Clinical Exercise Physiology MSc
2 years part-time | September Start
Option for Placement Year
Option for Study Abroad
International
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Option for Placement Year
Option for Study Abroad
Become a Master of Clinical Exercise Physiology. Discover the science and applied research approaches needed to study acute and chronic adaptations to exercise, understand physiologic functional capacity in healthy individuals and the diagnosis and rehabilitation of those with chronic disease and disability.
Northumbria University is the only provider of this Clinical Exercise Physiology Master’s program in the North East and boasts excellent links with key organisations to further support your development and knowledge.
Based in our state-of-the-art British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES) approved facilities, you will learn in an industry standard, inspirational environment.
Northumbria’s Clinical Exercise Physiology course will focus on the use of exercise for assessment, prevention, and treatment in a number of diseases and clinical conditions. During this course you will develop an understanding of the physiological factors associated with diseases and the underlying aetiology and pathophysiology of diseases. Our Clinical Exercise Physiology MSc will prepare you to be able to improve a person’s physical status and quality of life through individualised assessment, exercise prescription and behaviour change interventions in the dual context of clinical pathology (acute and chronic) and enhancement of daily living activities. You will also gain insight into how to interpret research and guidelines and understand how to design and conduct research in accordance with good clinical practices.
During this Masters course you will put your skills into practice by working in a clinical or community setting and getting to grips with client/patient interaction. Our physiology lab, teaching lab and bio-mechanics lab will equip you with a full range of skills in physiology, in high demand by employers. The clinics will teach you how to work with patients and make a diagnosis, as well as know which kind of exercise is geared towards which patient demographic.
On completion of this course, you will possess the necessary knowledge and skills to assess an individual’s physical status and quality of life to provide a bespoke solution to enhance their daily living. You will begin training as an exercise physiologist from the outset of the academic year, to ensure that you graduate prepared and confident for the world of work.
This practical-skills based Masters is designed with employment in mind. Our graduates have gone on to scientist-in-training pathways with the NHS, PhD study and a range of careers in health and well-being physiology.
Level of Study
Postgraduate
Mode of Study
2 years Part Time
1 other options available
Department
Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation
Location
City Campus, Northumbria University
City
Newcastle
Start
September 2024
Fees
Fee Information
Modules
Module Information
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You will also cover clinical competencies and assessment skills, as well as research methods. You will also be required to complete a dissertation around a topic of physiology of your choice.
Teaching is delivered through a mix of lectures, seminars and practical elements such as laboratory work. Assessments will be undertaken via a range of methods such as coursework, case studies, laboratory skills, reports, presentations, articles, posters, portfolios and exams.
Watch our Department video to get a feel for the inspiring learning community you could be part of at Northumbria.
The content of this course draws on their in-depth knowledge, delivering a learning experience that facilitates an advanced understanding of theory and practice that is at the forefront of this discipline.
Many of the teaching team have worked in research funded projects with the likes of organisations such as Cancer Research UK, MS Society, PD UK, and the NIHR. European Commission – EU Directorate General -Research Innovative Medicines Initiative (IMI) and the European Medicine Agency (EMA).
Our team are responsible for pioneering research that helps to inform healthcare policy and the strategies of renowned global businesses such as GlaxoSmithKline, Philips and Nova International.
Find out more about the tutors who will be sharing their expertise with you on this course.
Dr Eurico Wilhelm Neto
Programme Leader
Dr Alasdair O'Doherty
Senior Lecturer
Florentina Hettinga
Professor
Ioannis Vogiatzis
Professor
Dr Gabriel Cucato
Assitant Professor
Dr John Temesi
Assitant Professor
Dr Emily Hume
Assitant Professor
Dr Gavin Tempest
Assitant Professor
Dr Sarah Allison
Assitant Professor
Sport Central has been specially designed to enhance your learning experience thanks to its array of state-of-the-art facilities, which include a sprint track, nutrition kitchen and laboratory, as well as laboratories designed for assessing body composition, exercise physiology, integrated performance and biomechanics and gait.
Technology is embedded throughout all aspects of your degree and you will also receive ongoing support through our e-learning platform, Blackboard, where you can access module handbooks, assessment information, lecture presentation slides and reading lists.
Discover more about our impressive facilities at Northumbria.
The course is delivered by a team of research-active staff who integrate their findings into their day-to- day teaching. Our team are responsible for pioneering research that helps to inform healthcare policy and the strategies of renowned global businesses such as GlaxoSmithKline and Nova International
You are also encouraged to develop your own research skills and, in your final year, produce a dissertation under the supervision of one of our specialists. The dissertation gives you the opportunity to conduct applied research in a field of clinical exercise physiology that interests you the most.
Northumbria is ranked in the top 30 for excellence in sport and exercise science research power, making it the best rated university in the North East in this discipline (REF 2014).
We boast fantastic links with the NHS and other organisations in the region, thanks to the vast amount of work we do in partnership together.
