Master of Clinical Exercise Physiology

Course information for - 2025 entry

Offered at 3 locations

Duration

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

Pathway B: 2 year full-time or equivalent part time

Fees (first year)*

$9312 CSP
$27984 Fee-paying

Start dates
Semester 1 intake: Beginning February 2025
Applications open August 2024
Midyear (Semester 2) intake: Beginning July 2025
Applications open April 2025

Overview

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. This specialisation will provide professional training, skills, competencies and clinical experience needed for accreditation by Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA).

Commonwealth Supported Places are available for this course. See the Courses costs section below, under Fees.

Professional experience

Students are required to complete a minimum of 360 hours of clinical practicum across three categories including;

  • Category 1: at least 200 hours spread across the areas of cardiovascular, musculoskeletal and metabolic domains to allow students to demonstrate capability as an entry level practitioner in these areas;
  • Category 2: at least 100 hours in any of the other AEP pathology domains as specified in the AEP professional standards i.e. cancer, kidney, mental health, neurological, respiratory/pulmonary;
  • Category 3: 60 hours in any of the AEP pathology domains or in any other activities relevant to the AEP professional standards, if a total of 360 hours of practicum has not been completed in categories 1 and 2.

Professional recognition

Graduate of our Master of Clinical Exercise Physiology program at the Brisbane, Melbourne or Strathfield campus can apply to ESSA to become an accredited Exercise Physiologist. This degree is fully accredited for graduates in the program until 2026. Please note that ESSA requires all individuals seeking initial accreditation to meet ESSA's English Language requirements

Careers

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

Course details

Course structure

Course map

Open all

Please note: Course maps are subject to change.

Coursework Stream - Commencing Semester 1 - Full-time

  • Specified UnitsEXSC634Clinical Assessment and Exercise for Musculoskeletal Conditions of the Lower Limb10 cp
  • Specified UnitsEXSC635Clinical Assessment and Exercise for Cardiopulmonary Conditions10 cp
  • Specified UnitsEXSC633Lifestyle and Exercise Counselling10 cp
  • Specified UnitsEXSC632Clinical Assessment and Exercise for Neurological Conditions10 cp
  • Specified UnitsEXSC639Clinical Assessment and Exercise for Musculoskeletal Conditions of the Trunk and Upper Limb10 cp
  • Specified UnitsEXSC679Clinical Assessment and Exercise for Chronic and Complex Conditions10 cp
  • Specified UnitsEXSC611Occupational Assessment and Rehabilitation10 cp
  • Specified UnitsEXSC636Responsible Clinical Practice

    (Pre: EXSC632 & EXSC633 & EXSC635 & (EXSC634 or EXSC639))

    10 cp

All units are delivered in multi-mode, unless otherwise indicated in the map.

Prerequisites (Pre:) are other units that you must have passed before enrolling in the unit. 

Coursework Stream - Commencing Semester 1 - Part-time

All units are delivered in multi-mode, unless otherwise indicated in the map.

Prerequisites (Pre:) are other units that you must have passed before enrolling in the unit. 

Thesis Stream - Commencing Semester 1 - Full-time

All units are delivered in multi-mode, unless otherwise indicated in the map.

Prerequisites (Pre:) are other units that you must have passed before enrolling in the unit. 

Coursework Stream - Commencing Semester 2 - Mixed Full-time & Part-time **Domestic Students Only**

All units are delivered in multi-mode, unless otherwise indicated in the map.

Prerequisites (Pre:) are other units that you must have passed before enrolling in the unit. 

Graduate statement

Insight

As an ACU graduate you have personal insight founded on an understanding of who you are as a professional, a citizen and a scholar. You embrace change and growth through critical self-awareness and learning autonomy. You are empowered to seek truth and meaning, drawing on the principles of justice, equity, and the dignity of all human beings.

Empathy

As an ACU graduate you value human dignity and diversity. This appreciation is founded on deep reflection, and empathy. You have experience of Indigenous Knowings and perspectives and can engage respectfully when working alongside Australia's First Peoples. You can connect with people and cultures and work with community in ways that recognise the dignity of the human person and all cultures

Imagination

As an ACU graduate you utilise imagination and innovation to solve problems. You critically analyse information from a range of sources to creatively solve practical problems and use critical thinking to make decisions and advance the common good. You appreciate the role of innovation and creative thinking in developing a better future for each person and community.

