This internationally recognised course is designed to train healthcare professionals to be the clinical leaders of the future by providing a mix of clinical and professional knowledge relevant to the practice of cardiology in contemporary healthcare.
Learning in key professional domains includes service leadership and development, research, commissioning and communication and teaching. The cardiology content of the programme provides comprehensive learning to meet the professional development needs of a wide range of practitioners working in cardiology including: doctors, nurses, paramedics, pharmacists, physiologists and radiographers.
The course aims to increase students’ practical and theoretical knowledge of advanced clinical and interventional cardiology, by promoting their exploration of the current evidence for diagnosis and treatment. The course seeks to enable the student to use this evidence toward good practice through focussing on the practical aspects of the care of common cardiac conditions from a medical and patient perspective. In addition, the course aims to promote a wider understanding of the differing profiles and contributory roles of the various health care professionals involved in the care of cardiac patients.
Most modules are assessed by means of a 3,000 word in-depth evaluation of a topic agreed by the student and module leader. The clinical modules are also assessed by means of an unseen written examination.
PGCert
PGDip
PGCert Modules PLUS
AND
OR
MSc
PGDip Modules
PLUS
On completion of the course, students will have a broad understanding of cardiovascular medicine combined with a portfolio of advanced research and leadership skills to support the development of specialist interest in cardiology and enhance career opportunities.
Help meet the ever growing need for cardiologists with an in-depth knowledge of Sports Cardiology in areas such as; the drive for a healthier lifestyle, the growing population of amateur athletes, with 2.5 million marathon runs per year in Europe, alone; and the commitment of sporting organisations to pre-participation screening.
Sports cardiology is a new but rapidly evolving subspecialty in cardiology. The Sports Cardiology Unit at St George’s NHS Foundation Trust is run by world-leading experts in this rapidly advancing area of medicine. This unique programme addresses the increasing demand for individuals with an in-depth knowledge of this discipline.
The programme is delivered in collaboration with an internationally renowned consortium, giving you access to expertise limited to only a few centres around the world. The active involvement of key figures from sporting organisations facilitates innovative educational projects, enhancing your practical experience and cultivating your leadership skills.
The programme offers access to state of the art equipment, cutting-edge research and top-level athletes. You will have the opportunity to gain a comprehensive range of expertise in Sports Cardiology and cement your practical skills for the evaluation of athletes of different demographics and sporting disciplines, as well as healthy sedentary young individuals and patients with heart disease.
- Taught by world leading experts in Sports Cardiology
- St George's has world-class research, clinical and teaching expertise
- Campus is co-located with a leading teaching hospital
- Institutional expertise in multi-professional education
- St George’s scored 92% overall student satisfaction in Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey 2014
- St George’s clinical research ranked 4th for impact
- St George's is ranked among the top 200 universities in the world according to the recent Times Higher Education World University Rankings
A formal MSc degree in sports cardiology conferred by a well-established and well published academic institution will set you apart from the potential competition and will provide you with unique employment opportunities within national health systems, sporting organisations and charitable organisations dedicated to sport and prevention of sudden cardiac death.
For more information and to apply visit: http://www.sgul.ac.uk/sportscardiology
This programme enables practitioners to gain a formally recognised standard of competence in their chosen area of Special Interest. It is taught and run by advanced clinicians, allied health professionals and service improvement specialists. It is designed for General Practitioners, Nurse Specialists and other medical professionals working in the specialty clinical environment.
There are four distinct versions of the Diploma, tailored to the following specialisms:
As a part-time diploma, this programme contains a large element of work-based learning. Attendance is only required for a total of eight study days on five separate occasions throughout the 18 months, so is accessible to students nationally.
This well established programme is delivered by The Ridge Training Ltd., as an external partner to the Faculty of Health Studies at the University of Bradford. This falls under the collaborative provision regulations, so although the Programmes are taught wholly by The Ridge, quality assurance and assessment are governed by the University of Bradford regulations.
