| Start date | September 2024 |
| Duration | 3 years full-time |
| Attendance | Full-time degree apprenticeship via blended learning |
| Fees | See the Fees and funding tab |
| Course leader | Lesley Davies |
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This three-year apprenticeship programme is ideal if you are working within local trusts or healthcare organisations and your employer will support you as an apprentice this BSc degree.
Our healthcare science degree with a specialism in cardiac physiology is quite rare in the UK. And this is the only degree apprenticeship course, covering this subject, in London and the South East.
You'll develop practical skills at our new facilities, and learn from teaching staff, highly experienced in the industry. You will continue to work for your employer and at cardiology departments in London and the South East NHS, continuing to develop clinical skills.
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 in high demand.
Upon successful completing of this degree apprenticeship, 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.
You will also gain practical skills from placements in clinical physiology and public speaking skills from class debates and presentations.
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. This degree will give you knowledge of cardiac physiology and the many forms of patient testing and treatments.
Throughout your studies, you will develop your skills in state-of-the-art laboratories using professional equipment.
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 the first cohort to 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.
We improve healthcare for future generations through pioneering research that saves lives. You will become an independent learner by leading your own research projects in a specialised area of interest.
This is the perfect course to continue your professional development in the workplace with guidance from your workplace tutor. As an apprentice, you will:
This course is accredited by the National School of Healthcare Science, who act as a focus for the Healthcare Science Apprenticeship Programme by coordinating communications and information.
Visit the NHS site from more infomation about Apprenticeships (hee.nhs.uk)
During your practice, your learning and assessment will be supported and assessed by a mentor trained by Middlesex University. Practice learning experiences aligned with National School of Healthcare Science requirements will be provided.
Strong placement opportunities
Our excellent relationships with local NHS trusts ensure you have access to placements in some of London’s most prestigious health Institutions
Cutting-edge laboratory facilities
Access our specialist science buildings and gain expert understanding of the latest scientific equipment
Leading academic experts
Active researchers and practitioners will teach leading research from the frontline of clinical practice
This degree is designed to develop the knowledge, skills, attitude and ethical values required to provide excellent patient-centred care and to work safely and effectively in the National Health Service.
You will learn to execute specialist procedures in cardiac science including echocardiography (using ultrasound to image the heart to aid diagnosis), pacemaker implantation and follow-up (measurements and programming pacemaker devices), and exercise stress testing (monitoring blood vessels supplying the heart) when permitted. You will also learn to carry out electrocardiograms (ECGs) and blood pressure measurements.
Broad scientific training; basic physiology and pathophysiology, introduction to the ECG, blood pressure and basic arrhythmia, plus an introduction to diagnostic procedures and development of professional practice.
More specialised training with advanced pathophysiology and arrhythmia, exploration of non-invasive diagnostic procedures and more practical workshops, using the equipment in the cardiac lab and simulation suite.
Mostly clinical experience as you only spend 9 weeks on campus with theoretical classes on provocative electrocardiography, pacing and cardiac catheterisation. You will gain an advanced understanding of professional practice and clinical governance and complete your Dissertation, demonstrating your research skills.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The module provides the apprentice with basic theory and practice of cardiac, vascular, respiratory and sleep sciences.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
To find out more about this course please download the Healthcare Science (Cardiac Physiology) (Degree Apprenticeship) BSc Honours specification (PDF).
In this professional course, we will teach you through a work-integrated learning approach. This BSc apprenticeship is structured in designated periods of placement learning and study blocks. You will have access to university resources and support, and be a Middlesex University student.
You will attend university, engage in independent study days, and participate in planned placement experiences to complete the modules. The placement periods will be assessed according to the National School of Healthcare Science requirements. For one-to-one support, you will meet with either your personal tutor, or module leader, online or on campus or with your coach at your workplace.
Module workshops will be taught by an experienced teaching team with a wide range of expertise and professional experience. They will introduce new relevant academic and professional content. You will attend specialist workshops, which can be delivered face-to-face or online.
Our My Learning online resource will provide you with resources for pre and post-sessional work. You will also engage in contextualised work-based projects, where you can apply your skills, knowledge, and behaviours in a professional working environment.
Online learning will include structured individual and/or group activities and tasks. You will receive facilitated tutor and peer group feedback to support your learning development.
Your work will be divided into credits of approximately 10 hours of study time. You will need to complete 120 credits per year, which are broken down into modules of typically 15 or 30 credits.
Teaching will be delivered over 2 days at both the Hendon campus and StoneX stadium. This not only ensures that you are on time for all teaching, but also that you have full access to all facilities available.
You will be studying at our north London campus in Hendon, our brand new West Stand facilities at the StoneX stadium in Brent, online or at the location of your placement / place of work. There is a free regular shuttle bus between campus and StoneX.
Whether you are studying full or part-time – your course timetable will balance your study commitments on campus with time for work, life commitments and independent study.