Impact

As an ACU graduate you recognise your responsibility to work for social justice and a sustainable world founded on a commitment to human dignity and the common good. You lead change through respectful collaboration and effective communication of ideas to diverse peoples, groups and communities in local and global contexts. You are empowered to positively impact your profession and the community.

AQF framework

Masters (Coursework) - AQF Level 9

Exit Points

A student who has completed 40cp from Specified units may exit from the course with the following qualification:

  • Graduate Certificate in Clinical Exercise Rehabilitation.

Entry requirements

An applicant must also comply with the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy.

International students need to meet the English Language Proficiency requirements as defined in 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 4.6 on the ACU 7 point scale; or
  2. evidence of substantial relevant industry experience for at least one year post-Bachelor graduation; or
  3. have completed ACU’s Graduate Certificate in Exercise Rehabilitation for Sports Injuries with a grade point average (GPA) of at least 4.6 on the ACU 7 point scale.

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 related field with one of the following:

  1. a grade point average (GPA) of at least 4.6 on the ACU 7 scale; or
  2. evidence of substantial relevant industry experience for at least one year post-Bachelor graduation; or
  3. have completed ACU’s Graduate Certificate in Exercise Rehabilitation for Sports Injuries with a grade point average (GPA) of at least 4.6 on the ACU 7 point scale.

OR

c. have completed ACU's Graduate Certificate in Clinical Exercise Rehabilitation;

AND

d. submit a curriculum vitae outlining relevant industry experience for this course of study;

AND

e. submit professional referee/s information relevant to industry experience.

Pathway B

To be eligible for Pathway B (Thesis stream), a student must have completed at least 80 cp of Specified and/or Professional Experience units, with a grade point average (GPA) of at least 5.50, and if the student's proposed area of study aligns with a demonstrated capacity for research and supervision within the School.

Disclaimer: The course entry requirements above are for 2025 Admission.

Inherent requirement

There are essential components of a course or unit that demonstrate the capabilities, knowledge and skills to achieve the core learning outcomes of that course or unit. You will need to be able to meet these inherent requirements to complete your course.

Learn more about inherent requirements for your course and how they affect you

Pathways

Further study

Graduates from the Master of Clinical Exercise Physiology may be eligible to progress to another postgraduate health program at Australian Catholic University ( e.g. Graduate Certificate in High Performance Sport and Master of Rehabilitation) and be awarded 10cps in recognition of prior learning.

Graduates from the Master of Clinical Exercise Physiology (Thesis stream) may be eligible to progress to a Research Higher Degree.

Graduates from the Graduate Certificate for Clinical Exercise Rehabilitation at Australian Catholic University are eligible to enter the Master of Clinical Exercise Physiology program and be awarded 40cps in recognition of prior learning.

Fees

Course costs

Average first year fee*

$9312 CSP
$27984 Fee-paying

A student’s annual fee may vary in accordance with:

  • the number of units studied per semester; 
  • the choice of major or specialisation; and 
  • elective units.

The University reviews fees annually.

A 10% rebate on fees will be offered to domestic ACU graduates (from any faculty) enrolling in full fee-paying postgraduate studies in the Faculty of Health Sciences. Conditions apply.

Payment options

You should be able to concentrate on getting good marks instead of worrying about how you’ll pay your fees. We have a number of options that can help you ease the financial burden, including government assistance, scholarships and income support. 

Explore your options

Scholarships

You could be eligible for one of the hundreds of scholarships we award each year to help students from across the university with the cost of studying, accommodation or overseas study opportunities. Some of our scholarships are awarded on the basis of merit, but these aren’t just for the academically gifted; ACU also recognises excellence in community engagement and leadership. We also offer a range of scholarships for those who may be struggling financially or who have faced other barriers to accessing education.  

Search our scholarships  

How to apply

Domestic applicants

Brisbane

Apply through ACU

ACU code 1220003581

We have some additional information to help you with the application and assessment process for the Masters of Clinical Exercise Physiology. Read more


Deferment

Deferment is available for one year for Fee-Paying places only. Deferment is not available for CSP offers. Find out more about deferment.

 

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