Masters Degrees (Cardiac Physiology)

This course will suit you if you are a sport and exercise graduate, a graduate from a related science or a medical student looking to specialise in the field of exercise physiology.

It is designed to focus on professional skills that improve your employability, as you learn with equipment including environmental chambers, breath-by-breath analysers, blood sampling analysers and transcranial magnetic stimulation devices.

You also again gain real-world experience in areas relevant to your interests by working alongside experienced practitioners. Past projects have included working with participants in our cardiac rehabilitation programme.

Our teaching laboratories are accredited by the British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES), as are most of our course staff. You can register on the BASES Supervised Experience Scheme yourself to achieve personal accreditation.

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:

Critical Insights into the Study of Physiology
Professional Enquiry
Exercise Tolerance (integrative physiology)
Expertise in Laboratory Skills for Exercise Physiologists

Options:

Applied Environmental Physiology
Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management
Ethical and Social Responsibility: Theory and Application
Bodies of Sport
Consultancy
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).

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.Visit the website to find out more:

https://www.brighton.ac.uk/courses/study/applied-exercise-physiology-msc-pgcert-pgdip.aspx

[{Careers and Employability]]

Career opportunities for sport and exercise scientists are growing. Sports science is recognised as a vital ingredient in the success and development of most sports and for the individuals that take part it is an everyday aspect of their training.

Many hospitals and primary care trusts are also appointing specialists with exercise backgrounds to work in areas such as cardiac rehabilitation and health promotion.

An MSc in Applied Exercise Physiology from the University of Brighton will help you to stand out in today's competitive job market. It will equip you with both the theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary for a successful career and is also ideal preparation for continuing your study at MPhil or PhD level.

100% of students who completed their course in 2014 found full-time employment or went on to further study within six months.
More than half of our graduates secured positions as exercise physiologists in the private or public sector. 14% joined the community of sports coaches, 14% became data analysts in the private sector and 14% progressed into MPhil/PhD studies.

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This course will suit you if you are a sport and exercise graduate, a graduate from a related science or a medical student looking to specialise in the field of sport physiology.

It is designed to focus on professional skills that improve your employability, as you learn with state-of-the-art equipment including environmental chambers, breath-by-breath analysers, blood sampling analysers and transcranial magnetic stimulation devices.

You also gain real-world experience in areas relevant to your interests by working alongside experienced practitioners. Past projects have included the design of individualised training programmes leading up to the Brighton Marathon and the physiological testing of elite athletes.

Our teaching laboratories are accredited by the British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES), as are most of our course staff. You can register on the BASES Supervised Experience Scheme yourself to achieve personal accreditation.

Scholarships

Scholarships are available for this course. Please click the link below for more information.
https://www.brighton.ac.uk/studying-here/fees-and-finance/postgraduate/index.aspx

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 with organisations including Brighton and Hove Albion Football Club and the English Institute of Sport.

Many students have started their professional careers with the organisation that provided them with work experience.

Areas of study

In taught physiology modules, you will 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 you understand better exercise tolerance.

This novel approach to teaching integrative physiology will help you to develop a host of laboratory skills. You will also 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.

Through professional modules, placement opportunities and chances to network in the world of sports physiology, you will graduate with a competitive edge in the jobs market and 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 staff:student ratio of 2:3
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:

Critical Insights into the Study of Physiology
Professional Enquiry
Exercise Tolerance (integrative physiology)
Expertise in Laboratory Skills for Sport Physiologists

Options:

Applied Environmental Physiology
Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management
Bodies of Sport
Ethical and Social Responsibility: Theory and Application
Consultancy
Issues and Innovations in Physiology

Facilities

Our facilities include an x-m square gym over two floors with state-of-the-art fitness equipment, which features a three-camera system to analyse weight-lifting actions and an isokinetic dynamometer to allow measurement of muscle strength.

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

• a molecular genetics laboratory with biobanking
• a biomechanics laboratory with motion analysis equipment, various EMG systems and an 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 per cent), 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).

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.

Careers and employment

Career opportunities for sport and exercise scientists are growing. Sports science is recognised as a vital ingredient in the success and development of most sports and for the individuals that take part it is an everyday aspect of their training. Many hospitals and primary care trusts are also appointing specialists with exercise backgrounds to work in areas such as cardiac rehabilitation and health promotion.

