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.
The course is 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.
The full master's course can be studied 1 year full-time.
For information on Vice Chancellor's Excellence Award which offers £5000 fee reduction for self-funded international students please click here
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
- 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.
- 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
- 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 4th, Feb 26th, March 5th
- 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
- 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
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
- 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
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
Career Prospects for Advanced Professional Practice Graduates
Following successful completion of this advanced practice programme, you will be fully prepared for a leadership role as an advanced practitioner in your relevant clinical profession (e.g. nursing, occupational therapy or physiotherapy) and within your clinical specialism.
Our graduates typically go on to senior clinical leadership positions within a range of healthcare settings, with many gaining prominent positions to pioneer service development at regional, national or international levels.
With increasing global demand for advanced practitioners, our graduates enjoy excellent employability and opportunities for career advancement. This master's will give you the relevant knowledge and skills to step into these positions. Designed to meet the needs of global healthcare organisations and employers, our graduates have excellent prospects in the UK and internationally, making them sought-after professionals in their preferred countries.
This programme is ideal for senior clinicians and clinical leads who are looking to take their clinical career to the next level, or in a new direction into management and service innovation, or academic research and education.
Professional Registration
To register as a healthcare professional in the UK you will need to hold a relevant pre-registration qualification. Though the MSc APP is not considered a pre-registration programme and therefore does not provide direct eligibility to register as a healthcare professional in the UK, the programme may be used alongside your international pre-registration qualifications to support your application for registration.
If you are seeking to register as a healthcare professional in the UK we recommend that you contact the relevant regulator for your profession to explore the current requirements. For allied health professionals (AHPs) information on international applications to the Health and Care Professions Council can be found on the HCPC website.
For nurses and midwives, more information on international applications to the Nursing and Midwifery Council can be found on the NMC website.
Rights to Work in the UK for International Students
International students graduating from this programme who hold UK professional registration may be eligible to apply for a Health and Care Worker Visa that provides the right to work within the UK healthcare sector. This visa also provides the right for dependants to come to the UK and exemptions from UK health insurance surcharges.
Further information about the current benefits of the Health and Care Worker Visa and rules for applying can be found at the UKVI website.
Information on further visa options is available on our Post Study Work Options webpage.
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.
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.
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
International
£24,000 full-time
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
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 hospitals and other clinical settings, so they'll be teaching you up-to-date scientific knowledge and patient assessment and management 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.
