Healthcare Science BSc (Hons) / 2015
Healthcare Science (Physiological Sciences) BSc (Hons)
This course combines academic study with NHS placements to provide professional training in the medical and biological sciences. It leads to a career in clinical physiology, specialising in cardiac physiology or respiratory and sleep physiology.
Three years, full time Apply through UCAS code B120, institution code S49 UCAS deadline is 15 January UK and EU citizens may apply Accreditation: Health Education England Highlights
Learning
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Shared campus with one of the largest teaching hospitals in the UK
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Shared learning with students training to be doctors, nurses, radiographers and physiotherapists (interprofessional education)
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Direct contact with NHS patients by the end of your first semester
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50 weeks of work-based clinical training
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An opportunity to gain clinical experience in both Cardiac Physiology and Respiratory & Sleep Physiology before selecting your chosen specialism at the end of year one
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Very good job prospects with NHS graduate starting salaries of approx. £21,000
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This course forms an integral part of the Department of Health’s ‘Modernising Scientific Careers’ strategy St George’s based taught modules are delivered via lectures, small-group seminars and case-based learning. In year one the programme also incorporates anatomy teaching in the dissecting room, and clinical and communication skills training. Clinical training is delivered by qualified clinical physiologists in NHS hospital departments throughout London, Surrey, Sussex and Kent. Personal development and lifelong learning are encouraged through academic study, work-based practice and a focus on reflective practice and self-directed learning activities.
Degree structure
St George’s is a great learning environment. I like the combination of lectures and real medical case studies, which we discuss in small groups using the same techniques healthcare professionals use. On the practical side, the placements we do from year one are the best way for me to put my theoretical knowledge into practice. I’m already developing the skills I need to become an efficient physiologist. Plus, as the medical school is attached to the hospital, I interact with healthcare professionals, patients and visitors on a daily basis. I feel like I’m already part of the healthcare team and I believe that studying in a community like this makes a big difference in preparing me for my career. Jainy Raj Healthcare science Second year
Year one combines an introduction to the basic biomedical knowledge underpinning healthcare science, with training in the physiological sciences. At the end of year one you select a speciality. Year two modules focus on techniques and methodologies in either cardiac physiolog y or respirator y and sleep physiology. Year three focuses on the application of learned science, technologies and techniques to the practice of clinical physiolog y in your chosen specialist field and the completion of a research project.
Year one Weeks
Modules
Taught
Scientific Basis of Healthcare Science One
Taught
Scientific Basis of Cardiovascular, Respiratory and Sleep Science
Taught
Professional Practice One
Taught
Scientific Basis of Healthcare Science Two
Clinical
10
Clinical Training One (two weeks pre-clinical preparation at St George’s and eight weeks of clinical placement in the NHS)
Year two Modules Taught
Pathophysiolog y of Common Cardiovascular and Respiratory Conditions
Taught
Instrumentation, Signal Processing and Imaging
Taught
Cardiac Physiolog y or Respiratory and Sleep Physiolog y
Taught
Research Methods
Taught
Professional Practice Two
Taught
Scientific Basis of Healthcare Science Three
Clinical
15
Clinical Training (15 weeks of clinical placement in the NHS)
Year three Modules Taught
Applying Respiratory and Sleep Physiolog y to Practice or Applying Cardiac Physiolog y to Practice
Taught
Research Project in Respiratory and Sleep Physiolog y or Research Project in Cardiac Physiolog y
Taught
Professional Practice
Clinical
25
Clinical Training (25 weeks of clinical placement in the NHS)
Assessing your progress
Your academic coursework, examination results, final year research project and work-based placements are all taken into account, and each annual assessment contributes to your final degree classification
Your future
Clinical physiologists play a vital role in the health service and interact with patients of all ages. Using electrocardiographs (ECGs), echocardiographs, blood pressure monitoring and a range of other techniques, healthcare science practitioners specialising in cardiac physiolog y assist heart disease diagnosis, pacemaker implantation, on-going patient monitoring and exercise stress testing. Respirator y and sleep physiologists undertake cardio-pulmonar y exercise testing, blood gas analysis, response-to-treatment monitoring, allergy testing and polysomnography. Your patients may be referred with chest pains, abnormal chest X-rays, breathing difficulties, sleep disorders, or suspected respiratory disease such as emphysema. With research advancing, techniques evolving and the technologies used becoming more specialised, clinical physiolog y is a challenging, motivating and rewarding career. Opportunities for postgraduate study and further specialistion exist throughout the UK in conjunction with a variety of NHS Trusts.
Entry requirements If you meet the minimum requirements set out below, you will be called for interview. With the exception of GCSEs, all qualifications must be completed within a five-year period including year of application.
