Clinical Exercise Physiology MSc



This programme develops the required knowledge and skills to be eligible for registration as a Clinical Exercise Physiologist (CEP)

Overview

There has never been a more pressing need for CEPs to support the health of the nation. The NHS and other health care providers are facing unprecedented demand for services while the experience of Covid highlighted and exacerbated issues related to an underlying physical inactivity epidemic. CEPs are University MSc qualified health professionals trained to screen, assess and apply clinical and scientific reasoning to ensure safety and appropriateness of exercise-based interventions that can support long term behaviour change; as professionals they are expected to advance their practice through continuing education, competency development and professional experience.

Our MSc programme helps graduates to meet the Academy for Healthcare Sciences (AHCS) Standards of Proficiency which are in line with the Health Care Professions Council (HCPC) Standards of Proficiency.

This course is led by Dr Amanda Pitkethly, and our team of excellent academics have a lot to offer. You will experience their international reach and esteem, for example, Prof. Anna Campbell is a member of the WHO Cancer Rehabilitation 2030 working group. The team also have valuable applied clinical experience to bring to the classroom, are involved in developing the CEP-UK national curriculum, as well as the continued recognition and promotion of the CEP profession in the UK.

More information on Clinical Exercise Physiology can be be found here. 

 
Image of a person on a stationary bike using sports technology equipment to monitor their performance

Mode of Study:

Full-time (available as Part-time)

Duration:

1 years

Start date:

Sep

Professional head shot image of Talitha de Klerk
Talitha de Klerk, Registered Clinical Exercise Physiologist

I was a student on the previous iteration of this MSc which equipped me with the requisite skills, knowledge and clinical placement experience required for professional registration. This new programme offers the latest skills and practical experience aligned with the new UK CEP-UK curriculum.

Course details

This MSc course will prepare you for a career as a CEP, so that you can:

· specialise in the prescription and delivery of evidence-based exercise interventions to optimise the prevention, treatment, and long-term management of acute, sub-acute, chronic and complex conditions.

· work in a range of primary, secondary, and tertiary care settings as part of a multidisciplinary team of health care and rehabilitation providers

· optimise physical function and health and promote long-term wellness through lifestyle modification and behaviour change across the lifespan.

Accreditation (Academy for Healthcare Sciences (AHCS) accreditation pending)

Our MSc programme delivers the Clinical Exercise Physiology-UK (CEP-UK) curriculum framework. This national curriculum framework has been developed for all UK MSc Clinical Exercise Physiology degrees to ensure the required knowledge and skills and forms part of the AHCS MSc Clinical Exercise Physiology degree accreditation. The Academy of Healthcare Science (AHCS) are currently in the process of assessing our programme to ensure that it meets the Standards of Proficiency and principles of Good Clinical Practice. Members of our programme team have been directly involved in the development of the UK CEP register, the development of the national curriculum framework, and the planning and organisation of ongoing CEP-UK promotion and development.

To pave the way for your career as a registered professional with the title Clinical Exercise Physiologist (CEP), you will be required to complete all the University MSc degree requirements (successfully passing all 180 credits), and, that you meet the AHCS required competencies according to the Standards of Proficiency and principles of Good Clinical Practice. Please note: Even once we have achieved accredited status for our MSc programme, the AHCS competency requirements are separate from the University degree requirements. We will make you aware of these expectations and make sure that you are in no doubt as to what is required for you to become a registered CEP.

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    How you’ll be taught

    This is a one-year full-time (part-time option available) MSc course (180 credits) and is split up into three trimesters. You’ll learn by a variety of teaching methods including lectures, tutorials, practical lab sessions, and work-based learning.
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    Assessments

    Assessment methods will be varied including written reports, case studies, portfolios, oral and practical skills assessments, and assessment of clinical competencies.
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    Work placement

    A 60-credit, work-based learning module will provide you with supervised opportunities to learn and demonstrate your taught knowledge and skills, a well as your problem solving and reflective scientist-practitioner skills to the highest level of this award.
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    Study abroad

    At present there are not opportunities to study abroad within this programme, however, there are currently conversations developing with international colleagues. The programme team can keep you updated on any progress with this.
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    Facilities

    As a postgraduate student at Edinburgh Napier University, our Sighthill campus provides you with a superb learning environment, including state-of-the-art laboratory facilities for exercise physiology, biomedical science, and biomechanics.

