Overview

This blended learning programme integrates academic knowledge and understanding of perfusion science with both the needs of the working professional clinical perfusion scientist and the demands of professional registration with the Society of Clinical Perfusion Scientists of Great Britain and Ireland (SCPS).

This programme is only available to students who have secured a clinical perfusion scientist trainee position with an accredited hospital training centre in Great Britain or Ireland. Successful completion of the programme will lead to accreditation as a clinical perfusion scientist by the SCPS.

The MSc in Clinical Perfusion Science provides a high-quality, research-led education that will equip you with enhanced knowledge, understanding and critical awareness of the current approaches and emerging research relating to perfusion science. It will cover:

  • Academic and research skills training, including study design and data analysis.
  • Advanced physiology and disease states of blood and organs that are affected by cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) and thereby relevant to perfusion science.
  • Detailed knowledge regarding pathobiology, epidemiology and symptoms of cardiovascular diseases (coronary artery disease, vascular disease, heart and valve disease, paediatric heart disease) and their current treatments.
  • Principles and practical aspects of currently used techniques in adult and paediatric perfusion science.
  • Key elements of a well-designed research project.

The programme provides a firm theoretical grounding in the basic scientific principles and clinical applications of perfusion science. In conjunction with work-based practical clinical training, this will provide you with the essential skills for employment or further qualifications related to this field.

This programme requires students to attend lectures, tutorials, workshops and in person exams in intensive study weeks in Bristol (4 times per year). Online and self-directed learning and assessments (apart from in person exams) are undertaken remotely in allocated distance learning study weeks.

Programme structure

The MSc in Clinical Perfusion Science consists of six taught units (one of which includes the work-based clinical practice and assessment), and a research project.

This part-time programme requires students to attend lectures, tutorials and workshops in intensive study weeks in Bristol (4 times per year including in person exams), combined with allocated distance learning weeks.

Visit our programme catalogue for full details of the structure and unit content for our MSc in Clinical Perfusion Science.

Entry requirements

You will typically need an upper second-class honours degree or an international equivalent in a science or medicine-related subject.

To be successful in your application, you must have secured a Clinical Perfusion Scientist trainee position at an accredited training centre in Great Britain or Ireland.

If you are currently completing a degree, we understand that your final grade may be higher than the interim grades or module/unit grades you have achieved during your studies to date.

We will consider your application if your interim grades are currently slightly lower than the programme's entry requirements and may make you an aspirational offer. This offer would be at the standard level, so you would need to achieve the standard entry requirements by the end of your degree.

We will also consider your application if your final overall achieved grade is slightly lower than the programme's entry requirement. If you have at least one of the following, please include your CV (curriculum vitae / résumé) when you apply, showing details of your relevant qualifications:

  • evidence of relevant work experience in a medical profession, or with a scientific background.
  • a relevant postgraduate qualification in a science or medicine-related subject.

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.

Go to admissions statement

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

Home: part-time (two years)
£6,000 per year
Overseas: part-time (two years)
£14,520 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

£1,080. Further information about bench fees can be found on our webpages. Confirmation of bench fees will be stated in the offer letter sent to applicants.

Alumni discount

University of Bristol students and graduates can benefit from a 25% reduction in tuition fees for postgraduate study. Check your eligibility for an alumni discount.

Funding and scholarships

Further information on funding for prospective UK and international postgraduate students.

Career prospects

Completing this programme will accredit trainees to practise as clinical perfusion scientists in GB and Ireland.