sport

Faculty of Health Sciences

MSc in Cardiovascular Rehabilitation

Postgraduate - Taught MSc PGDip PGCert

Open for admission in 2024/25

Start in September

Qualification Full time Part time
MSc 1 year 2.5 years
PGDip 1 year 2 years
PGCert 1 year 1.5 years

About the course

This MSc has been developed in conjunction with the British Association of Cardiovascular Prevention and Rehabilitation for healthcare professionals and people aspiring to work in the evolving field of cardiovascular rehabilitation.

You are supported by teaching staff who are active in research critical to our understanding of cardiovascular health. The programme is designed for people already working in the field, such as physiotherapists and physical therapists, as well as students without a professional background. Gain a grounding in the theory and practice of cardiovascular rehabilitation and apply this knowledge to real-life settings. We have strong links with the NHS, including the vascular laboratory at Hull Royal Infirmary and the City Healthcare Partnership. Heart patients come to the University and are involved in our research, which currently includes a study of the benefits of high-intensity training to heart health.

Our programme provides comprehensive knowledge and ideal preparation for those seeking to gain the BACPR exercise instructor training qualification. This permits them to work directly with cardiac patients undertaking structured exercise training programmes in the UK.

The programme is available at postgraduate certificate, postgraduate diploma and masters level. It is designed to allow flexible study, enabling professionals to continue working.

What you'll study

The course combines theory and practice to give students the knowledge and skills to work directly with patients undergoing cardiovascular rehabilitation in the community. Students will gain advanced academic skills and knowledge to undertake an extended research project.

The MSc is a 45 week programme of full-time study although different levels of award are available:

  • Postgraduate certificate: 3 x 20 credit taught modules taken over an academic year (part-time)
  • Postgraduate diploma: 6 x 20 credit taught modules taken over an academic year
  • Masters degree: Successful completion of the postgraduate diploma stage allows progression to the masters stage which consists of a research project and dissertation written up as a journal article submitted, where possible, to a relevant peer-reviewed national/international academic journal

Part-time routes are also available for the postgraduate diploma and masters.

Core modules

All modules are subject to availability and this list may change at any time.


  • Essentials of Exercise Rehabilitation

    -

  • Clinical Exercise Testing, Prescription and Programming

  • Psychology of Health and Disease

    Learn about health-related behaviours (such as drinking alcohol and smoking), chronic disease - like cancer and heart disease - and how to help people adopt to a healthier lifestyle.

  • Cardiovascular Disease, Treatments and Investigations

    -

  • Research Methods and Statistics

    -

  • Dissertation (Cardiovascular Rehabilitation)

    This supervised module allows you to develop your specialist interest and skills in a designated topic within cardiovascular rehabilitation.

Where you'll study

Mixed between Hull Campus and professional practice settings. 

The location below may not be the exact location of all modules on your timetable. The buildings you'll be taught in can vary each year and depend on the modules you study.

Click to view on Google Maps
Hull Campus

Click to view directions on Google Maps

‘‘The work we’re doing and the University’s strong industry links means we are actively helping to improve patient care."

Simon Nichol, PhD in Cardiac Rehabilitation (Exercise Physiology)
Cancer_rehab_edit

Fees and funding

  • Home£12,500

UK students can take out a Masters Loan to help with tuition fees and living costs. For 2023 entry, they provide up to £12,167 for full-time and part-time taught and research Masters courses in all subject areas. Find out more about Postgraduate Loans.

  • International £14,000

On courses where a part-time study option is available, fees are charged pro-rata to the full-time fee, according to the number of credits being studied.

International applicants may need to pay a tuition fee deposit before the start of the course. Visit our tuition fee deposit page for more information.

Alumni Postgraduate Scholarship

Are you an undergraduate at Hull? You could claim a 25% discount on the cost of your postgraduate tuition fees.

Am I eligible?

International Scholarships and Bursaries

For a list of all scholarships and bursaries for international students, please visit the International Scholarships and Bursaries page.

Scholarships and Bursaries

The University offers a range of scholarships to help you with your studies.

For more information, please visit the Scholarships and Bursaries page.

Work with professional sports teams and elite athletes, as well as with NHS patients wanting to improve their health.

Our £1.5-million Health and Human Performance Lab boasts the sector's latest and most innovative technology.

Entry requirements

A minimum of a 2.2 Honours degree or international equivalent in a relevant subject (sport and exercise science, nursing, sports therapy, physiotherapy, public health or medicine).


In order to ensure our students have a rich learning and student experience, most of our programmes have a mix of domestic and international students. We reserve the right to close applications early to either group, if application volumes suggest that this blend cannot be achieved. In addition, existing undergraduate students at the University of Hull have a guaranteed ‘Fast Track’ route to any postgraduate programme, subject to meeting the entry criteria (excluding Social Work).

International students

If you require a student visa to study or if your first language is not English you will be required to provide acceptable evidence of your English language proficiency level.

This course requires academic IELTS 6.5 overall, with 6.0 in each skill.

See other English language proficiency qualifications accepted by this University.

If your English currently does not reach the University's required standard for this programme, you may be interested in one of our English language courses

Visit your country page to find out more about entry requirements.

Future prospects

This programme has been designed as a vocational qualification for professionals and graduates wanting to expand the life chances of people living with heart disease. Many people undertaking this programme of study may already work in the health service.

For these students, the course will strengthen your CV and enable further professional development as you become an expert in your field. People who do not already work in the sector may seek employment within the NHS, or with private healthcare providers, including BUPA and Nuffield Health, or as sports rehabilitators.

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