Modules

Modules that you will study* as part of this course

Behaviour Change & Communication ( SES11133 )

In this module, you will develop your knowledge of barriers and motivators to exercise (e.g. capability, opportunity, motivation) and of living with health conditions (e.g. pain, anxiety, depression, bereavement), including the influence of wider socio-cultural factors (e.g., ethnicity, gender, deprivation). You will explore the evidenced-based biological, psychological, and social mechanisms through which exercise impacts mental health and wellbeing. You will learn about contemporary evidenced based theories of behaviour change (e.g. Self-Determination Theory, Social Cognitive Theory, Affective-Reflective Theory and Dual-Mode Theory) and implement these to inform approaches to support behaviour change. You will also learn how to apply basic evidence-based, client-centred, exercise counselling/coaching skills to understand goals, confidence, motivation, thereby effectively promoting exercise initiation and adherence (e.g., motivational interviewing). You will critically explore how behaviour change technique taxonomies are used and develop the ability to select and apply evidence-based techniques in practice to promote self-regulation of long-term exercise behaviour (e.g., barrier identification, action planning, self-monitoring). You will learn the importance of and how to consistently engage in reflective practice with the understanding of and use of reflective models. Ultimately, you will develop the ability to co-produce with the client/patient meaningful longer-term goals, beyond the weeks of focused/structured exercise, that lead to an enhanced quality of life, which includes sustainable levels of health-related physical activity (e.g. at home, workplace, part of transport etc); and to promote a healthy relationship with exercise and understand how to recognise, support and signpost in case of concerns (e.g., compulsive exercise).

Further information

Clinical Exercise Physiology Work Based Learning (FULL TIME) ( SES11139 )

This is your final consolidating module, and your opportunity to put all you have learned into your supervised practice opportunities. Please take care to attend to all the requirements of this module, such as the required clinical placement hours, to ensure that you meet the Academy for Healthcare Sciences (AHCS) requirements or your registration as a Healthcare Practitioner could be affected.Through engaging in a work placement and work based learning in this module you will explore:engagement with partners and people, local pathways, signposting, resources and records, professional relationships, effective communication, quality assurance, referral and self-referral, governance, monitoring and evaluation, physical activity and health opportunities, medical terminology, pre-exercise screening, pre-exercise assessment, functional and clinical assessment, targeted and tailored interventions, person-centred interventions, exercise prescription, data collection and evaluation, monitoring physical activity and exercise, monitoring clients, safety considerations; delegated responsibility, onward referral, professional boundaries, continuing professional development. You will be provided placement opportunities that will enable you to put your knowledge and skills into practice to experience the range of conditions and environments in the scope of practice with clinical populations. The structure of these may vary according to the placement host, for example, a single placement host may be able to provide access to patients with a range of health conditions, and to patients in clinical and outpatient/community settings. Whereas other placement hosts may provide opportunities with one health condition and in either clinical or community settings. In order that you are able to experience what is expected of our AHCS accredited programme, we work with a range of placement hosts that support high quality placements, and we have a dedicated University placement team, Student Futures, that help us to coordinate a high quality experience that meets our MSc accreditation requirements. In placement, you will be expected to practice in ways that provide a role model to others in terms of ethical integrity in both research and practice; upholding the highest standards of personal and organisational conduct, according the the Professional Standards of Behaviour and Practice for the Healthcare Science workforce, Good Scientific Practice (GSP, 2021).You will relate your work experience to the academic content of your MSc programme and reflect on the value of prior learning. You will focus on the self-assessment of personal learning outcomes supported early in the module. As you work, you will complete a placement log book detailing your experiences for each hour of placement. Reflective practice and critical thinking are key to your submissions for this module, as such you will also engage in reflective practice of you experiences as you progress in the module to enhance confidence and employability. As such, in addition to submission of logs, and a critical reflective report, you will also submit a video that evidences your applied work and demonstrates how you meet the principles laid out in the AHCS standards and the CEP-UK scope of practice. As part of the final assessment, your placement host/s will also provide feedback on your engagement and progress.