The programme structure is specifically designed to encourage the development of the specialist practitioner role, by encouraging collaborative clinical work-based training between the practitioner and the clinical mentor. The issues of ethics and informed consent are an integrated part of the students’ daily practice, and it is implicit in all the modules that there is conformity to the usual standards and guidelines in these areas.
During the programme the emphasis is on critical thinking, reflective learning and the practice of evidence-based medicine. Students are enabled to directly apply their learning to their current and future roles.
Each module has a number of set learning outcomes, and it is up to you, together with your self-identified local clinical mentor, to identify your learning needs and generate the training plan to fulfil these learning outcomes. You will have a teaching day on the clinical content of each module, after which you will attend at least 14 sessions in suitable clinics of your choice over a period of 6 months (clinical attachment). At the end of this period you will have to demonstrate your competency in managing patients, and an ability to critically reflect on your own practice.
Any module can be selected as a standalone if students do not wish to complete the whole programme. On successful completion of their chosen modules students will be awarded a Certificate. Students who successfully complete all modules gain the Diploma, and will be able to progress to the MSc for Practitioners with Special Interest if they wish. Students who successfully complete the Diploma will have greater breadth of knowledge of cardiology than those who complete the Certificate.
Students will be learning at The Ridge premises, which are located at Cousen Road, Bradford. BD7 3JX.
This is a quality venue, well equipped and an easily accessible location.
Find out more on The Ridge website.
Access:
The Musculoskeletal Medicine with Rheumatology for Practitioners with a Special Interest version of the Diploma is endorsed by the Primary Care Rheumatology Society.
Each module is worth 30 level 7 credits; this nominally equates to 300 hours of work.
120 credits are required to achieve Diploma level.
Certificate level can be achieved by completion of Applied Methodology plus one or two clinical modules.
Cardiology specialism
The British Cardiology Society accredit this programme
There are 3 clinical modules, each takes 6 months to complete:
Plus a non-clinical module – Applied Methodology. The assignments for this can be completed across the 18 months.
MSK with Rheumatology
The Primary Care Rheumatology Society (PCR) endorse this programme.
There are 3 clinical modules, each takes 6 months to complete:
Plus a non-clinical module – Applied Methodology. The assignments for this can be completed across the 18 months.
Gynaecology
There are three clinical modules, each takes 6 months to complete:
Plus a non-clinical module – Applied Methodology. The assignments for this can be completed across the 18 months.
Diabetes
There are three clinical modules, each takes 6 months to complete:
Plus a non-clinical module – Applied Methodology. The assignments for this can be completed across the 18 months.
Students can access the extensive Study Support resources provided by the University.
See: Learning Resources
Further support offered by the University include:
Further programme specific support is provided:
Induction takes place on the first day of the teaching programme. Students are guided through an overview of their chosen programme and the Blackboard system, where all the relevant documents are placed.
The programme tutors and the programme co-ordinator are committed to supporting students as they progress. They provide advice and guidance for all students on all aspects of the course both academically, administratively and pastorally.
Students are able to access the programme co-ordinator and tutors via individual contact (face to face, email or telephone).
Students working at the MSc level are expected to liaise on a regular basis with their project supervisor.
We focus on research themes that have a direct impact on the quality of care.
Our research is locally and internationally significant, undertaken in collaboration with NHS and other partners.
This course is the first of its kind and recognises the growing need for additional clinical experts in providing ward-based patient care. It provides career and professional development and thus the increasing confidence and better patient care which additional knowledge and training provides.
It is delivered in the real world setting of the modern NHS so students are able to fully understand their future role.
Close working with NHS, exposure to clinical research trials some Industry sponsored.
There will be a varied menu of assessment methods used to reflect the experiential nature and learning outcomes of this course. Examples are:
Prof Gershan Davis is Professor in Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Central Lancashire/Consultant Cardiologist, North Cumbria University Hospitals NHS Trust. He is a Fellow of Royal College of Physicians (UK); Fellow of European Society of Cardiology; Fellow of Royal Australasian College of Physicians; Fellow of American College of Cardiology and Fellow of Higher Education Academy. He was previously Consultant Cardiologist, Director of CATH Lab and Lead for Cardiac CT, Aintree University Hospital, Liverpool and Hon Senior Lecturer in Medicine, University of Liverpool. Before joining UCLan he was the Third Year Undergraduate Lead for Liverpool University Students at Aintree University Hospital; taught Cardiology to undergraduate and postgraduate students and undertook postgraduate supervision for MD, MRes and MSc students and was examiner for University of Liverpool undergraduate and final year medical students.
