All applicants must have GCSE (or equivalent) Maths and English at Grade C/4 or above.
Applicants should have an honours degree (1st or 2.1) in Cardiac Physiology (PTP) or relevant scientific subject in the UK or equivalent experience and appropriate underpinning knowledge and skills in cardiology. Applicants with overseas qualifications can check their comparability with the UK equivalent through
Ecctis, who provide an advisory service.
Entry routes
The direct entry route
A direct entry route is open to anyone with an Honours degree (1st or 2.1) in Cardiac Physiology (PTP) or a relevant scientific subject or equivalent experience and appropriate underpinning knowledge and skills in cardiology. As a direct entry applicant you can apply for posts advertised directly by any employer.
The in-service route
The in-service route is only open to existing NHS staff working in a cardiac department, who meet the qualification requirements and have been nominated by their employer. Your employer will apply for a post via the ‘Expressions of Interest’ survey and will be notified by the commissioners if successful. Your employer will need to evidence your suitability for the programme. If you currently work in the NHS but do not have the in-service arrangements in place, you can apply to the Echocardiography Training Programme via the direct entry route.
All applicants can contact the Programme Lead and University admissions team for further information.
In addition
Applicants who have not had their secondary or tertiary education through the medium of English, should have attained the equivalent of an IELTS score of at least 6.5 with a minimum of 5.5 in all four components.
Students will need to have access to a personal computer with good internet access.
Recommended IT equipment specifications for new students.
Conducting medical diagnostic tests (e.g. performing an Echo) requires the highest standards and we take seriously our commitment to enrol, and teach, only those students with the integrity needed to meet these requirements. Detailed information relating to the Medical Student Agreement, Fitness to Practise and students with disabilities can be found on the
University of Plymouth website.
A fitness to practise assessment prior to admission involves the following:
- A health assessment screening
- Screening for Hepatitis C, HIV and tuberculosis
- Hepatitis B screening and immunisation
- Satisfactory clearance under an enhanced disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service.
