Who is this course for?  

The MSc in Exercise Physiology and Its Application in Therapy suits individuals who have an interest in the science of physical activity and would like to develop a career in this area. It is suitable for recent graduates who wish to develop their practical, analytical, research and professional skills, as well as for professionals looking to advance their knowledge and career prospects in this exciting field.  

With its strong academic grounding in topics such as kinesiology, cardiorespiratory function, nutrition and cognition, as well as practical training in fitness assessment, dietary analysis and exercise prescription, it offers diverse opportunities for individuals looking to develop and progress in a wide range of careers.   

This course welcomes applicants with a degree in Science, Life Science, Biomedical Science, Health Sciences, Nursing or related discipline, with a minimum result of second class honours (2.1).  

What will I study?  

The full-time programme runs over 12 months. In the first 2 semesters (September – May), you will have lectures, laboratory sessions and practical workshops in the core modules. From May to August you will complete a research project under the supervision of a Physiology researcher. As well as learning practical skills relevant to the career of an exercise physiologist, the research project provides enhanced opportunities to develop your skills of critical evaluation, as well as your capacity to work within ethical and professional guidelines. You will also learn how to manage and analyse data, and how to present and disseminate your work in various media.  

As well as the core modules, you will choose one elective module. Please note that these modules are subject to change for the next intake.   

Curriculum Information

• Professional career pathways: Opportunities to pursue a career in exercise physiology.
• Master core concepts: Develop a solid foundation in scientific principles of exercise physiology and its application in disease conditions. 
• Practical training: Get hands-on experience of performing fitness tests, assessment of physiological function, and development of exercise programmes. 
• Research skills: Develop skills to evaluate published literature and draw evidence-based conclusions for application in practice.   
• Data collection and analysis: Collect data in line with GDPR and data privacy guidelines, and build the ability to analyse data using advanced statistical software.
• Improve communication skills: Learn to effectively present and articulate findings and perspectives using a range of media. 

Exercise physiologists work in many settings, including healthcare, performance/sport, the lifestyle and wellness industry, and occupational health and wellbeing. They often work alongside other exercise professionals and healthcare providers. As well as professional exercise physiology roles, graduates will have skills and knowledge that will equip them to pursue occupations in industry, education and research. Students in this course will also develop skills in critical thinking that will prepare them to pursue further advanced research degrees in the field of exercise physiology.

This course is approved by REPS Ireland (Register of Exercise Professionals in Ireland), and upon completion, graduates will be eligible to apply for registration as a Graduate Exercise Professional. Please note that additional criteria may be required for registration, and students are advised to visit the REPS Ireland website for further information https://repsireland.ie/.

The University of Galway is an institutional member of the Irish Sport and Exercise Sciences Association (ISESA), and students of this course are encouraged to sign up for student membership. The association provides resources and opportunities for networking, collaboration, and research dissemination in the field of sports and exercise physiology. 

• Dr. Nicole Burns
• Dr. Louise Horrigan
• Dr. Ananya Gupta
• Prof. Karen Doyle
• Dr. Michelle Roche
• Dr. Karl McCullagh
• Dr. Brian McDonagh
• Dr. Daniel O’Toole
• Prof. Antony Wheatley
• Dr. Brendan Higgins
• Dr Ailish Hynes
• Dr Amir Shafat
• Dr Kasia Whysall

How will I learn?    

The MSc in Exercise Physiology and Its Application in Therapy uses a range of teaching, learning and assessment approaches, informed by modern pedagogical research evidence.  

You will learn through lectures, practical laboratory sessions and workshops, led by staff with diverse physiological expertise. While lectures will provide you with a sound grounding in scientific principles and concepts of exercise physiology, practical sessions will give you hands-on opportunities to put that theory into practice.  

You will have access to modern technologies and equipment for the performance of fitness tests, assessment of cardiorespiratory function and musculoskeletal function, dietary analysis and development of exercise programmes.  

As well as being expected to work independently, there will also be opportunities for group work, which will facilitate peer-to-peer learning, as well as the development of communication and problem-solving skills.  

When you have learned the core concepts and methodologies, you will have an opportunity to take your learning to a higher level with the research project. This will develop your critical evaluation skills, as well as a range of project-specific practical skills in the area of exercise physiology. You will be expected to work collaboratively to take responsibility for the execution of the project, under the supervision of a staff member with relevant expertise. You will be required to synthesise a dissertation and to present your findings in an academic setting.  

How Will I Be Assessed? 

Throughout the programme, your progress will be assessed through various coursework and exams, including reports, presentations using various media, in-class tests, essay style exams, and a final dissertation. 

