Graduate Physiology courses aim to help students consolidate their knowledge of Physiology or cross disciplines, e.g. from Pharmacology or Biochemistry. Studying a graduate physiology program will give you a competitive edge, whether you wish to pursue a career in the pharmaceutical industry or elsewhere.

Research themes in graduate physiology courses may include, interests in how cells function and are regulated under normal physiological conditions but also in how their function is changed in pathological conditions, since some diseases could arise directly from abnormalities in cell regulation. The overall aims of research are to increase understanding of the fundamental mechanisms of how cells function, but also to examine how this information can be used in tackling the causes of clinical conditions including cancer, difficult labours, pancreatitis and gastrointestinal abnormalities.

Physiology programs at graduate level are suitable for students with a first degree in Physiology or a related discipline, usually at a minimum of upper second class (or international equivalent). Medical, Veterinary or Dental qualifications either from home or abroad are sometimes considered.

Areas of physiology that you might want to specialise in during your graduate course could include: Modern Techniques and Pathophysiology, Muscle Physiology, Cell Signalling and Biophysics and Secretory Cell Biology. When choosing your study destination and university or college graduate program, be sure to investigate whether the department is highly ranked or accredited, whether the graduate physiology courses offer aspects of study that you are keen to pursue and where graduates from these courses tend to go after completion of the course.

Skills you will acquire by studying physiology at graduate level include, team work, transferable skills development and personal study. In addition to gaining a detailed understanding of physiology, you can expect to leave university or college with the knowledge and tools deemed essential for both the pharmaceutical industry and related companies and academia.

Good luck with your application for a graduate physiology course. Upon completion, you will be ready for careers in academia, teacher training, pharmaceutical industry, sports science and many more.