Nationality
Nationality
GCSEs or equivalent
National Diploma (BTEC)
A Levels or equivalent > IB English language > Access diploma > if first language > Other qualifications is not English
Other essential criteria > work experience > personal statement > health screening > police screening
National Diploma in Science, overall grades Distinction, Distinction, Distinction Biology or Human Biology A Level (A2) at grade B
Citizen of the UK, EU or EEA or individuals with indefinite leave to remain
Advanced Diploma
Supplemented by Additional and Specialist Learning: A Level (A2) Biology or Human Biology at grade B
GCSEs or equivalent Grades
A* to C
Subjects
A minimum of eight subjects to include English Language, Maths and Science. Applicants without English Language GCSE should hold IELTS 7.0 or equivalent
Open University
Scottish Highers
Five at Higher Level, all grade B, three at Advanced Higher Level, all grade B, including Biology or Human Biology and a second science
A Levels or equivalent
Irish Leaving Certificate
Five passes at Level B2 including English, Maths and Higher Level Biology
Grades
BBB
Subjects
Three A2 subjects to include Biolog y or Human Biolog y, and one other science
All results must be verified by 1 September of the year of entry
Applicants should list their junior certificates on UCAS form.
English language If English is not your first language while studying, evidence of your proficiency must be dated within the last two years.
Key Skills not accepted A2 resists will be considered, however, you will be required to achieve higher grades This scheme takes into account the extent of a candidate’s efforts in achieving good A Level grades in relation to their peers whilst attending a school with an A Level track record in the bottom 20-40% nationally. If eligible, we may be able to make an adjusted grade offer, lower than the published criteria. This only applies to A Level grades. Please see the course web page to check your eligibility.
IELTS
(International English Language Testing System) 7.0 overall (including 7.0 in written element, and no section less than 6.5)*
Pearsons test
67 overall (including 67 in written element, and no section less than 61)* *Applicants who have sat the examination more than twice in one year will not be considered.
Other essential criteria
International Baccalaureate Award
Full award diploma
Scores
544 at Higher Level (HL) 444 at Standard Level (SL)
Subjects
Work experience
Work or voluntary experience in a social care, medical or health-related field. For further information on work experience please visit the ‘Experience it’ section at tasteofmedicine.com
Personal Statement
Should demonstrate an awareness of clinical physiolog y and an interest in a clinical career.
Health and Police screening
Satisfactory clearance in both, including immunisation against Hepatitis B, MMR, Meningitis, TB and Chicken Pox.
Professional registration
If you belong to a registered professional body please provide details at interview.
Biology or Human Biology and one other science (at HL) Mathematics and English Language (at SL) Access diploma
Award
Full award diploma
Scores
60 credits at level 3
Grades
27 credits at distinction
Application and interview Please apply through UCAS (the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) by 15 January (the year of entry): ucas.com
18 credits at merit If studying sciences
27 credits must be from science related modules at no lower than merit
If studying non-sciences
Your Access qualification must be supplemented by an A Level (A2) in Biology or Human Biolog y at grade B
Additional credits
With the exception of GCSE equivalents (where required) any other level 3 credits outside the 60 credit diploma will not be accepted
Other
Applicants are now required to sit separate GCSEs in English and Maths in conjunction with their access course if you do not already have them to the required GCSE level. Other qualifications
Birkbeck College 70% overall with 70% in parts 1, 2 and 3 of the Biology modules Certificate in Life Science Advanced GNVQ
120 Units at level 1 and 2: Level 1: Exploring Science module, 60 units Level 2: Human Biology module, 30 units Any other module, 30 units
If you studied under an educational system that did not include GCSEs we will consider your academic record at the equivalent stage. However, we will not accept Adult Literacy and Numeracy or Functional Maths in lieu of GCSEs.
A Levels
Adjusted criteria
Society, Health and Development at grade B, or Sport and Active Leisure at grade B
AGNVQ Science at Distinction Biology or Human Biology A Level (A2) at grade B
Interviews are held after the application closing date.
Fees UK/EU
£9,000 p/a* *2014 entry fees are subject to annual review and change. Visit sgul.ac.uk for more information on student finance and the most up-to-date entry requirements.
sgul.ac.uk St George’s, University of London is the UK’s only university dedicated to medical and health sciences education, training and research. Sharing a clinical environment with a major London teaching hospital, our innovative approach to education results in well-rounded, highly-skilled clinicians, scientists, and health and social care professionals. As a constituent college of the University of London our students have access to a wide range of facilities and services beyond the campus in Tooting. We hope this booklet gives some real insight into completing a Healthcare Science BSc at St George’s. In short, you can undertake a specialist undergraduate degree here on a hospital site in a thriving London location, leading, we trust, to an extraordinary future in the health professions. E study@sgul.ac.uk T +44 (0)20 8725 2333
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St George’s, University of London Cranmer Terrace London SW17 0RE Design and copy: Crescent Lodge Photography: Lee Funnell Print: Principal Colour The material contained in this booklet is a guide only. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure that its content is correct and up-to-date at the time of printing, St George’s, University of London reserves the right, without prior notice, to cease to offer programmes of study, or to amend curricula, methods and modes of teaching and assessment, entry requirements and any other details. St George’s, University of London confirms its commitment to a comprehensive policy of equal opportunities and endeavours to avoid discrimination against any person on the grounds of religion, race, sex, sexual orientation, marital or parental status or politics. We strive to ensure that all members of the institution behave with courtesy towards each other and that students and staff can work in an atmosphere of mutual respect. We encourage applications from members of groups that are currently under-represented.