An MSc in Applied Sport Physiology from the University of Brighton will help you to stand out in today's competitive job market. It will equip you with both the theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary for a successful career and is also ideal preparation for continuing your study at MPhil or PhD level.

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Would you like to enhance your already strong academic background to kick-start a career within the healthcare sector?

With a focus on the epidemiology and pathology of chronic diseases, the full-time MSc Clinical Exercise Physiology course will develop your understanding of the physiological and psychological factors associated with disease, and the role of exercise as a medicine in the prevention, treatment and management of conditions.

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.

Northumbria University is the only provider of this postgraduate physiology degree in the North East and boasts excellent links with key organisations to further support your development and knowledge.

Throughout the duration of your studies you will be based in our state-of-the-art, British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES) approved facilities, allowing you to learn in a high quality and dynamic environment.

This course can also be taken part time - for more information please view this web-page: https://www.northumbria.ac.uk/study-at-northumbria/courses/clinical-exercise-physiology-msc-dtpcph6/

Learn From The Best

Our specialist team of teaching staff are internationally renowned within their individual disciplines, with many acting as advisors to industry and sitting on the boards of international federations.

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.

Our reputation has also resulted in our department providing professional development and consultancy services to an array of organisations such as the Lawn Tennis Association, FIBA, Commonwealth Games, UK Deaf Sport and Newcastle United Football Club.

Teaching And Assessment

Incorporating all core areas of clinical exercise physiology, you will study a range of modules such as the translation of health research, epidemiology, aetiology and pathology of health disorders and special populations. You will also cover clinical competencies and assessment skills, exercise prescription for health disorders and special populations, exercise psychology and research methods. In your final year you will 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 and fieldwork. Assessments will be undertaken via a range of methods such as coursework, case studies, laboratory skills, reports, presentations, articles, posters, portfolios, public health campaigns and exams.

Learning Environment

When studying the MSc Clinical Exercise Physiology course at Northumbria University you will be based at our new £30 million purpose-built Sport Central.

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 innovative e-learning platform, Blackboard, where you can access module handbooks, assessment information, lecture presentation slides and reading lists.

Research-Rich Learning

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 government policy and the strategies of renowned global businesses such as Berghaus, GlaxoSmithKline and Nova International.

Many of our team also work with organisations such as Cancer Research, MS Society, PD UK and the NIHR, which provides further benefit to you by ensuring you're learning from specialists with real-life expertise in the health field.

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 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).

Give Your Career An Edge

Northumbria University is the only provider of the MSc Clinical Exercise Physiology course in the North East and our course is highly valued with employers.

We boast excellent links with the NHS and other organisations in the region thanks to the vast amount of work we do in partnership together.

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.

Your Future

On graduation you can look forward to working within a number of health organisations such as the NHS, private hospitals or other health providers.

The roles that can be performed by you as a clinical exercise physician 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.

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The Master of Science In Exercise and Sport Physiology is designed for individual’s knowledge, skills and abilities for working in adult fitness, cardiac rehabilitation and other clinical programs and to enrich academic preparation for graduate work beyond the master’s degree. The MS in Exercise and Sport Physiology is a science based program of 33-34 credit hours depending on the student’s choice of a research report or thesis based program and choice of internship. The program curriculum includes basic research preparation (KIN 600 – Research Methods, KIN 601 statistical Design), advanced science based courses (KIN 572 - Advanced Motor Learning, KIN 585 - Biomechanics, etc.), areas of specialization (internship and electives upon advisement) and research (Thesis or Research Report).

Curriculum

Degree core:

EXS 572 Advanced Motor Learning
EXS 585 Biomechanics
EXS 600 Reserch Methods In Health, Phys Ed, Recreation
EXS 698 Research I
EXS 699 Research II
Intro Stat Computing & Data Management (recommended)

Concentration core:

EXS 681 Advanced Exercise Physiology
EXS 687 Applied Muscular Physiology
EXS 688 Applied Cardiovascular Physiology

Electives:

An additional six credit hours are required for the thesis track

KIN 608 Thesis Seminar
KIN 610 Thesis

Internship:

KIN 611 Intern Study I
KIN 612 Intern Study II

Internship experience may be required of students in the research report track who did not have comparable experience as an undergraduate and/or have no work experience in their chosen field of study.

