Healthcare Science (Physiological Sciences)

Duration

Three years, full-time

Application Deadline

14 January 2026 (for 2026 entry)

Location

City St George's Tooting campus

UCAS Code

B120, institution code S49

Start dates

September 2026

Apply via UCAS

This course has places available through Early Clearing. Learn more and apply now.

The success of any healthcare system depends on different professionals working together. While everyone knows about nurses and doctors, you might not have heard of clinical physiologists. This rewarding role falls under the healthcare science umbrella which covers over 50 specialisms.

This is a career where you’ll work with patients to improve the quality of their lives. The tests you perform, analyse and interpret will provide patients with the correct diagnoses. You’ll also be involved in innovative interventions and life-changing therapies.

If you want to help patients manage conditions, provide emergency care and develop specialist knowledge, this is the course for you.

Apply your skills on placement

When you train with us, you’ll graduate with a degree in either cardiac or respiratory sleep physiology. You’ll be exposed to both specialities in your first year and decide which area you want to specialise in at the end of the year.

We’ll cover essential diagnostic tests such as ECGs, peak flow testing and oxygen saturation. As you become more experienced, you’ll master more complex tasks including optimising pacemakers, as well as carrying out echocardiograms, body plethysmography and cardiac catheterisation/intervention.

Over the three years, you’ll spend 50 weeks on clinical placement. you’ll support patients of all ages with different cardiovascular or respiratory and sleep conditions, from arrhythmia to asthma.

With an ageing and increasingly obese population, health scientists are in demand. When you graduate, you’ll be eligible to register with the Academy for Healthcare Science (AHCS) and work as a clinical physiologist within the NHS.

While the City St George’s programmes are recognised by many different countries, applicants are advised to check with their own individual national authorities if they wish to practice in their chosen country.

Why City St George’s 

Pick your specialism – we’re the only course in London to offer training in both cardiac and respiratory/sleep physiology. Decide which one you specialise in after your first year of study.
50 weeks on placement – you’ll get experience in a variety of settings within clinical physiology departments from as early as your second semester.
A degree recognised by employers – when you graduate, you’ll be eligible to register with the Academy for Healthcare Science (AHCS) and apply for clinical physiologist roles within the NHS.

Learn more about studying at City St George's

If you're looking to start your studies in 2025 or beyond, sign up for our free intro email series by clicking the button below.

Course content

Before you start specialising in cardiology or respiratory/sleep, you’ll also develop a broad foundation of knowledge about human anatomy, biochemistry, physiology and pathophysiology.

Knowing how to interact professionally with patients, carers and other members of staff is imperative so we challenge you to think about how you communicate and act in a clinical environment before you go on placement.

Expanding your expertise

As you gain experience through placement, we’ll continue to develop your knowledge further and boost your cardiology or respiratory/sleep expertise. In your final year, you’ll also learn about more advanced clinical procedures and explore how they are applied to practice.

Alongside your placement, you’ll also complete an extensive research project to help you learn how to address real healthcare challenges. Recent projects have looked at treatment outcomes for atrial fibrillation, the most common arrythmia, compared tilt testing to carotid sinus massage for assessing unexplained dizziness, and the association between electronic nicotine delivery systems, or VAPS and respiratory disease.

“One of the best things about this course is that most of your time is spent on placement which is a brilliant opportunity to learn on the job. You’re treated as part of a clinical team, which comes with real responsibilities. It’s a great way to put your knowledge into practice. ”

- Mariam

Healthcare Science BSc (Cardiac Physiology)

“I found the eight-week placement programme in my first year so beneficial. You do four weeks in respiratory and sleep, and four weeks in cardiology in a hospital environment, which allows you to see how each differs and what’s really involved. It’s a great way to help you decide which one you’d prefer to specialise in for the next two years.”

- Derek

Healthcare Science BSc (Respiratory and Sleep Physiology)

Tuition fees

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Home (UK) tuition fees

Academic Year	UK (per academic year)	Total fee*
2025/2	£9,535	£28,605

*Tuition fees for Home (UK) students are determined by UK Government Policy. Tuition fees are charged for each year of your course. Fees for second and subsequent years are likely to increase annually in line with UK inflation as measured by the Retail Price Index (RPI-X) and subject to maximum regulated fee rates set by the UK Government.

International (including EU) tuition fees

Academic year	International (per academic year)	Total fee*
2025/26	£20,100	£60,300

*Tuition fees for international students are set by City St George’s, University of London. Tuition fees are charged for each year of your course. Fees for second and subsequent years are likely to increase annually in line with UK inflation as measured by the Retail Price Index (RPI-X). They will not normally increase by more than 5 per cent each year, except when the rate of inflation is significantly more than that projected in the preceding year.

For more information, see our fees and funding pages, and read the UK government information about fees and funding.

Additional costs

The table below highlights the additional course-specific costs related to this degree. Visit the additional course-related costs for more information on general costs to consider alongside your studies.

Additional cost

Description

Clothing

Students will need to purchase black trousers and shoes for placements. The University will provide scrub tops.

Travel to placements

We operate a travel bursary scheme which covers travel from students’ term time address to their placement site. This is calculated based on the best value journey using public transport. If you choose to travel via a different means, then these costs would not be reimbursed.

