MScClinical Exercise Science
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- 1 year full-time
- 2 years part-time
Why study a clinical exercise science master's degree at Solent University
Explore the science behind physical health and exercise and the impact it has on individuals with clinical disease on this industry-led, practical course.
- £0minvested in our campus estate and facilities in the last five years
- 0thUK uni for sustained employment (Longitudinal Educational Outcomes, 2022)
- Students will work in Solent's physiology laboratory which is officially accredited by the British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES), marking it as one of the UK's leading sport and exercise science facilities.
- Students will benefit from a 250-hour clinical placement, giving you the opportunity to work alongside industry professionals in a clinical environment with real patients experiencing a range of conditions.
- Students have full access to the University's professional sport and exercise science facilities, including fully-equipped physiology, psychology, and biomechanics labs, as well as health and exercise gyms.
- You'll have the opportunity to gain additional professional qualifications from Active IQ and the Wright Foundation.
- You'll be able to make use of Solent's sports complex, which features two sports halls, two fitness studios, strength and conditioning and high-performance gyms, health and fitness and personal training teaching gyms, and a sport and exercise therapy clinic.
- This course is eligible for the Postgraduate Master's student loan. This loan is from Student Finance England and can be used to cover costs (ie, accommodation, tuition fees) associated with postgraduate studies (it was up to £12,167 for 2023 entry).
- Benefit from free clinical health career consultation for life. Our careers advice service, Solent Futures is available to all Solent students and graduates for life, helping you to progress in your current career or discuss options for a change in career.
Course overview
On this course, you'll explore both the scientific and applied aspects of clinical exercise science using industry standard facilities, to evaluate and diagnose individuals and to carry out research-led practice.
You'll be able to work in clinical settings with real patients experiencing a range of conditions. Our established and unique collaborations with a number of health practitioners, charities, and organisations such as, University Hospital Southampton (UHS), Macmillan Cancer Support, Diabetes UK and British Heart Foundation, provide 'real-world' and applied learning opportunities to enhance your employability skills.
In addition to external placements, we also offer in-house placement opportunities through Solent Exercise Referral. In partnership with Hampshire, Southampton and Isle of Wight CCG and a range of local initiatives, such as the Saints Foundation, the scheme provides a holistic health and wellbeing ‘hub’ which serves the Southampton and West Hampshire regions with provision such as gym and class-based exercise, nutrition and weight management information, smoking cessation, cooking classes and specialist training programmes for a range of clinical conditions - all delivered by students.
In order to gain the prerequisite experience and qualifications that will allow you to work with clinical patients, the course features a number of embedded accreditations that will allow you to get certified in the field. These include:
- Active IQ Level 2 Certificate in Fitness Instructing (Gym)
- Active IQ Level 3 Diploma in Exercise Referral
- WRIGHT Foundation Level 4 Cardiac Phase IV Rehabilitation
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Accreditations and partnerships
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Course features
Apply direct
You can apply direct to Solent University for this course
Further studies
After successfully completing your studies, there's an opportunity to continue your studies at Solent
Part-time option
You can study this course part-time
This course is for
The real-world content and professional competencies delivered on this course will ensure successful graduates have the transferable skills to secure employment in a variety of exciting and diverse roles. These could include clinical physiologist, health adviser, clinical exercise specialist, health and wellbeing physiologist, exercise referral coordinator, PhD researcher or an NHS trainee clinical scientist
What this course leads to
Graduates from this course will be well prepared for a wide range of employment or further education opportunities.
- Clinical physiologist
- NHS trainee clinical scientist
- Health and wellbeing physiologist
- Exercise referral coordinator
- Clinical exercise specialist
- Doctoral studies
Meet the team
Learn from qualified staff with a wealth of experience working in a range of clinical settings.
The University cannot guarantee any particular members of staff will teach specific aspects of the course in the future, but will endeavour to ensure the teaching team maintains their balance of experience and qualifications.
Facilities
You'll have access to our industry-standard sport laboratories, such as the physiology lab, including Woodway treadmill for stress tests, Indirect Calorimetry, ECG, Blood analysis, Ultrasound and respiratory function; the biomedical lab, including temperature controlled centrifuges, tissue culture facility including CO2 incubator, microbiological safety cabinet, and cell counter. You'll use the Sports Complex teaching gym for the exercise referral scheme and cardiovascular/resistance equipment.
