Physiotherapy Studies: Cardiorespiratory MSc

1 Year On Campus Masters Program

University College London

Program Overview

UCL’s Physiotherapy Studies: Cardiorespiratory MSc is a one-year postgraduate programme for qualified physiotherapists who want to build specialist knowledge in the assessment and management of cardiorespiratory conditions. Students explore clinical practice, research and current treatment approaches while learning from experienced academics and clinical specialists.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1:
Students develop their core knowledge through modules such as Physiotherapy Research and Dissemination, Applied Statistics for Health Research I, Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy Skills, and Respiration Through Life, Health and Disease. These modules strengthen their understanding of cardiorespiratory assessment and treatment while developing research and evidence-based practice skills.

Students can tailor their studies through optional modules including The Heart Through Life, Health and Disease, Health Management and Clinical Exercise for Pulmonary Disease, and Physical Activity and Clinical Exercise in Cardiovascular Disease. They also complete a Research Project, giving them the opportunity to explore a cardiorespiratory physiotherapy topic in depth and apply research methods to clinical practice.

Focus Areas

Cardiorespiratory physiotherapy, respiratory rehabilitation, cardiovascular conditions, acute care, clinical exercise, pulmonary disease, cardiac health, paediatric cardiorespiratory physiotherapy, research methods, statistics and evidence-based practice.

Learning Outcomes

Students develop advanced knowledge of cardiorespiratory physiotherapy, clinical reasoning, research methods and evidence-based care. They also learn to evaluate existing and emerging treatment approaches and apply relevant evidence when managing complex patient needs.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The programme is designed for qualified physiotherapists recognised by World Physiotherapy and supports progression into advanced clinical practice, leadership, management, education and research. Students can also benefit from connections with specialist clinical teams and major hospitals, including Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospital, UCLH, Harefield Hospital and Royal Brompton Hospital.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

UCL is ranked 9th in the world in the QS World University Rankings 2026, demonstrating its strong international reputation. UCL also has a leading research profile in medicine, health and life sciences, while its physiotherapy graduates have progressed into specialist clinical practice, healthcare policy, university teaching, private practice and management.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

UCL’s Physiotherapy Studies: Cardiorespiratory MSc combines academic learning with practical experience, helping students apply specialist knowledge to real cardiorespiratory physiotherapy situations. Teaching includes lectures, tutorials, workshops, online learning and independent study, supported by experienced academics and clinical professionals. Students also have the opportunity to gain clinical experience through a three-week placement of at least 105 hours, helping them understand how cardiorespiratory physiotherapy is delivered in professional settings.

Students gain practical and professional experience through:

Clinical placement: A three-week placement of at least 105 hours gives students the opportunity to apply their cardiorespiratory physiotherapy knowledge in a real clinical environment.
Specialist hospital links: UCL has connections with Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospital, UCLH, Harefield Hospital and Royal Brompton Hospital, as well as specialist cardiorespiratory physiotherapy teams.
Practical skills training: The Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy Skills module develops practical knowledge relevant to assessing and treating patients with cardiorespiratory conditions.
Research experience: Modules such as Physiotherapy Research and Dissemination, Applied Statistics for Health Research I and the Research Project help students develop research, statistical and evidence-evaluation skills.
Clinical exercise learning: Optional modules including Health Management and Clinical Exercise for Pulmonary Disease and Physical Activity and Clinical Exercise in Cardiovascular Disease allow students to explore exercise-based approaches to patient care.
Paediatric experience: Students can choose Paediatric Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy to develop knowledge of cardiorespiratory care for children.
Expert-led teaching: Lectures, tutorials and workshops are delivered by experienced physiotherapy professionals, with contributions from specialists working across healthcare and other relevant organisations.
Professional networking: Students can attend events such as the Otto Wolff lectures, providing opportunities to learn from national and international experts and build professional connections.
Research and clinical assessment: Students complete written assignments, presentations, literature reviews, research proposals, examinations and a dissertation with an oral presentation.
Flexible digital learning: The programme includes online learning and independent study, including self-paced learning activities within modules such as Respiration Through Life, Health and Disease.

Facilities and clinical learning: Students benefit from UCL’s Bloomsbury campus and its links with major London hospitals and specialist cardiorespiratory physiotherapy departments.

Progression & Future Opportunities

UCL’s Physiotherapy Studies: Cardiorespiratory MSc helps qualified physiotherapists build specialist expertise for advanced clinical practice, leadership, research, teaching and healthcare management. The programme can support graduates in progressing into senior roles across the NHS, hospitals, private healthcare, universities and specialist cardiorespiratory services in the UK and internationally.

Typical career opportunities include:

Advanced Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapist
Specialist Clinical Physiotherapist
Physiotherapy Team Lead
Clinical Educator or Physiotherapy Lecturer

Students can strengthen their career prospects through:

Clinical and healthcare connections: UCL has links with major hospitals including Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospital, UCLH, Harefield Hospital and Royal Brompton Hospital, giving students valuable exposure to specialist cardiorespiratory healthcare.
Professional networking: Students can attend events such as the Otto Wolff lectures, where they can learn from national and international experts and develop professional connections.
Graduate outcomes: UCL reports that graduates have progressed into senior clinical, management, healthcare policy, teaching and private-practice roles, including positions within the NHS and hospitals internationally.
Employment and salary figures: UCL does not publish a specific employment rate or salary figure for this particular MSc, so no unsupported figures are included.
Research development: The 60-credit Research Project gives students the opportunity to develop research skills that can support future careers in clinical research and academia.
Long-term professional value: The combination of specialist cardiorespiratory knowledge, clinical learning, research and leadership skills can support progression into senior and specialist physiotherapy positions.

Further Academic Progression:

After completing the MSc, graduates can progress to doctoral-level study, including a PhD, particularly if they want to develop careers in research or academia. UCL also reports that previous students have successfully used the MSc as a pathway towards securing funding for PhD study.