School of Pharmacy and Life Sciences

Graduate Diploma Respiratory Physiology

Graduate Diploma Part-time 2 years, Full-time 1 year

Designed to build on your existing degree and workplace experience, this course upskills graduates with transferable skills into Healthcare Science Practitioners specialising in Respiratory and Sleep Physiology within clinical settings.

Designed to build on your existing degree and workplace experience, this course upskills graduates with transferable skills into Healthcare Science Practitioners specialising in Respiratory and Sleep Physiology within clinical settings.

Award
Graduate Diploma
Start date(s)
14 September 2026,7 September 2026
UCAS Code
Course specifications
Course length
Part-time (2 years),Full-time (1 year)
Campus location
University: City Campus
UCAS points calculator

Why choose this course?

This professionally focused course combines academic study with integrated NHS workplace training to help you develop the specialist knowledge and practical skills needed for a career in Cardiac or Respiratory Physiology.

Designed in line with the NHS Modernising Scientific Careers initiative, the course is ideal for students with a relevant science background who want to build clinical competence in real healthcare environments. You will develop a strong understanding of healthcare and physiological sciences while gaining hands-on experience through NHS-supported placements.

Throughout the course, you will build the practical competencies, professional confidence and clinical skills required to work as a Healthcare Science Practitioner within modern healthcare settings.

What happens on the course?

This course combines academic learning with practical workplace experience to help you develop the knowledge, clinical competencies and professional skills needed for a career in Respiratory Physiology.

You will learn through a range of teaching methods including lectures, seminars, tutorials, workshops and problem-based learning activities. Teaching is designed to encourage discussion, critical thinking and collaboration, helping you build the communication and clinical decision-making skills required within multidisciplinary healthcare teams.

Teaching is delivered through a flexible blend of in-person and online learning. Each semester starts with an intensive block teaching week, followed by weekly classroom sessions designed to consolidate and build on your learning, supporting steady progression throughout the course.

Alongside your university studies, you will gain hands-on experience through workplace learning in NHS cardiac or respiratory departments. You will observe experienced practitioners, develop practical clinical techniques and complete a portfolio of competencies aligned with the National School of Healthcare Science Practitioner Training Programme.

Assessment methods are designed to reflect real healthcare practice and may include written assignments, presentations, case studies, examinations and practical assessments. Throughout the course, you will receive regular feedback and academic support to help you develop your confidence and progress in your studies.

Course materials, lecture recordings and learning resources are available through Canvas, the University’s virtual learning environment, giving you flexible access to support throughout your studies.

Placements on the course

Your clinical placement is carefully supported to ensure a high-quality learning experience. Placement providers are approved and trained, and you will be guided by a dedicated work-based assessor. A university lecturer will maintain regular contact with you and your placement, alongside weekly support sessions during the academic year to help you stay on track and achieve your competencies.

Employability on the course

This course is aligned with the NHS Modernising Scientific Careers initiative and is designed to prepare you for a career as a Healthcare Science Practitioner in Cardiac Physiology within NHS hospital trusts and wider healthcare settings.

You will develop the scientific knowledge, clinical competencies and professional skills needed to support the delivery and reporting of diagnostic tests and interventions that play an important role in patient care. Successful completion of the course and associated practice-based competencies provides eligibility to apply for registration with the Academy for Healthcare Science (AHCS).

Graduates may progress into a range of specialist and senior healthcare science roles, including quality assurance, management, education and advanced clinical practice. With further training and professional development, there are opportunities to progress into highly specialised and consultant-level roles within cardiac physiology.

Additional Information

Everything you need to know about this course!

At the University of Wolverhampton, you will be supported throughout every stage of your journey into Healthcare Science. This course combines academic learning with real-world NHS workplace experience, helping you develop the knowledge, practical skills and professional confidence needed for a successful career in Cardiac Physiology.

You will benefit from dedicated support from experienced academic staff, module leaders and a personal tutor who will guide your academic and professional development throughout the course. Learning resources, lecture materials and assessment support are available through Canvas, our virtual learning environment, giving you flexible access to your studies wherever you are.

As a Wolverhampton student, you will also have access to extensive University support services, including 24/7 library assistance, academic skills workshops, wellbeing support and tailored guidance for disabled students. Your workplace training will be supported by experienced NHS supervisors and quality-assured clinical placements to help you gain valuable hands-on experience in real healthcare settings.

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

  • Develop an advanced understanding of Healthcare Science and Cardiac Physiology
  • Apply scientific knowledge, analytical techniques and clinical skills within healthcare settings
  • Critically evaluate research, clinical data and evidence to support patient care and decision-making
  • Communicate complex information effectively to specialist and non-specialist audiences
  • Demonstrate problem-solving, independent learning and reflective professional practice
  • Apply the professional skills, initiative and decision-making required for a career in Healthcare Science

Location Mode Sep intake Fee Year
Home Full-time £9535 per year 2025-26
Home Full-time £9790 per year 2026-27
Home Part-time £4768 per year# 2025-26
Home Part-time £4895 per year# 2026-27
International Full-time £15995 per year 2025-26
International Full-time £17600 per year 2026-27

The University is committed to a transparent fee structure, with no hidden costs, to help you make an informed decision. This includes information on what is included in the fee and how fees are calculated and reviewed.


If a tuition fee is not showing, we may not offer this intake for this course. Please check the start date information on the course finder for start dates.

# Undergraduate part-time fees for 50% rate of study

Applicants will need an Honours degree in a related subject (normally 2:2 or above).

GCSE English and Mathematics at grade 4 / C+ or Key Skills Level 2 Communication or Key Skills Level 2 Application of Number will be required.   No other equivalences are accepted.

Applicants are required to hold a post in an appropriate NHS department to complete the clinical components of the course requirements and to be supported by a work-based supervisor to undertake the diploma who is appointed by their employer..

Self-funding:

If you intend to self fund, you might want to take advantage of the University’s scheme to pay by instalments: see How to pay.

Gateway.


Your employer, embassy or organisation can pay for your Tuition fees:

If your employer, embassy or organisation agrees to pay all or part of your tuition fees; the University will refer to them as your sponsor and will invoice them for the appropriate amount.

We must receive notification of sponsorship in writing as soon as possible, and before enrolment, confirming that the sponsor will pay your tuition fees.


Financial Hardship:

Students can apply to the Dennis Turner Opportunity Fund for help with course related costs however this cannot be used for fees or to cover general living costs.


Bursaries and Scholarships:

In addition the University also offers a range of Bursaries and Scholarships packages

You can find more information on the University’s Funding, cost, fee and support pages.

Please note that this course does not attract the NHS Learning Support Fund

Telephone

01902 32 22 22

Email

enquiries@wlv.ac.uk

Online

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