Please note the course details apply to 2025 entry. Details for 2026 entry for our postgraduate courses will be published from mid-October 2025.
Human & Applied Physiology MSc
Key information
Delivery mode:
In person
Study mode:
Full time
Duration:
One year full-time
Credit value (UK/ECTS equivalent):
UK 180/ECTS 90
Application status:
Open
Start date:
September 2025
Our Human & Applied Physiology MSc will give you an advanced theoretical and practical understanding of the functioning of the muscular, respiratory and cardiovascular systems, including the effects of extreme environmental conditions on whole-body physiology. This innovative course is delivered by internationally renowned experts and will put you at the cutting edge in your understanding of the field.
Key benefits
- The original and foremost course in human and applied physiology in the UK
- Unique exposure to human physiology applied to aerospace and military medicine offered only by King's
- Training in a wide variety of relevant practical laboratory skills
- Gain a knowledge base of human physiology particularly relevant for careers in biomedical research and medicine
- Lectures from world-leading experts in a variety of different fields
“The course content and teaching was truly excellent and far exceeded my already high expectations. The impressive array of facilities and equipment at King’s has meant that I have always had ready access to state-of-the-art resources.”
The course will give you a theoretical and practical basis for explaining the functioning of the muscular, respiratory and cardiovascular systems at rest and during exercise. You will explore the effects of extreme environmental conditions on whole body physiology, including in relation to aerospace and military medicine. You will study topics from both systemic and cellular/molecular perspectives in order to gain an understanding of the breadth of investigative approaches employed in human physiology research. You will also focus on practical work, learning how to plan and run experiments using human subjects. Ultimately, we aim to equip you with the knowledge and skills to enhance your understanding and expertise in human physiology in its broadest sense and build a career in a related field.
Base campus
Guy’s Campus
The Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, Faculty of Dentistry, Oral & Craniofacial Sciences, and the Institute of Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience are based at the riverside Guy's Campus, next to the Shard.
Please note that locations are determined by where each module is taught and may vary depending on the modules you study.
Regulating bodies
King's is regulated by the Office for Students
UK applicants
Standard requirements
A minimum 2:1 undergraduate Bachelor’s (honours) degree
If you have a lower degree classification, or a degree in an unrelated subject, your application may be considered if you can demonstrate significant relevant work experience, or offer a related graduate qualification (such as a Masters or PGDip).
Programme-Specific Requirements
Minimum 2:1 in a biomedical Science, Physiology, Medicine or Sport Science related subject.
In order to meet the academic entry requirements for this programme you should have a minimum 2:1 undergraduate degree with a final mark of at least 60% or above in the UK marking scheme. If you are still studying you should be achieving an average of at least 60% or above in the UK marking scheme.
International applicants
Equivalent International qualifications
English language requirements
English language band:
D
To study at King's, it is essential that you can communicate in English effectively in an academic environment. You are usually required to provide certification of your competence in English before starting your studies.
Nationals of majority English speaking countries (as defined by the UKVI) who have permanently resided in this country are not usually required to complete an additional English language test. This is also the case for applicants who have successfully completed an undergraduate degree (of at least three years duration), a postgraduate taught degree (of at least one year), or a PhD in a majority English speaking country (as defined by the UKVI) within five years of the course start date.
For information on our English language requirements and whether you need to complete an English language test, please see our English Language requirements page.
Selection process
Applications must be made online using King's Apply, the Admissions Portal. A non-refundable application fee of £85 applies.
You will be admitted on the basis of your academic ability, together with recommendations from academic referees. Places on the programme are limited and early applications are strongly encouraged: the admissions panel, consisting of academics from the department will meet in January, April and June to consider applications.