We aim to make timetables available to students at least 2 weeks before the start of term. Some weeks are different due to how we schedule classes and arrange on-campus sessions
During your first year, your weekly timetable will typically consist of:
Outside of teaching hours, you’ll learn independently through self-study which will involve reading articles and books, working on projects, undertaking research, and preparing for assessments including coursework, presentations and exams.
Here is an indication of how you will split your time:
Percentage | Hours | Typical activity |
22% | 306 | Teaching, learning and assessment |
65% | 894 | Independent learning |
13% | 186 | Placement/Work-Based Learning Activity |
Percentage | Hours | Typical activity |
10% | 182 | Teaching, learning and assessment |
58% | 1018 | Independent learning |
32% | 563 | Placement/Work-Based Learning Activity |
Percentage | Hours | Typical activity |
8% | 167 | Teaching, learning and assessment |
48% | 1033 | Independent learning |
44% | 938 | Placement/Work-Based Learning Activity |
Your learning will be assessed regularly through a variety of assessments which reflects aspects of practice as a senior leader and assesses your underpinning knowledge essential to your role as a healthcare scientist.
The balance between coursework and exams will depend on which modules you are taking. The table below is a good guide:
Year | Coursework % | Exams % |
Year 1 | 100% | 0% |
Year 2 | 73% | 27% |
Year 3 | 70% | 30% |
You'll be assessed on your research project and a clinical portfolio, as well as through theoretical exams. Clinical practice assessments, laboratory reports and other written work, case study analyses and presentations will also form part of your assessment.
Both the practical skills you develop during your placement and the written assignments you produce as part of it will be assessed.
We'll test your understanding and progress with informal and formal tests.
The informal tests usually take place at least once per module, from which you’ll receive feedback from your tutor. The grades from these tests don’t count towards your final marks.
There are formal assessments for each module, usually at the end, which will count towards your module and your final marks.
Assessments are reviewed annually and may be updated based on student feedback or feedback from an external examiner.
All apprenticeships in England are required to include an End-point assessment (EPA) to test that you 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.
This programme is an integrated degree and Middlesex is an approved centre for Healthcare Science End-point Assessments, so your EPA is built into the final year Professional Practice module. Therefore, you cannot graduate until you are successful with your EPA.
The specific requirements for EPA for BSc Healthcare Science (Cardiac Physiology) apprenticeship is detailed in the nationally approved End-point Assessment Plan and this can be found on the Institute for Apprentices website.
To help you achieve the best results, we will provide regular feedback.
Our excellent teaching and support teams will help you develop your skills from research and practical skills to critical thinking. Our Sheppard Library is open 24 hours a day during term time. And we offer free 24-hour laptop loans with full desktop software, free printing and Wi-Fi to use on or off campus.
We also offer lots of support to help you while you're studying including financial advice, wellbeing, mental health and disability support.
We'll support you if you have additional needs such as sensory impairment or dyslexia. And if you want to find out whether Middlesex is the right place for you before you apply, get in touch with our Disability Advice and Support service.
Our specialist teams will support your mental health. We have free individual counselling sessions, workshops, support groups and useful guides.
At Middlesex, we're proud of how we recognise the potential of future students like you. We make fair and aspirational offers because we want you to aim high, and we’ll support you all the way.
We’ll always be as flexible as possible and take into consideration any barriers you may have faced in your learning. And, if you don’t quite get the grades you hoped for, we’ll also look at more than your qualifications. Things like your work experience, other achievements and your personal statement.
You will need to be employed in a role that allows you to participate in work activities related to developing the necessary knowledge, skills, and behaviours required to function as a Cardiac Physiologist.
Your selection criteria will be determined by your individual employer. In most cases, candidates should have three A levels (or equivalent Level 3 qualifications) preferably with one in a science, as well as English, and Maths, at Level 2. Relevant past experience or learning may also be taken into consideration.
We don't offer interviews for this course, but you may be interviewed by a prospective employer.
There is no cost to you to do a higher or degree apprenticeship. You will earn at least the minimum wage for apprentices but many companies pay more than this, particularly for a degree apprenticeship like this.
You could earn upwards of £300* per week plus your employer and the government are required to pay the tuition fees, meaning you won't need a tuition fee loan.
*Information and statistics from GOV.UK
The following study tools are included in your fees:
To help ensure uni is affordable, we’re doing everything we can to support our students.
Find out more about undergraduate funding and all of our scholarships and bursaries.
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.
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. Healthcare science | Health Careers
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.
You will develop skills such as teamwork, communication, task management, problem-solving, and decision-making
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 put us in the top 10 UK universities for students who want to be CEOs and entrepreneurs (Hitachi, 2021).
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.
As an apprentice, you 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, you will complete planned clinical practice within your place of work.
In the final year, you also have an opportunity to undertake a research project, which could include a clinical audit - research projects carried out in the workplace will often require local ethical approval.
