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Course overview
Clinical Exercise Physiology combines exercise science and healthcare to prevent and manage chronic conditions. At the University of Birmingham, gain hands-on clinical skills to improve patient outcomes and transform lives through tailored exercise interventions.
This course prepares you for a future as a Clinical Exercise Physiologist in healthcare settings. You will be able to use exercise to prevent and manage chronic conditions, paving the way for careers in clinical practice, research, and rehabilitation.
Our Clinical Exercise Physiology MSc provides students with the knowledge and hands-on experience to transform lives through exercise. With world-class facilities such as our new Movement and Wellbeing Centre, cutting-edge research, and extensive clinical placements, this course offers a unique pathway into healthcare.
Course structure
The Clinical Exercise Physiology MSc is designed to provide a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical experience, including research-informed teaching, practice-based learning, scenario-based assessments and clinical placements.
Semester 1
Semester 1
29 September 2025 – 12 December 2025, 11-weeks
In Semester 1, you will develop a solid foundation in clinical exercise physiology, focusing on the pathophysiology, exercise prescription, and health assessments for musculoskeletal, cardiac, respiratory, and neurological conditions. Additionally, you will explore behaviour change theory and its application, gaining insights into strategies that promote sustainable lifestyle changes across diverse populations.
Semester 2
Semester 2
12 January 2026 – 27 March 2026
Semester 2 begins with focused teaching on your dissertation, where you will engage with case studies and reflective practice to hone your research and clinical assessment skills. This is followed by an 8-week clinical placement, providing valuable experience in exercise prescription, health assessment and patient care.
Semester 3
Semester 3
27 April 2026 – August 8th 2026
In Semester 3, you will focus on the pathophysiology, exercise programming, and health assessment for conditions such as metabolic, frailty, renal, cancer, pregnancy, and mental health. You will learn to design tailored interventions for these populations, complete another 8-week placement, and finish with a submission of a clinical case study dissertation.
Course highlights
The Clinical Exercise Physiology MSc course at the University of Birmingham stands out with its unique blend of in-depth academic teaching and extensive clinical experience. You will benefit from practical placements across various healthcare settings, working directly with patients to apply research-informed exercise interventions.
The course covers a diverse range of clinical conditions, from musculoskeletal and cardiac to mental health and cancer. With a strong focus on behaviour change and evidence-based practice, you will graduate ready to make a real impact in the healthcare sector, supported by world-class research and industry connections.
- Teaching is delivered within our new Movement and Wellbeing Clinic
- Learn directly from experts in the field, with cutting-edge research integrated into your studies.
- Access placements within the NHS services offering exercise support to those with clinical conditions
- 8th
in the world for sports subjects
QS World University Rankings 2025
- 2nd
in the UK for sports subjects
QS World University Rankings 2025
Course delivery
The course is taught through a blend of individual and small-group learning, using a variety of teaching methods like lectures, practical sessions, and clinical placements. You will also engage in independent study, case-based learning, and peer-to-peer reflections. Depending on your career goals, you can tailor your experience to focus on specific clinical settings, making the programme flexible and suited to diverse professional pathways.
- Taught Modules: Delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars, and workshops, providing foundational knowledge and interactive learning experiences.
- Practical Sessions: Hands-on learning in laboratory settings and simulation training, applying theoretical concepts to real-world clinical scenarios.
- Placements: Gain practical experience through clinical placements, applying exercise interventions and engaging in patient care.
- Assessments: A mix of essays, practical assessments, case studies, group work, and reflective practice, designed to evaluate your understanding and application of clinical exercise physiology.
Accredited by the Academy of Healthcare Sciences
The MSc Clinical Exercise Physiology programme is accredited by the Academy of Healthcare Sciences (AHCS)
Module information
The modules listed below are an indication only and may be subject to change. Occasionally, it may be necessary to make changes to modules, for example, to ensure they remain current and relevant.
As a research-intensive University, our teaching is informed by the latest academic thinking and expertise of our staff. For more information on the circumstances in which the University may need to make changes to modules, please refer to the Terms and Conditions for applicants.
The course comprises the following compulsory modules, each designed to provide students with essential knowledge and skills in clinical exercise physiology:
The following must be taken:
Teaching staff
Dr Katie Hesketh
Programme Lead
Dr Hesketh contributes to the BSc Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences and MSci Physiotherapy, delivering teaching on fundamental and applied physiology principles across lecture, laboratory, and field-based settings.
Professor Sam Lucas
Professor of Cerebrovascular, Exercise & Environmental Physiology
Professor Lucas is an exercise physiologist, with a particular interest in optimising exercise interventions for improved brain health.
Dr Joanna Richards
Associate Professor in Clinical Exercise Physiology
Dr Jo Richards is an exercise physiologist, with a particular interest in cardiac physiology.
Dr Tom E. Nightingale
Lecturer in Exercise Physiology
Dr. Nightingale is an integrative physiologist with an interest in understanding the impact of physical activity on cardiometabolic and cerebrovascular health outcomes in individuals with neurological conditions
Dr Richard Powell
Assistant Professor in Clinical Exercise Physiology
Dr Richard Powell is an AHCS registered Clinical Exercise Physiologist with a primary research interest in exercise training in clinical populations working in the MoveWell centre at the University of Birmingham
Entry requirements
To gain a place at Birmingham you will need to meet our general entry requirements, as well as those specific to your course. Your application will be reviewed by the course’s Admissions Tutor, who will decide whether your application should receive an offer.