Further information

Clinical Skills I ( SES11134 )

This module will introduce you to theoretical learning, experiences and practical skills relevant to the clinical exercise physiology environment. This will include: familiarity with equipment preparation; safe working practices; preparation and assessment of clients/patients; the ethical, professional and legal constraints associated with this environment; the Clinical Exercise Physiology UK Scope of Practice; referral to other practitioners or organisations; cardiorespiratory and stress-testing; ECG interpretation; NHS and ACSM guidelines; medication and drug interactions.

Further information

Clinical Skills II ( SES11136 )

This module will follow on from Clinical Skills I. Throughout this module, you will continue developing your knowledge and practical skills required to work as a Clinical Exercise Physiologist. You will develop your skills and techniques in relation to cardiopulmonary exercise testing, respiratory function, metabolism and appropriate tests to use in a field setting. As well as developing your technical ability you will gain an in-depth knowledge on interpretation of the data you collect.

Further information

Exercise Interventions: Design, Delivery and Implementation ( SES11137 )

This module considers exercise programming design, prescription, understanding and delivery for individuals with health conditions. It will include theoretical knowledge and practical experience. More specifically in this module you will learn how to design safe, effective and evidence-based interventions for clinical populations through gaining practical knowledge, using current guidelines and also appraising published scientific literature. You will develop the ability of how to consider multiple factors (environmental, physical, psychological, medical etc) to prescribe optimal exercise interventions in terms of modes, frequency, intensity, durations and how you can design progressions and regressions accordingly. A particular focus will be given to evaluating contraindications, identifying risks, and monitoring adverse signs as well as optimally monitoring and evaluating the outcomes of exercise interventions. The module content and assessments are designed to achieve the above goals.

Further information

Exercise Physiology ( SES11135 )

This module will focus on the acute and chronic effects of exercise and physical activity on the human organism. During this module you will explore the concepts and principles, which underpin the interactions of the physiological systems and mechanisms in response to exercise. You will expand your knowledge in relation to the cardiovascular, respiratory, metabolic and skeletal muscular responses to exercise. You will learn about how the various physiological systems integrate with one another and how exercise responses can prevent non-communicable diseases. The need to increase physical activity levels/exercise as a treatment or prevention for many chronic diseases is a world-wide pursuit. Therefore during this module you will engage with literature from across the globe and be encouraged to draw on evidence from a wide variety of populations.

Further information

Pathophysiology and Clinical Management ( SES11138 )

In this module you will cover the aetiology, statistics and treatments for a range of health conditions (cancer, cardiovascular, frailty, renal, mental health, metabolic, musculoskeletal, neurological and respiratory). During the module we will focus on the underlying pathophysiology of all these conditions. This module will highlight the relevant treatment side effects and key practical issues related to exercising with these conditions.

Further information

* These are indicative only and reflect the course structure in the current academic year. Some changes may occur between now and the time that you study.

Disclaimer

Study modules mentioned above are indicative only. Some changes may occur between now and the time that you study.

Full information is available in our disclaimer.

Entry requirements

What are the entry requirements for Clinical Exercise Physiology?

The entry requirement for this course is a Bachelor (Honours) degree at 2:2 or above, or equivalent experience, in a sport and exercise science or physical activity & health or any human health related science degree (e.g. Biomedical Science, Human Physiology, or allied health professional degree including Physiotherapy and Nursing).

In addition to the academic qualification, candidates should use their personal statements to show how their undergraduate knowledge and skills, any additional experience and hobbies, support their application for the course.