Personal statement and supporting information
You will be asked to submit the following documents in order for your application to be considered:
| Personal Statement | Yes |
A personal statement is required. This can be entered directly into the online application form (maximum 4,000 characters) or uploaded as an attachment to the online application form (maximum 2 pages). It should explain your reasons for wishing to undertake the course. |
|---|---|---|
| Previous Academic Study | Yes | A copy (or copies) of your official academic transcript(s), showing the subjects studied and marks obtained. If you have already completed your degree, copies of your official degree certificate will also be required. Applicants with academic documents issued in a language other than English, will need to submit both the original and official translation of their documents. |
| References | Yes | Two references are required with at least one academic. Professional references will be accepted if you have completed your qualifications over five years ago. |
| Other | Optional | You may wish to include a CV (Resume) or evidence of professional registration as part of your application. |
Teaching methods - what to expect
Lectures
Tutorials
Practical Work
For every 45-credit module we will provide you with 40 hours of teaching through lecture and tutorials, along with 30 hours of practical classes. For every 30-credit module we will provide you with 36 hours of teaching through lecture and tutorials, along with 24 hours of practical classes. For every 15-credit module you will have six hours of teaching. The 60-credit research project is a 12-week full-time laboratory-based research project, and how long it takes will depend on your project. We will expect you to complement all of this with self-study.
|
|
Lectures/Tutorials |
Practical Classes |
|
45 credit module |
40 hours |
30 hours |
|
30 credit module |
36 hours |
24 hours |
|
15 credit module |
6 hours |
- |
Typically, one credit equates to 10 hours of work.
Assessment
- Coursework
- Written Examinations
- Presentations
- Reports
- Essays
Your performance will be assessed through a combination of coursework and written examinations which evaluate both the theoretical and practical components of the course. Forms of assessment may typically include oral presentations, poster presentations and written reports and essays. We supplement the taught programme with online formative assessment for learning. Coursework contributes approximately 50% and examinations approximately 50% to your final mark.
We will use a delivery method that will ensure students have a rich, exciting experience from the start. Face to face teaching will be complemented and supported with innovative technology so that students also experience elements of digital learning and assessment.
The study time and assessment methods detailed above are typical and give you a good indication of what to expect. However, they are subject to change.
Structure
Required modules
Courses are divided into modules. You will normally take modules totalling 180 credits. You are required to take:
Skeletal Muscle Function and Plasticity: from movement to molecules (30 credits)
Cardiovascular and Respiratory Physiology: from rest to exhaustive exercise (30 credits)
Aerospace and Environmental Physiology (45 credits)
Library Project in Human & Applied Physiology (15 credits)
Research Project in Human & Applied Physiology (60 credits)
King’s College London reviews the modules offered on a regular basis to provide up-to-date, innovative and relevant programmes of study. Therefore, modules offered may change. We suggest you keep an eye on the course finder on our website for updates.
Please note that modules with a practical component will be capped due to educational requirements, which may mean that we cannot guarantee a place to all students who elect to study this module.
Employability
Our graduates go on to careers in academic teaching and research, medicine, clinical physiology, health services, sports science support, and research posts in industry or in Ministry of Defence research establishments.
Tuition Fees
UK:
Full time: £16,950 (2025/26)
International:
Full time: £35,800 (2025/26)
These tuition fees may be subject to additional increases in subsequent years of study, in line with King’s terms and conditions.
Deposit
If you receive an offer for this programme, you will be required to pay a non-refundable deposit to secure your place. Deposit payments are credited towards the total tuition fee payment.
The Home deposit is £500. The International deposit is £2000.
- If you receive an offer before March, payment is due by 20 March.
- If you receive an offer between 1 March and 20 May, payment is due within one month of receiving the offer.
- If you receive an offer between 21 May and 15 July, payment is due within two weeks of receiving the offer.
- If you receive an offer between 16 July and 10 August, payment is due within one week of receiving the offer.
- If you receive an offer from 11 August onwards, payment is due within three days of receiving the offer.
If you are a current undergraduate King’s student in receipt of the King's Living Bursary this academic year, you are not required to pay a deposit to secure your place on the programme. Please note, this will not change the total fees payable for your chosen programme.
Please visit our web pages on fees and funding for more information.
Additional Costs
In addition to your tuition costs, you can also expect to pay for:
- Books if you choose to buy your own copies
- Clothing for optional course related events and competitions
- Library fees and fines
- Personal photocopies
- Printing course handouts
- Society membership fees
- Stationery
- Travel costs for travel around London, between campuses and for project placements
- Graduation costs
Funding
To find out more about bursaries, scholarships, grants, tuition fees, living expenses, student loans, and other financial help available at King's please visit the Fees and Funding section.