Bursaries will cover travel costs within London Zones 1 to 6 only, with the exception of when students have been placed outside of these zones, for example East Surrey Hospital in which case payments will cover full travel costs.

To qualify for bursary payments, you will need to be up to date with tuition fee payments and have satisfactory attendance.

No additional assistance will be provided for resit placements, additional placement weeks required to make up time missed or to complete outstanding clinical work.

Should you choose to travel by car, no additional travel or parking costs will be considered.

Clubs, Societies and Community Projects at St George's

Visit the Students' Union website

Students' Union

As a student at St George's you're also automatically a member of our Students' Union, which offers over 120 clubs, societies and community projects.

Find out more

Aviation & Space Medicine Society

We provide specialist clinical knowledge of aviation and space medicine, through lectures, forums and tutorials.

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Cheer & Gym Society

The Firebirds are an all-inclusive level 1 cheer team who stunt, tumble, jump and dance both competitively and recreationally.

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Afro-Caribbean Society

The Afro Caribbean Society (ACS) aims to empower people from a variety of backgrounds by bringing people together to appreciate the culture and heritage of different African and Caribbean countries.

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Marrow

Marrow is a voluntary student organisation that works with Anthony Nolan to recruit potential donors onto the stem cell register. We organise donor recruitment clinics here at St George's and also raise charitable funds to run the events and support the charity.

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Henry Gray Anatomy Society

If you are interested in Anatomy, Surgery, or just want to further your anatomical education, then this is the perfect society for you!

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Athena SWAN Student Network

Our Athena SWAN (Scientific Women’s Academic Network) chapter is a student society that fundamentally promotes racial diversity and the equality of all genders within STEMM career advancement.

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Yoga Society

Namaste! The Yoga Society is one of the most active societies at St George's, with students and staff taking part in the three weekly yoga sessions.

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Craft Society

This is the home of all different crafts at George's. We meet every Monday in the Dragon Bar from 5pm to craft. We welcome everyone, experienced or not and are always happy to teach!

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Vegan and Vegetarian Society

We hope to create a community for vegans, vegetarians & anyone interested in moving towards a more cruelty free lifestyle and to provide support in adopting a plant based lifestyle.

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Catholic Society

We're a family of Catholic (and non-Catholic) students from St George's who gather occasionally to pray the rosary, share stories, food and encouragement.

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Christian Union

We are a group of Christians from multiple denominations - united around the gospel of Jesus Christ. Our mission and aim is to build each other up in our faith and to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ to the St Georges community.

Islamic Society

Our aim is to help students develop academically, socially and most importantly spiritually as they progress through university.

Find out more

St George's Jewish Society

The Jewish Society aims to be a family away from home for all of the Jewish students on campus! We are warm, welcoming and inclusive, and invite anyone from any background to join us.

Find out more

Entry Criteria: 2025 Entry

To be eligible for the Healthcare Science BSc programme, you must meet the requirements outlined under Entry Qualifications, Other Academic Requirements, and Non-academic Requirements below. Citizens of the UK, or those with indefinite leave to remain in the UK, can apply for this course.

Entry Qualifications

With the exception of GCSEs, all qualifications must have been completed within the previous five years, including the year of application.

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A Levels

If you are applying on the basis of A Levels, you must meet both the A Level and GCSE requirements below.

Grades	BBB
Subjects	Including Biology or Human Biology and one other science subject (including Maths). General Studies is not accepted.
Additional information
Resits may be considered. Accepted science subjects include: Applied Science, Chemistry, Human Biology, Physics, Psychology and Maths.

GCSEs

Grades	Five subjects graded 4 (C) or above
Subjects	Five subjects which must include English Language, Maths and Science (Double or Triple Award).
Additional information
We accept resits of GCSEs. We do not accept Adult Literacy and Numeracy or Functional Skills instead of GCSEs.

International Baccalaureate

If you are applying on the basis of International Baccalaureate, you need to meet both our Higher Level and Standard Level requirements, as outlined below.

Award

Full Award Diploma

Scores

Overall score of 32

Subjects

15 points at Higher Level, including a minimum grade 5 in Biology.

If at least a 4 (C) has not previously been attained in GCSE/IGCSE Maths and English, you will need the following:

Maths Standard Level minimum grade 4
- For Maths, we accept both Mathematics: analysis & approaches and Mathematics: applications & interpretations
English Standard Level:
- English Language A SL (English Language & Literature; or English Literature), minimum grade 4
- English Language B SL, minimum grade 6

Resits may be considered.

Access Diploma

If you are applying on the basis of an Access Diploma, you must meet both the Access Diploma and GCSE requirements below.

Award	Full award diploma (in a science subject)
Scores	60 credits at level 3 (45 graded and 15 ungraded)
Subjects	45 science related credits. 21 credits at Distinction and 24 credits at Merit.
Additional information	Accepted science subjects include: Applied Science, Chemistry, Human Biology, Physics, Psychology and Maths. The course should be QAA recognised.

GCSEs

Grades	Three subjects graded 4 (C) or above
Subjects	English Language, Maths and Science (Double or Triple Award)
Additional information
We accept resits of GCSEs. We do not accept Adult Literacy and Numeracy or Functional Skills instead of GCSEs.

