Program Overview

MSc Human Physiology

The MSc Human Physiology degree offers a detailed look at physiology, letting students explore the fundamental systems of human life. This masters course builds advanced knowledge of different systems or specialisms, teaching students how our bodies work and developing key techniques and technologies for investigating normal and abnormal physiology.

Course Overview

Muscle and bone, brains and biochemistry, the fuel we consume, and the air we breathe are all covered in this course. Students will develop an expert understanding of the systems and organs that make humans tick. The course covers various aspects of human physiology, including the musculoskeletal and cardiorespiratory systems, and the impact and pathological changes in disease states.

Course Structure

The masters in human physiology is based around seven core modules, which students will study over the course of one year. The course includes:

• Five core modules based around various aspects of human physiology
• A module on Applied Physiology Techniques, where students learn technical skills across a range of physiological research techniques
• A module on Research Methods and Ethics in Biomedical Science, which develops students' research skills and prepares them for their independent research project
• An in-depth, independent research project

Core Modules

• Research Project: This module enables students to complete an independent piece of research allied to their specialism, employment aspirations, and specific academic interests.
• Research Methods and Ethics in Biomedical Science: This module develops students' research skills and prepares them for their independent research project.
• Advanced Aspects of Neuroscience: This module presents advanced aspects of neuroscience, ranging from fundamental processing in healthy nervous systems to neurological disorders.
• Advanced Nutritional and Exercise Physiology: This module provides an opportunity to gain an advanced understanding of nutritional and exercise physiology in humans.
• Applied Physiology Techniques: This module presents students with the opportunity to learn and understand technical skills across a range of techniques used in physiological research.
• Cardiorespiratory Physiology: This module covers fundamental and applied cardiorespiratory physiology, incorporating the impact of environmental stress and exercise.
• Musculoskeletal Science: This module aims to deliver cutting-edge content, examining normal physiology of the musculoskeletal system, from a cell and molecular level through to whole organ physiology.

Study and Assessment

• Full-time: 15% lectures, seminars, or similar; 0% placement; 85% independent study
• Full-time: 100% coursework; 0% practical; 0% examination
• Ten credits equate to 100 hours of study, which is a combination of lectures, seminars, and practical sessions, and independent study.

Placements

While this course doesn’t include a placement, some students include practical work with their research projects, while working with an organisation on placement.

Entry Requirements

• A UK honours degree – normally a 2:2 – or the international equivalent, in physiological, biological, or biomedical science.
• Equivalent professional qualification or relevant professional experience may also be considered.
• International students please see mmu.ac.uk/international
• Overseas applicants will require IELTS with an overall score of 6.5 with no less than 5.5 in any category, or an equivalent accepted English qualification.

Fees and Funding

• UK and Channel Island students: Full-time fee £12,000 per year
• EU and non-EU international students: Full-time fee £22,000 per year
• Fees may be subject to change.
• Scholarships and funding pages to find out what's available for students.

Careers Support and Prospects

• 93.7% of UK-domiciled, full-time, postgraduate taught graduates are employed or in further study 15 months after graduation.
• Graduate Outcomes survey 2021/22 leavers, HESA data.
• The course can pave the way to a wide range of opportunities in areas across healthcare or industry and can also provide a foundation for further specialist study.
• Career prospects include, but aren’t limited to:
  • Graduate entry medicine
  • Physician associate
  • Healthcare scientist (via Scientist Training Programme) in specialisms such as cardiac science, gastrointestinal physiology, respiratory and sleep sciences, vascular science, neurophysiology, audiology
  • PhD research
  • Careers in the bioscience industry
  • Exercise and sports scientist

Research

• The course is part of the Department of Life Sciences at Manchester Met.
• The department has an international reputation for research into the characteristics, limitations, and adaptability of the human body in health and disease through an integrative approach that ranges from molecular biology to whole-body studies.
• The department conducts basic and translational research to understand biological systems in disease, sensing and detecting by-products of disease and contemporary challenges, including ageing and development of new technologies for personalised medicine.

Features and Benefits

• Specialist course – As one of the few taught postgraduate courses in human physiology in the UK, students can expect a unique curriculum and specialised expertise.
• Professional study environment – The university has invested over £115 million to transform the way students learn.
• Cutting-edge facilities – Students will learn in the new Superlab and modern laboratories for blood biochemistry, biomechanics, motor control, and exercise performance.
• Practical connections – The university works in partnership with hospitals and businesses across the region, offering students the chance to help organise projects in clinical or industry-relevant areas.
• Athena SWAN award – Manchester Met’s commitment to promoting and advancing gender equality in STEM subjects is recognised with a Bronze Athena SWAN award.
• Online learning – The university's virtual learning environment provides access to students' personalised timetable, course and assessment information, and library resources.