Additional information

Successful applicants to the MSc Clinical Exercise Physiology programme will be required to complete a placement module, this is dependent upon a satisfactory Protecting Vulnerable Groups Scheme (PVG) Check at the module preparation stage. The cost of the PVG check will be paid by the University. The Edinburgh Napier University terms and conditions of enhanced PVG checks and the policy for Applicants with Declared Criminal Convictions can be found here.  Additionally, during the placement module preparation stage, successful applicants, going on clinical placements, will be required to undergo an Occupational Health check, including required immunisations for a variety of conditions. If an applicant declares an issue, they will be guided to occupational health for discussion concerning their health needs and potential adaptations. Immunisation is advised but cannot be required nor mandatory. Documented evidence of previous immunisations will be required, and students will be guided through this process by Edinburgh Napier University when entering the programme. 

Successful applicants are recommended to become student members of the British Association of Sport & Exercise Sciences on joining the programme, and to opt in for communications from Clinical Exercise Physiology | Clinical Exercise Physiology UK. Once you have successfully completed all aspects of the MSc programme you will then be eligible for professional registration with the Academy for Healthcare Science (AHCS) as a as a Clinical Exercise Physiologist.

Application advice and support connected to Edinburgh Napier University policy for Applicants with a Declared Disability can be found here.

Can I make an appointment with an advisor to discuss further about the admission process?

If you want to get more information on the admission process, please get in touch with the postgraduate admissions team by submitting an enquiry form above.

If your first language isn't English, you'll normally need to undertake an approved English language test.  The English Language requirements for this programme are IELTS (Academic) with an overall score of 6.5 with no individual component scores of less than 6.5 for Reading, 6.5 for Writing, 6.0 for Listening and 6.0 Speaking.  For guidance on the acceptability of other English Language tests please contact pgadmissions@napier.ac.uk

Our entry requirements indicate the minimum qualifications with which we normally accept students. Competition for places varies from year to year and you aren't guaranteed a place if you meet the minimum qualifications.
We welcome applications from students studying a wide range of international qualifications.
Entry requirements by country

Please note that international students are unable to enrol onto the following courses:
  • BM Midwifery/MM Midwifery
  • All Graduate Apprenticeship courses.

See who can apply for more information on Graduate Apprenticeship courses.

We’re committed to admitting students who have the potential to succeed and benefit from our programmes of study. 

Our admissions policies will help you understand our admissions procedures, and how we use the information you provide us in your application to inform the decisions we make.

Undergraduate admissions policies
Postgraduate admissions policies

Fees & funding

The course fees you'll pay and the funding available to you will depend on a number of factors including your nationality, location, personal circumstances and the course you are studying. We also have a number of bursaries and scholarships available to our students.

Tuition fees
Students from 2024/25 2025/26
Scotland, England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Republic of Ireland £8,540 £8,965
Overseas and EU £20,395 £21,430
Please note tuition fees are subject to an annual review and may increase from one year to the next. For more information on this and other Tuition Fee matters please see Frequently Asked Questions about Fees Click this link for Information of Bursaries and Scholarships


Careers

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What can you do with a Clinical Exercise Physiology MSc?

By studying Clinical Exercise Physiology at Edinburgh Napier University, you will gain the skills and knowledge to be able to work as part of a healthcare team across multiple healthcare settings, such as within a hospital or a community as a CEP.  You will specialise in screening, exercise testing and assessment, as well as the design, delivery and evaluation of evidence-based exercise or physical activity interventions that include education, advice and support that promote lifestyle modification and behaviour change.

What does a Clinical Exercise Physiologist do?

As a CEP, you will help a range of people from apparently healthy individuals to those with chronic and complex conditions along the care pathway from primary prevention, through acute management, to rehabilitation and maintenance.

The role of CEP is to work in a range of primary, secondary and tertiary care settings as part of a multidisciplinary team of health care and rehabilitation providers from hospital to community. For example, within:

• Secondary care pre/rehabilitation settings

• Primary Care

• Private hospital settings

• Public and private multidisciplinary clinics

and leisure services

• Defence Medical Services

• Population/Public health/ Policy advisors

• Workplace health and rehabilitation

• Research/Academic