Other UK Qualifications

Pearson BTEC Level 3 Extended National Diploma	If you are applying on the basis of a Pearson BTEC Level 3 Extended National Diploma, you must meet both the Diploma and GCSE requirements below. DDM Must be in Applied Science. 5 GCSEs at grade 4 (C) or above. Subjects must include English Language, Maths and Science (Double or Triple Award).
Pearson BTEC Diploma	If you are applying on the basis of a Pearson BTEC Diploma, you must meet both the Diploma and GCSE requirements below. DM with a Biology A Level at grade B Must be in a science or healthcare subject. 5 GCSEs at grade 4 (C) or above. Subjects must include English Language, Maths and Science (Double or Triple Award).
Cambridge Pre-U Diploma	If you are applying on the basis of a Cambridge Pre-U Diploma, you must meet both the Diploma and GCSE requirements below. M2, M2, M2 Three principal subjects including Biology. 5 GCSEs at grade 4 (C) or above. Subjects must include English Language, Maths and Science (Double or Triple Award).
Scottish Highers	If you are applying on the basis of Scottish Highers, you must meet the Highers, Advanced Highers and National 5 requirements below. Highers: BBB including Biology Advanced Highers: BB English Language and Maths National 5 at grade C or higher is required.
UK Undergraduate Degree	If you are applying on the basis of a degree, you do not need to meet our GCSE or Level 3 (A Level) requirements. 2:2 Honours Must be in a science subject.
Other	We accept other qualifications on a case-by-case basis. If you are applying with qualifications not listed above, or a combination of level 3 qualifications, your application will be considered. If you would like further information, please contact us.

Contextual Admissions

At City St George’s, we want to attract students who share our mission to improve the health of society, regardless of their background. That’s why our Contextual Admissions schemes take into consideration additional information from your application, like the school you attended or the area you live in or if you have been in care, to make the admissions process fairer. Further details on Contextual Admissions are available here.

Other Academic Requirements

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English Language

If you are applying from outside of the UK, you will need to meet the English language requirements outlined here. This is a group 1 course.

Non-academic Requirements

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Personal Statement

Applicants should demonstrate an awareness of clinical physiology, and an interest in a clinical career.

Work Experience and Insight

We understand the challenges for our prospective applicants for medicine and allied health courses trying to gain work experience at this time, particularly in clinical settings.

In response to the continued impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, we have chosen to relax our work experience requirements for prospective applicants for our courses which would normally require these.

Despite the relaxed requirements, we still require our applicants to have an understanding of the realities of working as a healthcare professional and to show they have the necessary skills and attributes for their chosen career. Online resources can give you valuable insight into working in the healthcare sector and outline the wide range of careers and courses available. You can find a number of suggested resources for each of our courses here.

Interview (MMI)

If you meet the entry requirements above, you will be invited to attend a Multiple Mini Interview (MMI). This will usually be in-person, however we can also offer remote MMIs for international applicants.

You can find further information about this process on our MMI Guidance page, however please note that some of this information may change for those applying during the 2024 application cycle.

Occupational Health Check

Should you receive an offer to study at City St George’s, you will be required to complete a health check and be declared fit to study and practise by the Occupational Health (OH) department before you begin your studies.

The following vaccinations are mandatory for all healthcare students before you begin your studies:

MMR (measles, mumps and rubella)
Meningococcal meningitis
Diphtheria
Pertussis (whooping cough)
Poliomyelitis
Tetanus
Covid-19 (double vaccination)

As part of the process, you will also be screened by the OH team for Chickenpox, Tuberculosis, HIV and Hepatitis B and C.

We do not currently require you to have been vaccinated against Covid-19, but we strongly recommend that you get double vaccinated before the start of your studies, unless medically exempt.

When admitting candidates to study and practise as a health practitioner, we have an obligation to both patients and to the individual student. Candidates who are concerned about a health issue are advised to contact us.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check and Additional Declarations

This course will include work with children and vulnerable adults, so you will be required to submit a series of declarations.

If you are invited to an interview, we will request some additional information from you, regarding your criminal record, educational history and employment history. You will also have the opportunity to make any other declarations that you’d like us to be aware of. We may not able to consider applicants who were suspended from previous study/work due to fitness to practise issues or failure in assessments/examinations.

If you are made an offer, you will be required to complete an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. More information about this is sent to applicants as part of the admissions process.

Recent Engagement in Education

Due to the demanding nature of the programme, it is important that applicants can demonstrate recent engagement in education. If the qualifications that you are applying on the basis of (e.g. Level 3 or degree level qualifications) were awarded more than five years ago (e.g. before summer 2020), it may still be possible for us to consider your application. In this case, we would look at supplementary level 3 qualifications, or relevant work experience, that you have undertaken within the last five years.

These applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis, following submission of a UCAS application.

Entry Criteria: 2026 Entry

Entry Qualifications

With the exception of GCSEs, all qualifications must have been completed within the previous five years, including the year of application.

View all Close all

A Levels

If you are applying on the basis of A Levels, you must meet both the A Level and GCSE requirements below.

Grades	BBB
Subjects	Including Biology or Human Biology and one other science subject (including Maths).
Additional information
Resits may be considered. Accepted science subjects include: Applied Science, Chemistry, Human Biology, Physics, Psychology and Maths. The following subjects are not considered: General Studies, Critical Thinking and Citizenship Studies,

GCSEs

Grades	Five subjects graded 4 (C) or above
Subjects	Five subjects which must include English Language, Maths and Science (Double or Triple Award).
Additional information
We accept resits of GCSEs. We do not accept Adult Literacy and Numeracy or Functional Skills instead of GCSEs.

