Postgraduate taught programme
PgCert
Clinical Echocardiography
Developed in response to Health Education England’s drive to increase trained echocardiographers, this PgCert combines hands-on learning in diverse clinical settings, simulated practice and expert-led teaching.About
Echocardiography is a growing and rewarding profession. With demand for skilled echocardiographers continuing to rise, there has never been a better time to pursue a meaningful career in this exciting field.
This PgCert programme combines practical simulation training and specialist teaching to develop your clinical, technical and analytical skills. Through a blend of academic study and hands-on learning, you will gain the knowledge, competence and confidence needed to perform echocardiographic examinations and support high-quality patient care.
Learn from practising experts
Benefit from teaching delivered by experienced echocardiography practitioners, consultants and specialist academics, bringing current clinical expertise into the classroom and simulated learning environment.
Develop skills through hands-on learning
Build confidence and competence through a blend of practical placement experience, echocardiography simulation and interactive teaching designed to support clinical skill development.
Prepare for professional practice
Follow a structured and progressive curriculum that develops the knowledge, practical skills and professional behaviours required for a career in echocardiography and progression towards accreditation.
Details
Programme overview
This 60-credit programme develops your knowledge and practical skills in clinical echocardiography and ultrasound imaging in cardiac disease. You will study two core modules across two semesters, with each semester beginning with a two-week immersive learning period. You will then combine one day of formal learning with four days of work-based practice each week, allowing you to apply your learning in a clinical setting.
Core modules
BHCS700
Introduction to Clinical Echocardiography
This introductory module in semester 1 begins with 2-week induction and immersive skills training. This familiarises the student with university working and begins the teaching of echo skills. This is followed by teaching and learning in echo roles, principles and application in normal physiology and pathophysiology. This will involve traditional and experiential learning using the simulation equipment.
BHCS701
Ultrasound Imaging in Cardiac Disease
This follow up module also begins with a 2-week immersive skills and development training consisting of traditional and experiential learning. It then builds on learning in the Introduction to Clinical Echocardiography module to focus on the roles and application of echo in simple and complex pathophysiology encompassing all cardiac disease that is detectable by echo. This includes how to perform echo in pressurised and challenging environments.
Pathway to BSE Accreditation
This programme provides a strong foundation for aspiring echocardiographers and supports progression towards British Society of Echocardiography (BSE) accreditation. Following graduation and the completion of the required practical experience, graduates may be eligible to apply for accreditation. Please note that BSE accreditation is separate from the programme and additional fees apply.
Careers, industry and research
Developing the skills for clinical practice
What you'll learn during the year:
Clinical knowledge and technical expertise
Develop advanced knowledge and understanding of echocardiography, including the scientific principles, technologies and methodologies that underpin contemporary clinical practice.
Practical skills and professional competence
Build the clinical, technical and communication skills needed to perform echocardiographic examinations, analyse findings and contribute effectively to patient care and cardiac diagnostics.
Career and professional development
Gain the critical thinking, problem-solving and clinical decision-making skills required for professional practice, career progression and future development within the field of echocardiography.
Your pathway to a rewarding clinical career
Combining hands-on clinical experience with specialist teaching, this programme will prepare you to make a meaningful contribution to patient care. As an echocardiographer, you will support the early detection, diagnosis and management of cardiovascular disease, helping patients access timely and effective treatment.
Career pathways extend across the healthcare sector, with opportunities in primary and secondary care settings within both the NHS and private healthcare.
Professional-standard equipment and facilities
Train in dedicated echocardiography facilities with advanced imaging equipment and immersive simulator-based learning, designed to reflect contemporary clinical practice.
Supported by the University's recent £300,000 investment in new echocardiography technology, you will gain hands-on experience using a range of imaging modalities, including 2D and 3D echocardiography, colour flow Doppler, contrast echocardiography and bubble studies.
Learn from experienced healthcare professionals
We pride ourselves on our innovative curriculum with an experienced, research-active teaching team, bringing with them a wealth of knowledge and clinical experience into the classroom, which you will apply in clinical practice.
Ms Cherith Wood
Lecturer in Cardiovascular Physiology
Postgraduate student life
Postgraduate study at the University of Plymouth is about more than just getting a qualification – it’s a chance to explore your subject in greater depth, challenge yourself intellectually, and grow both personally and academically.
With a supportive learning environment and flexible study options – including part-time and January start dates – you can shape your studies around your personal and professional commitments. Our supportive teaching, and welcoming student community, means you’ll be part of an environment that encourages curiosity, collaboration and independent thinking. Whether you're continuing from undergraduate study or returning to education, Plymouth offers the space, resources and inspiration to help you thrive.
