Applied Exercise Physiology MSc (PGCert PGDip)

International equivalencies

We can help you meet our English language or academic entry requirements.

Course structure

The course is flexible in that it allows you to exit with a postgraduate certificate at the end of one semester (three 20-credit modules) or a postgraduate diploma at the end of two semesters (six 20-credit modules). You must complete the 60-credit research project to qualify for the MSc.

You spend around 100 hours of the course with an organisation related to the practice of physiology, which will allow you to apply your academic knowledge in a vocational setting. Previous students have worked in organisations including a cardiac rehabilitation programme and fall prevention classes with Albion in the Community. Many students have started their professional careers with the organisation that provided them with work experience.

Areas of study

In taught physiology modules, you'll experience and discuss the responses of the human body to various stimuli, including effect of environmental changes (heat and hypoxic chambers) and of ergogenic aids which can be used to simulate peculiar clinical conditions and help students understand better exercise tolerance. This novel approach to teaching integrative physiology will help you to develop a host of laboratory skills. You will be introduced to the latest in the research field of exercise physiology and will have an opportunity to write your own paper from your research project.

With modules such as Professional Enquiry, you'll also gain vocational skills to give you a competitive edge in the job market; through placement opportunities and chances to network in the world of exercise physiology, you'll graduate with a foot firmly in the industry.

Teaching environment

Laboratory work

• We accept a maximum of 15 students on this course.
• All classes take place in our exercise physiology laboratories with a ratio of 2:3 (staff:students).
• Students work in groups of four to five on problem-based situations.

Tutorials

• Students can book individual tutorials with every lecturer offering around three hours of tutorials per week.
• Group tutorials are also scheduled in our teaching programmes.

Modules
Modules will cover the following areas:

• critical insights into the study of physiology
• professional and personal development
• exercise tolerance (integrative physiology)
• expertise in laboratory skills for exercise physiologists
• applied environmental physiology
• issues and innovations in physiology.

Facilities

Our facilities include a gym over two floors with fitness equipment including a three-camera system to analyse weight-lifting actions and an isokinetic dynamometer to allow measurement of muscle strength.

Our sport and exercise laboratories which are all accredited by the British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES) include:

• a molecular genetics laboratory with biobanking
• a biomechanics laboratory with motion analysis equipment, various EMG systems, and immersive screen
• two exercise physiology laboratories where aerobic / anaerobic endurance, power and strength assessments as well as body composition, cardiac and pulmonary screening can be carried out
• an environmental laboratory with purpose-built environment chamber where we can simulate different climates by controlling the temperature (-20 to +50°C) and relative humidity (20 to 95%), and a 1.13m x 1.13m x 1.5m water immersion tank
• a research-based laboratory with an oxygen-controlled chamber to simulate altitude (hypoxia).

Why Brighton?

Four reasons to study with us

• You will get your hands dirty. Hands-on in the lab, you will have access to all our equipment and we will teach you how to use it and how to analyse and interpret the numbers.

• We will make you think. We will challenge your knowledge and your beliefs, and get you to find solutions to the problems and challenges that are relevant to today’s exercise physiologists.

• We will make you more employable. We’ll offer you opportunities to take on responsibilities, learn within a workplace and develop your understanding of the business world.

• You will be surrounded by experts. Our staff include internationally recognised coaches and researchers willing to share their knowledge with you.

Professional experience 

Professional-Based Learning Module

All credit-based postgraduate courses at the School of Sport and Service Management offer the Professional-Based Learning module.

The module offers you an opportunity to undertake practical experience in a work environment and gain invaluable first-hand knowledge. It is designed to help you engage with the process of planning and delivering expertise in practice, and to reflect upon and take steps to improve your academic, personal and professional skills.

In Semester 1 (September–January) you will have classes on CV development, interview skills, target setting, reflective practice and experiential learning, leading to 100 hours of professional experience in Semester 2 (February–June). This experience could take the form of a part-time job, an unpaid internship, a volunteering opportunity in the university or time as a mentee in your chosen industry. You can also take this module as part of a live consultancy in connection with one of your tourism, sport, hospitality or event modules, either in the UK or a School of Sport and Service Management project overseas.

Our school-based Employability Hub will be on hand to assist you in securing an experience that best meets your career goals and aspirations. Professional experience will enhance your practice and academic knowledge, and many of our students have started their careers with their placement organisation.

Staff profile

Dr Louisa Beale, Senior Lecturer
Dr Louisa Beale teaches exercise physiology, nutrition, exercise and health. Her expertise lies in exercise and clinical populations, particularly in regard to heart disease and pregnancy.

Dr Beale conducts collaborative exercise cardiology research with East Sussex Hospitals NHS Trust. She is a BASES-certified exercise practitioner and a BAPCR (British Association for Cardiovascular Prevention and Rehabilitation) exercise instructor, and she coordinates the university’s Cardiac Rehabilitation Programme.

Read more staff profiles for Applied Exercise Physiology MSc

Location

Campus where this course is taught

Accommodation

Maps

Accommodation

University building

Eastbourne campus map