Please visit the website for more detailed information about these modules:

http://catalog.wcupa.edu/graduate/health-sciences/kinesiology/#coursestext

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The Postgraduate Training in Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology and Pacing is offered at the UZ Brussel and Vrije Universiteit Brussel under the direction of Prof. Dr. Pedro Brugada, Head of the Heart Rhythm Management Centre at Brussels, Course Director of the Heart Rhythm Management Fellows Development Program in Europe and Asian-Pacific and Vice-Chairman of the Certification Committee on Electrophysiology of the EHRA.

This practical and theoretical postgraduate training fills the gap in education that is required for the good practice of Clinical Electrophysiology and Pacing and prepares the Fellows for a successful certification. Prof. Brugada has trained Fellows in Cardiac Electrophysiology and Pacing for almost 30 years, helping them to obtain very important cardiology positions in centres all over the world.

Fellows are expected to be involved 100 % in the activities of the Heart rhythm Management Centre. This is a full-time engagement in Clinical and basic Cardiac electrophysiology and Pacing according to a program that will be designed individually. The minimum training period is one academic year (200 effective training days, congress participation, publications and seminars).

Course content

- Hands-on Training and Clinical Practice (20 ECTS credits)
- Research (20 ECTS)
- Self-study (10 ECTS)
- Congress Participation and Publications (4 ECTS)
- Interdisciplinary Seminars Physiology and Electrophysiology (3 ECTS)
- Weekly Seminars Hearth Rhythm Management Centre (3 ECTS)

Certificate

At the end of the postgraduate course a certificate for a ‘Postgraduate in Cardiac Electrophysiology and Pacing’, signed by the rector of the Vrije universiteit brussel, will be handed out by the institute for Postgraduate Training of the Vrije universiteit brussel (iPAVub).

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The course involves the detailed study of the physiological consequences of chronic debilitating diseases and highlights the changes that these different diseases cause during exercise testing.

This unique course gives you a solid grounding in theory and application of physiological tests in clinical populations including: graded cardiopulmonary exercise testing; cardiac ultrasound; vascular ultrasound; and muscle function analyses; as well as practical and theoretical elements of Phase IV cardiac rehabilitation.

Throughout the course you will actively participate in practical sessions designed to increase your skills, with supervised practice sessions working alongside University sports teams. Integration of theory and practice ensures you will meet developing statutory professional requirements of practice-specific knowledge, understanding and skills.

Intermediate qualifications available:

• Postgraduate diploma – 120 credits at Masters level https://www.beds.ac.uk/howtoapply/courses/postgraduate/next-year/clinical-exercise-physiology3

• Postgraduate certificate – 60 credits at Masters level

Visit the website: https://www.beds.ac.uk/howtoapply/courses/postgraduate/next-year/clinical-exercise-physiology

Course detail

• Study on a unique course with a multi-disciplinary approach to teaching, with access to world-leading staff expertise and research
• Explore areas including: research design; exercise testing and diagnosis; exercise testing and prescription; physical activity, nutrition and metabolic health; laboratory skills; research methods; advanced exercise testing and diagnosis
• Develop the high-level professional standards demanded of members of a health care team; understanding your ethical, moral and legal responsibilities as well as acquiring the practical competencies, theoretical knowledge and research skills that will help you access careers in health and fitness or academia
• Gain from the opportunity to practice your skills on work placement, and shadow experienced staff
• Benefit from gaining the necessary skills to become a Health Promotion Specialist; Clinical Exercise Physiologist; Clinical Technician or researcher, and/or continue to further research-based study on MSc by research, MPhil or PhD programmes.

Modules

• Laboratory Skills
• Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing and Interpretation
• Exercise Testing and Diagnosis
• Exercise Prescription for Clinical Populations
• Research Methods
• Clinical Exercise Physiology Dissertation
• Psychological Approaches to Public Health*
• Professional Skills for Healthcare Providers*
• Metabolic Health*
• Sport Science Support*
• Placement (short)*
• Placement (long)*
*denotes options

Assessment

A variety of assessment formats are used and are designed to develop your transferable skills such as written and oral communication, the ability to follow logical instructions, problem solving and time management.

Some assessments are designed to mimic the scenarios that you may find in the clinical environment, such as practical exams, assess client care, technical skills, analysis and interpretation of test results.

All of these assessments are considered to be the best method to assess the learning outcomes of the particular unit, as well as developing professional and transferable skills.

