Cardiac Physiology

Cardiac physiology is a specialist healthcare science discipline concerned with the function of the heart and cardiovascular system, and with the diagnostic techniques used to assess and monitor cardiac conditions. Cardiovascular disease remains one of the leading causes of illness and death in the UK and globally, and cardiac physiologists play a crucial and often underappreciated role in its diagnosis and management, carrying out electrocardiograms, echocardiograms, exercise stress tests, and other investigations that provide the information clinicians need to treat patients effectively.

At the University of Southampton, this three-year, full-time degree follows the healthcare science training structure and provides a structured pathway into a registered clinical profession. In your first year you will study cardiovascular, respiratory, and sleep physiology, developing a broad scientific foundation, before specialising in cardiac physiology in the second and third years. You will learn to use specialist diagnostic equipment, interpret clinical information, and make the key decisions that the clinical role requires, developing both scientific understanding and professional competence.

The programme is practice-based, with clinical placements forming a significant part of the training and giving you direct experience in real healthcare settings. The typical entry tariff of 152 points reflects the competitive nature of entry to a clinical training programme.

Graduates of cardiac physiology programmes are qualified to work as cardiac physiologists in the NHS and private healthcare sector, carrying out diagnostic investigations in cardiac catheterisation laboratories, echocardiography departments, and outpatient clinics. Many go on to achieve state registration with the Health and Care Professions Council, which is the standard for clinical practice in this field. Career progression can lead to specialist and senior cardiac physiologist roles, advanced clinical practice, or management within cardiology departments.

Some graduates also pursue postgraduate study to develop specialist expertise in areas such as cardiac imaging, electrophysiology, or device management.