Healthcare Science

Healthcare science (vascular science) is a specialist clinical discipline concerned with the investigation and diagnosis of diseases affecting blood vessels and blood flow. Vascular scientists use ultrasound and other non-invasive imaging techniques to examine the arteries and veins of patients, identifying conditions such as deep vein thrombosis, arterial stenosis, and carotid artery disease, and providing the diagnostic information that underpins surgical and medical decision-making in vascular care. The discipline sits at the intersection of physics, physiology, and clinical practice, requiring scientists who can operate complex technology with precision and communicate clearly with clinical teams.

At the University of Gloucestershire, you will study healthcare science with a vascular science specialism over three years full-time, developing the scientific knowledge and practical skills needed to work as a clinical vascular scientist in NHS settings. You will learn the physics of ultrasound imaging, the physiology of the cardiovascular system, the pathology of vascular disease, and the clinical protocols for investigating different conditions, alongside the communication and professional skills that patient-facing diagnostic work demands. Healthcare scientists are involved in a very high proportion of all clinical decisions in the NHS, and vascular scientists play a particularly critical role in the surgical and interventional care pathways for cardiovascular disease.

The typical entry tariff is 104 UCAS points.

Graduates register as healthcare scientists and work in NHS vascular science departments, supporting vascular surgery and interventional radiology teams. With experience, vascular scientists develop into advanced and consultant practitioner roles, taking on clinical decision-making responsibilities and leading diagnostic services. Postgraduate study and continuing professional development are typical features of the career, and registration with the Health and Care Professions Council is the standard professional pathway.