*Subject to Validation and accreditation by Medical Education England
This is an ideal course for a student seeking employment in the health service performing technical medical measurements on patients with diseases and conditions that require diagnosis or monitoring to establish the efficacy of treatments being offered or surgical options. City of Westminster College has a long history of providing training in this area. Courses at City of Westminster College are delivered by experienced and respected clinical specialists in these fields. We believe that these programmes offer excellent value for money in a central London location with excellent public transport links.
What does the course include?
City of Westminster College have a long history and excellent reputation of training healthcare scientists in the fields of cardiology, respiratory physiology and neurology through the provision of BSc Clinical Physiology programmes. Many of our students are now in senior positions running services throughout the country. The BSc Healthcare Science programme is the new training route for students to enter careers within the healthcare science and to become healthcare science practitioners. The BSc Healthcare Science programme is consequently also referred to as the Practitioner Training Programme (PTP). The new initiative is part of the government plan for Modernising Scientific Careers. BSc Healthcare Science degree at City of Westminster College has been specifically written and designed to comply with the requirements of the Modernising Scientific Careers. City of Westminster College will offer (subject to validation) the BSc Healthcare Science in three disciplines: cardiology, respiratory physiology and neurology.
For all three clinical disciplines students will begin by studying modules that provide an introduction to underpinning knowledge of topics such as how the body works, how chemicals are involved in life processes and how the body protects itself against microorganisms. Students will also be introduced to professional and study skills and in addition will choose to study modules related to their future clinical practice. Later modules build on this level of knowledge through the applications of research and clinical practice. Placements feature prominently in the study experience in years two and three where students will also be introduced to more advanced level studies in their chosen clinical field and aspects such as pathophysiology and instrumentation. Students will also be expected to complete an honours project in their final year.
City of Westminster College has excellent contacts within the healthcare sector in this field and a team of highly experienced clinical staff who have delivered this programme for many years. We therefore believe that City of Westminster College provides an ideal, and we believe the best value for money option, to study for current entry into these professional clinical areas and for future careers within the national health service.
What do you need to get on to the course?
The BSc Healthcare Science is a higher education course. Applicants are required to have the equivalent of 240 UCAS points to gain entry on to this course and are required to be able to evidence achievement at level 2 literacy and level 2 numeracy; this is the equivalent level of GCSE. Students would also be expected to have successfully studied at level 3 science within the last five years, although a suitable foundation level qualification may also be acceptable. For students whose first language is not English evidence of ability with the English language is required at IELTS level 6, or higher. In addition, all students must also be able to evidence the right to study within the UK and be able to comply with CRB and health checks that may be required to attend placements.
The interview process
Students will be required to attend an interview prior to being accepted onto the course. This will take a semi-structured approach where set questions are asked of applicants. Answers provided by candidates may then be followed up with further questioning. This is a general interview to assess interest and suitability for the course. During the interview course information will also be provided and the applicant will be given the opportunity to ask questions about the BSc Healthcare Science programme.
How is the course assessed?
Assessment for this programme reflects its applied nature and application to industry. Students are therefore assessed using a variety of methods which include practical skills and written assessments. Written assessments may take the form of examinations and coursework, including longer pieces of work such as projects. Other forms of assessment may also be used such as workplace assessment and presentations. In the final year students will be expected to complete an honours project.
Where does it lead?
Students gaining a BSc Healthcare Science (neurology / cardiology / respiratory) can seek employment within these clinical fields in either national health service or private health service areas. Further training can then be sought through the Specialist Training Programme for career advancement.
Where is it based?
This course will be delivered in the classrooms and science laboratories based at the Paddington Green Campus of the City of Westminster College.
For further information and to apply:
If you wish to apply for this course, please do so by completing a College application form.
If you need help before choosing your course, please contact Jamie O'Hara at jamie.o'hara@cwc.ac.uk or our Information Centre or come along to one of our Open days.
For further information on HE fees please click here.