Specialist Role Development in Cardiology

This advanced Level 7 cardiology module is designed for experienced cardiac professionals seeking to enhance their specialist expertise. The course combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills, covering cardiac anatomy and physiology (including heart dissection), pathophysiology, pharmacology, and comprehensive clinical topics from acute coronary syndromes to cardiovascular emergencies. Students develop critical appraisal skills, ECG and chest X-ray interpretation, and evidence-based decision-making abilities. Through lectures, seminars, and enquiry-based learning, you'll gain the knowledge and leadership skills needed to deliver high-quality, patient-centered care while advancing your professional development within cardiology specialisms.

Who is it for?

Registered healthcare professionals with at least 6-months of cardiac experience who are currently working in cardiac settings. This in-person module develops three key competencies: advanced clinical assessment and diagnostic skills (including ECG interpretation and haemodynamic management), evidence-based patient care across complex cardiac conditions.

Timetable

Benefits

This 15-credit Level 7 module enhances your specialist cardiology expertise while contributing to broader professional development through advanced clinical skills, evidence-based practice, and leadership competencies. The module can be studied as standalone CPD for immediate workplace application or as an elective within the MSc Advanced Clinical Practice, providing flexible pathways for career advancement and specialist roles within cardiology settings.

Content outline

The focus of the module is to explore the evidence base for contemporary practice within the speciality of cardiology. Therefore, the following topics will be covered:

Biology

Cardiac anatomy and physiology (including heart dissection)
Pathophysiology of heart disease and related pharmacology

Nursing

Assessment of the cardiovascular system
An introduction to rhythm recognition and 12-lead ECG interpretation
Chest x-ray and arterial blood gas interpretation
Principles of cardiac pacing
Haemodynamic management
Cardiac education / rehabilitation
Acute coronary syndromes
Heart failure
Endocarditis and valvular heart disease
Arrhythmias
Cardiovascular emergencies

Teaching

The module uses varied interactive teaching methods including lectures, seminars, discussion groups, and enquiry-based learning. Teaching includes guided reading sessions, pre-session reading assignments, and post-session quizzes to reinforce learning. The course features hands-on practical elements such as heart dissection and case-based learning activities. Self-directed study is supported through web-based resources and guided independent study tasks.

Assessment

Assessment combines formative and summative elements with a 80/20 split between coursework components. Students complete a formative cardiac patient case summary to build skills before formal assessment. The summative assessment consists of a 500-word essay plan (20%) and a 2,500-word care study (80%), both focusing on evidence-based practice and clinical application. The pass mark is 50% with detailed feedback provided on all assessments.

This course is provided by the School of Health & Medical Sciences.

Credits

This course is worth 15 credits toward eligible programmes.

Requirements

This Level 7 module requires six months of clinical experience in a cardiac setting and current employment within a cardiac area. Students must be registered professionals with existing cardiac experience, demonstrating professional competency in basic cardiovascular care.

Prior Knowledge

The module builds upon foundational knowledge including basic anatomy and physiology, clinical assessment skills, and understanding of care principles. Students should have familiarity with common cardiac conditions and medications, though these areas will be explored in greater depth throughout the course. Prior academic study experience is beneficial for managing the Level 7 academic demands, including critical analysis and evidence-based practice application.

Study Level

As a Level 7 postgraduate module, students need strong academic writing skills, ability to critically evaluate research literature, and capacity for independent learning. The course requires commitment to self-directed study alongside clinical practice, with expectation of applying theoretical knowledge to real-world cardiac nursing scenarios.

English requirements

For those students whose first language is not English the following qualification is also required:

• IELTS: 7.0

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