Course Overview

About This Course

Join the forefront of two growing disciplines with an education that reflects real-world practice. With the UNSW Bachelor of Applied Exercise Science/Master of Clinical Exercise Physiology, you'll be qualified to work as an exercise scientist and/or exercise physiologist to care for both healthy patients and those with chronic diseases. Be the expert people turn to about all things exercise. With this double degree, you'll gain a Bachelor of Applied Exercise Science and a Master of Clinical Exercise Physiology, preparing you for a rewarding career helping people take care of their physical and mental health. After just four years and one term of full-time study, you'll graduate as both an Accredited Exercise Scientist (AES) and an Accredited Exercise Physiologist (AEP) with Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA). You'll be qualified to work in a range of settings, including hospitals, aged care, private practices, workplaces and mental health clinics. Exercise scientists specialise in helping people use exercise to improve their general health and overall athletic performance. You'll draw on your deep knowledge of biomechanics, motor control and exercise prescription to develop exercise plans for individuals or communities. Exercise physiologists focus on rehabilitative and preventative therapy, helping people use exercise to manage a wide range of chronic diseases, including cancers, musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, metabolic, respiratory, neurological and mental health conditions. If you're passionate about helping people stay active and well, this double degree will set you on the path to a fulfilling career. Our graduates are highly sought after – UNSW ranks #1 in Australia for employment outcomes (QS World University Rankings, 2026).

Eligibility

Entry Requirements

Requirements

2026 Lowest Selection Rank (Australia): 90.0
2026 Lowest ATAR (before adjustment factors): 80.85
2026 A Levels: 13.0 (based on four Advanced Level A2 subjects; calculated from best three or four A2 subjects using: A*=6, A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2, E=1; at most one Applied A Level subject may be included)
2026 IB Diploma: 35.0
Assumed knowledge: Chemistry, Mathematics Advanced
International ATAR: 85.0
UNSW Foundation Studies GPA: 7.5
Great Britain GCE A Levels (international direct entry): 11.0 (minimum of two A2 subjects required; calculated from best two, three, or four A2 subjects using: A*=6, A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2, E=1)
International Baccalaureate Diploma (international direct entry): 33.0
SAT (after 2016): 1210.0 (total of evidence-based reading and writing and mathematical test scores; must be provided in conjunction with evidence of successful completion of senior secondary studies)
English language requirements: Evidence of English proficiency may be required depending on educational background and citizenship; acceptable evidence includes English language tests, prior study in the medium of English, or other qualifications
Professional requirements: As an accredited program, students are expected to meet certain professional requirements including legal, ethical, communication, cognitive, sensory and physical capabilities consistent with safe practice in exercise science and exercise physiology
Adjustment factors available: HSC Plus (up to 5 points), Elite Athletes Performers and Leaders / EAPL (up to 5 points), Educational Access Scheme / EAS (1–10 points), Gateway Admission Pathway, Indigenous entry programs

Career & Study Pathways

Where this takes you

Career Opportunities

Exercise science and exercise physiology are fast-growing fields with strong career prospects. Graduates of our Bachelor of Applied Exercise Science / Master of Clinical Exercise Physiology are in high demand, with opportunities across clinical practice, community health, rehabilitation and sport. The demand for exercise physiologists alone is expected to grow by 3.5% over the next five years (Seek, 2025). Many exercise science and exercise physiology services are covered by Medicare, Work Cover, private health insurers, the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and the Department of Veteran Affairs, further driving up demand.

Jobs in exercise science:

Accredited exercise scientist (AES)
Health and wellness coach
Rehabilitation assistant
Workplace wellness advisor
Community health and fitness officer
Sports scientist
Strength and conditioning coach
Exercise specialist/exercise advisor
Lifestyle program coordinator
Research assistant
Personal trainer/fitness instructor

Jobs in exercise physiology:

Accredited exercise physiologist (AEP)
Clinical exercise physiologist
Rehabilitation consultant
Chronic disease management specialist
Return-to-work/injury management advisor
Workplace health & rehabilitation consultant
Occupational rehabilitation provider
Allied health professional (exercise physiology)
Exercise rehabilitation specialist
Community rehabilitation officer
Health and rehabilitation officer in corporate, insurance, or government settings
Veterans' health/defence rehabilitation consultant
NDIS exercise physiologist
Falls prevention/healthy ageing specialist

Quality & Recognition

Accreditation & Migration

Accreditation Details

Academic Regulator

TEQSA

Professional Body

Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA)