• Written assessments – dissertation, projects, reports, lab reports (approx. 85%)
• Exams and tests (5%)
• Presentations and practicals (approx. 10%)

Careers

You will experience hands-on practical experience from the start of the course developing confidence for meeting and assessing patients in the clinical setting.

You will be introduced to a range of specialist equipment that you become competent in, allowing you to transfer your practical skills to clinical environment.

The placement units allow you to experience the clinical setting and different clinical populations.

Clinical practitioners deliver some of the lecture and practical content ensuring that you can receive insight into the setting in which you are likely to work.

Graduates can to apply for positions such as: Health Promotion Specialist, Clinical Exercise Physiologist, Clinical Technician. Previous graduates have gone on to train as cardiologists, including a specialist in congenital and adult heart disease in the Evelina Children’s Hospital and Guy's and St Thomas’.

You could also apply for further study, such as a PhD or the NHS Scientific Training Programme.

Funding

For information on available funding, please follow the link: https://www.beds.ac.uk/howtoapply/money/scholarships/pg

How to apply

For information on how to apply, please follow the link: https://www.beds.ac.uk/howtoapply/course/applicationform

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Why take this course?

This course will allow you to graduate with a postgraduate degree in the subject-specific discipline of physiology. It will give you the opportunity to study physiological responses to exercise in both healthy and clinical populations, in response to extreme environments, and to examine the role of exercise as a treatment adjunct.

What opportunities might it lead to?

On this course you can:
Obtain laboratory-based skills, as well as the ability to communicate with clients in a professional and approachable style.
Gain experience of conducting research/physiological testing in simulated environmental conditions of heat, cold, humidity and/or hypoxia.
Obtain knowledge and experience of how exercise can be used in the management and treatment of various diseases.

What opportunities might it lead to?

The programme will provide knowledge, skills and experience required to undertake work as a physiologist or specialised technician. Some specific examples are listed below.

Here are some routes our graduates have pursued on allied courses:
health and wellbeing physiologist
health advisor
clinical Exercise Physiologist
exercise Referral Coordinator
personal Trainer
PhD research
technician

Module Details

The programme will be offered in full-time (12 months) and part-Time (24 months) study modes, with the academic year running from September to September. The course includes 120 credits of taught units (delivered on Thursdays during term time) and a 60 credit research project.

Core units include:

Applied Research Methods (30 credits)
Research Project (60 credits)
90 credits are required from a choice of:

Applied Sports Physiology (30 credits)
Environmental Factors Affecting Sports Performance (30 credits)
Exercise Rehabilitation (30 credits)
Clinical Physiology (30 credits)

Programme Assessment

The delivery format for the course is based around seminar, practical, workshop and to a lesser extent, lectures. Sessions will be delivered by DSES staff with knowledge and research expertise in the areas studied.

Assessments include client/patient-focused practical and written assessments as well as some more traditional report writing assessments:

Practical assessments
Laboratory reports
Client reports
Case studies
Project report

Student Destinations

The skills-sets developed will permit students to enter a range of career pathways, examples of which are listed below. The course will provide essential underpinning knowledge for those who may wish to pursue professional training to possess qualifications to provide exercise in clinical populations e.g. cardiac rehabilitation, pulmonary rehabilitation etc. The course will also permit students to gain experience of physiological responses in ‘normal’ conditions as well as extreme environments. This is particularly relevant for those students who wish to pursue employment by providers such as the Ministry of Defence (in particular Defence Science and Technology Laboratory), English Institute of Sport and UK Sport.

Roles our graduates have taken on include:

PhD researcher leading to employment as a professional scientist
Health and wellbeing physiologist
Health advisor
Clinical Exercise Physiologist
Exercise Referral Coordinator
Personal Trainer

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Taught by industry recognised experts, this course provides a solid grounding in research methodologies, experimental design and statistics — delivering all the transferable skills required for a career executing specialist cardiac ultrasound procedures.Following the British Society of Echocardiography (BSE) syllabus, you will be equipped with the advanced theory and practice of cardiac ultrasound and signal processing.

With a significant leaderships and management component, the course teaches the management, legal and ethical concepts required of leadership positions. Our specialist laboratory, run by experienced practitioners, also houses a wide range of diagnostic equipment that you can access not only during classes, but also for independent study and research.

This course is designed for healthcare practitioners, including sonographers and physiologists, already working in the field of cardiac ultrasound. However, it is also suitable for graduates, who are interested in a research or an academic career, and will provide you with the knowledge and skills required for further study at doctoral level.

