Clinical Exercise Physiology (MSc)

To apply for this course you'll need a 2:1 classification in a sport and exercise science or related degree.

Students on the course will be required to have enhanced disclosure and barring service (DBS) check, and occupational health clearance.

English language requirements

If English is not your first language, you must show that you can use English to the level we require. Visit our English language pages to find out which qualifications we accept and how you can meet our requirements.

If you are taking the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), you must get at least the following scores:

If you do not meet the English language requirements through a test or qualification, you may be able to meet them by completing one of our pre-sessional English programmes before you start your course.

Pre-masters

If you don’t meet direct entry requirements, you can apply to complete a Pre-Master's programme through our partnership with OnCampus.

You'll progress to your chosen course after successfully completing the programme. Find out more about Pre-Master's programmes for international students.

Got a question?

Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.

Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000

This is a full-time, 12-month master’s course split across 2 semesters.

You’ll learn through a mix of lectures, workshops, research projects, and supervised clinical placements. Your studies combine theory with practical experience, preparing you to deliver evidence-based exercise programmes in real healthcare settings.

If you’re an international student, or English isn’t your first language, you can take an optional academic and language support module during both semesters. This is a supporting module and does not include an assessment.

Semester 1 overview

In semester 1, you’ll focus on developing your scientific and clinical knowledge. You’ll study advanced human physiology, pathophysiology, and the principles of clinical exercise testing and interpretation.

You’ll also explore behaviour change and adherence strategies, learning how to help people make sustainable lifestyle improvements.

Alongside your taught modules, you’ll start planning your dissertation project and complete preparation tasks for your first clinical placement, which begins later in the academic year.

Semester 2 overview

In semester 2, you’ll apply what you’ve learned in clinical and community environments. You’ll undertake supervised practice and learn how to assess, prescribe, and evaluate exercise programmes for people with a range of long-term conditions.

You’ll continue your academic modules, focusing on clinical exercise delivery and evaluation, and you’ll begin your dissertation project under the guidance of academic and clinical supervisors.

Over the summer, you’ll complete a CEP Practice Placement Portfolio. More information about this can be found in the Learning and assessment tab.

Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.

Learning

You’ll learn how to apply exercise science in clinical and community settings through a combination of taught modules, supervised placements, and independent research.

Teaching is delivered by experts from health sciences, medicine, physiotherapy, and psychology. You’ll benefit from close academic supervision, small class sizes, and access to our NHS Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing (CPET) service.

You’ll learn through a variety of methods, including:

• lectures, seminars and interactive workshops
• practical sessions in specialist laboratories and clinical environments
• simulation-based learning and small group tutorials
• supervised clinical placements with NHS and community partners
• independent research and guided self-study

Your learning will be underpinned by the latest research and best practice in clinical exercise physiology.

For more detailed learning information, take a look at the individual module pages.

Assessment

You’ll be assessed through a range of methods designed to reflect real clinical practice and academic research.

These may include:

• practical assessments and clinical competency evaluations
• written assignments, case studies and reports
• oral presentations and reflective portfolios
• online tests and coursework
• your final dissertation project

Formative (non-marked) assessments will help you build confidence and receive feedback before submitting your final work.

Dissertation

Instead of a dissertation, you’ll complete a CEP Practice Placement Portfolio. This practice-based assessment demonstrates your professional growth, research ability, and readiness for clinical work.

The portfolio combines your academic learning, placements, and research into one record of your development. You’ll reflect on experiences across clinical and community settingsuch as cardiac, respiratory, or cancer rehabilitation to evidence your clinical decision-making and patient-centred care.

You’ll also complete a small research project, service evaluation, or clinical audit, applying research principles to real healthcare questions. This may include reviewing service quality, testing interventions, or analysing outcomes.

The portfolio is your final project, allowing you to demonstrate both advanced knowledge and the practical, reflective expertise needed to excel in clinical exercise physiology.

Academic Support

Your personal academic tutor and project supervisor will support your academic progress throughout the course.

You’ll also have access to a range of university-wide support services, including wellbeing advice, study skills development, and English language support if required

Tuition fees

Fees for a year's study:

• UK students pay £9,700.
• EU and international students pay £23,900.

Check fees for other versions of this course.

Deposit

If you're an international student on a full-time course, we'll ask you to pay £2,000 of your tuition fees in advance, as a deposit.

Your offer letter will tell you when this should be paid and provide full terms and conditions.

Find out about exemptions, refunds and how to pay your deposit on our tuition fees for overseas students page.

What your fees pay for

Your tuition fee covers the full cost of tuition and any exams. The fee you pay will remain the same each year from when you start studying this course. This includes if you suspend and return.

Find out how to pay your tuition fees.

Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. There may also be extra costs for retake and professional exams.

Explore:

• accommodation costs
• living costs
• budgeting advice
• fees, charges and expenses regulations

10% alumni discount

If you’re a graduate of the University of Southampton, you could be eligible for a 10% discount on your postgraduate tuition fees.

Postgraduate Master’s Loans (UK nationals only)

This can help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate master's course. 

If you study part-time, you may not be eligible for this loan. Find out if you're eligible.

Funding your postgraduate studies

A variety of additional funding options may be available to help you pay for your master’s study. Both from the University and other organisations.

Funding for EU and international students

Find out about funding you could get as an international student.

1. Use the blue 'apply for this course' button on this page to take you to our postgraduate admissions system.
2. Create an account which gives you access to your own application portal. .
3. Search for the course you want to apply for.
4. Complete the application form and upload any supporting documents.
5. Submit your application.

For further details of our admission process, read our step by step guide to postgraduate taught applications.

Application deadlines

Application assessment fee

There is no application assessment fee for postgraduate courses starting in 2026.

Supporting information

When you apply you’ll need to submit a personal statement explaining why you want to take the course. 

You’ll need to include information about: 

• your knowledge of the subject area
• why you want to study a postgraduate qualification in this course
• how you intend to use your qualification
• how your personal values align with this course and profession

You'll also need to submit two academic references. 

Please include the required paperwork showing your first degree and your IELTS English language test score (if you are a non-native English speaker) with your application. Without these, your application may be delayed.

What happens after you apply

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an interview. You'll get an email from the admissions tutor if you're invited to the selection event. This will include information on how to prepare and what to expect during the session.

If we offer you a place, you will need to accept the offer within 30 working days. If you do not meet this deadline, we will offer your place to another applicant.

Unfortunately, due to number of applications we receive, we may not be able to give you specific feedback on your application if you are unsuccessful.

Equality and diversity

We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.

Got a question?

Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.

Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000