Program Overview

Introduction to the MSc Clinical Exercise Physiology Program

The MSc in Clinical Exercise Physiology is designed to prepare students for a rewarding career in improving health and well-being through exercise. This program combines in-depth theoretical study with hands-on clinical experience, including an immersive clinical placement experience.

Program Overview

The course will equip students with the competence to conduct and interpret exercise tests, understand disease mechanisms, and design safe, evidence-based exercise programs tailored to individual needs. Students will also strengthen their communication, empathy, and reflective practice skills, ensuring they can deliver holistic, patient-centered care within multi-disciplinary healthcare teams.

Professional Accreditation

This professionally aligned program stands out for its accreditation pathway and emphasis on real-world clinical exercise. Staff are in the process of seeking Academy for Healthcare Science (AHCS) accreditation, which will ensure students meet the competencies required for professional registration as a Clinical Exercise Physiologist.

Program Structure

• The program is available full-time over one year or part-time over two years.
• Attendance is required for both full-time and part-time options.
• Course delivery is on-campus at the Clifton Campus.

Modules

The program consists of six core modules and a 60-credit Clinical Placement module. If students are unable to undertake the placement, they can take the Research Project instead.

Core Modules

1. Practical Skills for Exercise Physiology: Develop core practical skills needed to assess, test, and prescribe exercise interventions for clinical populations.
2. Pathophysiology of Chronic Diseases: Explore the underlying mechanisms and processes behind a wide range of chronic and complex health conditions.
3. Advanced Exercise Physiology: Examine the body's physiological responses and adaptations to exercise in depth.
4. Effective Practice and Communication: Develop skills needed for effective professional practice and communication in clinical and community settings.
5. Exercise Prescription: Learn how to design, implement, and evaluate safe and effective exercise programs for individuals with chronic conditions or health risks.
6. Safety and Competency to Practice: Develop knowledge, skills, and professional standards needed to practice safely and competently in clinical exercise physiology settings.

Clinical Placement and Professional Practice

• This 60-credit module provides valuable immersive experience in professional practice.
• Students gain 140 hours of hands-on experience in clinical and community settings, developing skills and knowledge needed for a career in clinical exercise physiology.

Research Project

For students who cannot undertake the clinical placement, the Research Project module is an alternative. This involves an independent piece of work supervised by a dedicated member of staff, culminating in an original research paper for a target scientific journal.

Entry Requirements

UK Students

• Undergraduate degree in a sport and exercise-science (or related area), with a minimum 2.1 degree classification.
• Additional requirements may include an interview, a suitable DBS Enhanced Certificate, and a satisfactory health check.

International Students

• Undergraduate degree in a sport and exercise-science (or related area), with a minimum 2.1 degree classification.
• English language requirements: IELTS overall score of 6.5 with no element below 6.5 for reading and writing and 6.0 for speaking and listening.
• Additional requirements may include an interview, a suitable DBS Enhanced Certificate, and a satisfactory health check.

Fees and Funding

UK Students

• Full-time: £10,300
• Full-time with placement year: £10,300 + £1,905 for placement year
• Part-time: £5,150

International Students

• Full-time: £18,300
• Full-time with placement year: £18,300 + £1,905 for placement year

Careers and Employability

Graduates of the MSc Clinical Exercise Physiology will be well-equipped to work in the healthcare sector, including roles such as clinical exercise or respiratory physiologist, cardiac/pulmonary rehabilitation roles, or exercise therapists. The course also provides a platform for further research experience and qualifications.

Campus and Facilities

Students will mainly study in the purpose-built Clinical Exercise Physiology laboratory equipped with state-of-the-art testing and monitoring systems and the Sport and Wellbeing Academy. These facilities are based at the Clifton Campus, which offers a range of amenities and services to support student life and study.