Master of Clinical Exercise Physiology

Course information for - 2024 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

CRICOS Code
076036D
IELTS
Overall score: 7.0. Individual score of 6.5 in all tests
Fees (first year)*
$25824
Start dates
February 2025, February 2026

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

From 2019, any 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 from 2019-2023. 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

International applicants

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.

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.

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.

English language requirements

Academic IELTS; or IELTS indicator online test

Overall score: 7.0. Individual score of 6.5 in all tests

PTE Academic

65 with a minimum of 58 in all four communicative skills

TOEFL

Internet based total of 94: minimum 24 writing, 20 speaking and listening and 19 in reading

CAE

Overall CAE score 185, Minimum score of 176 in all tests

ACU English Language test; or ACU EAP

A (75-100%)

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

  • Unit fee: $3228
  • Average first year fee: $25824
  • Estimate total cost: $38736

The Tuition fees quoted above are for commencing students in the current year who undertake a normal full-time load. The Unit Fee is based on a 10cp unit. Fees are reviewed annually.

Tuition fees for continuing students may increase by up to 3 percent each year for the minimum duration of the course as provided on your electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (eCOE). Students who continue to study beyond the minimum duration will have the relevant annual commencing rate applied to their fees for subsequent study periods.

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

International applicants

Direct application

Apply now

Deferment

Yes. See Defer your offer.

Students with a Student Visa will need to complete the program in minimum duration, study at least one subject on-campus each semester and must not undertake more than 33% of the program online.

 

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