PG Certificate (Postgraduate Certificate) Perfusion Science
Overview
This blended learning programme includes high-quality, research-led education that focuses on adult and paediatric perfusion principles and practice. This addresses both the academic and professional requirements to enable perfusionists to practice in Great Britain or Ireland.
The programme is specifically for Limited Registrant clinical perfusion scientists who have secured a post at an accredited cardiac centre in Great Britain or Ireland. Limited Registrants will usually have a primary perfusion qualification from overseas, and a minimum experience of 12 months post-qualifying experience, or be GB or Ireland accredited perfusionists who have not practised for 4 years or more.
It will equip you with enhanced knowledge, understanding and critical awareness of the current approaches and emerging research in the field. It includes:
- Advanced physiology of organs that are affected by cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) and thereby relevant to perfusion science.
- Composition and function of blood and implications of transfusion and use of CPB on function.
- Principles and practical aspects of the currently used techniques in adult and paediatric perfusion science.
The programme provides a firm theoretical grounding in the basic scientific principles and clinical applications of perfusion science. In conjunction with work-based practical training, this will provide you with the essential skills for employment or further qualifications in this field.
Programme structure
The MSc programme consists of three taught units and a work-based assessment.
- Anatomy and physiology of organs affected by CPB - theoretical aspects of anatomy and physiology relevant to Perfusion Science (20 credits)
- Adult CPB principles and practice - a comprehensive coverage of key topics related to the principles and the use of CPB (20 credits)
- Paediatric Perfusion and Circulatory Support - clinical problem of paediatric congenital heart (genomics, epidemiology, pathology, complications, surgical treatments). Strategies for organ retrieval and protection, the use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) and circulatory support (20 credits)
- Work-based assessment - The minimum number of supervised CPB training cases that a 'limited registrant' perfusionist is required to perform and log before being permitted to take the practical exam is according to the regulations of the College of Clinical Perfusionists Registration document and depends on the period of absence from perfusion practice (for example, at least 75 supervised cases following an absence of up to two years increasing to at least 150 cases following an absence of more than six years) (10 credits)
Students study by blended learning while working/training as Limited Registrant perfusionists in accredited hospitals in Great Britain or Ireland. In-person teaching is delivered in intensive study weeks in Bristol. Self-directed learning and assessments are undertaken remotely in allocated home study weeks.
Visit our programme catalogue for full details of the structure and unit content for our PG Certificate in Perfusion Science.
Entry requirements
Usually at least a lower second-class honours degree or equivalent in a science, medicine or clinical-related subject is required. However, non-standard applications will be considered taking into account previous academic qualifications and relevant professional experience. This course is specifically for Limited Registrant clinical perfusionist scientists to enable them to obtain full accreditation status as a perfusionist in Great Britain or Ireland. Applicants must have secured a clinical perfusion scientist Limited Registrant post at an accredited centre in Great Britain or Ireland. Limited Registrants will usually have a primary perfusion qualification from overseas, and a minimum experience of 12 months post-qualifying experience, or be GB or Ireland accredited perfusionists who have not practised for 4 years or more.
See international equivalent qualifications on the International Office website.
Read the programme admissions statement for important information on entry requirements, the application process and supporting documents required.
If English is not your first language, you will need to reach the requirements outlined in our profile level E.
Further information about English language requirements and profile levels.
Fees and funding
- UK: part-time
- £3,960 per year
- Overseas: part-time
- £9,600 per year
Fees are subject to an annual review. For programmes that last longer than one year, please budget for up to an 8% increase in fees each year.
More about tuition fees, living costs and financial support.
Bench fees
£1,000. Further information about bench feescan be found on our webpages. Confirmation of bench fees will be stated in the offer letter sent to applicants.
Funding for 2023/24
Further information on funding for prospective UK and international postgraduate students.
Career prospects
Completion of this programme allows graduates to practice as clinical perfusion scientists in Great Britain or Ireland.
Contact us
- Contact
- Enquiries Team
- Phone
- +44 (0) 117 394 1649
- choosebristol-pg@bristol.ac.uk
- Contact
- Dr Fiona Holmes, Programme Co-Director
- Phone
- +44 (0) 117 3423583
- perfusion-msc@bristol.ac.uk
- Faculties
- Schools
- Partnerships