Course Overview

About This Course

The Master of Clinical Exercise Physiology provides advanced academic study in the discipline of clinical exercise physiology. The postgraduate course delivers a sequence of units in the context of clinical assessment and exercise as a preventative, prescriptive and rehabilitative process for acute, sub-acute and chronic injuries as well as non-communicable diseases and concomitant multimorbidities, and provides the professional training, skills, competencies and clinical experience needed for accreditation by Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA). Units cover the psychosocial foundations of clinical exercise physiology practice, clinical assessment and exercise for neurological, cardiopulmonary, musculoskeletal and chronic and complex conditions, occupational assessment and rehabilitation, and professional practice and clinical reasoning. Students complete a minimum of 360 hours of clinical practicum across three categories: at least 200 hours spread across the cardiovascular, musculoskeletal and metabolic domains, at least 100 hours in other accredited exercise physiologist pathology domains such as cancer, kidney, mental health, neurological and respiratory or pulmonary, and 60 hours in any of those domains or other activities relevant to the AEP professional standards. Two pathways are available: the coursework stream (Pathway A) of 120 credit points over 1.5 years full-time or the equivalent part-time, and the thesis stream (Pathway B) of 160 credit points over two years. A student who has completed 40 credit points of specified units may exit with the Graduate Certificate in Clinical Exercise Rehabilitation. The course is offered at ACU's Blacktown, Brisbane, Melbourne and Strathfield campuses, and graduates of the Brisbane, Melbourne or Strathfield campus can apply to ESSA to become an accredited Exercise Physiologist. Commonwealth Supported Places are available.

Where You Can Study

Available Locations

Melbourne

1200 Mair St, Ballarat, VIC 3350

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Student Information

Fees & Entry by Student Type

Tuition Fee

AUD $9,880

Duration

Pathway A: 1.5 years full-time or equivalent part-time. Pathway B: 2 year full-time or equivalent part time

Intakes

Semester 1 intake: Beginning March 2027 (Applications open August 2026) | Midyear (Semester 2) intake: Beginning August 2027 (Applications open April 2027)

Study Mode

Full-time or part-time

Eligibility

Entry Requirements

General Requirements

Domestic students

An applicant must also comply with the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy.
Pathway A
To be eligible for admission to the course, an applicant must meet the following criteria:
A. have completed a bachelor degree that is accredited by Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA) at Exercise Science level, with one of the following:
1. a grade point average (GPA) of at least 4.4 on the ACU 7 point scale; OR
2(a). have completed ACU's Graduate Certificate in Exercise Rehabilitation for Sports Injuries with a GPA of at least 4.4 on the ACU 7 point scale; OR
2(b). have evidence of sufficient relevant industry experience for at least one year post-Bachelor graduation, through submission of a curriculum vitae outlining relevant industry experience for this course of study AND professional referee(s) providing information relevant to that industry experience.
OR
B. have met the requirements of ESSA Graduate assessment for postgraduate study, and have completed a Bachelor degree or higher in exercise science or a related field, with one of the same three alternatives listed at A.1, A.2(a) and A.2(b) above.
OR
C. have completed ACU's Graduate Certificate in Clinical Exercise Rehabilitation.
Pathway B
To be eligible for Pathway B (Thesis stream), a student must have completed at least 80 credit points of Specified and/or Professional Experience units in ACU's Master of Clinical Exercise Physiology program, with a GPA of at least 5.0, and the student's proposed area of study must align with a demonstrated capacity for research and supervision within the School.
ACU also assesses applicants who have completed AQF-recognised study at bachelor level or above, and prior study or relevant work experience may be recognised for credit. Graduates of ACU's Graduate Certificate in Clinical Exercise Rehabilitation with a GPA of at least 4.4 on the ACU 7 point scale are eligible to enter this program and be awarded 40 credit points in recognition of prior learning.

Disclaimer: The course entry requirements above are for 2027 Admission.

International students

International applicants must meet the same Pathway A and Pathway B criteria as domestic applicants, set out above.
International students need to meet the English Language Proficiency requirements as defined in the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy. ACU publishes no course-specific English test score for this course; note that ESSA requires all individuals seeking initial accreditation to meet ESSA's own English language requirements.
Note: ACU's handbook states this course is only available for international students commencing in Semester 1.

