Program Overview

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Human & Applied Physiology MSc

Key information

Delivery mode: In person Study mode: Full time Duration: One year full-time Credit value (UK/ECTS equivalent): UK 180/ECTS 90 Application status: Open Start date: September 2025

Course essentials

The course will give you a theoretical and practical basis for explaining the functioning of the muscular, respiratory and cardiovascular systems at rest and during exercise. You will explore the effects of extreme environmental conditions on whole body physiology, including in relation to aerospace and military medicine. You will study topics from both systemic and cellular/molecular perspectives in order to gain an understanding of the breadth of investigative approaches employed in human physiology research. You will also focus on practical work, learning how to plan and run experiments using human subjects. Ultimately, we aim to equip you with the knowledge and skills to enhance your understanding and expertise in human physiology in its broadest sense and build a career in a related field.

Base campus

• Guy’s Campus The Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, Faculty of Dentistry, Oral & Craniofacial Sciences, and the Institute of Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience are based at the riverside Guy's Campus, next to the Shard.

Regulating bodies

• King's is regulated by the Office for Students

Entry requirements

UK applicants

• Standard requirements: A minimum 2:1 undergraduate Bachelor’s (honours) degree
• Programme-Specific Requirements: Minimum 2:1 in a biomedical Science, Physiology, Medicine or Sport Science related subject.
• In order to meet the academic entry requirements for this programme you should have a minimum 2:1 undergraduate degree with a final mark of at least 60% or above in the UK marking scheme. If you are still studying you should be achieving an average of at least 60% or above in the UK marking scheme.

International applicants

• Equivalent International qualifications: Select a country to view equivalent qualifications
• English language requirements: English language band D To study at King's, it is essential that you can communicate in English effectively in an academic environment. You are usually required to provide certification of your competence in English before starting your studies.

Selection process

• Applications must be made online using King's Apply, the Admissions Portal. A non-refundable application fee of £85 applies.
• You will be admitted on the basis of your academic ability, together with recommendations from academic referees. Places on the programme are limited and early applications are strongly encouraged: the admissions panel, consisting of academics from the department will meet in January, April and June to consider applications.

Personal statement and supporting information

• Personal Statement: A personal statement is required. This can be entered directly into the online application form (maximum 4,000 characters) or uploaded as an attachment to the online application form (maximum 2 pages). It should explain your reasons for wishing to undertake the course.
• Previous Academic Study: A copy (or copies) of your official academic transcript(s), showing the subjects studied and marks obtained. If you have already completed your degree, copies of your official degree certificate will also be required. Applicants with academic documents issued in a language other than English, will need to submit both the original and official translation of their documents.
• References: Two references are required with at least one academic. Professional references will be accepted if you have completed your qualifications over five years ago.
• Other: You may wish to include a CV (Resume) or evidence of professional registration as part of your application.

Teaching & structure

Teaching methods - what to expect

• Lectures
• Tutorials
• Practical Work

For every 45-credit module we will provide you with 40 hours of teaching through lecture and tutorials, along with 30 hours of practical classes. For every 30-credit module we will provide you with 36 hours of teaching through lecture and tutorials, along with 24 hours of practical classes. For every 15-credit module you will have six hours of teaching. The 60-credit research project is a 12-week full-time laboratory-based research project, and how long it takes will depend on your project. We will expect you to complement all of this with self-study.

Lectures/Tutorials	Practical Classes
45 credit module	40 hours	30 hours
30 credit module	36 hours	24 hours
15 credit module	6 hours	-

Typically, one credit equates to 10 hours of work.

Assessment

• Coursework
• Written Examinations
• Presentations
• Reports
• Essays

Your performance will be assessed through a combination of coursework and written examinations which evaluate both the theoretical and practical components of the course. Forms of assessment may typically include oral presentations, poster presentations and written reports and essays. We supplement the taught programme with online formative assessment for learning. Coursework contributes approximately 50% and examinations approximately 50% to your final mark.

Structure

• Required modules:
  • Skeletal Muscle Function and Plasticity: from movement to molecules (30 credits)
  • Cardiovascular and Respiratory Physiology: from rest to exhaustive exercise (30 credits)
  • Aerospace and Environmental Physiology (45 credits)
  • Library Project in Human & Applied Physiology (15 credits)
  • Research Project in Human & Applied Physiology (60 credits)

Careers

Employability

Our graduates go on to careers in academic teaching and research, medicine, clinical physiology, health services, sports science support, and research posts in industry or in Ministry of Defence research establishments.

Fees & Funding

Tuition Fees

• UK: Full time: £16,950 (2025/26)
• International: Full time: £35,800 (2025/26)

These tuition fees may be subject to additional increases in subsequent years of study, in line with King’s terms and conditions.

Deposit

• If you receive an offer for this programme, you will be required to pay a non-refundable deposit to secure your place. Deposit payments are credited towards the total tuition fee payment.
• The Home deposit is £500. The International deposit is £2000.

Additional Costs

• Books if you choose to buy your own copies
• Clothing for optional course related events and competitions
• Library fees and fines
• Personal photocopies
• Printing course handouts
• Society membership fees
• Stationery
• Travel costs for travel around London, between campuses and for project placements
• Graduation costs

Funding

To find out more about bursaries, scholarships, grants, tuition fees, living expenses, student loans, and other financial help available at King's please visit the Fees and Funding section.