His research interests include molecular aspects of obesity and obesity-related arrhythmia and medical education.
Dr Iwan Fletcher is a GP at Seascale Health Centre and Academic Fellow in Rural Medicine, University of Central Lancashire. Throughout his medical career, he has been actively involved in teaching and mentoring colleagues, medical students, allied health professionals and work experience students. This has included teaching practical skills for medical students completing a wilderness medicine module; supervising and assessing a group of Third Year medical students through their essential junior rotation in Psychiatry and helping to organise and teach on a number of sixth form summer schools.
His research interests include inpatient antipsychotic prescribing and Hepatitis B surveillance.
Dr Catherine Rollinson is a GP at Seascale Health Centre and Academic Fellow in Rural Medicine, University of Central Lancashire. Throughout her medical career, she has been actively involved in teaching medical students and peers.
Her research interests are focussed on pharmacology, in particular hormone resistance associated with obesity.
On successful completion of the MSc Hospitalist Medicine students may wish to progress to PhD or DProf study.
The Cardiovascular Research MSc offers an advanced theoretical and practical foundation in cardiovascular research. You will be taught by academic specialists who actively research the mechanisms that underlie human cardiovascular disease. This course is designed for biomedical science and medically qualified graduates who wish to pursue further academic studies or employment in a research environment.
The Cardiovascular Research MSc provides comprehensive theoretical and practical training in specialist technical skills.
Initially, you will explore Fundamental and Applied Cardiovascular Research modules as well Cardiovascular Skills before completing a research project and dissertation worth 90 credits. You will become part of a research team for approximately six months where you will design and conduct a research project under appropriate supervision.
You must study modules with a total of 180 credits to complete the programme. You will complete the course in one year, from September to September.
At the end of the course students will be able to: Evaluate and assimilate the scientific literature in a given subject area and to think critically about the results and methods. Devise a hypothesis that can be tested experimentally. Analyse data, appreciate the value of reproducibility of data and draw valid conclusions. Collect data and apply appropriate methods to test a hypothesis. Develop an ability to comprehend and synthesise complex information. Organize a work-schedule, stick to deadlines, and prioritize activities. Communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and through writing.
Full details of the programme can be found in the booklet which contains the major part of the course handbook.
Teaching
We use lectures, seminars and group tutorials to deliver most of the modules on the course. You will also be expected to undertake 700 hours of independent study.
Assessment
You will be assessed through a combination of coursework, examinations and a dissertation.
The study time and assessment methods detailed above are typical and give you a good indication of what to expect.
Location
This course is primarily taught at the King’s College London Waterloo campus. The projects will be in the supervisors’ laboratories, which can be on Waterloo, Guys, St Thomas’ or Denmark Hill campuses
Please note that locations are determined by where each module is taught and may vary depending on the optional modules you select.
Regulating body
King’s College London is regulated by the Higher Education Funding Council for England.
PhD, laboratory-based research career in academia or industry, other science-related careers. Medical graduates often subsequently pursue a specialism in cardiology.
Cardiovascular diseases remain a major cause of death and ill health worldwide. This established MSc programme, taught by scientists and clinicians who are leaders in their field, offers students the opportunity to learn about topical areas in cardiovascular science, preparing them for further research or a career in industry.
Students will develop a detailed knowledge of molecular and cellular cardiovascular science, animal models of cardiovascular disease, microvascular biology and mechanisms by which the heart and vasculature function in health and disease, as well as laboratory and statistical methods. They will gain valuable research skills and an awareness of the ethical, legal and social aspects of developments in cardiovascular disease.
Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.
The programme consists of five core modules (90 credits), two optional modules (30 credits) and the research project (60 credits).
