Course Overview

About This Course

Become an exercise physiologist (AEP) with a Master of Clinical Exercise Science and Rehabilitation at Victoria University. Our program follows a strong evidence-based teaching approach to the scope of practice of clinical exercise physiology. To consolidate your theoretical learning, you will gain significant practical experience in clinical placements. You will graduate with the knowledge, skills and experience to work as an exercise physiologist. There is also an optional research component embedded in this course that will prepare you academically for a PhD pathway. Everything you learn with VU has direct links to the real world. We place a strong emphasis on clinical and practical learning. A key part of your studies will be embarking on a range of external clinical practicums, with additional staff mentoring. You'll have the opportunity to gain real-world experience through exercise science and rehabilitation placements that can lead directly to future employment.

Victoria University has been ranked number 6 in the world for sport science (ShanghaiRanking, 2025). Our ground-breaking research, world-class facilities and partnerships with some of the world’s top sporting clubs have rocketed us to this position. Studying with us means you benefit from all the opportunities that come with our elite status – learning from academics who are connected with top organisations, researching with national sporting bodies and accessing our cutting-edge sport-science equipment. Victoria University has an outstanding reputation in sport, exercise science and health and fitness. We have gained this name through our extensive offering of sport-related courses and our world-class facilities. Also unique to VU is our significant research, leading academic staff and our broad partnerships.

Where You Can Study

Available Locations

Melbourne

Victoria University City Campus, 364-378 Little Lonsdale Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000

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Student Information

Fees & Entry by Student Type

Tuition Fee

Indicative fees for full-time student (2026): AU$34,500 per year | Indicative fees for full-time student (2027): AU$37,600 per year

Duration

1.5 years full time or longer for part time

Eligibility

Entry Requirements

General Requirements

International students:

You may also be eligible for course 'credits', where you are granted a unit or units towards your qualification for equivalent previous study or work experience, so you can graduate sooner.
Completion of an Australian Bachelor degree (or equivalent) in a similar discipline OR Completion of an Australian Graduate Certificate (or equivalent) in a similar discipline PLUS IELTS (or equivalent): Overall score of 7 (with no band less than 7.0 in Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking)
To check whether your prior study would meet current ESSA Exercise Science standards, please consult the ESSA website: (https://www.essa.org.au/Web/Accreditation/Becoming-accredited/AES-accreditation.aspx). Complete a Graduate Entry Assessment (GEA) (https://www.essa.org.au/Web/Web/Accreditation/Becoming-accredited/graduate-entry-to-exercise-physiology.aspx) and include the information that you receive back from ESSA in your application for AMEP Master of Clinical Exercise Science and Rehabilitation. Typically, a GEA is completed by students coming from a non-ESSA accredited qualification. If you are not sure if your degree is ESSA accredited or not, you should check with your university, or here at the ESSA website: https://www.essa.org.au/Web/Accreditation/Becoming-accredited/Courses-with-full-or-provisional-accreditation.aspx CLINICAL PLACEMENTS Work Integrated Learning (WIL) placement hours consist of a minimum of 360 hours: • SCL6104 Clinical Exercise Practice (80 hours onsite placement – Victoria University Clinical Exercise & Rehabilitation Clinic) • SCL7006 Exercise Physiology Practicum 1 (140 hours external placement) • SCL7007 Exercise Physiology Practicum 2 (140 hours external placement). Prior to participating in the onsite practicum in SCL6104 Clinical Exercise Practice the following requirements must be met: •Completion of the unit SCL6003 Introduction to Clinical Exercise Physiology; •Completion of at least one of the following units: SCL6202 Exercise Assessments and Interventions for Musculoskeletal Conditions SCL6203 Exercise Assessments and Interventions for Neurological Conditions SCL6000 Exercise Assessments and Interventions for Cardiorespiratory Conditions SCL6001 Exercise Assessments and Interventions for Metabolic Conditions and Cancer •Completion of the coursework component of SCL6104 Clinical Exercise Practice •Demonstration of fitness for practicum including professionalism and evidence of continuing developing competencies throughout the duration of the degree. This is determined in consultation with the Course Chairs and academic teaching staff. Prior to participating in Exercise Physiology Practicum 1 & 2 (SCL7006 and SCL7007) students are required to have: •Completed at least 96 Credit Points of the course (8 units). These must include all of: SCL6104 Clinical Exercise Practice SCL6202 Exercise Assessments and Interventions for Musculoskeletal Conditions SCL6203 Exercise Assessments and Interventions for Neurological Conditions SCL6000 Exercise Assessments and Interventions for Cardiorespiratory Conditions SCL6001 Exercise Assessments and Interventions for Metabolic Conditions and Cancer •Demonstration of fitness for practicum including professionalism and evidence of continuing developing competencies throughout the duration of the degree. This is determined in consultation with the course chairs and academic teaching staff.

