Program Overview

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Overview

The Clinical Exercise Physiology MSc provides detailed knowledge of exercise physiology and its application in a clinical context. Students will gain the key practical skills required for a successful career in the field.

What You'll Learn

Students will develop core knowledge in:

• human physiology
• pathophysiology of a variety of chronic diseases
• exercise prescription
• clinical exercise testing
• exercise metabolism
• exercise immunology
• exercise in extreme environments

They will also study the following areas:

• taking medical histories and performing physical examinations
• examinations of patients with poor physical function
• interpreting exercise data
• understanding principles of varied exercise programmes
• understanding strengths and limitations of exercise tests
• practical skills associated with collecting and interpreting physiological data from patients and athletes

Modules

The course includes the following modules:

• Exercise in Health and Disease
• Research Skills and Principles for the Biosciences
• Applied Exercise Science
• Exercise Physiology Assessment Skills
• Exercise Metabolism and Sports Nutrition
• Exercise Physiology Dissertation

How You'll Learn

Delivery and teaching methods include:

• lectures
• seminars
• tutorials
• practical classes

Assessment methods include:

• computer assessment
• dissertation
• professional skills assessments
• oral examination
• report
• reflective log
• written examination
• written exercise

Your Development

The Faculty of Medical Science has a great amount of expertise in clinical exercise physiology, including:

• exercise in the prevention and management of cancer
• exercise and cardiovascular disease
• exercise and diabetes
• exercise in the heat, cold and at altitude
• athlete health
• exercise immunology

Students will become confident and successful professionals with skills gained, including:

• advanced knowledge and critical understanding of theory in Exercise Physiology
• advanced knowledge and critical understanding of research in Exercise Physiology
• advanced knowledge and critical understanding of methods and ethical issues in Exercise Physiology
• critical understanding of knowledge in exercise physiology
• critical awareness of problems and new insights related to the exercise physiology field
• the ability to plan, design and execute practical skills
• research skills using appropriate exercise physiology techniques and procedures

Your Future

Graduates with a Clinical Exercise Physiology MSc can go on to a range of careers, including:

• sports science support for professional bodies and sports teams
• roles within sport, fitness and sports nutrition industries
• research
• exercise physiologist within public and private healthcare

The course also provides a route into PhD level study.

Quality and Ranking

• 42% of the university's research is classified as 4* world-leading research – Research Excellence Framework 2021
• 65% increase in research power since 2014 – Research Excellence Framework 2021
• Global Top 140 University – QS World University Rankings 2026
• Global Top 160 University - Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025
• Top 125 for Life Sciences – Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2025
• Top 25 in the UK and Top 100 in the world for sustainable development – Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024

Facilities

Students will be part of the Faculty of Medical Science, within the School of Biomedical, Nutritional and Sport Sciences. The university has invested £32 million in state-of-the-art teaching facilities for sport and exercise, including:

• exercise physiology lab
• biomechanics lab
• gait track
• high-performance lab
• nutrition kitchen
• blood preparation & analysis lab
• an environmental chamber that enables the simulation of altitude, temperature and humidity

Fees and Funding

Tuition fees for 2026 entry (per year)

• Home students: £12,500
• International students: £29,900

Scholarships

The university supports EU and international students by providing a generous range of Vice-Chancellor's automatic and merit-based scholarships.

Entry Requirements

Academic entry requirements

At least a 2:1 honours degree, or international equivalent, in a relevant subject such as:

• sport and exercise science
• physiology

Applicants with lower or non-standard qualifications and relevant industrial experience will be considered on an individual basis.

English Language requirements

Select your qualification:

• IELTS
• Pearson
• Duolingo English Test
• TOEFL
• Other
• Pre-Sessional Entry - 6 weeks
• Pre-Sessional Entry - 10 weeks

Admissions policy

This policy applies to all undergraduate and postgraduate admissions at Newcastle University.

How to Apply

Before you start

• Start Dates: The course starts in September.
• Closing Dates: There is no application closing date for this course.
• Specialised application information: As the course numbers are capped at 20, the selection process will be competitive. You may be interviewed as part of this process.
• Deposit: If you are an international student or a student from the EU, EEA or Switzerland and you need a visa to study in the UK, you must pay a deposit of £1,500 or submit an official letter of sponsorship.

Programme codes

Qualification: MSc Full time

• Full time: 12 months
• Programme Code: 5430F

Using the application portal

The application portal has instructions to guide you through your application. It will tell you what documents you need and how to upload them.