Swansea University

What you'll study

This honours degree combines biomedical science, human physiology and clinical practice with specialist neurophysiology training. Teaching covers foundational topics (cell and systems physiology, neuroscience, clinical measurement and biomedical instrumentation), core clinical skills (infection control, clinical governance, ethics and professional practice) and specialist neurophysiology modules.

• Year 1: foundations in anatomy and physiology, introduction to healthcare science practice, basic clinical measurement and statistics, and laboratory skills.
• Year 2: intermediate study of neuroanatomy and neurophysiology, practical training in electrophysiological techniques (electroencephalography, electromyography and nerve conduction studies), signal processing and data analysis, plus supervised clinical skills and short clinical placements.
• Year 3: advanced neurophysiology (evoked potentials, polysomnography/sleep diagnostics, paediatric considerations), extended clinical placements offering real-world experience in hospital neurophysiology departments, and an independent research or service-improvement project.

Practical work is delivered in purpose-built laboratories and clinical simulation facilities and is supported by supervised placements across NHS Wales departments where students gain hands-on experience with diagnostic equipment, patient interaction and multidisciplinary working.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to have qualifications in science or a related subject taken at a level appropriate for undergraduate entry. Typical offers include A-levels (with at least one science or mathematics subject), BTEC National Diplomas in relevant health or science areas, Access to Higher Education diplomas in science or health, or equivalent international qualifications. GCSE-level passes in English and Mathematics (or equivalent) are usually required.

Swansea welcomes mature applicants and those with relevant work or volunteering experience in health and social care. All applicants who accept an offer must meet standard pre-placement requirements such as enhanced criminal-record checks (DBS), occupational health screening and up-to-date immunisations prior to clinical placements.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for roles within hospital neurophysiology and clinical physiology services, working as trainee clinical physiologists/neurophysiology technologists within the NHS or private sector. Common career pathways include positions in EEG/EMG/NCS departments, sleep diagnostics, neurodiagnostic research assistant posts, and support roles in medical device companies.

Many graduates progress to further professional training such as Higher Specialist Scientist routes, MSc-level study, or apply for clinical scientist training programmes. The programme equips students with transferable skills in data analysis, clinical measurement, communication and multidisciplinary teamwork that are valued across health and life-science sectors.

Why study at Swansea University

Swansea offers integrated teaching that draws on applied research strengths in neuroscience and clinical physiology and close partnership working with NHS Wales. Students benefit from modern laboratory and simulation facilities, dedicated specialist equipment for electrophysiology and supervised clinical placements across regional hospitals.

The university’s interdisciplinary environment and links with the Institute of Life Sciences and local health services provide opportunities for research-led teaching, workplace-relevant projects and networking with practising clinicians and scientists. Support for student learning includes academic mentoring, placement preparation and careers advice tailored to healthcare science pathways.