Core modules
Optional modules
30 credits of optional modules drawn from the following:
Clinical Cardiology is an academic MSc module rather than a standard clinical placement. The emphasis is on appreciating the impact of advances in cardiovascular science upon clinical practice.
Dissertation/research project
All MSc students undertake an independent research project which culminates in a dissertation of 10,000-12,000 words and an oral presentation (60 credits).
Teaching and learning
The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars, presentations, tutorials, journal clubs, a quiz, statistical and laboratory practicals and anatomical examination of human congenital heart disease specimens. Assessment is through written and oral examinations, coursework essays, case reports, journal club and other oral presentations and the dissertation.
Further information on modules and degree structure is available on the department website: Cardiovascular Science MSc
All graduates of this programme will be well placed for a PhD in this field and a career in research, and will have a sound basis for entry into the pharmaceutical industry.
Basic scientists may use the MSc as a stepping-stone to MBBS studies. The programme also provides an excellent training for related fields such as scientific journalism and in areas requiring critical appraisal of complex data.
Recent career destinations for this degree
Employability
In addition to the academic insight into cardiovascular science, this programme supports the development of a wide range of skills which students will use at work.
Oral and written communication skills are enhanced. Writing essays and the research project dissertation involves searching the literature, selection and interpretation of publications, and organisation of complex ideas into the final report.
Learning activities in the statistics module develop quantitative analytical skills.
Students undertake group and independent projects. They gain insight into research planning and time management. They are supported by a personal tutor and informed by careers events and UCL Careers.
Careers data is taken from the ‘Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education’ survey undertaken by HESA looking at the destinations of UK and EU students in the 2013–2015 graduating cohorts six months after graduation.
The UCL Institute of Cardiovascular Science brings together world-leading scientists and clinicians working in cardiovascular research to conduct innovative research for the prevention and treatment of diseases of the heart and circulation, and provide world-class teaching and training, and forward-thinking policy development.
UCL has one of the largest, most dynamic cardiovascular research bases in the UK. This interdisciplinary programme is taught in collaboration with UCLH, the Institute of Ophthalmology, the Institute of Child Health, Great Ormond Street Hospital and Barts Heart Centre, offering students access to a world-leading community at the forefront of cardiovascular research.
The Research Excellence Framework, or REF, is the system for assessing the quality of research in UK higher education institutions. The 2014 REF was carried out by the UK's higher education funding bodies, and the results used to allocate research funding from 2015/16.
The following REF score was awarded to the department: Institute of Cardiovascular Science
80% rated 4* (‘world-leading’) or 3* (‘internationally excellent’)
Learn more about the scope of UCL's research, and browse case studies, on our Research Impact website.
Physician Associates are skilled members of the health care team who are qualified to provide a wide range of medical services in practice with a licensed physician. Training as a Physician Associate allows you to develop and direct your healthcare career in a primary care setting or almost any medical specialty. This flexibility is unique to the Physician Associate role and makes it an exciting new career choice. Physician Associate training is based on a ‘fast track’ medical school model that was developed in the U.S in 1965.
UK/EU Physician Associate students may be eligible for a bursary to cover a proportion of their fees. Find out more under 'fees and additional costs'.
Our MSc in Physician Associate Studies is delivered within the University’s Institute of Medical Sciences at the Medway campus where students have the added benefit of training in a specialist facility with qualified medical practitioners engaged in postgraduate education and research.
You will spend a significant portion of the first year in the simulation suite learning hands on skills. The simulation suite is equipped with mock wards as well as a surgical suite with anesthesia and laparoscopic equipment. Highly sophisticated human simulation models will be used in the teaching of hands on skills to prepare you for your second year clinical based modules.
The Physician Associate role was introduced in the UK in 2003. Physician Associates are now recognised as skilled and valued members of the health care profession. The newly qualified Physician Associate post has been evaluated under the NHS Agenda for change at Band 7 with potential to advance to Band 8 with experience and advanced education.
Physician Associates can perform medical history and physical examinations, screen and interpret results of diagnostic studies, diagnose patients, implement treatment plans, counsel patients regarding illness and preventative medicine and facilitate access to appropriate health care resources.