As a part-time course you can work this master’s into your existing work and family commitments. Our state-of-the-art facilities will allow you to put your skills into practise in industry-standard facilities, meaning you leave with knowledge and understanding that can be applied to a real working environment.
You will leave this course equipped with a solid foundation in clinical exercise physiology, key practitioner skills and research skills that effectively prepare you for a career in this dynamic and rewarding industry.
On graduation you can look forward to working within a number of health organisations such as the NHS, private hospitals such as Nuffield Health, Universities and other health providers.
The roles that can be performed by you as a clinical exercise physiologist are varied and include cardiac rehabilitation, respiratory disorder rehabilitation, health screening and intervention, obesity management and exercise therapy for special populations.
A high percentage of students also progress onto further study or doctoral-level qualifications. The skills acquired during this course will ensure you are well prepared should you decide to progress down this route.
Applicants should normally have:
A minimum of a 2:1 honours degree in a related subject area such as sport science, physical education, or physiotherapy, or in another discipline which includes anatomy and physiology. Work experience in a relevant field and/or a professional qualification may also be considered.
Additional requirements:
Applicants may be required to attend an interview. Admission is subject to a suitable DBS Enhanced Certificate and a satisfactory health check.
International qualifications:
If you have studied a non UK qualification, you can see how your qualifications compare to the standard entry criteria, by selecting the country that you received the qualification in, from our country pages. Visit www.northumbria.ac.uk/yourcountry
English language requirements:
International applicants are required to have a minimum overall IELTS (Academic) score of 6.5 with 6 in each component (or approved equivalent*).
*The university accepts a large number of UK and International Qualifications in place of IELTS. You can find details of acceptable tests and the required grades you will need in our English Language section. Visit www.northumbria.ac.uk/englishqualifications
Full UK Fee: £10,460
Full EU Fee: £19,750
Full International Fee: £19,750
Scholarships and Discounts
ADDITIONAL COSTS
You will be required to purchase suitable footwear for use in placement, which will cost approximately £50. You will need to pay for your own travel costs, which may be approximately £400 per year depending on your placement location. If using a car to attend placement, you may also need to pay parking charges of approximately £200 per year. Students may choose to undertake additional qualifications, for example professional qualifications, ISAK course, etc. which can vary between approximately £200 and £700.
* At Northumbria we are strongly committed to protecting the privacy of personal data. To view the University’s Privacy Notice please click here
Module information is indicative and is reviewed annually therefore may be subject to change. Applicants will be informed if there are any changes.
SP7002 -
Principles of Exercise Prescription and Assessment (Core,20 Credits)
This practical focussed module will provide the foundations of exercise assessment, prescription and physical activity promotion. You will critically appraise the evidence base and guidelines related to exercise assessment, prescription, and physical activity promotion. You will cover important principles in relation to the frequency, intensity, type, time, volume and progression of exercise in the context of strength, aerobic fitness, balance, flexibility and mobility. You will also consider the needs and preferences of the patient or client in your exercise prescription. The core principles learned on this module can be applied within the condition specific modules on the programme, where you will learn how to tailor them to different conditions.
More informationSP7004 -
Respiratory, Cancer and Neurological conditions (Core,20 Credits)
On this module you will explore the epidemiology, pathophysiology, and treatment of respiratory, cancer and neurological conditions and learn how to safely assess and prescribe exercise for people living with these conditions. You will critically appraise the literature related to exercise intolerance, physical activity promotion and exercise as a treatment to manage these conditions. You will also develop an understanding of good clinical practice for the assessment of patients and evaluate and interpret patient’s physical capacity, using physiological tests, such as lung function assessment.
More informationSP7005 -
Ageing, Musculoskeletal and Metabolic Conditions (Core,20 Credits)
On this module you will explore the epidemiology, pathophysiology, and treatment of ageing, musculoskeletal and metabolic conditions and learn how to safely assess and prescribe exercise for people living with these conditions. You will critically appraise the literature related to exercise intolerance, physical activity promotion and exercise as a treatment to manage these conditions. You will also develop an understanding of good clinical practice for the assessment of patients and evaluate and interpret patient’s physical health, using physiological tests, such as strength assessment and gait analysis.
More informationSP7000 -
Sport Research Methods (Core,20 Credits)
You will learn a range of research approaches and data analysis methods applicable to your subject of study as well as a critical understanding of their relative strengths and weaknesses. You will learn how these approaches can be applied in the planning of a methodologically-rigorous and ethically-sound research study.
More informationSP7001 -
Cardiovascular Conditions (Core,20 Credits)
On this module you will explore the epidemiology, pathophysiology, and treatment of cardiovascular conditions and learn how to safely assess and prescribe exercise for people living with these conditions. You will critically appraise the literature related to exercise intolerance, physical activity promotion and exercise as a treatment to manage these conditions. You will also develop an understanding of good clinical practice for the assessment of patients and evaluate and interpret patient’s physical health, using physiological tests, such as blood pressure and ECG assessment.
