Overview
Are you interested in gaining knowledge, practical, leadership and research skills in the area of cardiovascular health? Do you currently work in a clinical or health setting delivering cardiovascular disease prevention strategies or rehabilitative care?
Or would you like to do so in the future? This programme aims to enhance an array of career opportunities - whether this be in clinical practice, academic research, leadership, or community health and wellbeing.
This course offers you flexible learning, enabling you to simultaneously maintain a professional role in clinical practice or manage other commitments whilst completing your studies.
It’s interdisciplinary in nature and delivered by experienced specialist academics in partnership with national and international leaders and clinical specialists from cardiology, nursing, nutrition, exercise, and behavioural medicine.
You'll complete a series of clinical observations across key areas of cardiovascular prevention and rehabilitation. This will give you a thorough understanding of the theory behind the practice. You'll also learn first-hand the practicalities of current service delivery. The research element of the course will provide you with a strong foundation in the practical use of research methods within cardiovascular health and you'll learn how to use research evidence in order to implement best practice within your healthcare setting.
At Brunel, we understand the challenges of fitting study around work and family life. For this reason, we have designed this course to be flexible, so that it can fit around your current commitments. The full master's course can be studied 3 years part-time starting in September.
If you don’t want to commit to part-time study of the entire master's, you can develop your educational portfolio over a longer period of time by undertaking staged study that leads to the award of Postgraduate Certificate (PgCert) after one year of study, Postgraduate Diploma (PgDip) after two years of study and full Masters (MSc) after three years of study.
Please note that it is important you apply for the stage you will be studying in that year, i.e. to study for the PgDip you must have already completed the PgCert and you only apply for the staged MSc once you have completed the PgDip.
Each stage can be studied 1 year part-time starting in September. You could even just take one or more CPPD modules for your professional development and return to complete your course at a later date.
Induction 18th and 19th September 2024 online.
Course content
You’ll benefit from a course designed to incorporate a multidisciplinary perspective that fulfils the Advanced Clinical Practice framework as set out by NHS England (previously HEE). You’ll study key modules in advanced clinical leadership, teaching and learning, evidence-based practice and research.
Alongside this, your specialist modules will cover the breadth of cardiovascular health, from populations at high multifactorial risk to those with established atherosclerotic disease.
The scientific foundation of this degree is lifestyle change (quitting smoking, diet and physical activity) through behavioural approaches, adult education, and health promotion. On graduation, you’ll be able to translate theory into real-world clinical practice.
Each module consists of a taught component, some are delivered virtually and supported by online learning resources.
Compulsory
- PH5612 - Advanced Clinical Leadership
This module aims to develop advanced knowledge, skills, qualities and behaviours of leadership for clinical healthcare professionals working in a range of roles in healthcare settings in the NHS. This knowledge and skills literacy will nurture and enhance existing team-working skills and clinical leadership requirements in order to evidence advanced level skills.
Indicative content includes principles of clinical leadership, leadership theories and change management. Effective team working, partnership working and communication will be explored alongside service development tools including service co-design.
Click here to watch the video about this module
Process analysis will support your understanding of how to audit and measure systems and identify and track change.
Weds 0900-1200 face to face, 1300 - 1600 online
2025: Jan 29th, Feb 12th, Feb 26th, March 12th
- PH5603 - Quantitative Methods and Design for Health Science Research
In this module we aim to develop your critical understanding of quantitative clinical research methodology and the principles of how to use clinical evidence to constructively inform your practice. This means developing skills and knowledge of quantitative research methods and design, understanding data and how to analyse and interpret it and learning how to critically appraise published research.
Indicative content includes consideration of research ethics, governance and integrity alongside theoretical underpinnings of scientific method. Different research designs will be examined alongside common sampling and approaches to statistics.
- Study mode: Part-time.
- 0900-1200 online. 1300-1600 face-to-face
- Wednesdays (2024) - 9th October, 23rd October, 6th and 20th November and 4th December.
- Assessment MCQ Jan 2025
- Credits: 15
Fees 2024/25
UK: £960
International: £1,965
Optional
- PH5648 - Science of Rehabilitation and Movement
This module examines the science underpinning effective rehabilitation and exercise prescription relevant to advanced clinical practice. There will be a focus on the science of strength and conditioning, physiological adaptation to exercise in multiple systems and motor learning.
This will include principles of exercise dosing and the evidence underpinning the effectiveness of approaches to exercise prescription in both prevention and rehabilitation of cardiovascular diseases and health more broadly. Students will be introduced to the tools used to measure various aspects of movement and performance.
The module will consider the full spectrum of activity from the inactive to the higher functioning individual.
Fridays 0900-1600 dual teaching
Oct 4th, Oct 18th, Nov 1st, Nov 15th
- PH5650 Advanced Lifestyle Management in Cardiovascular Health
This module aims to provide students with the knowledge and skills needed to apply multi-factorial lifestyle approaches to the management of cardiovascular disease. Students will obtain a critical understanding of behaviour change techniques, approaches to smoking cessation, and approaches to weight management.
