This course equips you for opportunities to work as a researcher, R&D scientist or if you take the integrated placement route as a healthcare science practitioner in the NHS. You can use this course to work towards one of two possible degree titles: BSc (Hons) Physiological Science BSc (Hons) Healthcare Science The Physiological Sciences course builds on your existing knowledge of chemistry/biology to give you a thorough understanding of how the body functions and how cells, tissues and organs work together. Depending on your choice of modules, and the availability of suitable placements, it may be possible to switch from Physiological Sciences to Healthcare Science. This is the accredited training programme for working in the NHS as a healthcare science practitioner either in cardiac physiology or audiology. Sunderland scores highly in science; the most recent review by the Quality Assurance Agency awarded biology the highest possible score of 24 out of 24, and physiology was awarded 23 out of 24. The University provides excellent facilities in our modern Sciences Complex and the quality of our analytical science equipment is outstanding among UK universities.

Your career options will vary according to the title of your final degree. BSc (Hons) Physiological Sciences Employment prospects are very good for Sunderland graduates in subjects allied to medicine. According to Unistats 2012, the vast majority (94%) of our graduates in jobs within six months are in graduate level roles, which means higher pay and better prospects. Around nine out of ten are classed as ‘health professionals’. Potential employers include the NHS, medical research institutions, clinical laboratories, drug companies, molecular biology companies and other organisations where a strong science background is an advantage. BSc (Hons) Healthcare Science (Cardiac Physiology/Audiology) If you choose this degree you will be well-prepared to apply for roles as a healthcare science practitioner within the NHS, with a specialism in cardiac physiology or audiology. Our course provides significant amounts of work-based learning, with unpaid placements amounting to 10 weeks in Year 1, 15 weeks in Year 2 and 25 weeks in Year 3. NHS salaries for staff working in healthcare science range from around £21,000 to around £80,000 per year. At entry level, the work involves obtaining diagnostic data from patients and working as part of a multidisciplinary team that also includes doctors, nurses and radiographers. Experience The University of Sunderland is committed to ensuring that every student has an impressive range of opportunities to enhance their CV and gain valuable experience. CV-enhancing opportunities include: Work placements Graduate internships Studying abroad Student Ambassador Scheme Mentoring Starting your own business Student jobs and volunteering Careers advice.