Accreditation Status

Accredited

Skills Assessor

ESSA

Course Content

Units of Competency

All Units46 units

Functional Anatomy and Biomechanics 1

Level 1 core course

Functional Anatomy and Biomechanics 2

Level 1 core course

Molecules, Cells and Genes

Level 1 core course

Exercise Physiology and Metabolism

Level 1 core course

Exercise and Nutrition

Level 1 core course

Interprofessional Practice and Collaborative Care

Level 1 core course

Human Systems 1

Level 1 core course

Human Systems 2

Level 1 core course

Physical Activity and Health

Level 2 core course

Functional Anatomy and Biomechanics 3

Level 2 core course

Motor Learning and Motor Control

Level 2 core course

Exercise Prescription and Delivery

Level 2 core course

Exercise Assessment and Testing

Level 2 core course

Strength and Conditioning

Level 2 core course

Driving Behaviour Change 1

Level 2 core course

Research for Healthcare Practices

Level 2 core course

Sports Performance Nutrition

Level 3 core course

Exercise and Health Across the Lifespan

Level 3 core course

Exercise Science Professional Placement

Level 3 core course

Emerging Areas of Exercise Science

Level 3 core course

Paediatrics and Disability

Level 3 core course

Sport and Exercise Psychology

Level 3 core course

Leading Change in the Health Professions

Level 3 core course

Cardiorespiratory Rehabilitation

Level 4 core course

Musculoskeletal and Movement Rehabilitation

Level 4 core course

Rehabilitation for Neurological and Neurodegenerative Diseases

Level 4 core course

Clinical Practice for Chronic Conditions

Level 4 core course

Exercise Oncology

Level 4 core course

Driving Behaviour Change 2

Level 4 core course

Exercise Physiology Placement

Level 4 core course placement; taken twice for a total of 18 UOC

Health Research Project

Level 5 core course; taken twice for a total of 18 UOC

Applied Biomolecular Sciences

Prescribed elective

Evolutionary and Functional Biology

Prescribed elective

Entrepreneurial Ecosystems

Prescribed elective

Creative Entrepreneurship

Prescribed elective

Marketing Fundamentals

Prescribed elective

Mathematics 1A

Prescribed elective

Engineering Mechanics

Prescribed elective

Introduction to Public Health

Prescribed elective

Global Health

Prescribed elective

Epidemiology

Prescribed elective

Biostatistics

Prescribed elective

Public Health Policy and Advocacy

Prescribed elective

Physics 1A

Prescribed elective

The Psychology of Addiction

Prescribed elective

Clinical Perspectives of Anxiety, Mood and Stress

Prescribed elective

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to complete the Bachelor of Applied Exercise Science / Master of Clinical Exercise Physiology at UNSW?

The double degree is completed over four years and one term (4.4 years) of full-time study, totalling 216 units of credit (UOC) across 37 courses.

What professional accreditation will I receive upon graduating from this double degree?

Graduates will be eligible for accreditation from Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA) at both the exercise science and exercise physiology levels, meaning you can work as both an Accredited Exercise Scientist (AES) and an Accredited Exercise Physiologist (AEP). By the end of year three, you will be able to apply for your exercise science accreditation through ESSA, allowing you to work as an exercise scientist while you complete the rest of your degree.

What kind of practical placement experience is included in this program?

The program includes 140 hours of exercise science placements and 360 hours of exercise physiology placements. Practical training starts in year one, and you will also complete 'work and learn' placements — one-day placements at a variety of sites such as sports high schools. UNSW has connections with some of Australia's best hospitals, private practices and health organisations, and is affiliated with the Sydney Swans and NSW Waratahs.

What is the minimum ATAR or selection rank required to gain entry into this program?

The 2026 Lowest Selection Rank (ATAR plus adjustment factors) is 90.0, and the 2026 Lowest ATAR (before adjustment factors were applied) is 80.85. Assumed knowledge includes Chemistry and Mathematics Advanced. A range of adjustment factor schemes are available, including HSC Plus (up to 5 points), Elite Athletes Performers and Leaders (up to 5 points), and the Educational Access Scheme (1–10 points).

What career paths are available after completing this double degree?

Graduates can pursue careers in both exercise science and exercise physiology across a wide range of settings including public and private hospitals, private practices, sporting organisations, aged care, mental health clinics, community exercise programs, and workplace health and rehabilitation. Specific roles include Accredited Exercise Scientist, Accredited Exercise Physiologist, clinical exercise physiologist, chronic disease management specialist, NDIS exercise physiologist, rehabilitation consultant, sports scientist, and strength and conditioning coach, among many others. The demand for exercise physiologists is expected to grow by 3.5% over the next five years.

Application

How to Apply

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Step 02

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Step 03

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Bachelor of Applied Exercise Science / Master of Clinical Exercise Physiology

About This Course

Entry Requirements

Where this takes you

Accreditation & Migration

Units of Competency

Frequently Asked Questions

How to Apply

Hear From the Students