The University takes every single step to ensure that students are supported. There are continuous workshops on referencing, a writing café and peer-supported learning sessions. Furthermore, lecturers are generally aware and sensitive to transitioning to university therefore they are always offering support when needed.
Joyita
Postgraduate student
Postgraduate student
Your Plymouth community
At the University of Plymouth, you get the same access to support, sports and societies as undergraduate students. That means everything available to undergraduates is open to you too, whether it’s joining a sports club, attending events, taking part in student societies, or accessing health and wellbeing services.
You’re a full member of the Plymouth community, and that comes with all the benefits. So take advantage of what’s on offer – get involved, stay connected and make the most of your time here.
Enrich your studies with a society
Postgraduate study is about more than academic achievement. Joining a society is a great way to connect with other students, build friendships, develop new interests, and create a healthy balance alongside your studies.
Whether you're looking to meet people with similar interests, try something new, expand your professional network, or simply take a break from academic commitments, there's a society for everyone.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
Tuition fees for UK students starting in
Part-time study
£7,575 per year
£7,575 per year
Tuition fees for UK students starting in
Part-time study
£7,800 per year
£7,800 per year
Tuition fee price changes
Our fees are reviewed on an annual basis. Fees and the conditions that apply to them are the most up to date but are still subject to change in exceptional circumstances. More information about
Fees and costs of studying .
Tuition fees for part-time international students starting in
Part-time study
£7,575 per year
£7,575 per year
Tuition fees for part-time international students starting in
Part-time study
£7,800 per year
£7,800 per year
Tuition fee price changes
Our fees are reviewed on an annual basis. Fees and the conditions that apply to them are the most up to date but are still subject to change in exceptional circumstances. More information about
fees and costs of studying .
UK Government announcement on tuition fees
The UK Government has announced that a levy on tuition fee income in the region of 6% of an international student’s tuition fees may be introduced. If implemented, the University reserves the right to increase your tuition fees accordingly. The Government has made it clear that it has not officially decided on its stance and it is possible that the eventual levy amount or arrangements may differ from the initial proposal. Therefore, the University reserves the right to adjust tuition fees in accordance with the Government’s final position on this levy.
We understand that clarity around tuition fees is important when planning your studies. Therefore, please note that the tuition fee shown on this page may change as a result of the introduction of a levy. We advise you to monitor this page regularly to stay informed of any updates to your tuition fees.
Tuition fee levy
The UK Government has announced that a levy on tuition fee income in the region of 6% of an international student’s tuition fees may be introduced. If implemented, the University reserves the right to increase your tuition fees accordingly. The Government has made it clear that it has not officially decided on its stance and it is possible that the eventual levy amount or arrangements may differ from the initial proposal. Therefore, the University reserves the right to adjust tuition fees in accordance with the Government’s final position on this levy.
We understand that clarity around tuition fees is important when planning your studies. Therefore, please note that the tuition fee shown on this page may change as a result of the introduction of a levy. We advise you to monitor this page regularly to stay informed of any updates to your tuition fees.
Additional costs
This course is delivered by the Faculty of Health. Studying a course in this faculty may incur additional costs relating to placement activities or equipment requirements.
Postgraduate Masters Loans (PGML)
You may be eligible to apply for a Postgraduate Masters Loan to help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate masters course.
Tuition fee discount for University of Plymouth graduates
If you studied your undergraduate degree at Plymouth, you may be eligible for a fee discount if you complete your postgraduate studies here as well.
- 10% or 20% discount on tuition fees for home students
Supporting students with the cost of living
The cost of living in the UK has risen faster than household income, meaning that most people will have less to spend on essential goods and services. This is an ongoing situation that is likely to affect everyone in some way.
The University provides advice and guidance and has a range of services, facilities and offers to help students with rising everyday costs.
Apply
Entry requirements
All applicants must have GCSE (or equivalent) Maths and English at Grade C/4 or above.
Applicants should have an honours degree (1st or 2.1) in Cardiac Physiology (PTP) or relevant scientific subject in the UK or equivalent experience and appropriate underpinning knowledge and skills in cardiology.
Entry routes
The direct entry route
A direct entry route is open to anyone with an Honours degree (1st or 2.1) in Cardiac Physiology (PTP) or a relevant scientific subject or equivalent experience and appropriate underpinning knowledge and skills in cardiology. As a direct entry applicant you can apply for posts advertised directly by any employer. Candidates will need access Echo diagnostic services to help consolidate learning material.