As with many types of medical providers, duties of a Physician Associate will depend on the medical setting where they work, their level of experience, their specialty and their supervising physician.
Physician Associates may provide care to individuals across the age spectrum in a variety of healthcare settings. More information on the Physician Associate profession and salary may be found on the Royal College of Physicians Physician Associate Faculty web page.
Suitability
The course is aimed at people interested in pursuing a healthcare career in a primary care setting or almost any medical specialty.
It is designed for people with a strong science background. Please see more details under 'Further entry requirements'.
Content
he Physician Associate curriculum begins with a year of rigorous medical science, pharmacology and clinical reasoning taught by a qualified team of specialist physicians and Physicians Associates. One day per week in the first year is spent in a general practice clinical setting. The second year is comprised of six specialist clinical placements and intensive classroom teaching in advanced skills and concepts.
Upon successful completion of the MSc in Physician Associate Studies*, you are eligible to take the National Exam for Physician Associates and be part of the Physician Associate Managed Voluntary Registry (PAMVR) which allows you to be employed by the NHS. The profession is currently working towards regulation in the UK and is overseen by the Royal College of Physicians Physician Associate Faculty.
All modules are taught using a combination of teaching methods, including lectures, problem based learning, short case review and hand on/skills practice.
Lecture, practice based learning, case review and skills application are incorporated in each module to ensure students assimilate clinical knowledge and skills in all areas.
What can I do next?
Physician Associates in the UK work in a wide variety of healthcare settings which include:
• GP surgeries
• Accident and Emergency departments
• Inpatient medical and surgical wards
• Trauma and Orthopaedics
• Mental Health
• Paediatrics
• Hospital Operating Theatres
The MSc in Physician Associate Studies is delivered within the University’s Institute of Medical Sciences (IMS) at the Medway campus which has a growing reputation for expertise in medical education and research.
The Institute houses a fully equipped clinical simulation suite enabling clinicians to develop skill and expertise using specialised endoscopic surgical equipment, cardiology diagnostics or otorhinolaryngological techniques and procedures.
The teaching team is comprised of specialists in Cardiology, M.H, Endocrinology, Ear Nose and Threat (ENT), Paediatrics, Geriatrics, Emergency Medicine, Orthopaedics, GU, GI, WH, SH, Anaesthesia/Pain, GP, Neurology and Genetics
Attendance
The Physician Associate Studies programme is full time, Monday – Friday, 8:30am – 5pm for 45 – 47 weeks per year.
The programme is very challenging and demanding, therefore we caution students who plan to work while enrolled on the course.
Funding
To be confirmed, please enquire
This Postgraduate Diploma has been designed to enable you to develop the skills required to become a competent and confident Physician Associate (PA). The programme of study provides an opportunity for you to develop mastery in a range of core PA qualities for example; holistic assessment techniques and appropriate therapeutic interventions, with the ability to diagnose and or manage an agreed range of clinical problems.
The programme aims to develop you to be a flexible and adaptable practitioner, enabling you to engage in new ways of working in relation to health care priorities and to lead and develop practice to ensure high quality patient care delivery. Physician Associates are pivotal to the provision of optimal, higher level care delivery in current and future health arenas; to contribute to this agenda the programme has been designed to develop your core PA characteristics as a critical enquirer and a professional with confidence and competence to challenge, lead and innovate at different levels of care delivery, within a dynamic, inter-professional health care context.
You may go on to specialise in a range of areas including surgery, emergency medicine or primary care.
The programme has been developed in response to identified and anticipated demands for increasing the number PA’s with advanced skills and critical understanding. For the award of the Postgraduate Diploma you will study six 20 credit modules which will include an option module for study in an area of your choice.
You will also be able to select an elective module form a range of topics. You will have an opportunity to develop your practice skills in a range of clinical settings.
Placements
Physician Associate’s are required to work mainly 9.00 am -5.00 pm Monday – Friday, however on occasions they may work outside of these hours including evenings, nights, weekends and Bank Holidays if required. You will be working alongside medical staffing and the shift patterns they work too.