Our vibrant campus brings state-of-the-art facilities to enhance your learning and elevate your student experience. Our award-winning teaching building, The Spark is centred around students and offers a stimulating study environment with flexible learning spaces. Away from studying, why not try out the gyms, fitness studios and sports halls in our £28 million Sports Complex, or watch a blockbuster film at our student-run cinema with Dolby Atmos audio.
Year one
Core modules
Clinical Exercise Physiology
This module will provide a critical understanding of the prevalence, aetiology and pathophysiology of clinical health disorders such as cancer, stroke and dementia. Students will also become competent in providing exercise prescription and programming for a range of clinical populations and gain real-world, applied practical skills.
Research Methods and Statistics
This module will provide students with a critical understanding of how research is conducted and how data is handled and analysed.
Exercise Wellbeing and Health Psychology
This module will provide a real-world insight into health-related psychological behaviours and relevant behaviour change interventions. Students will also be introduced to the economic, political, social and psychosocial aspects of clinical disease and the role of exercise in health promotion initiatives.
Laboratory-Based Exercise Testing and Diagnosis
Students will learn how to carry out a range of exercise and clinical testing procedures, such as electrocardiography, blood pressure, respiratory assessments, and blood analysis. Students will learn how to clinically assess a client, perform the appropriate testing procedure, collect and analyse data, and provide a detailed diagnosis.
Year two
Core modules
Independent Research Project
This module provides the opportunity for independent study in an area of relevance and interest.
Clinical Placement
Involves a 250-hour clinical placement which is underpinned by research-led practice. The placement will provide you with the experience and opportunity to work alongside industry professionals in a clinical work environment.
Learning resources
At Solent, our aim is to deliver innovative, inclusive and intellectually stimulating teaching to develop self-confident and highly employable graduates. All our courses are designed with employability in mind, which makes industry-based learning a priority.
Learn transferable skills
You will be supported to develop a range of transferable skills throughout the course. This includes programming, project management, problem-solving, analytical skills, technical writing, teamwork, communication and presentation skills.
These transferable skills empower you to work in a range of different industries after graduation. The course will also equip you with research and academic skills helping those who wish to pursue a PhD or an academic career.
Why choose a career in clinical exercise science?
The role exercise and nutrition plays in healthy ageing and disease reduction has become a focus for national health policy in recent times. Government and NHS policy is shifting toward 'social prescribing', which research has shown to often be more effective at lifestyle-related disease control than drugs. This has led to increased demand for practitioners skilled in clinical exercise rehabilitation, health nutrition and behaviour change psychology.
This course will provide excellent links with a range of clinical organisations such as the NHS, Nuffield Health, Diabetes UK as well as collaborations with practitioners from University Hospital Southampton (UHS) and from a range of local community NHS services. Students will benefit from a 250-hour clinical placement, giving you the opportunity to work alongside industry professionals in a clinical environment with real patients experiencing a range of conditions.
During your time on the course, you'll receive regular guest lectures and speakers from a range of clinical health and exercise-based disciplines. You can also work alongside clinical practitioners in a professional environment during a placement module where you'll be able to experience and implement your skills in a wide range of disciplines such as academy physiologist, exercise referral instructor and a variety of hospital-based roles.
You'll also have the opportunity to gain additional professional qualifications from Active IQ and the Wright Foundation.
Solent Futures
The Solent Careers team is committed to getting students into great careers.
While you are studying, the team can help you with finding work experience or placements, link you with a mentor, check your CV, or offer one-to-one guidance.
If you're in your final year, we also have graduate job opportunities just for Solent graduates.
6th
UK uni for sustained employment
Longitudinal Educational Outcomes, 2022
Accreditations and partnerships
In partnership with:
Recognised by:
Accredited by:
Accredited by:
Alumni network
As part of our global alumni community, you can take advantage of a range of benefits.
Whether it's been days or decades since you left us, or you're soon to don your cap and gown, things are constantly changing at Solent. We're always innovating, but we're also immensely proud of our heritage. And that means you.
Research and knowledge exchange
Research doesn't just live in publications and journals - the effects of groundbreaking research can be found everywhere you look. That's why research at Solent has always been firmly rooted in industry needs and real-world application.
