University of Galway

The University of Galway is ranked among the top 2% of universities worldwide, known for academic excellence and research. Galway is a city renowned for its friendliness, culture and creativity. Situated along the Wild Atlantic Way, the university combines modern facilities with a beautiful natural setting. From the moment you arrive at our beautiful campus, you will be part of a thriving student community where you will be encouraged to be yourself and to fulfil your potential. We work hard to ensure that ours is an accessible and inclusive campus and during your time here, you can expect to engage with a diversity of views and experiences and the opportunity to forge friendships that last a lifetime.
We strive for excellence and impact in all that we do. We are ranked 284th in the world according to QS World University Rankings 2026 (published June 2025) and we are the only university recognised as a Sustainable Development Champion. Strong industry connections ensure excellent internship opportunities and high employability rates.
We want you to be part of our dynamic university community, learning from world-leading academics, gaining new skills and building a career that will sustain your own passions and excellence into the future.

Discipline of Physiology

Physiology is one of the longest established disciplines at the University of Galway. Housed in the new Human Biology Building, the discipline is situated in the School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences and is affiliated with the College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences.

The Discipline focuses on the study of human bodily functions, including the cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, and nervous systems. It offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs in areas like a BSc in Physiology and an MSc in Exercise Physiology and is actively engaged in research in fields such as neurophysiology and exercise physiology. The discipline is committed to high-quality teaching, utilizing a combination of lectures, seminars, and practical laboratory work.

The MSc in Exercise Physiology and Its Application in Therapy

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 (2.2).

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MSc in Exercise Physiology and Rehabilitation

The MSc in Exercise Physiology and Rehabilitation is for individuals who already have a professional qualification in physiotherapy, physical therapy or occupational therapy, and wish to expand their expertise in a more specialised area. It is suitable for recent graduates in the early stages of career development, as well as for mature learners looking to achieve more advanced or specialised career progression goals.
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 expertise in the field of exercise physiology for rehabilitation. It specifically targets professionals who wish to learn how to apply exercise physiology for the management of chronic disease conditions.

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