International Baccalaureate

If you are applying on the basis of International Baccalaureate, you need to meet both our Higher Level and Standard Level requirements, as outlined below.

Award

Full Award Diploma

Scores

Overall score of 32

Subjects

15 points at Higher Level, including a minimum grade 5 in Biology.

If at least a 4 (C) has not previously been attained in GCSE/IGCSE Maths and English, you will need the following:

Maths Standard Level minimum grade 4
- For Maths, we accept both Mathematics: analysis & approaches and Mathematics: applications & interpretations
English Standard Level:
- English Language A SL (English Language & Literature; or English Literature), minimum grade 4
- English Language B SL, minimum grade 6

Resits may be considered.

Access Diploma

If you are applying on the basis of an Access Diploma, you must meet both the Access Diploma and GCSE requirements below.

Award	Full award diploma (in a science subject)
Scores	60 credits at level 3 (45 graded and 15 ungraded)
Subjects	45 science related credits. 21 credits at Distinction and 24 credits at Merit.
Additional information	Accepted science subjects include: Applied Science, Chemistry, Human Biology, Physics, Psychology and Maths. The course should be QAA recognised.

GCSEs

Grades	Three subjects graded 4 (C) or above
Subjects	English Language, Maths and Science (Double or Triple Award)
Additional information
We accept resits of GCSEs. We do not accept Adult Literacy and Numeracy or Functional Skills instead of GCSEs.

Other UK Qualifications

Pearson BTEC Level 3 Extended National Diploma	If you are applying on the basis of a Pearson BTEC Level 3 Extended National Diploma, you must meet both the Diploma and GCSE requirements below. DDM Must be in Applied Science. 5 GCSEs at grade 4 (C) or above. Subjects must include English Language, Maths and Science (Double or Triple Award).
Pearson BTEC Diploma	If you are applying on the basis of a Pearson BTEC Diploma, you must meet both the Diploma and GCSE requirements below. DM with a Biology A Level at grade B Must be in a science or healthcare subject. 5 GCSEs at grade 4 (C) or above. Subjects must include English Language, Maths and Science (Double or Triple Award).
Cambridge Pre-U Diploma	If you are applying on the basis of a Cambridge Pre-U Diploma, you must meet both the Diploma and GCSE requirements below. M2, M2, M2 Three principal subjects including Biology. 5 GCSEs at grade 4 (C) or above. Subjects must include English Language, Maths and Science (Double or Triple Award).
Scottish Highers	If you are applying on the basis of Scottish Highers, you must meet the Highers, Advanced Highers and National 5 requirements below. Highers: BBB including Biology Advanced Highers: BB English Language and Maths National 5 at grade C or higher is required.
UK Undergraduate Degree	If you are applying on the basis of a degree, you do not need to meet our GCSE or Level 3 (A Level) requirements. 2:2 Honours Must be in a science subject.
Other	We accept other qualifications on a case-by-case basis. If you are applying with qualifications not listed above, or a combination of level 3 qualifications, your application will be considered. If you would like further information, please contact us.

Contextual Admissions

At St George’s, we want to attract students who share our mission to improve the health of society, regardless of their background. That’s why our Contextual Admissions schemes take into consideration additional information from your application, like the school you attended or the area you live in or if you have been in care, to make the admissions process fairer. Further details on Contextual Admissions are available here.

Other Academic Requirements

View all Close all

English Language

If you are applying from outside of the UK, you will need to meet the English language requirements outlined here. This is a group 1 course.

Non-academic Requirements

View all Close all

Personal Statement

Applicants should demonstrate an awareness of clinical physiology, and an interest in a clinical career.

Work Experience and Insight

We understand the challenges for our prospective applicants for medicine and allied health courses trying to gain work experience at this time, particularly in clinical settings.

In response to the continued impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, we have chosen to relax our work experience requirements for prospective applicants for our courses which would normally require these.

Interview (MMI)

You can find further information about this process on our MMI Guidance page, however please note that some of this information may change for those applying during the 2026 application cycle.

Occupational Health Check

Should you receive an offer to study at St George’s, you will be required to complete a health check and be declared fit to study and practise by the Occupational Health (OH) department before you begin your studies.

The following vaccinations are mandatory for all healthcare students before you begin your studies:

MMR (measles, mumps and rubella)
Meningococcal meningitis
Diphtheria
Pertussis (whooping cough)
Poliomyelitis
Tetanus
Covid-19 (double vaccination)

As part of the process, you will also be screened by the OH team for Chickenpox, Tuberculosis, HIV and Hepatitis B and C.

We do not currently require you to have been vaccinated against Covid-19, but we strongly recommend that you get double vaccinated before the start of your studies, unless medically exempt.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check and Additional Declarations

This course will include work with children and vulnerable adults, so you will be required to submit a series of declarations.

If you are made an offer, you will be required to complete an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. More information about this is sent to applicants as part of the admissions process.

