MSc Clinical Exercise Physiology

at University of Bedfordshire

If you are interested in investigating the physiological consequences of chronic debilitating diseases, then this Master’s gives you the opportunity for detailed study, looking particularly at how exercise testing can pick up the changes these diseases cause.
 

The course gives you a solid grounding in the theory and application of physiological tests in clinical populations including graded cardiopulmonary exercise testing; cardiac ultrasound; vascular ultrasound; and muscle-function analyses. Throughout, you actively participate in practical sessions designed to increase your skills, with supervised practice sessions working alongside University sports teams and our community exercise clinic.
 

Why choose this course?

• Study with an academic team who have world-leading expertise in their fields and are actively involved in research
• Enjoy the ideal environment for scientific exploration and practical skills development with facilities that include six BASES-accredited sport and exercise science laboratories; Human Performance Centre; a nutrition research kitchen; two molecular and cellular physiology labs; and a sports therapy and rehabilitation centre with a sports injury clinic
• Benefit from our successful partnerships with professional sports teams, elite athletes, academies, schools, colleges and other relevant organisations
• Gain from the opportunity to practice your skills on work placement and shadow experienced staff
• Develop the high-level statutory professional standards demanded of members of a health care team
• Move into a career as a health promotion specialist; clinical exercise physiologist; clinical technician or researcher in the NHS, local authorities, private healthcare, insurance or within the health and fitness industry
• You can also continue to further research-based study on MSc by research, MPhil or PhD programmes
   

Unit Information - What will I learn?

Units

• Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing And Interpretation (SPO015-6) Compulsory
• Exercise And Nutrition Prescription (SPO010-6) Compulsory
• Exercise Testing And Diagnosis (SPO014-6) Compulsory
• Laboratory Skills (SPE002-6) Compulsory
• Research Methods (SPO005-6) Compulsory
• Sport And Physical Activity Masters Dissertation (SPO070-6) Compulsory
• Metabolic Health (SPO007-6) Optional
• Placement (Long) (SPO039-6) Optional
• Placement (Short) (SPO009-6) Optional
• Professional Skills For Health Care Providers (SPO061-6) Optional

How will I be assessed?

A variety of assessment formats will be used across the course, these assessments are designed to develop the transferable skills of the students, such as written and oral communication, the ability to follow logical instructions, problem solving and time management. Further to this some assessments are designed to mimic the scenarios that students may find in the clinical environment, for example, practical exams assess client care, technical skills, analysis and interpretation of test results. All of these assessments are considered to be the best method to assess the learning outcomes of the particular unit, as well as developing professional and transferrable skills.

To apply for a postgraduate degree (MA/MSc/MBA/LLM) at the University of Bedfordshire you should have a good honours degree (or equivalent qualification) in an appropriate subject from a recognised university or HE institution.
 

We will also consider candidates with other relevant qualifications or appropriate work experience.
 

English language requirements

The University accepts the following qualification as satisfying the English Language requirements for entry to a Bachelor or Master's degree.
 

• UKVI Academic IELTS overall score of 6.0 with minimum 5.5 in each element
   

Please note: some courses may require higher levels of English.
 

Standard entry route

Applicants will have a first degree normally in a relevant science based subject, such as a biological science, sports science, coaching, exercise or health science based subject (e.g. nursing, physiotherapy, medicine, osteopathy).
 

Non-standard entry route

All non-standard entry candidates will be required to attend an interview with the Course Co-ordinator

a. Graduates with a first degree in a closely allied subject, where the gaps in subject specific knowledge could be closed using a negotiated programme that would include additional units from within the undergraduate modular degree scheme

b. Sport, Exercise, Coaching and Health professionals with demonstrable experience and expertise within the field who also possess an HNC/HND or GNVQ/NVQ at level 4 in an appropriate subject. These candidates will be required to provide a full portfolio of supporting evidence outlining appropriate academic and educational training and attend an interview, which will aim to assess:

• the applicants motivation, maturity and realistic approach to their studies
• the nature and level of life/work experience and prior study, and the learning that has resulted from such experience
• the clarity of the applicants educational goals and objectives
• the extent to which the applicant can provide evidence of the threshold skills and knowledge required for a given programme.
• As a result of this interview candidates may also be required to bridge gaps in their current knowledge by taking additional units from within the undergraduate modular degree scheme
   

Additional

Recognition of Prior Learning: credit may be given for prior (academic/professional) learning against some of the units. A portfolio of evidence and attainment of equivalent learning outcomes is required. Applicants can discuss the options with the Course Co-ordinator.

The Scholarship scheme for international students enrolling in the academic year 22/23 at one of our UK campuses is as follows:

• An automatic £1,000 Vice Chancellor's Scholarship for new international applicants (undergraduate and postgraduate).
• A £500 Prompt Payment Discount for applicants who pay their first year fees in full, before or at registration (undergraduate and postgraduate).
• A further £500 for applicants who are also University of Bedfordshire alumni

How will this course improve my career prospects?

This course will enable you to build on your  sport and exercise background to develop your knowledge and attain skills that will allow you to transition into  clinical settings specialising in exercise physiology.