A direct entry route is open to anyone with an Honours degree (1st or 2.1) in Cardiac Physiology (PTP) or a relevant scientific subject or equivalent experience and appropriate underpinning knowledge and skills in cardiology. As a direct entry applicant you can apply for posts advertised directly by any employer. Candidates will need access Echo diagnostic services to help consolidate learning material.
The in-service route
The in-service route is only open to existing NHS staff working in a cardiac department, who meet the qualification requirements and have been nominated by their employer. Your employer will apply for a post via the ‘Expressions of Interest’ survey and will be notified by the commissioners if successful. Your employer will need to evidence your suitability for the programme. If you currently work in the NHS but do not have the in-service arrangements in place, you can apply to the Echocardiography Training Programme via the direct entry route.
The in-service route is only open to existing NHS staff working in a cardiac department, who meet the qualification requirements and have been nominated by their employer. Your employer will apply for a post via the ‘Expressions of Interest’ survey and will be notified by the commissioners if successful. Your employer will need to evidence your suitability for the programme. If you currently work in the NHS but do not have the in-service arrangements in place, you can apply to the Echocardiography Training Programme via the direct entry route.
All applicants can contact the Programme Lead and University admissions team: admissions@plymouth.ac.uk for further information.
Extended entry requirements
- If your first language is not English you will be required to provide evidence of competence in English language.
English language requirements . - Students will need to have access to a personal computer with good internet access.
Recommended IT equipment specifications for new students . - Conducting medical diagnostic tests (e.g. performing an Echo) requires the highest standards and we take seriously our commitment to enrol, and teach, only those students with the integrity needed to meet these requirements. Detailed information relating to the Medical Student Agreement, Fitness to Practise and students with disabilities can be found on our
Student Conduct and Fitness to Practise page. - A fitness to practise assessment prior to admission involves a health assessment screening, screening for Hepatitis C, HIV and tuberculosis, Hepatitis B screening and immunisation, and satisfactory clearance under an enhanced disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service.
- Evidence of qualifications (degree certificates or transcripts), to show that you meet, or expect to meet the entry requirements.
- A personal statement of approximately 250-400 words about the reasons for your interest in the course and outlining the nature of previous and current related experience. You can write this into the online application form, or include it as a separate document.
- Your curriculum vitae or résumé, including details of relevant professional/voluntary experience, professional registration/s and visa status for overseas workers.
- Proof of sponsorship, if applicable.
Ready to apply?
After you apply
You will normally receive a decision on your application within four weeks of us receiving your application. You may be asked to provide additional information; two academic/professional references, confirming your suitability for the course; or to take part in an interview and you will be sent a decision by letter or email.
We aim to make the application procedure as simple and efficient as possible. Our Admissions and Course Enquiries team is on hand to offer help and can put you in touch with the appropriate faculty if you wish to discuss any programme in detail.
Programme code
7532
7532
Duration
1 year
Course type
Part-time
Study location
Plymouth
Plymouth
Entry requirements
We welcome applicants with international qualifications and we accept a range of qualifications from across the globe.
This course is unable to support international students who require a Tier 4/Student visa. International applicants are however able to apply if you already hold a UK work visa.
Extended entry requirements
- a suitable English language qualification. If your first language is not English you will be required to provide evidence of competence in English language: International English Language Testing System (IELTS) band 7 or above.
English language requirements - evidence of qualifications (degree certificates or transcripts), to show that you meet, or expect to meet the entry requirements
- a personal statement of approximately 250-400 words about the reasons for your interest in the course and outlining the nature of previous and current related experience. You can write this into the online application form, or include it as a separate document
- your curriculum vitae or résumé, including details of relevant professional/voluntary experience, professional registration/s and visa status for overseas workers
- proof of sponsorship, if applicable.
Ready to apply?
Need support with your application?
- Personal statement guidance
- Student visa support
- Travel and arrival information
- and more
After you apply
You will normally receive a decision on your application within four weeks of us receiving your application. You may be asked to provide additional information; two academic/professional references, confirming your suitability for the course; or to take part in an interview (which in the case of overseas students may be by telephone or video conference) and you will be sent a decision by letter or email.
We aim to make the application procedure as simple and efficient as possible. Our Admissions and Course Enquiries team is on hand to offer help and can put you in touch with the appropriate faculty if you wish to discuss any programme in detail.
Programme code
7532
7532
Duration
1 year
Course type
Part-time
Study location
Plymouth
Plymouth
Visit us at a postgraduate on-campus open evening
Visit us on campus to find out more about postgraduate study, speak to academic staff, and take a look around our campus and facilities.
%20(1).jpg)