Recent Engagement in Education

Due to the demanding nature of the programme, it is important that applicants can demonstrate recent engagement in education. If the qualifications that you are applying on the basis of (e.g. Level 3 or degree level qualifications) were awarded more than five years ago (e.g. before summer 2021), it may still be possible for us to consider your application. In this case, we would look at supplementary level 3 qualifications, or relevant work experience, that you have undertaken within the last five years.

These applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis, following submission of a UCAS application.

The time on the programme is split approximately 50/50 between university based learning and clinical placements. You should be prepared to travel for your placements across Greater London and surrounding areas.

Year 1

In Year 1, you’ll be introduced to the scientific knowledge underpinning the field of physiological sciences. From the start, the programme is explicitly designed as a preparation for clinical practice, slanted towards medically relevant information and clinical context. You will undertake 10 weeks of clinical training, divided between different sites to give you a variety of experiences, working in both cardiology and respiratory/sleep departments before selecting your speciality preference at the end of the year. During placements, you will perform (under supervision) a range of routine cardiac and respiratory procedures, including electrocardiograms (ECG), blood pressure, spirometry and pulse oximetry.

Working as part of a multi-disciplinary team, you will start to develop a range of essential patient skills, such as maintaining dignity and confidentiality, developing effective observational and communication skills, learning to appreciate cultural and ethical issues, as well as health and safety, such as infection control procedures. As part of the University’s Essentials for Allied Health Professionals programme, you will work with students on other health courses – physiotherapists, occupational therapists, therapeutic and diagnostic radiographers, for example – so you can begin to appreciate the concept of multidisciplinary healthcare teams.

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Year 1 modules

	Module
Taught	Science of Healthcare
Taught	Cardiovascular and Respiratory Sleep Science
Taught	Professional Practice 1
Clinical	Clinical Training/Placements

Year 2

In year two, you will focus on your specialism, deepen your knowledge and understanding of the pathophysiology of common cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), syncope (fainting), sleep apnoea, heart attacks, heart failure and irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia). This is reinforced by 15 weeks of speciality-specific training on placement, during which time you will build on your existing clinical skills and undertake more advanced procedures, such as measurement of gas exchange, lung volume and sleep studies (respiratory/sleep) or ambulatory ECG and blood pressure monitoring and assisting with cardiac exercise tests (cardiology).

Interactive sessions cover the highly skilled diagnostic techniques, methodologies and interpretation required for clinical practice. For example, calibration of equipment is required to ensure patients get accurate and reliable test results and receive the correct diagnosis, treatments and interventions.

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Year 2 modules

	Module/placement
Taught	Pathophysiology
Taught	Instrumentation, Signal Processing and Imaging
Taught/Clinical	Cardiology Specialism: Clinical Training/Placements Cardiac Physiology or Respiratory/Sleep Specialism: Clinical Training/Placements Respiratory and Sleep Physiology
Taught	Research Methods
Taught	Professional Practice 2

Year 3

The final year focuses on the application of skills and final preparation for practice, so you graduate with the knowledge, experience, professionalism and clinical competencies required of a clinical practitioner.

You will spend 25 weeks on clinical placement, providing the hands-on experience needed to build real expertise, undertaking yet more advanced clinical procedures. In cardiac physiology, this includes diagnostic and interventional cardiac catheterisation, Cardiac Rhythm Management (CRM), device implants and optimisation of these implanted devices. In respiratory/sleep physiology, it involves setting up, analysing and interpreting sleep studies and initiating life changing treatments, such as continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy in patients with sleep apnoea.

The Dissertation is an integral part of the year three programme, you will undertake data collection/analysis and write up your clinical audit/research project. Previous students have covered a fascinating array of subject matter: from the effect of BMI on lung function to manual versus automated analysis of sleep studies in the diagnosis of sleep apnoea; and from exercise testing for Grown Up Congenital Heart Disease (GUCH) to one student’s service evaluation of a renal transplant stress echo service, results of which she presented at the prestigious British Society of Echocardiography’s 2020 Conference.

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Year 3 modules

	Modules/placements
Taught/Clinical	Cardiology Specialism: Clinical Training/Placements Applying Cardiac Physiology to Practice or Respiratory/Sleep Specialism: Clinical Training/Placements Applying Respiratory and Sleep Physiology to Practice
Taught	Research Project
Taught	Professional Practice 3

Placement

The variety, volume and quality of clinical placement opportunities is what students tell us they like most about our course – you will sample professional life in hospitals specialising in your chosen specialism. You will gain experience of working as part of a team, demonstrating professional behaviour and performing (under supervision) a range of cardiac and respiratory/sleep procedures, beginning with routine procedures and culminating in more advanced, highly skilled techniques by the end of your course.

As a student, you will be allocated a hospital placement to attend in several clinical blocks throughout each of the three years. You will spend a minimum of 30 hours per week, usually over four days. We also build in teaching sessions during these blocks.

Year 1: 10 weeks,
Year 2: 15 weeks,
Year 3: 25 weeks,

On placement, you are supervised by experienced physiologists/scientists and trained mentors. You receive support from your university clinical placement co-ordinators/specialist lecturers who will visit you regularly.

You will be provided with a free student uniform, and we contribute to travel expenses to some placement sites (depending on the distance).

