Clinical Physiology
Clinical physiology with a specialism in cardiac physiology is a healthcare science discipline concerned with investigating and monitoring the function of the heart and circulatory system, using a range of diagnostic imaging and measurement techniques. Cardiac physiologists work alongside cardiologists and other clinical professionals, performing electrocardiography, echocardiography, ambulatory monitoring, exercise testing, and electrophysiology studies to help diagnose and manage conditions such as arrhythmias, heart failure, coronary artery disease, and valve disorders. The role combines scientific precision with direct patient care.
The University of Plymouth's four-year full-time Clinical Physiology (Cardiac Physiology) degree includes a foundation year, which introduces key anatomical features and the physiological principles that underpin clinical physiology practice, beginning with cell and tissue biology and progressing through the anatomy and physiology of the major human organ systems. The typical entry tariff is 120 points. Following the foundation year, you will develop in-depth knowledge of cardiac anatomy and physiology, the technical principles of cardiac investigation, evidence-based clinical practice, and the professional and ethical frameworks within which cardiac physiologists operate.
Clinical placements in NHS cardiac departments are a core component of the programme, giving you direct hands-on experience with real patients under supervision throughout your training.
Graduates of accredited Clinical Physiology programmes are eligible to register with the Academy for Healthcare Science and to apply for roles as cardiac physiologists in NHS cardiology departments, cardiac surgery units, catheter laboratories, and cardiac rehabilitation services. Experienced practitioners often develop specialisms in echocardiography, pacing and devices, or electrophysiology, and many progress into senior clinical, management, education, or research roles. The healthcare science foundation the degree provides is also relevant to roles in medical device development and the cardiac technology industry.