Career & Study Pathways

Where this takes you

Career Opportunities

hospitals
community health centres
fitness centres
sporting academies
sports clinics
rehabilitation clinics
case management through compensable schemes such as WorkSafe
women’s health
aged care
occupational health and safety

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 Units13 units

SCL6000

Exercise Assessments and Interventions for Cardiorespiratory Conditions

Core unit — 12 credit points

SCL6001

Exercise Assessments and Interventions for Metabolic Conditions and Cancer

Core unit — 12 credit points

SCL6002

Exercise and Mental Health

Core unit — 12 credit points

SCL6003

Introduction to Clinical Exercise Physiology

Core unit — 12 credit points

SCL6104

Clinical Exercise Practice

Core unit — 12 credit points

SCL6202

Exercise Assessments and Interventions for Musculoskeletal Conditions

Core unit — 12 credit points

SCL6203

Exercise Assessments and Interventions for Neurological Conditions

Core unit — 12 credit points

SCL7006

Exercise Physiology Practicum 1

Core unit — 12 credit points

SCL7007

Exercise Physiology Practicum 2

Core unit — 12 credit points

SCL7008

Clinical Exercise Physiology Capstone

Core unit — 12 credit points

SCL6004

Pain Science

Core unit — 12 credit points

SCL7005

Complex Cases in Clinical Exercise Physiology

Core unit — 12 credit points

SCL7001

Minor Thesis

Core unit — 24 credit points

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

How many clinical placement hours are required, and where will they take place?

Work Integrated Learning (WIL) placement hours consist of a minimum of 360 hours: 80 hours onsite at the Victoria University Clinical Exercise & Rehabilitation Clinic (SCL6104), 140 hours of external placement for Exercise Physiology Practicum 1 (SCL7006), and 140 hours of external placement for Exercise Physiology Practicum 2 (SCL7007).

Is this course accredited by Exercise and Sport Science Australia (ESSA)?

Yes, this course is accredited by Exercise and Sport Science Australia (ESSA). The program implements specific evidence-based skills and competencies in clinical exercise physiology aligned with the professional standards for accreditation from ESSA, enabling graduates to work as Accredited Exercise Physiologists (AEP).

What are the fees for this course and is it government subsidised?

This course is a full-fee course, meaning it is not government subsidised and you will pay the total cost of each unit. The indicative fees for a full-time student are AU$34,500 per year. In addition to tuition fees, you will need to pay a Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF). Scholarships are also available.

Is there a research or PhD pathway option within this course?

Yes, there is an optional research component embedded in this course. Students can choose Option 2 – Thesis, which involves completing a Minor Thesis (SCL7001, 24 credit points) in place of the additional coursework units. This will prepare you academically for a PhD pathway. For PhD applicants, VU also offers a related 'Integrated PhD' which allows you to establish relevant skills before beginning your research.

How is this course delivered, and what is the teaching model used?

This course is delivered on campus at Victoria University's Footscray Park Campus in Melbourne, using the award-winning VU Block Model®. Under this model, you complete one subject at a time over four weeks, rather than juggling several at once. Learning takes place in workshop-style classes, helping you develop strong connections with peers and practical skills for your future career, with fast feedback on assignments.

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!

Processing time: Offer letter issued within approximately 1 business days.

Upcoming Intakes

09 February 2026

Course Snapshot

Salary, careers & skills

Typical Salary

Entry-level (0-2 years)AUD $55,000 to $72,000 per year

Early Career (2-5 years)AUD $72,000 to $90,000 per year

Mid-Level (5-10 years)AUD $90,000 to $115,000 per year

Career Paths

Exercise ScientistAccredited Exercise Physiologist (with postgraduate qualifications)Strength and Conditioning CoachSports ScientistPerformance Analyst

Key Skills

Human anatomy and musculoskeletal assessmentExercise physiology and cardiovascular testing (e.g. VO2max, lactate threshold)Biomechanical movement analysis and gait assessmentEvidence-based exercise prescription for diverse populationsSports psychology and behaviour change strategies

Full Course Overview

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Master of Clinical Exercise Science and Rehabilitation

About This Course

Available Locations

Fees & Entry by Student Type

Entry Requirements

Where this takes you

Accreditation & Migration

Units of Competency

Frequently Asked Questions

How to Apply

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