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1. Study
2. Postgraduate
3. Taught Courses
4. Masters
5. Clinical Measurement Physiology

Course Fact File

Code	MSCCPL
Duration	2 Years (Year 1: Semesters 1, 2 and 3; Year 2: Semesters 1 and 2)
Teaching Mode	Full-time
Qualifications	MSc
NFQ Level	Level 9
Fees	See Fees and Costs for full details.
Closing Date	The first round of offers will be made by 8 March. Otherwise, open until no later than 30 April.
Non-EU Closing Date	Open until all places have been filled or no later than 30 April. Early application is advised.
Start Date	9 September 2024

Course Outline

Our MSc in Clinical Measurement Physiology is a new full-time programme designed to support you in developing the knowledge, skills, and professional attributes necessary to practice as a Clinical Measurement Physiologist.  

The Clinical Measurement Physiology programme will appeal to science graduates with a background in physiology and individuals from other healthcare professionals interested in developing professional skills in the diagnostic evaluation of patients in one of four different disciplines: cardiology, neurology, gastrointestinal and respiratory science. A unique element of this programme is the focus on neonatal physiology.

We aim to provide an excellent educational experience in both academic and clinical environments and to support you as you develop the necessary attributes to contribute to the constantly advancing and evolving nature of clinical measurement science.

Practice education is an integral component of the programme and you will have the opportunity to undertake clinical placements in both Years 1 and 2.

Year 1 Modules 

Semester 1

• PL6004 Principles of Professional Practice in Clinical Physiology (5 credits)
• PL6005 Clinical Measurement Instrumentation (10 credits)
• PL6006 Core Placement Skills for Clinical Physiologists (5 credits)
• PL6007 Biological Systems for Clinical Physiologists - Cardiology (5 credits)
• PL6008 Biological Systems for Clinical Physiologists - Respiratory Function (5 credits)
• PL6009 Biological Systems for Clinical Physiologists - Neurology (5 credits)

 Semester 2

• PL6010 Biological Systems for Clinical Physiologists - Gastroenterology (5 credits)
• PL6011 Biological Systems for Clinical Physiologists - Neonatology (5 credits)
• PL6012 Effective Communication for Clinical Physiologists (5 credits)
• PL6013 Professional Practice in Clinical Physiology I (Placement) (10 credits) 

Semester 3

• PL6014 Professional Practice in Clinical Physiology II Placement (10 credits) 

Year 2 Modules

Semester 1

• PL6015 Professional Practice in Clinical Physiology - Specialist 15-Week Placement I (15 credits)
• PL6017 Research Project in Clinical Physiology I (5 credits)
• PL6018 Research Project in Clinical Physiology II (15 credits)

Semester 2

• PL6016 Professional Practice in Clinical Physiology - Specialist 15-Week Placement II  (15 credits)

Flexi-option (to be completed prior to entry to the course)

• PL6019 Introduction to Human Physiology for Clinical Measurement Physiologists (5 credits)*

* Prerequisite module where supplemental knowledge of physiology is deemed necessary by the programme board. This will be completed prior to the commencement of the programme.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this programme, you will be able to:

• Demonstrate the professional attributes, leadership, and clinical skills required to meet the challenges of providing an integrated and scientific approach to physiological diagnostics.
• Apply knowledge of the cardiovascular, nervous, gastrointestinal, and respiratory systems in adults and children to assist in the diagnosis of functional disorders of these systems.
• Perform functional diagnostic tests on patients, report the outcomes appropriately and be an active participant in the interdisciplinary treatment team.
• Practice ethical behaviours, which reflect values of respect, privacy, and dignity for patients; respects client confidentiality and includes the legal and moral duties of accurately recording, organising, and storing client information.
• Demonstrate an ongoing commitment to the professional and caring values that underpin a safe and high-quality service in clinical measurement physiology.
• Critically evaluate clinical and academic evidence and be agents for the development of clinical measurement physiology within the evolving healthcare environment.
• Critically evaluate original research sources and their contribution to the evidence-based practice of clinical measurement physiology.

Course Practicalities

The MSc Clinical Measurement Physiology programme is delivered by our long-established Department of Physiology with strong links to the internationally recognised School of Medicine, in the College of Medicine and Health.

The MSc is a two-year full-time programme, comprising compulsory modules to the value of 70 credits in Year 1 and 50 credits in Year 2: 120 credits in total.