Below is a list of hospitals that offer clinical placements*

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Cardiac placements

Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust
Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Kingston Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust
Queen Elizabeth Hospital (Woolwich)
Royal Surrey County Hospital (Guildford)
St Bartholomew's Hospital, Bart's Health NHS Trust

Cardiac and Respiratory/Sleep placements

East Surrey (Redhill)
Guy's and St Thomas's NHS Foundation Trust
Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust
King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
North Middlesex University Hospital
Royal Brompton and Harefield NHS Foundation Trust
Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust
St George’s University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Respiratory/Sleep placements

Great Ormond Street Hospital (Paediatric placement)
Homerton Hospital
Whipp’s Cross University Hospital

Apprenticeship

The BSc (Hons) Physiological Sciences (Healthcare Science) degree is a three-year integrated apprenticeship degree programme.

Contextualised for workplace occupational competency, it combines academic and work-based learning through employment. The curriculum is a blend of employer-defined knowledge, skills, behaviours and values that are integral to and assessed as part of the degree.

Completion of the degree demonstrates that the apprentice meets the outcomes of the Healthcare Science (HCS) Practitioner Apprenticeship Standard, giving assurance that apprentices graduating from these programmes are fit to meet the future needs of employers and patients.

Apprentices without Level 2 English and Maths will need to achieve this level prior to taking the End-Point Assessment. For those with an education, health and care plan or a legacy statement, the apprenticeship’s English and Maths minimum requirement is Entry Level 3. A British Sign Language (BSL) qualification is an alternative to the English qualification for those whose primary language is BSL.

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Highlights for employers

Course content covers both cardiac physiology and respiratory/sleep physiology.

Highlights for employees

Gain a BSc (Hons) in Healthcare Science while on your apprenticeship journey.
At least 20% of the time in off-the-job training.
Employment in a job with legal and contractually acceptable terms and conditions.
Entry to a recognised occupation and a guaranteed starting salary point up to NHS Band 5, with clear training and progression.
Eligibility for professional registration with RCCP or AHCS on successful completion.

Teaching

We share our site with one of the UK’s largest teaching hospitals giving you the chance to learn in a busy healthcare environment. Most of our teaching staff hold clinical roles or have previously worked as a healthcare professional, so you will learn from academics with real on-the-job experience.

Studying at our Tooting site, we’ll get to know you and help you reach your potential. You’ll be part of interactive group sessions, and our academics are always on hand if you need extra support.

How our experts teach depends on the course content but we recognise that our students have different learning styles. On this course, you can expect a diverse range of:

Clinical placements
Clinical skills sessions
Computer-based sessions
Guest lectures
Group work
Lab-based sessions
Lectures
Online learning
Patient interaction
Practical workshops
Seminars
Simulation
Tutorials.

Assessment

The way we assess your learning will change depending on the module but we use a variety of assessment methods so every student has a chance to show their knowledge and strengths. You can expect a mixture of:

A clinical portfolio
Case reviews
Clinical practice assessments
Essays
Exams
Oral presentations
Poster presentations
Reports
Research projects

To prepare you for the practical challenges you’ll face, we design assessments that reflect real-world scenarios, such as case reviews and research projects.

Your assessments will be formative and summative. This means some won’t count towards your final grade and you’ll have the chance to improve based on our feedback.

Find out more on our programme specifications

Expertise

You’ll be taught by staff with experience leading specialist cardiac, respiratory and sleep services.

We’ll also invite clinical physiology practitioners to share their experiences. Guest lectures have previously covered:

Interpretation of sleep studies
Paediatric lung function
Hypoxic challenge testing
Tilt testing for heart conditions
Introduction to echocardiography
Implantable cardioverter defibrillators

Our placement collaborators and alumni also present masterclasses and workshops. For example, the Royal National Institute of Blind People recently covered best practice when dealing with blind patients.

Placements

Over three years, you’ll spend 50 weeks on clinical placement. In year one this will be in different hospitals which specialise in cardiac, respiratory/sleep or both. After choosing your speciality, you’ll stay at the same site in year 2 and 3. While on placement, you’ll be supervised, mentored and assessed by practising physiologists. This practical experience will enhance your expertise and help you become confident evaluating patient conditions.

Course Director

I am the current course director for the Clinical physiology programme.

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Admissions Tutor

Lecturer in Clinical Physiology. Specialising in cardiac arrhythmias and cardiac rhythm management

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Senior Lecturer

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When you graduate, you’ll be eligible for professional registration with the AHCS and be ready to apply for NHS positions. This degree is also an entry qualification for the Scientist Training Programme (STP). You might even use your degree as a stepping stone to graduate entry medicine, a physician associate programme or another postgraduate programme.

Depending on your specialism, your role will involve different responsibilities:

Cardiac physiology – you’ll perform diagnostic procedures, from ECGs to complex cardio-pulmonary exercise tests and electrophysiology testing. You’ll also help provide urgent and elective coronary intervention, monitor devices to manage heart rhythm disturbances and run clinics independently. What is it really like to work in Cardiac Physiology? Watch Day in the life of a Cardiac Physiologist (youtube.com) to get an insider's view of this dynamic profession. This video offers a glimpse into the daily experiences of a Cardiac Physiologist, helping you visualize your potential future in this rewarding field.

Respiratory and sleep physiology – you’ll carry out routine and complex diagnostic procedures including spirometry, allergy testing and sleep studies. Patients will be referred to you for many reasons, from abnormal chest X-rays to suspected sleep disorders. You might set up ventilation devices for sleep apnoea or monitor home oxygen therapy.