This module will promote the use of the current evidence base, current national and international guidelines, and underlying principles to develop advanced knowledge of multi-factorial management of cardiovascular disease risk factors.
This module has a strong practical focus aiming to equip students with skills to translate theory to practice. Students will develop skills to apply advanced behaviour change interventions, incorporating motivational interviewing and cognitive behavioural therapy, to individuals in health and cardiovascular disease. They will also develop skills needed for safe and effective professional practice of dietary and physical activity management in the prevention and management of cardiovascular disease.
Fridays 0930-16.30 dual teaching
2025 Jan 24th, Feb 7th, Feb 21st, March 7th
Compulsory
- PH5604 - Qualitative Research in Health and Social Care
This module aims to critically explore, reflect upon and develop qualitative research skills and knowledge in health, and to explore qualitative approaches in research in the context of their philosophical, societal, and cultural underpinnings and use in clinical settings.
In additional to theoretical perspectives, through online lectures and interactive workshops you will be introduced to and practice different methods of collecting data and data analysis.
You will learn how to evaluate the quality of qualitative research and consider aspects such as ethics, power, reflexivity and the role of co-construction. This is made relevant to research projects but also service evaluations, quality improvement projects and practice.
- Study mode: Part-time.
- 0900-1200 face-to-face. 1300-1600 online
- Wednesdays (2024) - 25th September, 9th October, 23rd October, 6th November and 20th November.
- MCQ Jan 2025
- PH5615 - Learning and Teaching in Advanced Clinical Practice
Click here to watch the video about this module
This module aims to provide practitioners with advanced knowledge and skills for the planning, organisation, delivering, teaching and evaluation of effective programmes for clinical training in specialist practice.
Current research and theory underpinning the educational process which support a challenging and supportive teaching and learning environment for clinical practice will be explored aiming to enhance practitioners’ individual ability to critically appraise and augment their skills, knowledge and actively contribute to the education awareness for members of their healthcare team, patients, service users and carers.
Note: Students must currently be in practice and have formally identified and entered an agreement with a mentor and/or supervisor for the learning-in-practice elements of this module, prior to commencing the module.
Mondays 0900-1200 face to face, 1300-1600 online
2025. Jan 20th, Feb 3rd, Feb 17th, March 3rd, March 17th
Optional
- PH5649 - Fundamentals of Prevention and Rehabilitation in Cardiovascular Health
This module examines the fundamentals of prevention and rehabilitation in cardiovascular health. There will be a strong focus on the pathophysiology of cardiovascular disease (CVD), risk factor and the genetic determinants of CVD, medical risk factor management, CVD prevention and rehabilitation core components, motivational interviewing and behaviour change.
In addition, students will be introduced to the tools used to measure CVD risk in both primary and secondary prevention and both personalisation of care and self-management.
Fridays 0900-1600 dual teaching
Oct 11th, Oct 25th, Nov 8th, Nov 22nd.
- PH5651 - Reflective Clinical Practice in Cardiovascular Health
This module aims to develop the student’s advanced clinical practitioner skills both in the application of their learning to their own patient care and through observations of current preventive and rehabilitation practice in the context of cardiovascular health.
This module requires students to visit a range of relevant areas delivering prevention and rehabilitation services in cardiovascular disease. The student culminates these visits in the form of a reflective practice portfolio.
Development of skills to critique and evaluate different clinical interventions and hence identify recommendations for improving or changing practice is core to this module.
Fridays 1300 -1600 dual teaching
2025 - Jan 31st, Feb 14th, Feb 28th, March 14th
Compulsory
- PH5611 - Dissertation
Term 1
Fridays 0900-1200 online
2024 - Sept 27th, Oct 18th, Nov 8th, Nov 29th
Term 2
Monday 0900-1200 dual delivery
2025 - Jan 27th, Feb 3rd, Feb 24th, March 3rd
This course can be studied undefined undefined, starting in undefined.
Please note that all modules are subject to change.
Read more about the structure of postgraduate degrees at Brunel
Careers and your future
The in-depth understanding of cardiovascular health gained on this course will prepare you for leadership roles within your specialist area. You’ll have acquired the skills and expertise to treat and improve the lives of people with cardiovascular disease.
This programme is ideal for any health professional with a role in the prevention of cardiovascular disease, for example nurses, dietitians, physiotherapists, physical activity specialists, occupational therapists, physician associates, sports scientists, and health promotion and public health specialists.
UK entry requirements
2025/6 entry
Hold a pre-registration degree in a relevant allied health profession, be currently employed in the clinical speciality you wish to apply for and have the following relevant experience as a minimum:
1. Students currently working in the UK - At least 1 year of post qualification clinical work experience in the specialism they have applied for. Typically this should be work experience from a ‘Band 6’ level role.
