MSc/PgDip/PgCert Clinical Exercise Physiology
| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2025-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
Clinical Exercise Physiology
Overview
This programme focuses on using 'exercise as medicine' to treat and manage conditions, as well as to rehabilitate patients recovering from illness.
Attendance and Duration
- Full-time
- One year
- Next enrolment: September 2025
Introduction
This programme is accredited by the Academy for Healthcare Science (AHCS), making it the second programme in the UK to receive this accreditation. Students who pass all modules, including the clinical assessment of competencies, as well as 140 placement hours, will be eligible to register with AHCS as a Clinical Exercise Physiologist.
Course Details
Modules
- Clinical Assessment and Exercise Testing
- Pathophysiology and Aetiology of Disease
- Disease, Acute and Chronic Exercise Interactions
- Exercise Prescription and the Management of Chronic Disease
- Encouraging Healthy Lifestyle Behaviours
- Clinical Placement and Professional Practice
- Clinical Assessment of Competencies
- Research Project or Dissertation (optional)
Teaching
- Lectures and seminars delivered by clinicians and academic staff
- Laboratory-based practical sessions and demonstrations
- Simulation-based education (e.g., immersive rooms, frailty/ageing suites, augmented and virtual reality tech)
- Work-based learning (whilst on placement)
- Problem-based learning
- Online learning materials
- PC suite-based analytical sessions
Assessment
- Clinical Assessment of Competencies (CEP-UK)
- Case studies (written and oral presentations)
- Viva vocé
- Literature review
- Practical assessments
- Placement-based assessment
- Journal articles (research reports written in the format of a journal article)
The School of Health and Society
The School of Health and Society is a forward-thinking, dynamic school with a commitment to lifelong learning and real-world impact.
Facilities
- Exercise Physiology Laboratory
- Cardiopulmonary exercise tests (CPET) equipment
- 12-lead ECG
- Spirometry
- Vascular physiology equipment
- COSMED BodPod
- Blood analysers
Teaching Staff
- Dr Steve Pearson (Programme Leader)
- Dr Eddie Caldow (Placement Module Leader)
Employment and Stats
- This course will give you the opportunity to become eligible to register as a Clinical Exercise Physiologist with the Academy of Healthcare Sciences (AHCS) upon graduation.
- Previous graduates of this course are now practicing in a range of clinical roles.
Requirements
- Undergraduate degree BSc (Hons) with a 2:1 or above in Exercise or Health Sciences; Sport Science; or Biological Sciences equivalent with an emphasis on human physiology.
- International applicants will be required to demonstrate proficiency in English by achieving an overall IELTS score of 6.5, with no less than 6.5 in Reading and Writing and no less than 6.0 in Speaking and Listening.
Tuition Fees
- Full-time home: £9,100 per year (2025/26)
- Full-time international: £17,000 per year (2025/26)
Additional Costs
- Books, stationery, printing, binding, and general subsistence on trips and visits.
Program Outline
MSc Clinical Exercise Physiology - University of Salford
Degree Overview:
This postgraduate program equips you with the knowledge and skills to use exercise as medicine, enabling you to treat and manage various conditions and assist patients in their recovery.
- Gain experience using cutting-edge equipment in the Human Performance Laboratory.
Target Audience:
Individuals passionate about helping others live healthier lives, possessing compassion and empathy, and demonstrating a strong work ethic and dedication to knowledge acquisition.
Outline:
Program Structure:
- Full-time program
- Duration: One year
- Three academic semesters (September to September)
- First two semesters: Two days per week
- Exit options: Postgraduate Certificate, Postgraduate Diploma, or Master's
Modules:
Exercise Prescription and the Management of Chronic Disease:
Equips students with the understanding and practical application of exercise in managing long-term conditions. Learn the art and science of exercise prescription, enabling the creation of programs that maximize adherence and compliance, promote long-term lifestyle changes, and optimize physiological outcomes.
Encouraging Healthy Lifestyle Behaviours:
Educates students on advocating and promoting healthy lifestyle behaviors for patients with long-term conditions. Learn how to use nutrition and exercise as prevention and treatment strategies, while considering appropriate behavior change techniques to encourage lifestyle adherence and modification.
Clinical Placements:
Provides students with practical experience in a clinical setting, developing real-world clinical skills and competencies. These placement hours are essential for RCCP registration in the UK. Additionally, this module fosters teamwork, interprofessional, interpersonal, clinical, and procedural skills, enhancing employability.