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Cardiac physiologists are responsible for recording and analysing physiological data to diagnose and treat known or suspected cardiac disease. Clinical physiologists must combine highly specialist knowledge, skills and analytical problem solving with patient care and support to provide high quality modern healthcare.

Our MSc Clinical Physiology (Cardiology) degree will provide you with a comprehensive grounding in the fundamental principles and recent advances in the field alongside mechanisms underpinning the major pathological processes. Our students build their knowledge of modern technologies used in diagnostics and research to solve complex problems related to disease investigation required to progress their own research.

You will develop practical skills to carry out experimental research and the critical evaluation and analysis skills required for literature reviews; assessing essential facts, concepts, principles and theories; legal requirements for human experiments and ethical issues relating to research with human subjects and human tissue relevant to your research.

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This degree covers the theory and practice of cardiac rhythm management and electrophysiology. You will study key concepts in leadership and management as well as the legal and ethical issues related to biomedical research and clinical practice. The course also provides a solid grounding in experimental design and statistics and gives students the opportunity to undertake an independent research project under the guidance and supervision of an academic.

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The Global Burden of Disease Study predicts that by 2020 the top ten leading causes of disability-adjusted life years has ischaemic heart disease at number 1, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) at number 5, and lower respiratory tract infections at number 6. COPD is predicted to quickly rise ‘up the charts’ after 2020 because it is unique in being currently untreatable, with four people a minute worldwide dying of this condition.

Consequently, study of respiratory and cardiovascular science is essential to improving our future health prospects. To that end, the Respiratory and Cardiovascular Science (RCVS) stream combines lectures and journal clubs covering the physiology and pathophysiology of the heart and lungs to provide a solid grounding on how dysfunction in physiology can lead to pathophysiology and clinical manifestations of severe heart or lung disease. The RCVS stream covers the main areas of respiratory physiology and cellular and molecular biology, and introduces the major disease-causing conditions, giving you a broad base of understanding of the heart and lungs.

Laboratory-based research projects will be directly related to advancing our understanding of heart and lung function and/or dysfunction. Dedicated RCVS sessions on data interpretation are designed to facilitate and complement the project experience.

Most of the tutors on the RCVS stream work at the National Heart & Lung Institute, and represent the largest ‘critical mass’ of research-active, respiratory or cardiovascular science academics in Europe. For example, Professor Peter Barnes (FRS) is the most cited published author for COPD in the world. Consequently, students will be in a premier, cutting-edge environment of respiratory and cardiovascular teaching and research.

After completion of the RCVS stream the student will be able to:

-Describe the basic physiology of cardiac function
-Describe the pathophysiology of the major cardiovascular diseases (for example, cardiac ischaemia)
-Describe the pathophysiology of the major respiratory diseases, including asthma, COPD and cystic fibrosis
-Understand the advantages and limitations of animal models of respiratory and cardiovascular disease
-Understand the rationale behind the design of novel treatments for respiratory and cardiovascular disease
-Use library and other research sources effectively
-Design laboratory-based experiments to effectively test a specified hypothesis, incorporating use of appropriate controls
-Interpret data sets, depict data in an appropriate graphic format and apply appropriate statistical analysis
-Understand and be able to use bioinformatic approaches
-Be able to write a grant proposal for a research project
-Be able to present research project data in various formats, including as a poster, an oral presentation, a PhD-style write-up and a journal-based research paper write-up
-Be able to read, understand and critically evaluate research papers in peer-review journals

Please note that Postgraduate Diplomas and Certificates for part-completion are not available for this course.

A wide range of research projects is made available to students twice a year. The range of projects available to each student is determined by their stream. Students may have access to projects from other streams, but have priority only on projects offered by their own stream.

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Taught at our Parkgate Road Campus in Chester, this Master’s course is specifically designed to provide advanced education and learning opportunities for graduates and healthcare professionals within this field.

Why Study Cardiovascular Health and Rehabilitation with us?

The prevention and rehabilitation of cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a cost-effective means of managing the leading cause of death in the UK and in many parts of the developed world.

The MSc is delivered by a team of experienced academics and leading specialist front-line lead practitioners, enabling graduates to leave with the most up-to-date level of knowledge. The aims of our course are for you to develop:
- a critical understanding of cardiovascular health and rehabilitation concepts
- a scientific and enquiring approach to the study of physiological, psychological, social and healthcare management components for managing people with and/or those at higher risk of CVD.

