Cardiovascular Sciences

Introduction

The BSc in Cardiovascular Sciences programme is designed to provide a thorough understanding of the scientific basis of cardiovascular disease and how this relates to diagnosis and treatment. The course focuses on the main cardiovascular disease areas and has a strong translational emphasis. Topics covered include:

• the normal functioning of the heart and vasculature,
• the mechanisms that are involved in a particular disease
• how these affect individual patients and populations
• the scientific basis of established and novel treatments
• an introduction to the principles of epidemiology, diagnostic imaging and therapeutic strategies as applied to cardiovascular disease

The programme aims to create clinicians and academics with the ability to interpret and inform best practice, and to extend boundaries of current thinking and advance medicine. It also provides the foundation in scientific methodology and analytical approaches from which the student can grow into a competent clinician and clinical researcher that could lead to postgraduate research studies. 

A diverse team of clinicians and scientists based at the National Heart & Lung Institute with a broad range of expertise within Cardiovascular Sciences support the programme:

• Course Director: Dr Fu Siong Ng, Reader in Cardiac Electrophysiology
• Deputy Course Director: Dr Graeme Birdsey, Senior Lecturer in Vascular Science
• Module 1 Assessment Lead: Dr Joe Boyle, Clinical Reader of Vascular Molecular Pathology
• Module 2 Literature Review Lead: Dr Michela Noseda, Lecturer in Molecular Pathology
• Module 2 Clinical Case Lead: Dr Brian Halliday, Clinical Senior Lecturer in Cardiomyopathy & Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance
• Module 3 (Projects) Lead: Dr Daniel Keene, Clinic Senior Lecturer in Cardiology
• Teaching Fellow: Dr Nida Sajjad
• Course Administrator: Uzma Chaudhary

 Research Opportunities

On the cardiovascular science BSc course, students will have the opportunity to fully embed themselves within one of the world-leading research groups at Imperial and participate in cutting-edge research. Previous students have achieved impressive outputs from their BSc research including:

1. Publications in high-impact journals, e.g.

• first-author publication in European Heart Journal – Sashianathan Ganesananthan (BSc student 2019-2020)
• first-author publication in JAMA Network Open - Bilal Rayes (BSc student 2021-2022)
• publication from group work (Module 2) - Karanjot Chhatwal, Jacob Smith, Harroop Bola, Abeer Zahid, Ashwi Venkatakrishnan (BSc Students 2022-23)
• joint first-author publication in Circulation Arrhythmia & Electrophysiology - Sharan Kapadia (BSc student 2021-2022)
• joint first-author publication in European Heart Journal - Cardiovascular Imaging - Srinjay Mukhopadhyay (BSc student 2022-2023) 

2. Prizes/awards at conference, e.g. European Heart Rhythm Association e-Cardiology Prize Runner-Up 2021, Cheng Pou Chan (BSc student 2019-2020), Heart Rhythm Congress Young Investigator Prize Runner-Up 2021, Khulat Saqi (BSc student 2020-2021), 

3. Presentations at international and national conference (see images below)

 Aims and objectives

The programme will give a firm grounding in the scientific foundations of the study of cardiovascular disease. 

By the end of the programme, students will:

• Demonstrate a sound knowledge and understanding of cardiovascular science, extending to current research controversies and challenges.
• Understand and critically appraise scientific evidence on which this cardiovascular science knowledge is based.
• Understand and apply the fundamental methods, principles and practice of scientific research within the field of cardiovascular sciences.
• Be able to relate scientific knowledge to the epidemiology, investigation, management and treatment of cardiovascular disease. 

Programme structure

The programme will comprise a 12-week teaching block (Module 1) where students will gain specialism-specific knowledge and skills, alongside your research training of core research knowledge and skills. This is followed by a 5-week block for self-directed learning, focusing on appraising the literature and on clinical case studies. There is then a 14-week research project.

Module 1 (12 weeks): 

• Block 1: The Science of Vascular Disease
• Block 2: The Science of Congenital Heart Disease and Arrhythmia
• Block 3: The Science of Heart Failure

Module 2 (5 weeks):  Self-directed learning, independent & group work, clinical case study

Module 3 (14 weeks):  Research project

Eligibility

This is a one-year intercalated BSc. To be eligible to apply you must:

• Be registered on a recognised Medical, Dental or Veterinary course at a UK or Irish university or at one of our recognised International Partner institutions.
• Have completed at least one year of that course before you apply to Imperial. i.e. you must be at least in Year 2 in 2024/25.
• Have at least one year of your degree left when you return to your home institution after completing your intercalated BSc.

Application Process

The application process for 2025-26 entry is now closed. The application process for 2026-27 will open in October 2025.

Selection is based on your application form and the supporting documents you will upload with your application. Please find further information about the application process in the Imperial College London Intercalated BSc Guide for 2025-26 (PDF)

The BSc Cardiovascular Sciences with will run from Monday 22 September 2025 until Friday 22 May 2026. The term dates can be found in the Provisional BSc Dates and Course Structure 2025-26 (PDF)‌

If you have any queries about the application process, please email the Faculty Education Office (BSc Team) at feo.bsc@imperial.ac.uk.

Second Round of Applications

Unsuccessful or wait-listed applicants will be given the opportunity to make a second round application to any BSc course with space remaining.