Disclaimer: The course entry requirements above are for 2027 Admission.

Career & Study Pathways

Where this takes you

Career Opportunities

Our graduates have pursued careers in:
• Chronic disease management
• Musculoskeletal rehabilitation
• Return-to-work conditioning
• Primary prevention/wellness
• Health and fitness
• Strength and conditioning
• Workplace wellness
• Community health

Quality & Recognition

Accreditation & Migration

Academic Regulator

TEQSA

Professional Body

Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA)

Accreditation Status

Accredited

Skills Assessor

ESSA

Course Content

Units of Competency

All Units17 units

EXSC611

Occupational Assessment and Rehabilitation

EXSC629

Psychosocial Foundations of Clinical Exercise Physiology Practice

EXSC630

Developing Clinical Competence in Exercise Physiology Practice

EXSC631

Professional Practice and Clinical Reasoning

EXSC632

Clinical Assessment and Exercise for Neurological Conditions

EXSC634

Clinical Assessment and Exercise for Musculoskeletal Conditions of the Lower Limb

EXSC635

Clinical Assessment and Exercise for Cardiopulmonary Conditions

EXSC639

Clinical Assessment and Exercise for Musculoskeletal Conditions of the Trunk and Upper Limb

EXSC679

Clinical Assessment and Exercise for Chronic and Complex Conditions

EXSC642

Clinical Experience 1 v2

EXSC643

Clinical Experience 2 v2

EXSC646

Clinical Experience 3 v2

EXSC642

Clinical Experience 1 v2

EXSC643

Clinical Experience 2 v2

EXSC683

Professional Practice and Clinical Research

EXSC681

Exercise Physiology Research Project (Part A)

EXSC682

Exercise Physiology Research Project (Part B)

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the Master of Clinical Exercise Physiology take to complete?

The Master of Clinical Exercise Physiology has a duration of 104 weeks as listed on the CRICOS registry.

Does the course include a practical or work placement component?

Yes, the course includes a work component totalling 360 hours, structured as 30 hours per week over 12 weeks.

What is the estimated total cost of the Master of Clinical Exercise Physiology for international students?

The estimated total course cost for international students is AU$49,548, comprising tuition fees only, with no non-tuition fees listed.

At which campuses is the Master of Clinical Exercise Physiology offered?

The course is offered at four Australian Catholic University campuses: Blacktown CBD Campus (NSW), Strathfield Campus (NSW), Brisbane Campus (QLD), and Melbourne Campus (VIC).

Is this course eligible for extended Post-Study Work Rights?

To be eligible for extended Post-Study Work Rights, a course must meet several criteria including being in 'Registered' status, being a Skills Level 1 qualification, having a duration of 92 weeks or greater, and aligning with the Skills Level 1 priority field of education. This course is a Masters degree of 104 weeks in Rehabilitation Therapies — prospective students should confirm current eligibility with the Department of Education.

Application

How to Apply

Three simple steps to get enrolled

Step 01

Enquire

Click "Enquire Now" and tell us a little about yourself. It's free and takes 2 minutes.

Step 02

Submit Documents

Our team will guide you on exactly which documents to prepare and submit.

Step 03

Get Enrolled

Receive your offer letter and confirm your enrolment. Welcome to the course!

Course Snapshot

Salary, careers & skills

Typical Salary

Entry-level (0-2 years)AUD $60,000 to $72,000 per year

Early Career (2-5 years)AUD $72,000 to $85,000 per year

Mid-Level (5-10 years)AUD $85,000 to $100,000 per year

Career Paths

Accredited Exercise Physiologist (AEP) — Private PracticeClinical Exercise Physiologist — Hospital or Rehabilitation UnitCommunity Health Exercise PhysiologistNDIS Exercise PhysiologistCardiac Rehabilitation Exercise Physiologist

Key Skills

Advanced clinical exercise assessment and functional testingEvidence-based exercise prescription for chronic and complex conditionsCardiovascular and pulmonary rehabilitation programmingMusculoskeletal injury assessment and managementMetabolic condition management (e.g., type 2 diabetes, obesity, kidney disease)

Full Course Overview

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