Our course is designed to provide a thorough understanding of cardiovascular health and the process of rehabilitation. Cardiovascular anatomy and physiology is covered in detail, with application to exercise and the practicalities of working with a patient with CVD.

You will also learn about the complexities of exercise prescription, the role of nutrition in CVD and the psychological influences that can drive behaviour change. There is also specialist input from the British Association for Cardiovascular Prevention and Rehabilitation.

Modules are delivered over a three-day period, which helps fit in with those who work in clinical practice.

What will I learn?

Our course is designed to provide a thorough understanding of cardiovascular health and the process of rehabilitation. Cardiovascular anatomy and physiology is covered in detail, with application to exercise and the practicalities of working with a patient with CVD.

You will also learn about the complexities of exercise prescription, the role of nutrition in CVD and the psychological influences that can drive behaviour change. There is also specialist input from the British Association for Cardiovascular Prevention and Rehabilitation.

How will I be taught?

Modules are delivered in exercise physiology laboratories, lecture theatres and seminar rooms. There is also the option to undertake a clinical placement at the local cardiac rehabilitation department that allows you to apply the elements learned on the taught course.
Typical contact time during a module is 25 hours, with additional face-to-face and online tutorials optional. There are approximately 170 hours of self-directed study per module.

How will I be assessed?

Assessment is in the form of essays or equivalent – e.g. poster presentations. There are no exams – coursework accounts for 100% of the assessment.

Postgraduate Visit Opportunities

If you are interested in this courses we have a number of opportunities to visit us and our campuses. To find out more about these options and to book a visit, please go to: https://www1.chester.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/postgraduate-visit-opportunities

Request a Prospectus

If you would like to know more about the University please request a prospectus at: http://prospectus.chester.ac.uk/form.php

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We actively encourage postgraduate students on this course to undertake internships and build up a portfolio of clients and practical experience.

Course overview

Careers in Sport and Exercise Science can develop in at least two directions. Firstly you can help elite athletes reach their optimum sports performance. Secondly you can help the general population to improve fitness through exercise referral and community programmes.

This course allows you to specialise in both those areas, by providing you with a solid grounding in measurement, evaluation, research methods, data analysis, and sport and exercise psychology. Additionally, you will get the chance to study applied physiology, applied biomechanics or complete a personal project. The final stage is a research project that reflects your developed knowledge and skills.

Compared to undergraduate studies, this Masters has more emphasis on self-directed lab work, data collection and analysis. We encourage you to undertake real-world internships and build up experience with external clients and sports clubs. This practical experience will complement the rigorous research elements of the course.

By the end of the course you will have a portfolio of work, feedback from clients/employers, and a record of practical and academic projects. This will give you a clear advantage when it comes to applying for jobs.

Course content

The course mixes taught elements with independent research and self-directed study. There is flexibility to pursue personal interests in considerable depth, with guidance and inspiration from Sunderland's supportive tutors.

Core modules:
-Measurement and Evaluation (20 Credits)
-Applied Sport and Exercise Psychology (20 Credits)
-Applied Research Methods and Data Analysis (20 Credits)
-Masters Project (60 Credits)

Designated core modules (you must choose one of the following, but you may choose the other as an option):
-Applied Sport and Exercise Physiology (20 Credits)
-Applied Biomechanics in Sport and Exercise (20 Credits)

Optional modules (choose at least one):
-Strength and Conditioning in Practice (20 Credits)
-Sports Injuries, Management and Rehabilitation (20 Credits)
-Applied Weight Management (20 Credits)
-Professional Skills and Practice (20 Credits)
-Independent Learning Project (20 Credits)
-Applied Public Health (20 Credits)
-Brief Interventions (20 Credits)

Teaching and assessment

We use a wide variety of teaching and learning methods which include lectures, problem-based learning seminars, web-based resources, small group discussions and debates. You will develop your practical skills with workshops and laboratory classes.

Assessment methods include essays, case studies, portfolios, oral presentations, scientific reports, practical exams, data analyses, critical reviews, poster presentations and a dissertation.

Facilities & location

We have invested in the latest software and equipment so that you have maximum scope to measure and improve performance. Our facilities will propel your learning in sport and exercise sciences.