As a healthcare scientist, you can progress to working as an advanced practitioner or consultant physiologist. Your training will help you support patients from newborn to old age, as well as anyone with an impairment or communication challenge.

Career Profiles

Our courses can lead students to a diverse range of career options. Read about the experiences of City St George's alumni and see where this course could take you.

LSF Travel and Accommodation Support

From the 2025–26 academic year, new and continuing students on the undergraduate Healthcare Science course will be eligible for travel and dual accommodation expenses (TDAE) through the Learning Support Fund (LSF).

The latest LSF rules for 2025–26 are now available and take effect from September 2025. Check your eligibility here.

Facilities

Everything you need for success in the health and life sciences profession is here – from opportunities to learn from professionals working on the clinical frontline to cutting-edge laboratory facilities and bio-imaging technology.

We’re the UK’s only university dedicated to medical and health sciences education, training and research. We share our site with a major London teaching hospital. This means you’ll become part of a unique clinical and academic research community, mixing with the many different healthcare professionals you will go on to work alongside throughout your career.

Anatomy Suite

The Anatomy Suite is where present and future healthcare professionals and scientists in the hospital and University learn or expand on their anatomy knowledge directly from the human body.

We give students access to high-quality anatomy resources including:

Plastinated (preserved) specimens
Osteological materials
Anatomical models
Digital/imaging resources (such as Anatomage tables and Complete Anatomy).

Pathology museum

Our on-site Museum of Human Diseases houses a collection of over 2,000 pathological specimens, including those donated by Sir Benjamin Collins Brodie in 1843. This space is used for small group tutorials exploring the mechanisms of disease.

Library and learning technology

Our library is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You’ll find silent, quiet and group learning spaces, as well as group discussion rooms.

We have a wide range of books, e-books, academic journals and other resources. You’ll also have access to online resources, such as the Canvas Virtual Learning Environment and our Hunter discovery service.

Need accessibility equipment? The library also loans noise-cancelling headphones, laptop stands, coloured overlays, desktop whiteboards, and more.

IT facilities

We have an extensive range of IT facilities, including:

260 workstations in five computer suites, three of which are open 24 hours a day
75 self-service laptops available
Free Wi-Fi covering the whole campus, including our halls of residence accommodation.

You can use these resources to access your course materials, discussion boards and feedback through Canvas.

Looking for a free space? Simply use our handy real-time computer locator.

Art of Living Suite

The Art of Living Suite is designed to prepare occupational therapy students for placement. Here you’ll find an adapted kitchen and bathroom area, as well as other equipment and assistive devices. Technical officers are on hand to help you develop your practical skills in this space.

University of London

BLOOM @ Senate House

As City St George’s is part of the University of London, you have access to BLOOM@Senate House, a unique space in the heart of Bloomsbury. Senate House offers a central London base which is particularly useful if you’re studying or living further out. The area has great transport links, making it easy to access from anywhere in London or further afield.

Senate House Library

Students can join the Senate House library free of charge. Your membership includes a 10-book borrowing allowance, access to all reading rooms and study areas, and on-site access to digital resources.

Student support

From day one, you’ll become part of a community of staff and students of different ages, ethnicities, nationalities and backgrounds. Everyone you meet will have one thing in common – a passion for healthcare, science and medicine.

Whether you’re an existing healthcare professional, returning to education after a break or joining us after graduating from an undergraduate degree, we want to help you make the most of your time here. To do this, we offer a full range of academic support and student services.

Careers service

We offer 1:1 career guidance to undergraduate and postgraduate students at every stage of your professional development, from the start of your course through to graduation and beyond. As a student, you’ll also benefit from career development activities that are specifically tailored to your course.

What we offer:

Career guidance: We offer 30-minute 1:1 careers guidance sessions to support you in your career planning, build your confidence, and help you identify next steps on your career journey.
CV and application advice: We can review your applications with you, support you in presenting yourself to potential employers, tailor your applications to a particular role and help you stand out from your competition.
Practice interviews: Work on the content, structure, and delivery of your answers, whether that’s motivation questions, competency questions, role-specific questions or Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI).
Interactive workshops: Our career education workshops are tailored and delivered within courses. Topics may include understanding the graduate job market, learning through reflection on career decision-making, making successful applications and making an impact at interviews.
Careers fairs: These are opportunities to explore career paths in different areas and specialities, meet with employers, and have valuable conversations to inform your career thinking.
Online support: We offer specific information tailored to each course, plus general careers support and resources relevant to whatever your career choices and direction via our Canvas Virtual Learning Environment.

Cost of living

We know that this may be a worrying time for our students and their families. Our Cost of Living Hub contains the latest information to our community affected by the rising cost of living. We provide students with various financial support, budgeting advice as well as employability options.

Disability support

If you require reasonable adjustments or disability services, you can find information on our disability information for students pages. For any further information please contact the disability adviser.

The Graduate School

Our Graduate School brings together postgraduate students from different disciplines, allowing you to support and learn from each other while expanding your professional networks.

The Graduate School works closely with our research institutes and provides opportunities for personal and professional development. You’ll also have access to a postgraduate common room where postgraduate students and early career researchers can study and socialise.