This course aims to meet professional development needs in the field of Physician Associate Studies. The programme has been designed in collaboration with clinical stakeholders, service users and carers and members of the Faculty of Education, Health and Wellbeing academic team, which has over many years provided Continuing Professional Development (CPD) programmes for a range of healthcare staff.
It is envisaged that medical colleagues will work in partnership with academic staff who have achieved advanced professional qualifications and who are now subject specialists involved in advisory and research roles; locally, regionally, nationally and internationally.
There will be contributions in modules from the Medical Professoriate who are actively involved in research that is influencing care in local, regional, national and international arenas.
Use of the new and highly innovative Physician Associate Laboratory featuring some world-leading technology to help explore anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology. This includes an 'Anatomage Table’ which allows digital dissection of gross anatomy and human (and animal) body system specific images.
The Faculty of Education Health and Wellbeing series of seminars and lectures spans education, sport, care, psychology health and wellbeing, bringing you a variety of engaging speakers and experts from the University of Wolverhampton and many other UK universities, visit http://www.wlv.ac.uk/fehw/lectures
Following graduation form the course you may be able to apply for an internship at one of the local, regional or national healthcare providers which are designed as a period of employment following qualification within which the Physician Associate receives a higher level than normal of supervision and clinical experience. It provides an opportunity to consolidate your learning from initial training and demonstrate its translation into competence in practice.
Physician Associates have been employed locally in the Midlands as follows:
Dudley Group of Hospitals Russells Hall Hospital
George Eliot Hospital
Sandwell and West Birmingham/ City Hospital
Solihull and Birmingham Mental Health
Mid Staffordshire Stafford
University Hospitals Birmingham Queen Elizabeth Hospital
Birmingham Children’s Hospital
Education Opportunities
Following completion of the Postgraduate Diploma you would be able to progress to one of our Top-up Masters Awards such as MSc Health and Social Care or a Professional Doctorate programmes
Cardiac Arrhythmias management is rapidly developing as a subspecialty within cardiology that is devoted to the diagnosis and the treatment of cardiac rhythm disorders, including invasive evaluation of their mechanisms, controlled destruction of arrhythmogenic myocardium by percutaneous catheters, and implantation of cardiac rhythm management devices.
Catheter ablation is the therapy of choice for most supraventricular tachycardias (over 100 000 interventions performed every year in Europe). Device implantation for arrhythmia treatment, sudden death prevention, and cardiac resynchronization are practiced regularly nowadays (performed in more than 200 000 patients in Europe per year). The increase in the indications and the number of all of these procedures depicts the present scenario by emerging indications, an increasing number of invasive procedures, and the establishment of new practicing units and professionals. Nevertheless, these procedures require cardiologists with comprehensive knowledge of cardiac arrhythmias disorders and who are trained in cardiovascular catheter manipulation, heart electrical signal recording and interpretation, and device implantation and follow-up to ensure both patient's safety and quality.
Thus, it appears to be imperative to promote and ensure sufficient and homogeneous training and qualification in cardiac arrhythmias management amongst these professionals.
During the clinical training year, time is available to complete research projects and undertake smaller projects including case reports. Our fellows typically publish two to three peer reviewed publications during their clinical year and complete prior research projects. We encourage individuals without significant electrophysiology experience in their fellowship to participate in a comprehensive program that involves research and extended clinical training for two to three years (PhD program).
- Hands-on Training and Clinical Practice (20 ECTS credits)
- Research (20 ECTS)
- Self-study (10 ECTS)
- Congress Participation and Publications (4 ECTS)
- Interdisciplinary Seminars Physiology and Electrophysiology (3 ECTS)
- Weekly Seminars Hearth Rhythm Management Centre (3 ECTS)
At the end of the postgraduate course a certificate for a ‘Postgraduate in Cardiac Electrophysiology and Pacing’, signed by the rector of the Vrije universiteit brussel, will be handed out by the institute for Postgraduate Training of the Vrije universiteit brussel (iPAVub).