1. Continuous Assessment - Regular coursework, including laboratory reports, case studies, presentations and in-class tests. Students receive timely feedback on their submissions.
2. Examinations - Written exams take place before Christmas and in May. Written exams evaluate understanding of concepts of exercise physiology, as well as ability to integrate between different sources of information. 
3. Research Project - Students will be assessed at different stages of the research project, where aspects of professional and research activity will be evaluated. You will be required to submit a dissertation, and to communicate and present your research findings.

Course queries:

E: physiology@universityofgalway.ie   
T: +353 91 492761 

Programme Directors:  

Dr. Nicole Burns
E: nicole.burns@universityofgalway.ie 

Dr. Louise Horrigan
E: louise.horrigan@universityofgalway.ie 

Lecturers in Physiology, School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences.  

Graduates of the MSc in Exercise Physiology and Its Application in Therapy will be able to:  

• Perform a range of fitness tests and physiological assessments.
• Perform nutritional analysis, and understand the role of diet in exercise and performance, in health and disease.
• Critically evaluate information sources for evidence-based approaches for professional practice.
• Retrieve, evaluate and integrate information from peer-reviewed scientific publications. 
• Collect and manage sensitive data according to GDPR and data privacy guidelines.
• Engage with clients/patients/research participants in a professional manner, in line with ethical guidelines.
• Perform data analysis and hypothesis testing using advanced statistical software. 
• Plan, manage, and execute a substantial independent study project. 
• Work independently and in a group to achieve performance indicators. 
• Manage feedback and take appropriate actions for ongoing development and learning.

Minimum Entry Requirements  

Students must have completed a bachelor’s degree (NFQ Level 8) in Science, Life Science, Biomedical Science, Health Sciences, Nursing or related discipline, with a minimum result of an upper second-class honours (2.1). Adult learners seeking additional qualifications are also welcome. Work experience in a relevant area will be an advantage. 

Academic entry requirements standardised per country are available here.  

English Language Entry Requirements  

For applicants whose first language is not English, an English language proficiency of IELTS score of 6.5 is required (with no less than 6.5 in Writing and no less than 6.0 in any other band) or equivalent. 

More information on English language test equivalency are available here.  

Supporting Documents  

You will be required to provide supporting documentation as part of your application. You can check here what supporting documents are required for this course. In addition, you will be required to submit a C.V., to include contact details of 2 referees (at least one academic).  

Interview 

As part of the selection process, you may be required to attend for interview (online).  

Garda Vetting 

As this course may involve interactions with research participants and community groups, you will be required to undergo Garda vetting. Global students will also be required to provide a police clearance certificate (or equivalent).  

You can apply online to the University of Galway application portal here.  

Please review the entry requirements set out in the section above.  

You will be required to upload supporting documentation to your application electronically. See the section above on entry requirements for further information on the supporting documentation required for this course. 

Closing Dates 

For this programme, there is no specific closing date for receipt of applications. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis and course quotes will be reviewed continuously throughout the application cycle.

Notes 

• You will need an active email account to use the website and you'll be guided through the system, step by step, until you complete the online form.
• Browse the FAQ's section for further guidance.

Fees for Academic Year 2026/27

For 26/27 entrants, where the course duration is greater than 1 year, there is an inflationary increase approved of 1.8% per annum for continuing years fees.

Postgraduate students in receipt of a SUSI grant – please note an F4 grant is where SUSI will pay €4,500 towards your tuition (2026/27).  You will be liable for the remainder of the total fee.  A P1 grant is where SUSI will pay tuition up to a maximum of €6,270. SUSI will not cover the student levy of €140.

Note to non-EU students: learn about the 24-month Stayback Visa here. 

Clothing Attire
As the practical elements of this course involve movement and exercise, note that you will be expected to wear appropriate attire for some of the practical classes eg. running shoes and a tracksuit or jog pants.

Cost of AED training
Students of this course are required to take Irish Heart Saver AED training (cardiovascular resuscitation). Students can expect to have to bear the cost of this themselves (approx €70 - €80).

Postgraduate Excellence Scholarships  

This scholarship is valued at €1,500 for EU students applying for full-time taught master's postgraduate courses. You will be eligible if: 

• You have been accepted to a full-time taught master's course at University of Galway,
• You have attained a first class honours (or equivalent) in a Level 8 primary degree.  

An application for the scholarship scheme is required (separate to the application for a place on the programme). The application portal for 2026 is now open and available here. Applications will close on the 30th September 2026. Full details available here.  

Global Scholarships  

University of Galway offers a range of merit-based scholarships to students from a number of countries outside of the EU. Visit here for schemes currently available.  

Sports Scholarships 

Eligible students may apply for an Elite Sports Scholarship. 

Application Process 

Students applying for full time postgraduate programmes from outside of the European Union (EU) can apply online to the University of Galway application portal here.  

Our application portal opens on the 1st October each year for entry the following September.   

Further Information 

Please visit the postgraduate admissions webpage for further information on closing dates, documentation requirements, application fees and the application process.