Induction programme

Our induction sets you up for your studies and helps you feel part of the University. As well as course-specific activities, we run an online ‘Get Started’ module which provides information about:

Social and enrichment activities
Student safety
Wellbeing and learning support
Study skills
Our library facilities
Careers and employability services.

International student support

Our International Students Support service is part of the Student Life Centre and provides information on visas, settlement schemes, enrolment and more. To find out more, visit our EU and international support pages.

If you’re an international student, get in touch with the team as soon as you accept your offer via student.immigration@sgul.ac.uk.

Mental health support

City St George’s has a confidential, free and impartial counselling service available to all students. You can also access services through our Student Life Centre and our online resources. This includes links to NHS resources, apps, podcasts and websites dedicated to mental health and wellbeing.

Personal academic tutor

When you start your course, we’ll allocate you a personal tutor. This is a member of the academic team who you’ll see regularly to monitor your progress and pick up any problems, both academic and personal. Even if they don’t have the answer, they’ll point you in the right direction towards the support you need.

Student Ambassador Scheme

Our Student Ambassadors support student recruitment events, widening participation activities such as Science Stars and schemes such as Unibuddy Reps. Our Student Ambassadors also help with one-off or less regular events and creating student generated content like blogs and videos.

Student Life Centre

Our Student Life Centre team can help you with every aspect of student life including:

Finances
Accommodation
Exams and assessment
Academic procedures
Admissions
International queries
Disability and wellbeing
Confidential counselling service.

Your personal tutor can also signpost you to relevant support.

Students’ Union

City St George's Students' Union (SU) is an independent organisation run by students for students. The SU runs a wide range of events and is home to the SU Bar and Shop, music room, dance studios and meeting rooms. The team also provides welfare support for all students, with an open-door policy.

Want to join a sports team? Eager to try something new? We encourage you to take part in the wide range of sports, social and cultural activities and events on offer. From fencing to hockey, yoga to hiking, we have over 100 clubs and societies so you can be sure to find something that will interest you.

Our popular ‘Mums and Dads’ buddy scheme is organised by the Students’ Union. Every first year has the choice of being assigned a ‘parent’ from the year above in their respective course. The returning student acts as a go to for advice about courses and university life.

Students with children

Juggling study and parenthood can be difficult, particularly if you’re taking a demanding medical or healthcare degree. Our Student Parents and Carers Empowered (SPACE) society is a group run by studying parents that meets monthly to support each other and discuss how to balance family life with studying. For more information, email the SPACE society.

Study+

We’re here to help you develop the academic skills you need to succeed and make the most of our library collections.

Sessions and tutorials on literature searches, keyword searches and using databases
Training materials for academic planning, reading and writing to develop key transferable skills
1:1 meetings for a tailored approach to your academic support needs.

Apply for this course through UCAS (the University and College Admissions Service) by 14 January 2026 (for 2026 entry).

There are no upper age limits, so welcome applications from mature students.

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Application checklist

You must provide:

full details of your Level 2 (GCSE or equivalent) qualifications with grades
full details of your Level 3 (A Level or equivalent) qualifications with achieved/predicted grades
a personal statement (more information about this document is available on the UCAS website)
an academic reference from your current or most recent institutions with predicted grades

Deferred entry

We will consider applications from applicants who wish to defer entry by a year, provided you plan to use the time constructively. If you are offered a place on the course and subsequently decide to defer, you must inform us by 1 June of the year of application.

After application

Acknowledgement emails are sent out as soon as we receive your application. Please make sure that your email account is able to accept communications from City St George’s as we will mainly communicate with you via email.

Make your application stand out

Read our guidance for highlighting your skills and building a strong application.

Duration

Three years, full-time

Application Deadline

14 January 2026 (for 2026 entry)

UCAS Code

B120, institution code S49

Apply via UCAS

Healthcare Science (Physiological Sciences)

This course has places available through Early Clearing. Learn more and apply now.

Apply your skills on placement

Why City St George’s

Learn more about studying at City St George's

Course content

Expanding your expertise

Tuition fees

Clubs, Societies and Community Projects at St George's

Students' Union

Aviation & Space Medicine Society

Cheer & Gym Society

Afro-Caribbean Society

Marrow

Henry Gray Anatomy Society

Athena SWAN Student Network

Yoga Society

Craft Society

Vegan and Vegetarian Society

Catholic Society

Christian Union

Islamic Society

St George's Jewish Society

Entry Criteria: 2025 Entry

Entry Qualifications

Other Academic Requirements

Non-academic Requirements

Entry Criteria: 2026 Entry

Entry Qualifications

Other Academic Requirements

Non-academic Requirements

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

Placement

Apprenticeship

Teaching

Assessment

Expertise

Placements

Cynthia Simon

Stephanie Bayne

Martyn Bucknall

Career Profiles

LSF Travel and Accommodation Support

Facilities

Anatomy Suite

Pathology museum

Library and learning technology

IT facilities

Art of Living Suite

University of London

BLOOM @ Senate House

Senate House Library

Student support

Careers service

Cost of living

Disability support

The Graduate School

Induction programme

International student support

Mental health support

Personal academic tutor

Student Ambassador Scheme

Student Life Centre

Students’ Union

Students with children

Study+

Make your application stand out

Apply now

Duration

Application Deadline

UCAS Code

Why City St George’s 