Solent University prides itself on carrying out not only pioneering research, but also research that addresses real world problems. We offer opportunities to study for a Master of Philosophy (MPhil) or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in a number of areas.
At Solent, we want to help you achieve your best and discover new insights. Whether you're thinking about applying for a PhD, or already underway with your research studies, you'll find useful guidance and information in our research pages.
Research at SolentTuition fees
The tuition fees for the 2025/26 academic year are:
- UK and Channel Island part-time fees: £5,200 per year
- International and EU part-time fees: Students from outside the UK are usually unable to obtain a visa for part-time study. Please visit our visas and immigration page for more information.
For further information, please visit our tuition fees page.
Extra course costs
While most course costs are covered by your tuition fees, some essential resources and optional extras may need to be paid for separately. These additional costs are listed below. For advice on budgeting and managing your money, please contact student.funding@solent.ac.uk.
The 2025/26 other costs are not yet available. For guidance, the 2024/25 other costs were:
Compulsory costs
- If a placement is with vulnerable adults, students will be required to undertake DBS criminal records checks as part of their enrolment. This is compulsory and is payable by the student at a cost of £60. The DBS check is organised by the University.
- Potentially Hepatitis B immunisation.
Optional costs
- Additional National Governing Body (NGB) qualifications: Prices vary, please click here to view courses.
Alumni discount
Solent alumni are eligible for a 20% reduction of tuition fees if returning to study a postgraduate course.
Find out moreBursaries, scholarships and financial support
Solent University offers a range of bursaries and scholarships that provide financial assistance or waive fees for tuition or accommodation. Each bursary or scholarship has specific eligibility criteria. Check out our bursaries and scholarships pages to find out more.
Cost of living support
At Solent, we understand that the cost of living crisis may be of some concern. To help, we've put together some detailed information to show what support is available and how to make your money go further.
Graduation costs
There is no charge to attend graduation, but you will be required to pay for the rental of your academic gown (approximately £45 per graduate, depending on your award). You may also wish to purchase official photography packages, which range in price from £15 to £200+. Graduation is not compulsory, so if you prefer to have your award sent to you, there is no cost. Extra guest tickets will go on sale after results publication and will be sold on a first-come-first-served basis. The cost per ticket is currently £15. Please note, we do not guarantee there will be any extra tickets available to purchase.
Student finance videos
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Entry requirements
Please select an option below:
Key entry requirements
An honours degree at 2:2 or higher in a related subject
- All applicants will be invited to attend an interview.
Key entry requirements
If you are applying from outside the UK, find information about entry requirements, visas and agents for your country here.
For further information about UK, EU and international qualifications, please contact admissions.
Key entry requirements
If you are applying from outside the UK, find information about entry requirements, visas and agents for your country here.
For further information about UK, EU and international qualifications, please contact admissions.
Note to all international students requiring a visa
All international applicants need to be aware that the English language requirements to attend Solent University, and the English language requirements to obtain a visa from the Home Office, may be different. This means that if you meet the Solent University language requirement to gain a place on the course, you may still have to meet additional requirements to be granted with a visa by the Home Office.
We strongly advise all applicants to visit the Home Office website which outlines all the requirements for a successful visa application and to take a look at our 2023 course entry statement document.
An honours degree at2:2 or higher
Your application checklist
Applications for postgraduate courses can be made at any time prior to the start of the course. However, we strongly recommend you apply at your earliest convenience.
Please ensure you upload the following mandatory documents with your application:
- Two academic references.
- Certified transcripts of qualifications, including English language proficiency if non-UK student.
- Copy of passport.
- Copy of current visa (if applicable).
- A personal statement.
- Employer sponsor form, where appropriate.
Language requirements
Applicants who do not have English as their first language will be required to demonstrate an approved level of proficiency in the use of the English language. The agreed minimum requirements for this course are:
- IELTS minimum 6.5 overall with no component score below 5.5
- TOEFL IBT 92 with a minimum of 22 in writing and a minimum of 20 in reading, listening and speaking
- Duolingo English Language Test - 115 overall with minimum of 100 in each component or equivalent.
Qualifications are checked before enrolment, and international students must bring their original certificates or certified copies when coming to study at the University.
Pre-Sessional English programme
The University also offers a pre-sessional English programme for international students who wish to improve their level of English before starting a degree course.
Study options
Make your application
- 1 year full-time
- 2 years part-time