Biomechanics equipment

Our equipment can measure motion, muscle activity and forces on the body during high intensity sports and the activities of daily living. Equipment and techniques include the following:
-3D motion capture systems including Vicon® systems and Xsens® motion capture suits
-Software such as Dartfish®, Kinovea® and LongoMatch® software to capture live action images for match tagging and coaching feedback
-Movement tracking tools such as Actigraph® and Catapult®
-Delsys® Trigno electromyography equipment to see how the muscles of the body are working
-Kistler® force platforms and Batak® reaction walls to analyse sporting performance
-Novel® Pedar systems to analyse foot pressure

Exercise Physiology and Psychology
Our laboratories include the most up-to-date equipment for assessing human performance. You’ll get hands-on practical experience with the following:
-Polar® Team2 heart rate monitoring system for assessing the heart rates of a full squad of team players in real time
-Cortex® gas analysers to evaluate cardiovascular performance
-Biochemical analysers from Randox®, Jenway® and Gonotec® to measure substances and enzymes within the body
-Tendo®, Myotest® and Globus® equipment to profile your strength and power and develop specific training programmes
-Fusion Sport® SMARTSPEED light gates for assessing speed, agility and reaction times
-Assess and enhance cognitive performance using our Neurotracker® 3D multiple object tracking equipment

Sports Medicine and Anatomy
Anatomy is taught by experienced staff in a specialist clinical lab using skeletons, anatomical models, 3D software, online material and human subjects. You will learn techniques for sports injury rehabilitation, including the use of sports massage and ultrasound equipment.

You will also examine balance and stability using our Biodex® stability and balance trainer and assess strength imbalances using our sophisticated Biodex® dynamometer and new BTE Primus® rehabilitation equipment. You can investigate how new techniques such as thermal imaging are being used in injury assessment with Flir® IR cameras.

Fitness and Conditioning Suite
In our lab, you'll find fitness and conditioning equipment that would be the envy of most modern gyms. From a wide range of cardiovascular equipment to machine and Olympic weights, you will receive hands-on teaching in a professional environment.

University Library Services
The University library has thousands of relevant books, e-books and journal articles, with many more titles available through the inter-library loan service. We subscribe to useful resources such as SPORTDiscus, which provides journal articles, book chapters and summaries about sport, fitness and related disciplines.

Sciences Complex
This course is based in the Sciences Complex at our City Campus, which has benefited from multi-million pound investments. The IT facilities are excellent and, across the University, there are hundreds of workstations as well as wireless internet access. If you have any computer problems, just ask the friendly helpdesk team.

Sports facilities
Students at Sunderland have easy access to some of the best facilities in the region. These include:
-50m Olympic size swimming pool
-95m artificial ski slope
-Climbing wall with some of the best route setters in the UK
-Football training pitches at Sunderland AFC’s Academy of Light
-Marine Activities Centre for sailing, canoeing, kayaking and powerboating
-LTA indoor tennis centre with 13 indoor and outdoor courts
-Floodlit athletics tracks

CitySpace
Our City Campus features a state-of-the-art facility called CitySpace. It features:
-Sports hall (suitable for hosting large-scale events)
-Fitness suite/gym
-Strength and conditioning room
-Injury prevention and support suite
-Fitness classes
-Climbing wall

Employment & careers

Potential employers of graduates from this course include national sports associations, sports and leisure companies, recreation services, local authorities, health bodies including the NHS, schools and colleges. Job roles include the following (some require further training):
-Sports and exercise scientist
-Performance Analyst
-Sports coach/instructor
-Manager of health promotion initiatives
-Manager of cardiac rehabilitation and exercise referral
-Fitness centre manager
-Personal trainer/specialist fitness instructor
-Lecturer

Recent Sunderland graduates are now working within the fitness industry, sports development and in Further Education colleges.
A Masters degree will also enhance career opportunities within Higher Education and prepare you for further postgraduate studies.

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Help meet the ever growing need for cardiologists with an in-depth knowledge of Sports Cardiology in areas such as; the drive for a healthier lifestyle, the growing population of amateur athletes, with 2.5 million marathon runs per year in Europe, alone; and the commitment of sporting organisations to pre-participation screening.