The course will give you a theoretical and practical basis for explaining the functioning of the muscular, respiratory and cardiovascular systems at rest and during exercise. You will explore the effects of extreme environmental conditions on whole body physiology, including in relation to aerospace and military medicine. You will study topics from both systemic and cellular/molecular perspectives in order to gain an understanding of the breadth of investigative approaches employed in human physiology research. You will also focus on practical work, learning how to plan and run experiments using human subjects. Ultimately, we aim to equip you with the knowledge and skills to enhance your understanding and expertise in human physiology in its broadest sense and build a career in a related field.
Base campus
Guy’s Campus
The Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, Faculty of Dentistry, Oral & Craniofacial Sciences, and the Institute of Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience are based at the riverside Guy's Campus, next to the Shard.
Please note that locations are determined by where each module is taught and may vary depending on the modules you study.
Regulating bodies
King's is regulated by the Office for Students
UK applicants
Standard requirements
A minimum 2:1 undergraduate Bachelor’s (honours) degree
If you have a lower degree classification, or a degree in an unrelated subject, your application may be considered if you can demonstrate significant relevant work experience, or offer a related graduate qualification (such as a Masters or PGDip).
Programme-Specific Requirements
Minimum 2:1 in a biomedical Science, Physiology, Medicine or Sport Science related subject.
In order to meet the academic entry requirements for this programme you should have a minimum 2:1 undergraduate degree with a final mark of at least 60% or above in the UK marking scheme. If you are still studying you should be achieving an average of at least 60% or above in the UK marking scheme.
International applicants
Equivalent International qualifications
English language requirements
English language band:
D
To study at King's, it is essential that you can communicate in English effectively in an academic environment. You are usually required to provide certification of your competence in English before starting your studies.
Nationals of majority English speaking countries (as defined by the UKVI) who have permanently resided in this country are not usually required to complete an additional English language test. This is also the case for applicants who have successfully completed an undergraduate degree (of at least three years duration), a postgraduate taught degree (of at least one year), or a PhD in a majority English speaking country (as defined by the UKVI) within five years of the course start date.
For information on our English language requirements and whether you need to complete an English language test, please see our English Language requirements page.
Selection process
Applications must be made online using King's Apply, the Admissions Portal. A non-refundable application fee of £85 applies.
You will be admitted on the basis of your academic ability, together with recommendations from academic referees. Places on the programme are limited and early applications are strongly encouraged: the admissions panel, consisting of academics from the department will meet in January, April and June to consider applications.
Personal statement and supporting information
You will be asked to submit the following documents in order for your application to be considered:
| Personal Statement | Yes |
A personal statement is required. This can be entered directly into the online application form (maximum 4,000 characters) or uploaded as an attachment to the online application form (maximum 2 pages). It should explain your reasons for wishing to undertake the course. |
|---|---|---|
| Previous Academic Study | Yes | A copy (or copies) of your official academic transcript(s), showing the subjects studied and marks obtained. If you have already completed your degree, copies of your official degree certificate will also be required. Applicants with academic documents issued in a language other than English, will need to submit both the original and official translation of their documents. |
| References | Yes | Two references are required with at least one academic. Professional references will be accepted if you have completed your qualifications over five years ago. |
| Other | Optional | You may wish to include a CV (Resume) or evidence of professional registration as part of your application. |
Teaching methods - what to expect
Lectures
Tutorials
Practical Work
For every 45-credit module we will provide you with 40 hours of teaching through lecture and tutorials, along with 30 hours of practical classes. For every 30-credit module we will provide you with 36 hours of teaching through lecture and tutorials, along with 24 hours of practical classes. For every 15-credit module you will have six hours of teaching. The 60-credit research project is a 12-week full-time laboratory-based research project, and how long it takes will depend on your project. We will expect you to complement all of this with self-study.
|
|
Lectures/Tutorials |
Practical Classes |
|
45 credit module |
40 hours |
30 hours |
|
30 credit module |
36 hours |
24 hours |
|
15 credit module |
6 hours |
- |
Typically, one credit equates to 10 hours of work.