2. Students currently working outside of the UK – At least 2 years post qualification clinical work experience, ideally including at least 1 year in the specialism you have applied for.
You must have met the minimum work experience requirement at the point you apply for the programme. For example, if you submit your application in February 2025, you must have 2 years experience by February 2025 (depending on whether you are working in or outside the UK). This is to make sure that you will definitely have enough experience when you join the course. This does not include internships as they are supervised and therefore technically still part of your training. You should aim to provide documented evidence of your clinical work experience. All applicants should include a detailed CV as part of their application. Applicants who are working outside of the UK should could include letters of recommendations and/or confirmation of employment (we appreciate that what you can provide will vary from one person to another and be dependent on your specific background and employer, so please aim to provide as much documentary evidence when you apply).
EU and International entry requirements
English language requirements
- IELTS: 7 (min 6.5 in all areas)
- Pearson: 64 (59 in all subscores)
- BrunELT: 68% (63% in all areas)
- TOEFL: 98 (min 23 in all areas)
You can find out more about the qualifications we accept on our English Language Requirements page.
Should you wish to take a pre-sessional English course to improve your English prior to starting your degree course, you must sit the test at an approved SELT provider for the same reason. We offer our own BrunELT English test and have pre-sessional English language courses for students who do not meet requirements or who wish to improve their English. You can find out more information on English courses and test options through our Brunel Language Centre.
Please check our Admissions pages for more information on other factors we use to assess applicants. This information is for guidance only and each application is assessed on a case-by-case basis. Entry requirements are subject to review, and may change.
Fees and funding
2024/25 entry
UK
£11,550 full-time
£5,775 part-time
International
£23,615 full-time
£12,000 part-time
UK Staged Master £3,850 per stage.
International Staged Master £7,870 per stage.
More information on any additional course-related costs.
Fees quoted are per year and are subject to an annual increase.
See our fees and funding page for full details of postgraduate scholarships available to Brunel applicants.
Scholarships and bursaries
Teaching and learning
The course will be delivered using a variety of methods that have been chosen to optimise your learning of clinical theories and skills. They have been designed to maximise the level of interaction and engagement with your tutors and fellow students.
The following modules will be delivered through in-person on-campus teaching that requires mandatory attendance:
- PH5641 Working as an Advanced Physiotherapy Practitioner in Musculoskeletal Medicine: Advanced Assessment and Management Skills
- PH5642 Fundamentals of Pelvic Health
- PH5643 Management of the Pelvic Health Patient
- PH5652 Working as an Advanced Postnatal Practitioner (APP) in Pelvic Health
For all other modules you may choose whether to study through live, online interactive teaching that doesn't require attendance on campus, or you may choose to study through in-person campus-based teaching that'll require your attendance on campus.
Support
You'll have a personal tutor throughout your time at university. They'll be a source of support and will help you to make the most of your studies and time at University. You'll have scheduled tutor meetings and be able to access your tutor, as required, either online or via face-to-face meetings on campus.
Assessments
Coursework, such as portfolios and critical essays, will be submitted online via WISEflow and exams will be a mix of on-campus in-person OSCE exams and online open-book style assessments.
The schedule of teaching and assessment has been developed to make the programme as accessible and flexible as possible. Through the provision of both campus-based and online teaching, we'll provide an engaging and stimulating programme that helps you to maximise your learning and professional development in preparation for advanced clinical practice.
Access to a laptop or desktop PC is required for joining online activities, completing coursework and digital exams, and a minimum specification can be found here.
We have computers available across campus for your use and laptop loan schemes to support you through your studies. You can find out more here.
You’ll benefit from the expertise of academics across our well-established health sciences department, giving you a truly interdisciplinary perspective on important topics. Many of our academics currently work in the NHS as physiotherapists, nurses and dieticians, so they'll be teaching you up-to-date scientific knowledge and patient-assessment skills.
Our lecturers are active in research and often contribute to the development of professional guidelines, so you know you’re being taught by practicing healthcare professionals with a high profile in the sector. You’ll also be able to benefit from studying alongside other healthcare professionals in similar fields, giving you the opportunity to network and share ideas.
Our teaching approach is diverse and you’ll benefit from lectures, tutorials, seminars, and workshops.
Assessment and feedback
The course uses a range of flexible and engaging approaches to assessment. You'll be assessed through exams, critical essays, portfolios, oral presentations, and your dissertation.
The choice of the specific type of assessment will be appropriate to the intended learning outcomes of the taught modules. The assessment strategies will balance the need to demonstrate knowledge and competencies with more in-depth and critical approaches to learning. Such assessment approaches will include examinations, presentations of relevant clinical case scenarios, and coursework, which will take the form of critical assessment of literature and research, critical essays, and the development of the selected portfolio of learning.
Finally, the dissertation provides demonstration of an ability to synthesise and critically evaluate current research underpinning clinical practice, and to develop and undertake relevant research as well as its dissemination.