Sports cardiology is a new but rapidly evolving subspecialty in cardiology. The Sports Cardiology Unit at St George’s NHS Foundation Trust is run by world-leading experts in this rapidly advancing area of medicine. This unique programme addresses the increasing demand for individuals with an in-depth knowledge of this discipline. The programme is delivered in collaboration with an internationally renowned consortium, giving you access to expertise limited to only a few centres around the world. The active involvement of key figures from sporting organisations facilitates innovative educational projects, enhancing your practical experience and cultivating your leadership skills.

The programme offers access to state of the art equipment, cutting-edge research and top-level athletes. You will have the opportunity to gain a comprehensive range of expertise in Sports Cardiology and cement your practical skills for the evaluation of athletes of different demographics and sporting disciplines, as well as healthy sedentary young individuals and patients with heart disease.

Highlights

- Taught by world leading experts in Sports Cardiology
- St George's has world-class research, clinical and teaching expertise
- Campus is co-located with a leading teaching hospital
- Institutional expertise in multi-professional education
- St George’s scored 92% overall student satisfaction in Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey 2014
- St George’s clinical research ranked 4th for impact
- St George's is ranked among the top 200 universities in the world according to the recent Times Higher Education World University Rankings

A formal MSc degree in sports cardiology conferred by a well-established and well published academic institution will set you apart from the potential competition and will provide you with unique employment opportunities within national health systems, sporting organisations and charitable organisations dedicated to sport and prevention of sudden cardiac death.

For more information visit sgul.ac.uk/sportscardiology

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This postgraduate masters programme provides training in the practical, theoretical and applied elements of Exercise and Sport Sciences.

The modules we offer include teaching, learning and experience in core disciplines of exercise and health as well as in sport. For example, nutrition and metabolism in health and obesity, musculoskeletal systems, and cardiovascular and respiratory physiology.

All modules will be applied and related such that the thread of exercise and ageing will run through all. In addition, modules in continued professional development and research methods would allow theory to be applied in practice.

This programme acts as a conversion course taking students at entry from a variety of backgrounds and giving them new skills to enable them to move into research and employment in a number of disciplines.

The purpose of the MSc Exercise and Sport Sciences is :

- to provide a strong foundation for research in exercise and sport science
- to provide academic and practical knowledge and training for those seeking a career as an exercise or sports scientist in a clinical or community environment or involved in management or organisation of such services

The courses have a taught component, and a period of research to produce a dissertation.

Students will learn through a range of teaching methods that will include lectures, lab seminars and the use of group work activities to enrich the learning experience and recognise the rich contribution that each member of the cohort brings with them.

Employability

The career opportunities available to sport and exercise scientists are expanding all the time. The 2012 London Olympics and increased National Lottery funding for sport has increased the number of jobs in elite level sport and public health. Many hospitals are starting to appoint specialists with exercise backgrounds to work in areas such as cardiac rehabilitation and health promotion. Clubs in a variety of different sports employ sports scientists as performance analysts, biomechanists and coaches. Other career routes include roles in the fitness and leisure industry, governing bodies, teaching, exercise prescription and testing, and sport promotion.

You will also have the support of a dedicated careers and employability team, to offer individual advice and guidance services and deliver an employability programme tailored to your needs.

Find out more at http://www.as.bham.ac.uk/careers

About the School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences

We are one of the top-rated sport science departments in the UK. Our School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences is one of the longest established in Europe for scientific research into sport, exercise, health and rehabilitation.

We are proud to be at the forefront of the rapid development of this academic discipline. Our school has achieved an outstanding performance in the Research Excellence Framework 2014 (REF 2014) with 90 percent of its research classified as world leading or internationally excellent, putting us in the top three for research in the sector. These results provide further compelling evidence of the long recognised research strength of Sport and Exercise Sciences at the University of Birmingham.

Thanks to a £16.4 million investment, Birmingham boasts the largest custom built Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences facility in the UK.

This includes teaching and research laboratories for physiology, biochemistry, psychophysiology, biomechanics, sport psychology, motor skills, immunology, muscle mechanics and the neurophysiology of movement.

Funding and Scholarships

There are many ways to finance your postgraduate study at the University of Birmingham. To see what funding and scholarships are available, please visit: http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/postgraduate/funding

Open Days

Explore postgraduate study at Birmingham at our on-campus open days.
Register to attend at: http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/postgraduate/visit

Virtual Open Days

If you can’t make it to one of our on-campus open days, our virtual open days run regularly throughout the year. For more information, please visit: http://www.pg.bham.ac.uk

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