links below:

• NHS Careers
• National School for Healthcare Science

If you do not wish to study the full MSc, you can apply to the PGDip where you study only eight modules, omitting the dissertation.

Course highlights

• As well as a sound knowledge of how different problems affect the heart, and modern diagnostic and research techniques, you'll develop the critical analysis skills needed for literature reviews and an understanding of relevant ethical issues.
• Our unique leadership and management module will give you additional skills to help you progress up the career ladder. You'll cover leadership and management theory, health and safety, quality control, research and statistical methods.
• Our staff are supportive and hands-on – ever-ready with advice on your studies, they're also known for their strong pastoral care and for going the extra mile for their students. All our teaching staff are involved in research and many are pioneers in their own field.
• The course will also improve your IT, numeracy, research, communication, teamwork, managerial, presentation and problem-solving skills.
• As a student of this course you'll receive a free electronic textbook for every module.

What will you study on the MSc/PGDip Clinical Physiology (Cardiology)?

The content of this course is designed to equip you with the essential techniques that are used in investment institutions and familiarise students with the practices that are followed in financial markets. This provides you with the opportunity to apply various models and reflect on your understanding of the prevailing concepts and theories in areas such as finance, risk management and investment.

For masters students, the dissertation gives you an opportunity to address a specific finance or investment issue of particular interest. To aid you in preparing for this project a number of dissertation workshops are delivered during the taught period and at the end of these workshops, you will be ready to submit a dissertation proposal.

There are two different awards available for this course:

• MSc route comprises two 30 credit modules, four 15 credit modules and a dissertation
• PG Diploma route comprises two 30 credit modules and four 15 credit modules.

How will the MSc/PGDip Clinical Physiology (Cardiology) be taught?

You will attend practical laboratory sessions, lectures and seminars, and carry out your own study and research in your spare time, which will include the use of online resources.

Assessment

As well as practical and theoretical exams and your research project and dissertation, methods of assessment will include written assignments, including laboratory reports, and presentations. You’ll receive regular feedback on your work, including your assessed work, and will also be asked to evaluate your own work.

For your dissertation, you'll design, conduct, and critically evaluate the results of your own independent, analytical research project. You can choose to do either an experimental or observational study, and can base your project at your workplace if you’re in relevant employment. You will present your findings through a written report and a presentation to your tutors and fellow students.

How can the MSc in Clinical Physiology (Cardiology) support your career?

Our course will provide qualified cardiac physiologists with advanced knowledge and skills required to work in the NHS. You'll be equally well-qualified to do a PhD and move onto a career in research (for which an MSc is increasingly becoming a requirement), developing new techniques for diagnosing and treating heart problems. If you're already working in cardiology, our MSc will help you progress to a more senior position.

As well as in-depth knowledge of your subject, our course will provide you with many transferable skills. It will improve your research, data collection and interpretation, IT, numeracy, communication, presentation, teamwork and problem-solving skills, as well as your confidence and your ability to work under your own initiative and manage your own time.

Graduates can progress into careers in organisations such as:

• NHS
• General Electric Co
• Johnson & Johnson
• Siemens
• Medtronic