Course Overview

About This Course

Become an exercise physiologist (AEP) with a Master of Clinical Exercise Science and Rehabilitation at Victoria University. You'll learn to assess and prescribe exercise and physical activity for people with chronic conditions or complex care needs. This course will prepare you to work in the community and in clinical settings with people who have: musculoskeletal injuries, neurological conditions, metabolic conditions, cardiovascular conditions, and various comorbidities. 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.

Where You Can Study

Available Locations

Melbourne Footscray Park Campus, Victoria University, Melbourne VIC

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

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Eligibility

Entry Requirements

General Requirements

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
To check whether your prior study would meet current ESSA Exercise Science standards, please consult the ESSA website (AES Accreditation Application / Graduate Entry Assessment)
Complete a Graduate Entry Assessment (GEA) and include the information received 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 at the ESSA website
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, SCL6203, SCL6000, or SCL6001
- 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
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), including all of: SCL6104, SCL6202, SCL6203, SCL6000, and SCL6001
- Demonstration of fitness for practicum including professionalism and evidence of continuing developing competencies throughout the duration of the degree
Meeting the minimum admission criteria does not guarantee entry into this course. Past academic performance may be considered.

Career & Study Pathways

Where this takes you

Career Opportunities

Exercise physiology is a growing allied health profession. A postgraduate qualification in clinical exercise science from Victoria University will put you at the forefront of helping those with chronic conditions or complex care needs. You could find work in a range of settings, including: hospitals, community health centres, fitness centres, sporting academies, sports clinics, rehabilitation clinics, case management through compensable schemes such as WorkSafe. You could also run your own private practice. Your practical training with VU will prepare you to work in a variety of specific areas, such as: 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

SCL6001

Exercise Assessments and Interventions for Metabolic Conditions and Cancer

SCL6002

Exercise and Mental Health

SCL6003

Introduction to Clinical Exercise Physiology

SCL6104

Clinical Exercise Practice

Includes 80 hours onsite placement at Victoria University Clinical Exercise & Rehabilitation Clinic

SCL6202

Exercise Assessments and Interventions for Musculoskeletal Conditions

SCL6203

Exercise Assessments and Interventions for Neurological Conditions

SCL7006

Exercise Physiology Practicum 1

140 hours external placement

SCL7007

Exercise Physiology Practicum 2

140 hours external placement

SCL7008

Clinical Exercise Physiology Capstone

SCL6004

Pain Science

Option 1 – Additional Coursework Unit

SCL7005

Complex Cases in Clinical Exercise Physiology

Option 1 – Additional Coursework Unit

SCL7001

Minor Thesis

Option 2 – Thesis (24 credit points); prepares students academically for a PhD pathway

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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