Healthcare Science

Securing healthcare science for the future

Healthcare science consists of over 40 areas of applied science for diagnosis and treatment. This can consist of roles such as:

• Physiology including cardiac science (monitoring and supporting patients with heart conditions, from providing post-pacemaker care to using ultrasound to monitor heart health) and respiratory science (involved in all aspects of respiratory function assessment including patient testing, interpretation of test results, maintenance of equipment, development and evaluation of new methods, research and quality assurance).
• Imaging – Using ultrasound or MRI to diagnose or monitor a range of conditions or potential tissue damage.
• Life Sciences Biomedical science – Providing accurate diagnoses and supporting treatment by screening for infections or confirming cancer types.
• Rehabilitation engineering and reconstructive science – Developing, fitting and assessing medical devices such as prosthetics and therapeutic splints, or ensuring patients are provided with a wheelchair that suits their needs.

The University of Essex has a strong background in delivering healthcare education and working with NHS partners. The Centre of Healthcare Science is multi-disciplinary, drawing upon expertise across our Faculty of Science and Health, including the School of Life Sciences, School of Health and Social Care, School of Computer Science and Engineering, and School of Sport, Rehabilitation and Exercise Sciences. The Centre will also collaborate with the Centre for Coastal Communities and the Health, Wellbeing and Care Hub.

The Centre for Healthcare Science will build on the excellent work already underway in the East of England to develop new courses in other areas of healthcare science, encourage school students to consider healthcare roles through outreach activities, and support current NHS staff by offering additional Continuing Professional Development courses in new areas.