- 2:1 Honours degree
in sport and exercise science or other relevant biological science that contains a substantial element of exercise physiology, such as applied human physiology or physiotherapy.
English language requirements
If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification or a Presessional English course.
For this course we require IELTS 7.0 with no less than 6.5 in any band, which is equivalent to:
- TOEFL: 95 overall with no less than 22 in any component
- Pearson Test of English (PTE): Academic 76 with no less than 67 in all four skills
- Cambridge English: C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency - minimum overall score of 185, with no less than 176 in any component
- LanguageCert ESOL SELT (UKVI): C1 'Expert' with no less than 25 in each skill
English presessional programmes
If you have a conditional offer for Birmingham where English is a requirement, you can take a Presessional English course as an alternative to retaking IELTS or a similar qualification. We offer on-campus courses all year round starting from September including additional online courses in the summer term. Teaching takes place in small classes with no more than 18 students to maximise class participation.
Fees and scholarships
- £11,250
Full-time
We charge an annual tuition fee. Fees for 2026 entry are above.
The fees quoted are for one year only. For those studying courses that are longer than one year, tuition fees will also be payable in subsequent years of your programme.
Paying your tuition fees
Tuition fees can either be paid in full or by instalments. You can check whether you are eligible for UK or international fees with our admissions team.
Learn more about postgraduate tuition fees and funding.
Tuition fee deposits for international students
International students undertaking a postgraduate taught degree are required to pay a tuition fee deposit before an electronic Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) can be issued.
Students applying for a Postgraduate Taught (PGT) Loan must select the fixed programme option at enrolment. The flexible (flex) study route is not eligible for PGT Loan funding under current government regulations.
Students should check the full eligibility criteria on the official government website.
Postgraduate Masters loan
To help with the cost of studies, this loan is available to all UK students. You can use this loan towards fees, maintenance or other costs at your own discretion. It’s available for all full-time, part-time and distance learning Masters programmes, as long as you don’t already have a Masters qualification (or equivalent).If you’re a student from Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, you can apply for Masters loans from your country’s government.
Scholarships
To help you afford your studies, we’ve put more than £33 million into student support and scholarships. We also offer a range of advice on searching for funding and managing your finances.
Birmingham Masters scholarships
We want to welcome the brightest talent to our postgraduate community. That’s why our Birmingham Masters Scholarships award £3,000 to more than 300 students each year.
Application process
To apply for a postgraduate programme, you will need to submit your application and supporting documents online.
- 28 August 2026
Application deadline for UK and non visa requiring applicants. We will close applications as soon as the programme is full. Early applications are encouraged.
Career opportunities
The Clinical Exercise Physiology MSc opens up diverse career opportunities for graduates. While some may pursue specific roles as Clinical Exercise Physiologists in healthcare settings, others can explore broader paths in health promotion, rehabilitation, research, and fitness industries. The comprehensive curriculum provides students with the skills to work autonomously or as part of multidisciplinary teams, enhancing their employability across various sectors focused on health and wellness.
Clinical Exercise Physiologists are now eligible for professional registration with the Academy for Healthcare Science (AHCS).
The latest figures show that there are over 800 clinical exercise services in the UK. This is expected to increase with the development of the clinical exercise physiologist's role in delivering services for a wider range of clinical conditions.
Careers Network
Get ready for tomorrow, with advice, guidance and opportunities at every step of your studies. From developing new skills to preparing for a PhD, our Careers Network can help you gain an advantage in the job market or advance in your field.
Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network offers a range of events and support services including networking opportunities, career coaching, one-to-one guidance, careers fairs and links with leading graduate recruiters. We also offer subject-specific careers consultants and a dedicated careers website for international students.
We're first choice for graduate employers... again!
We are the most targeted UK university by top graduate employers (High Fliers report, The Graduate Market 2025). Our graduate stories highlight the achievements of Birmingham alumni and the way their university experience shaped their journey.
Student experience
At Birmingham, your university experience isn’t just about studying. You will have the opportunity to discover new experiences, develop different skills and make friends for life.
Our bustling campus with its beautiful grounds, friendly community and excellent facilities will quickly make you feel at home. We offer you a huge variety of accommodation options in the UK’s second city, exciting activities to get involved in outside your studies, as well as all the support and advice you need.
Accommodation
Coming to Birmingham to study might be your first time living away from home. Our student accommodation will allow you to enjoy your independence in safe, welcoming and sociable surroundings.
Living in Birmingham
As one of the original pioneering cities, Birmingham is a melting pot for shopping, food and drink, nightlife, sport, culture, and industry. It’s no wonder our students fall in love with the city.
Student support
Whoever you are and wherever you come from, we are committed to providing the best possible support to all of our students so that you can get the most out of your university experience.
Campus life
Our green and spacious campus is the place where our community comes together to learn, relax and socialise. Like a town of its own, just minutes from the hustle and bustle of the UK’s second city.
Take a virtual tour
Explore our beautiful campus from wherever you are. Get a feel for the wide range of historic and modern spaces and state-of-the-art facilities.