More informationSP7026 -
Critical appraisal of evidence in CEP (Core,20 Credits)
This critical appraisal of evidence in clinical exercise physiology module will help you understand how to critically appraise the evidence base related to a topic in Clinical Exercise Physiology. You will learn how to conduct a systematic review within an area of clinical exercise physiology, in accordance with PRISMA guidance. You will also learn how to use quality assessment tools in the appraisal of research. This module aims to improve your ability to critique the evidence base that underpins practices in the field of clinical exercise physiology.
More informationSP7027 -
SER PGT Clinical Placement and Professional Practice (Core,60 Credits)
This clinical placement and professional practice module will help you learn and gain experience of working in a professional environment. You will learn about the scope of the clinical exercise physiologist, how to reflect on your practice, and important skills in motivational interviewing and behaviour change that you can apply to your practice. You will undertake a placement within one or more clinical or community settings that fall within the scope of the clinical exercise physiologist. You will keep a record of your learning activities in a portfolio and reflect on your experiences. You will also write up an evidence-based case study based on your experience on placements. This module aims to enhance your understanding of working in a clinical/community environment and enhance your employability prospects.
Module information is indicative and is reviewed annually therefore may be subject to change. Applicants will be informed if there are any changes.
SP7002 -
Principles of Exercise Prescription and Assessment (Core,20 Credits)
This practical focussed module will provide the foundations of exercise assessment, prescription and physical activity promotion. You will critically appraise the evidence base and guidelines related to exercise assessment, prescription, and physical activity promotion. You will cover important principles in relation to the frequency, intensity, type, time, volume and progression of exercise in the context of strength, aerobic fitness, balance, flexibility and mobility. You will also consider the needs and preferences of the patient or client in your exercise prescription. The core principles learned on this module can be applied within the condition specific modules on the programme, where you will learn how to tailor them to different conditions.
More informationSP7004 -
Respiratory, Cancer and Neurological conditions (Core,20 Credits)
On this module you will explore the epidemiology, pathophysiology, and treatment of respiratory, cancer and neurological conditions and learn how to safely assess and prescribe exercise for people living with these conditions. You will critically appraise the literature related to exercise intolerance, physical activity promotion and exercise as a treatment to manage these conditions. You will also develop an understanding of good clinical practice for the assessment of patients and evaluate and interpret patient’s physical capacity, using physiological tests, such as lung function assessment.
More informationSP7005 -
Ageing, Musculoskeletal and Metabolic Conditions (Core,20 Credits)
On this module you will explore the epidemiology, pathophysiology, and treatment of ageing, musculoskeletal and metabolic conditions and learn how to safely assess and prescribe exercise for people living with these conditions. You will critically appraise the literature related to exercise intolerance, physical activity promotion and exercise as a treatment to manage these conditions. You will also develop an understanding of good clinical practice for the assessment of patients and evaluate and interpret patient’s physical health, using physiological tests, such as strength assessment and gait analysis.
More informationSP7000 -
Sport Research Methods (Core,20 Credits)
You will learn a range of research approaches and data analysis methods applicable to your subject of study as well as a critical understanding of their relative strengths and weaknesses. You will learn how these approaches can be applied in the planning of a methodologically-rigorous and ethically-sound research study.
More informationSP7001 -
Cardiovascular Conditions (Core,20 Credits)
On this module you will explore the epidemiology, pathophysiology, and treatment of cardiovascular conditions and learn how to safely assess and prescribe exercise for people living with these conditions. You will critically appraise the literature related to exercise intolerance, physical activity promotion and exercise as a treatment to manage these conditions. You will also develop an understanding of good clinical practice for the assessment of patients and evaluate and interpret patient’s physical health, using physiological tests, such as blood pressure and ECG assessment.
More informationSP7026 -
Critical appraisal of evidence in CEP (Core,20 Credits)
This critical appraisal of evidence in clinical exercise physiology module will help you understand how to critically appraise the evidence base related to a topic in Clinical Exercise Physiology. You will learn how to conduct a systematic review within an area of clinical exercise physiology, in accordance with PRISMA guidance. You will also learn how to use quality assessment tools in the appraisal of research. This module aims to improve your ability to critique the evidence base that underpins practices in the field of clinical exercise physiology.
More informationSP7027 -
SER PGT Clinical Placement and Professional Practice (Core,60 Credits)
This clinical placement and professional practice module will help you learn and gain experience of working in a professional environment. You will learn about the scope of the clinical exercise physiologist, how to reflect on your practice, and important skills in motivational interviewing and behaviour change that you can apply to your practice. You will undertake a placement within one or more clinical or community settings that fall within the scope of the clinical exercise physiologist. You will keep a record of your learning activities in a portfolio and reflect on your experiences. You will also write up an evidence-based case study based on your experience on placements. This module aims to enhance your understanding of working in a clinical/community environment and enhance your employability prospects.
The following alternative study options are available for this course:
Sep start
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