Clinical Examinations and Diagnostics HEA3304

Overview

This is a 17-week module that equips the student with knowledge and understanding of taking a full history from a patient, carrying a clinical examination and learning about different investigations required in order to make a diagnosis. The four areas covered are: Cardiovascular, Respiratory, Ear, Nose and Throat and Gastro-intestinal. Not all systems are covered within this BSc Clinical Examinations and Diagnostics module as this is an introductory to Advanced Practice.

This module is studied over 8 sessions at St James, Manchester, however part of the assessment will require attendance at Ormskirk Campus

 

Module code:	HEA3304
Level:	6
Module credits:	20
Cost for new students:	£1060 for 2026/2027 Academic Year

If you are an existing student who is undertaking this module as part of a programme, your fee will have been advised to you by email. You can also check your fees online. For any queries, please contact [email protected]

If your tuition fee is being paid by a sponsor or you are a sponsor paying a student’s fee, you are required to send a copy of a purchase order to [email protected].

For further guidance please visit: Sponsored students – Edge Hill University

The CPD Apply NW Application tool is available to NWAS (North West Ambulance Service NHS Trust) staff only. If you are employed by NWAS you may be able to secure funding for your module(s). Please see CPD-Apply (nwas.nhs.uk) for further details.

Who is this module for?

Healthcare professionals who wish to enhance their clinical consultation, examination and diagnostic skills. Students must have experience working within healthcare and demonstrate a sound knowledge base relating to physiology and applied pathophysiology.

What are the key aims of the module?

• Introduction to History Taking
• Students will gain theoretical knowledge regarding the clinical examination of four major body systems
• Formulation of Differential Diagnoses.

How will I study?

Face to face study  over 8 sessions at St James, Manchester, however part of the assessment will require attendance at Ormskirk Campus.  The module overall takes 17 weeks.

What will I study?

• Broad principles of anatomy and physiology
• The module will focus on the clinical examination of four major body systems (cardiac, respiratory, abdominal, ENT) however other topics incorporated as formal lectures or workshops will include ophthalmology, limb assessment, x-ray interpretation and renal abnormalities and fluid balance.
• Communication, interpersonal skills, confidentiality and legal issues will be highlighted and incorporated throughout the module.

How will I be assessed?

An unseen written exam, including MCQ and scenario questions, and an OSCE.

On successful completion you will:

Apply anatomical and physiological principles to promote effective assessment and diagnosis of patients within the specific client group

• Appraise the processes in place to apply a systematic approach to assessment for patients.
• Utilise appropriate strategies and interventions to effectively perform a clinical history, examination and develop a differential diagnosis
• Critically evaluate care delivery and indicate strategies to enhance, maintain and improve standards of care
• Critically examine the care of a patient within their own client group with specific emphasis on the clinical history, clinical examination and the development of diagnosis options.

Study dates and venues

How to apply

Module availability varies from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. Places will be allocated on a first come first served basis. Due to the popularity of some modules it may be that the module is fully booked when your application is received. We will include your details on a waiting list and allocate you a place on the next available intake.

Applications will be open from Wednesday, 8th April 2026

For details of how to apply, please visit the apply page.

Contact us

For further information regarding module availability, study dates and costs please contact the School of Allied Health, Social Work and Wellbeing on [email protected].

If you have any queries regarding module content and your suitability to study please contact the Module Lead Padraic Lawless on 01695 657357 of by email: [email protected].

Pathways

This module can be studied on a standalone basis.
It is an optional module on the following programmes:

• BSc (Hons) Clinical and Professional Paramedic Practice
• BSc (Hons) Clinical and Professional Perioperative Practice