MSc Human Physiology

Muscle and bone. Brains and biochemistry. The fuel we consume and the air we breathe. Develop an expert understanding of the systems and organs that make humans tick. Our MSc Human Physiology course offers a detailed look at physiology, letting you explore the fundamental systems of human life.

On this masters course, you’ll build advanced knowledge of different systems or specialisms. You will not only learn how our bodies work, but you’ll also develop the key techniques and technologies for investigating normal and abnormal physiology. From the lab-based work that helps to develop new treatments and therapies to the clinical care that touches (and saves) lives.

You will have the opportunity to deep dive into a topic of your choice with an independent research project. You will be able to tackle the issues that fascinate you – exploring areas that match your personal interests and career ambitions. 

Every strand of medical practice and research starts by understanding the systems of the human body. So, while physiology is a specialist subject – developed in cutting-edge labs, with the guidance of leaders in their fields – it’s also a versatile foundation for a broad range of different futures.

Our MSc Human Physiology aims to allow you to pursue a range of career paths when you graduate. From progressing to PhD level or becoming a physiologist in a healthcare setting to pursuing a role in teaching, management or research. 

Our MSc Human Physiology course is based around seven core units which you will study over the course of one year.

During the masters, you’ll cover five core units based around various aspects of human physiology. This includes looking in detail at the musculoskeletal and cardiorespiratory systems and the impact and pathological changes in disease states. You’ll also explore advanced aspects of neuroscience, from fundamental processing in healthy nervous systems to neurological disorders, and nutritional and exercise physiology.

The fifth physiology focussed unit is Applied Physiology Techniques, where you’ll learn technical skills across a range of techniques used in physiological research and apply these to current research challenges.

We have designed our Research Methods and Ethics in Biomedical Science unit to help you develop advanced skills in research methods. You’ll explore the evidenced-based and ethical frameworks you’ll need to complete your own in-depth, independent research project.

Your final unit is your research project. This is your chance to tackle the issues that fascinate you most. With a deep dive into a topic of your choice, your project will help you understand both the process and the communication of scientific enquiry. You’ll be guided through your proposal and review process to equip you with the skills you need to complete an independent piece of research.

OUR RESEARCH
We represent one of the highest concentrations of health research excellence in the UK. We have an international reputation for research into the characteristics, limitations and adaptability of the human motor system in health and disease through an integrative approach that ranges from molecular biology to whole-body studies of human movement.

We conduct basic and translational research to understand biological systems in disease, sensing and detecting by-products of disease and contemporary challenges, including ageing and development of new technologies for personalised medicine.

Scientists in our Centre for Bioscience are pioneering new ideas with real-world application and global potential to improve health and wellbeing and make a positive difference to people's lives.