Assessment
- Coursework
- Written Examinations
- Presentations
- Reports
- Essays
Your performance will be assessed through a combination of coursework and written examinations which evaluate both the theoretical and practical components of the course. Forms of assessment may typically include oral presentations, poster presentations and written reports and essays. We supplement the taught programme with online formative assessment for learning. Coursework contributes approximately 50% and examinations approximately 50% to your final mark.
We will use a delivery method that will ensure students have a rich, exciting experience from the start. Face to face teaching will be complemented and supported with innovative technology so that students also experience elements of digital learning and assessment.
The study time and assessment methods detailed above are typical and give you a good indication of what to expect. However, they are subject to change.
Structure
Required modules
Courses are divided into modules. You will normally take modules totalling 180 credits. You are required to take:
Skeletal Muscle Function and Plasticity: from movement to molecules (30 credits)
Cardiovascular and Respiratory Physiology: from rest to exhaustive exercise (30 credits)
Aerospace and Environmental Physiology (45 credits)
Library Project in Human & Applied Physiology (15 credits)
Research Project in Human & Applied Physiology (60 credits)
King’s College London reviews the modules offered on a regular basis to provide up-to-date, innovative and relevant programmes of study. Therefore, modules offered may change. We suggest you keep an eye on the course finder on our website for updates.
Please note that modules with a practical component will be capped due to educational requirements, which may mean that we cannot guarantee a place to all students who elect to study this module.
Employability
Our graduates go on to careers in academic teaching and research, medicine, clinical physiology, health services, sports science support, and research posts in industry or in Ministry of Defence research establishments.
Tuition Fees
UK:
Full time: £16,950 (2025/26)
International:
Full time: £35,800 (2025/26)
These tuition fees may be subject to additional increases in subsequent years of study, in line with King’s terms and conditions.
Deposit
If you receive an offer for this programme, you will be required to pay a non-refundable deposit to secure your place. Deposit payments are credited towards the total tuition fee payment.
The Home deposit is £500. The International deposit is £2000.
- If you receive an offer before March, payment is due by 20 March.
- If you receive an offer between 1 March and 20 May, payment is due within one month of receiving the offer.
- If you receive an offer between 21 May and 15 July, payment is due within two weeks of receiving the offer.
- If you receive an offer between 16 July and 10 August, payment is due within one week of receiving the offer.
- If you receive an offer from 11 August onwards, payment is due within three days of receiving the offer.
If you are a current undergraduate King’s student in receipt of the King's Living Bursary this academic year, you are not required to pay a deposit to secure your place on the programme. Please note, this will not change the total fees payable for your chosen programme.
Please visit our web pages on fees and funding for more information.
Additional Costs
In addition to your tuition costs, you can also expect to pay for:
- Books if you choose to buy your own copies
- Clothing for optional course related events and competitions
- Library fees and fines
- Personal photocopies
- Printing course handouts
- Society membership fees
- Stationery
- Travel costs for travel around London, between campuses and for project placements
- Graduation costs
Funding
To find out more about bursaries, scholarships, grants, tuition fees, living expenses, student loans, and other financial help available at King's please visit the Fees and Funding section.
Application closing date guidance
We encourage you to apply as early as possible so that there is sufficient time for your application to be assessed and we may need to request further information from you during the application process.
The final application deadlines for this programme are:
· Overseas (international) fee status: 25 July 2025 (23:59 UK time)
· Home fee status: 25 August 2025 (23:59 UK time)
If the programme becomes full before the final application deadlines stated above, we will close the programme to further applications. Please note, you will not be eligible for an application fee refund if we are unable to process further offers because places are filled and we close the course before the final application deadline.
Key information
Delivery mode:
In person
Study mode:
Full time
Duration:
One year full-time
Credit value (UK/ECTS equivalent):
UK 180/ECTS 90
Application status:
Open
Start date:
September 2025
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