Assessment:
Assessment methods vary depending on the module and may include:
- Case studies (written and oral presentations)
- Viva voce
- Literature review
- Practical assessments
- Journal articles (research reports)
- Placement assessment
Teaching:
The program employs a diverse range of teaching methods, including:
- Lectures from both clinical and academic staff
- Demonstrations and lab practicals
- Clinical placement experiences
- Online learning materials
Careers:
This course equips graduates for careers in various allied health roles. Previous graduates work as exercise physiologists, physical exercise therapists, respiratory technicians, and advanced physiotherapists. Some examples of career paths include:
- Trainee Echocardiographer
- Assistant Respiratory Physiologist
- Community Cardiac and Respiratory Rehabilitation Assistant
- Cardiorespiratory Physiology Technician
- Clinical Respiratory Physiologist
- Cardiac Rehabilitation Program Staff
- Trainee Respiratory Physiologist
Other:
- The program boasts access to cutting-edge facilities, including the Human Performance Lab, equipped with:
- FT700 Ballistic Measurement System
- 9 AMTI Force Plates (5 in a 40m running track)
- ProReflex 10 Camera real-time motion analysis system
- KinCom and Biodex Isokinetic Dynamometers for Muscle Strength Testing
- Portable Kistler force plate
- EMG system for measuring muscle electrical activity
- Esaote AU5 Ultrasound for studying muscles, tendons, ligaments, and blood flow
- The program offers various cycle and rowing ergometers, treadmills, and online gas analysis systems.
- Blood analysis capabilities include:
- Analox GM7 Multi-Assay Blood Analyser for measuring blood lactate, glucose, and other substrates
- Reflotron for measuring blood cholesterol and haemoglobin
- Portable blood glucose and lactate analyzers
- The program has established links with Salford Community Leisure's exercise referral schemes and Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust.
| Type of study | Year | Fees | |---|---|---| | Full-time home | 2024/25 | £8,820.00 per year | | Full-time international | 2024/25 | £16,380.00 per year | | Full-time home | 2025/26 | £10,350.00 per year | | Full-time international | 2025/26 | £17,000.00 per year |
University of Salford: A Summary
Overview:
The University of Salford is a public university located in Salford, Greater Manchester, England. It is known for its strong focus on practical learning and its close ties to industry. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines.
Student Life and Campus Experience:
The university provides a vibrant campus experience with a range of facilities and activities for students. These include:
Accommodation:
The university offers a variety of accommodation options, including on-campus residences and private apartments.Sports Centre:
Students can stay active and healthy by joining the university's sports centre, which offers a wide range of activities.Clubs and Societies:
Students can join a variety of clubs and societies to meet new people and pursue their interests.Library:
The university library provides students with access to a wide range of resources, including books, journals, and online databases.Cafe and Dining:
The campus has several cafes and dining options for students to enjoy.Key Reasons to Study There:
Practical Learning:
The university emphasizes practical learning, with many programs incorporating hands-on experience and industry placements.Industry Connections:
The university has strong ties to industry, providing students with opportunities for internships, placements, and networking.Location:
The university is located in Salford, a vibrant city with easy access to Manchester city centre.Modern Facilities:
The university has invested in modern facilities, including a state-of-the-art sports centre and a new library.Other:
The university offers a variety of student support services, including academic advising, career counseling, and mental health support. It also has a strong commitment to research, with a focus on areas such as energy, healthcare, and technology.
Entry Requirements:
Undergraduate Degree:
- A Bachelor's degree with a 2:1 or above in a relevant field such as Exercise or Health Sciences; Sport Science; Biological Sciences with an emphasis on human physiology.
- Applicants with a lower formal academic qualification may be considered based on experience and vocational qualifications and via an interview.
Alternative Entry Requirements:
- Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL): This process allows individuals to have their work and life experience assessed for potential credit towards a degree program. Two forms of APL may be used:
- Accreditation of Prior Certificated Learning (APCL): This assesses previous academic qualifications.
- Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL): This assesses previous work and life experience.
Language Proficiency Requirements:
For international students whose first language is not English, proof of English proficiency is required:
- IELTS: 6.5 band score (minimum of 6.5 for reading and writing and no less than 6.0 for the speaking and listening components)
- Equivalent: Other acceptable English language tests with equivalent scores.
- Applicants may be invited to attend an interview as part of the application process.
Additional Notes:
- The specific entry requirements may vary depending on the applicant's individual circumstances and the specific year of entry.
