MSc Translational Cardiovascular Medicine
- MSc
- PG Certificate (Postgraduate Certificate)
- PG Diploma (Postgraduate Diploma)
Overview
Ranked 7th globally in the Times Higher Education subject rankings for research quality in medical and health subjects (THE 2026).
This programme teaches you about the translational research that drives our understanding of disease mechanisms and provides the evidence underpinning current and emerging clinical practices.
Why is this discipline important?
Around 620 million people are living with cardiovascular disease worldwide; and this is responsible for around 1 in 3 global deaths. Prevention and management of cardiovascular disease is therefore of paramount importance, and novel approaches are driven by innovative research in this exciting field.
Translational research
Our programme has a unique focus on translational (or 'bench-to-bedside') research. You will explore how laboratory researchers and clinicians work together to develop new treatments and interventions for cardiovascular disease. We are lucky to be part of the Bristol Heart Institute, a world-leading centre for translational cardiovascular research and one of the leading academic cardiac surgery centres in the UK. As a result, the programme is taught by a combination of non-clinical and clinical academics, providing a breadth of experience and perspectives. You will also have the opportunity to visit different clinical and research settings.
Research-rich teaching
Cardiovascular Disease is a major research focus in the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences. This cutting-edge cardiovascular research is embedded throughout the teaching on our programme, ensuring your learning is genuinely research-rich.
Skills development
Your personal development is an important aspect of our programme, and we encourage students to become inquisitive, confident and independent thinkers with strong critical judgement and problem-solving abilities; skills that are highly valued across clinical, scientific and industry careers.
Research experience
You will learn how research is conducted, including design of experimental and clinical studies, current research techniques and clinical skills, and how data is critically analysed and interpreted. You will then apply this knowledge to your own research project; using skills you've developed throughout the programme to write your research dissertation. Alumni report that critical research skills are the most valued for their future careers.
You have the option to study on campus or by online learning, full time or part time. The programme welcomes a diverse array of students with different subject backgrounds, including biosciences or clinical.
This MSc programme is available as an intercalated degree for current undergraduate students in medicine, dentistry or veterinary sciences from the University of Bristol or other universities. Find out more about our intercalated degrees and eligibility criteria.
Programme structure
The MSc programme consists of 6 taught units and a research project.
Visit our programme catalogue for full details of the structure and unit content for our MSc in Translational Cardiovascular Medicine.
Entry requirements
You will typically need an upper second-class honours degree or an international equivalent in a biological, health or medicine-related science subject, or medicine.
Examples of acceptable degrees include but are not limited to: Anatomy, Biochemistry, Biology, Biomedical Science, Cardiac Physiology, Clinical Sciences, Genetics, Healthcare Sciences, Life Sciences, Medical Science, Medicine, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Neuroscience, Perfusion Science, Physiology, Pharmacology, Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Science, Psychology, Vascular Science, Veterinary Sciences.
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 your achieved grade is lower than our entry requirements, your application may be more likely to receive an offer if you have additional relevant work experience or qualifications. If you have at least one of the following, please include your CV (curriculum vitae / résumé) when you apply, showing:
- evidence of relevant work experience, paid or voluntary which could include, but not be limited to, experience in a healthcare setting (ideally with links to cardiac science, cardiology or cardiac surgery), laboratory work (clinical or academic), academic work, medical writing or clinical trials; for a minimum of three months
- a postgraduate qualification.
Bench fees only apply to students who choose to take the optional lab-based project for the MSc award only.
This programme is available as an intercalated degree for current undergraduate medicine, dentistry or veterinary students from the University of Bristol or other universities. Find out more about our intercalated degrees and eligibility criteria.
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
- MSc - Home: full-time
- £15,800 per year
- MSc - Home: part-time (two years)
- £7,900 per year
- MSc - Overseas: full-time
- £37,300 per year
- PG Diploma - Home: full-time
- £12,640 per year
- PG Diploma - Home: part-time (two years)
- £6,320 per year
- PG Certificate - Home: part-time
- £6,320 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
£2,500. 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
Our MSc programme is suitable for a wide range of students: basic scientists from multiple disciplines, clinicians and allied health professionals (for example, radiologists, cardiac physiologists, perfusion scientists, and cardiac nurses).
Our graduates have used their advanced knowledge and critical research skills to secure PhDs, undertake additional training (for example, the NHS Scientist Training Programme, Clinical Perfusion or Graduate Medicine), or to enhance their existing career as allied health professionals or clinicians.
Other graduates have secured trainee NHS positions, for example, in echocardiography or cardiac physiology (depending on prior experiences), work for medical device companies, or in medical writing.
Contact us
- Contact
- Enquiries Team
- Phone
- +44 (0) 117 394 1649
- choosebristol-pg@bristol.ac.uk
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