MSc Clinical Exercise Physiology
Manchester, United Kingdom
DURATION
1 Years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
Request application deadline
EARLIEST START DATE
Sep 2025
TUITION FEES
EUR 20,000 / per year
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
Introduction
There's never been a more exciting time to study an MSc in Clinical Exercise Physiology. A fast-growing and essential specialism around the world, Clinical Exercise Physiologists (CEPs) are experts in exercise testing and assessment. They design, deliver and evaluate evidence-based exercise interventions in patients with long-term conditions such as cardiovascular disease, cancer and respiratory disease.
With longer life expectancy comes a greater chance of being diagnosed with a long-term health condition. Therefore, as the UK’s population ages, the NHS has needed to set out a clear strategy to improve health and support for individuals at risk of, or those already diagnosed with, long-term disease. There is now a greater need for CEPs who are skilled to work within care teams across multiple chronic disease populations where exercise interventions demonstrate a reduced risk of disease, improve quality of life and minimise healthcare costs.
Features and Benefits
- World-class sporting facilities – 100% of our research environment in Sport and Exercise Science is rated world-leading or internationally excellent (REF 2021). This is thanks to huge investment into the Institute of Sport – our Manchester-based hub for all things sport. You’ll learn in specialist facilities for clinical exercise physiology, using cardiopulmonary exercise testing equipment with 12-lead ECG, ultrasound machines, dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) and 3 Tesla MRI scanners for advanced imaging.
- Achieve accreditation – This course is accredited by the Academy for Healthcare Sciences (AHCS), meaning students who pass all course components and clinical competencies can register as a clinical exercise physiologist with the AHCS.
- Gain invaluable professional experience – On a clinical placement, you’ll learn by doing. By putting theory into practice, you’ll graduate fully equipped to launch a successful career – with experience and industry connections to back you.
- Learn alongside world-leading researchers – We're 6th in the UK for the power of our research in Sport and Exercise Science. Plus, 95% of our research outputs in Sport and Exercise Science are rated world-leading or internationally excellent. (REF 2021). You’ll not only be taught by our team of expert academics who conduct transformational research in a range of disciplines but also highly experienced, registered clinical exercise physiologists and NHS clinicians. This will give you the knowledge and skills you need to succeed in the modern sports industry.
- Join a thriving sporting community – Immerse yourself in one of the UK’s most dynamic sporting cities. Manchester is home to world champions and national sporting bodies, as well as grassroots clubs and an army of enthusiastic sporting fans. Studying in the heart of a city that lives and breathes sport offers you unrivalled access to a diverse community; giving you the springboard needed to launch your career.
- Benefit from small class sizes – We cap student numbers at 25, ensuring we get to know you as an individual and tailor our mentorship to your personal development.
Admissions
Curriculum
Course information
This course is designed for graduates and people currently working in clinical practice. Teaching combines classroom, laboratory and extensive practice-based learning, providing you with the experience and knowledge to confidently conduct exercise testing and assessments. You’ll learn to design, deliver and evaluate evidence-based exercise interventions in patients with long-term conditions such as:
- Cardiovascular eg coronary heart disease, heart failure and peripheral artery disease
- Cancer eg breast, prostate, and colon
- Renal eg chronic kidney disease
- Frailty eg sarcopenia
- Metabolic disease eg obesity, diabetes, and dyslipidaemia
- Respiratory eg chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
- Neurological eg stroke
- Musculoskeletal eg arthritis
- Mental Health eg anxiety disorders
Instead of a traditional research project, you'll gain real-world experience of clinical exercise physiology throughout a 140-hour clinical placement. This is an unparalleled opportunity to apply your skills and knowledge across the NHS, community and private healthcare settings. Not only will you develop as a practitioner, you’ll also vastly enhance your employability and industry connections.
Core Modules
- Clinical Placement
- Exercise Testing and Interpretation
- Cardiovascular Conditions
- Cancer, Metabolic, Respiratory and Ageing Conditions
- Clinical Assessment and Exercise Prescription
- Advanced Exercise Physiology
- Behaviour Change and Physical Activity
Program Tuition Fee
Career Opportunities
Career prospects
Our applied learning techniques and strong industry connections ensure you're fully prepared for the workplace upon graduation and understand how to apply your knowledge in a real-world context.
The substantial placement that you'll undertake during this course will prepare you for a number of relevant roles in Clinical Exercise Physiology. Placement options include experience at Prehab4Cancer, Heartbeat Northwest cardiac centre and several NHS Trusts.
Your career could see you working within a number of health organisations such as the NHS, private hospitals (eg Nuffield Health), universities and other healthcare providers. Roles are varied and hugely rewarding, including:
- Cardiac rehabilitation
- Pulmonary rehabilitation
- Cancer prehabilitation
- Health screening and intervention
- Obesity management
- Exercise therapy for special populations
- Research or further study
Whatever career path you choose, with a strong and solid grounding in the science behind sport and exercise, you’ll have a lot to offer and many possibilities to explore.
Program delivery
Study
- Full-time 20% lectures, seminars or similar; 20% placement; 60% independent study
Assessment
- Full-time 100% coursework; 0% practical; 0% examination
Program Admission Requirements
Show your commitment and readiness for Grad school by taking the GRE - the most broadly accepted exam for graduate programs internationally.