Semester 1 will be campus-based and will prepare students for clinical placement. Students will continue to have some campus-based teaching in semester 2. They will also undertake two introductory hospital-based placements in semester 2 and semester 3. Students will be supported on placement by a Practice Educator, based in the hospital department. In Year 2 students will complete a research project and two advanced placements which may be in one or two different physiological fields in the hospital setting.

Students completing the research modules are expected to communicate regularly and attend meetings as required with their supervisor regarding their dissertation. Students should be aware that they may be placed in hospitals outside of Cork. Travel and accommodation costs associated with placement are the responsibility of the student.

Why Choose This Course

The introduction of MSc Clinical Measurement Physiology in UCC is great news for the profession in Ireland…  there is a real shortage of trained clinical measurement physiologists across all specialties. (HSE)

There is a shortage of clinical measurement scientists in both the HSE and private sectors so our MSc Clinical Measurement Physiology graduates will be widely sought after by employers in these sectors.

Our MSc course will act as an entry point into the profession of clinical measurement physiology; you will learn how to apply a theoretical understanding of the physiological systems to identify dysfunction and disease in one of four disciplines (cardiology, neurology, respiratory and gastrointestinal physiology), with the additional benefit of gaining a unique insight into neonatal physiology and disease.

Established links to a medical school will give you access to experts in each of the clinical fields and you will be active members of multi-disciplinary healthcare teams where you will gain hands-on experience in patient treatment.

Placement or Study Abroad Information

Practice education is an integral component of the programme and students will undertake four different placements in Years 1 and 2.

These placements will take place in the Clinical Measurement Departments of UCC teaching hospitals of the South/Southwest Hospital Group.

Hospitals of the South/Southwest Group include Cork University Hospital, Bon Secours Hospital Cork, Mercy University Hospital, South Infirmary-Victoria University Hospital, Bantry General Hospital, Mallow General Hospital, Tipperary University Hospital, University Hospital Kerry, and University Hospital Waterford.

Travel and accommodation costs associated with placement are the responsibility of the student.

Skills and Careers Information

On completion of this course, you will be eligible to apply for careers in clinical measurement physiology in both the HSE and private sectors.

The HSE has identified a national shortage of appropriately trained Clinical Measurement Physiologists, particularly in cardiology, respiratory medicine, and clinical neurophysiology. Measurement scientists are key members of the teams managing conditions such as myocardial infarction, epilepsy, COVID-19, or peptic ulcer disease. A shortage of measurement scientists is a critical reason for prolonged waiting lists in these areas. There are departments of clinical measurement in all the teaching and acute hospitals in Ireland.

Requirements

Applicants must have at least a Second Class Honours Grade 2 in a primary honours degree (NFQ, Level 8) (or equivalent) in any of the following relevant subject areas: physiology, medical and health sciences, neuroscience or other relevant biological sciences. Other graduates with an honours primary degree in a relevant health care discipline e.g. nursing, may also be interested in this programme, although proficiency in understanding systems physiology will be an important entry criterion.

• Shortlisted applicants will be called for an interview (face-to-face with an opportunity for online).

Recognition of Prior Learning

Consideration under Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) may also be given to applicants who do not meet the above entry requirements but who have relevant experience in a relevant field to physiology, medical and health sciences, neuroscience or other relevant sciences.

Eligible applicants will be shortlisted for an interview based on the following criteria:

• Educational qualifications
• Academic achievements outside of the curriculum, e.g., publications, conference presentations
• Contributions beyond academia
• Motivation to become a Clinical Measurement Physiologist, e.g., a motivational statement will include the applicant's research aspirations in this field and indicate how their previous degree will contribute to this research and their future career as a clinical measurement physiologist.
• Communication skills

Garda Vetting Policy

Students, or applicants in receipt of an offer, are subject to Garda Vetting as per the UCC Student Garda Vetting policy and are prohibited from engaging in a relevant work placement unless the vetting process has been completed.

Fees and Costs

Other Costs

Students may need to travel and/or arrange short-term accommodation near their placement sites. Students will incur the costs of travel to clinical locations as well as the costs of accommodation. Students will also incur the costs of uniforms which will be necessary for working on clinical placement.

How To Apply

The closing date for non-EU applications is Open until all places have been filled or no later than 30 April. Early application is advised.

Apply Now