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Master of Clinical Exercise Physiology

Masters by Coursework

Course snapshot

Domestic snapshot

  • Course abbreviation

    MCEP

  • Course code

    1207247

  • Credit points

    144

  • Equivalent units

    12

  • Indicative Fee


Overview

We all understand the benefits of better health and wellbeing. This course enhances your qualifications and increases your understanding of how our bodies work, taking your career prospects to a higher and even healthier level.

The Master of Clinical Exercise Physiology is a professional-entry-level degree that produces graduates who are eligible to register as an accredited exercise physiologist (AEP). You'll explore health and exercise from cardiopulmonary, musculoskeletal, metabolic, neuromuscular and psychological perspectives.

At Southern Cross University's Health Clinic, you'll receive theoretical grounding through professional placements that enable you to practise prescribing rehabilitation exercise for people with injury, disability or chronic disease.

Accredited exercise physiologists can provide exercise testing, preventative exercise programs and specialist rehabilitation exercise interventions for people living with chronic diseases, disability or injury. Career options exist in private practice, hospitals, aged care facilities and rehabilitation centres.

Course Learning Outcome

Demonstrate a level of critical analysis, problem solving and decision making appropriate for professional clinical exercise physiology practice

Exercise sound theoretical and practical judgement in dealing with the challenges and situations common to the work of a Clinical Exercise Physiologist

Develop innovative and creative responses and solutions to health problems and chronic conditions encountered in clinical exercise physiology

Demonstrate flexibility in responding to exercise physiology challenges, developed using evidence-based practice

Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of ethical, legal and human right principles consistent with Clinical Exercise Physiology scope of practice and the ESSA Code of Ethics

Demonstrate an understanding of the pathophysiological, physical, social, political and cultural influences on Clinical Exercise Physiology practice

Demonstrate competency to assess health and fitness status in population groups and develop management/treatment plans in consultation with clients and allied health professionals

Deliver safe, effective and evidence-based health care

Retrieve, critically evaluate and apply evidence in the performance of clinical exercise physiology and self-directed learning

Reflect on current skills, knowledge and attitudes and plan ongoing personal and professional development

Communicate concisely and appropriately in oral and written form in an academic, professional and allied health context

Demonstrate professional behaviours

Demonstrate an understanding of social and cultural issues relating to the practice of clinical exercise physiology

Apply cultural and indigenous awareness and sensitivity in dealings with clients and stakeholders in Clinical Exercise Physiology

The course includes a minimum of 360 hours of clinical placement for students to put theory into practice. A proportion of these clinical placement hours occurs in the on-campus Southern Cross University Health Clinics at Lismore and the Gold Coast, seeing a wide range of clients with chronic conditions, as well as at external locations such as hospitals, rehabilitation clinics, sporting clubs, private practices and aged care facilities. Inter-professional development is also encouraged and exercise physiology students may gain experience working with other allied health students.

Professional experience placements require students to fulfil certain pre-requisites prior to attending any placements. Before applying for this course, it is important that you understand what these requirements are. 

Please note: External placements may continue after Session 3 if approved by the Course Coordinator.

The course provides an advanced understanding of the theoretical and practical components of clinical exercise physiology.

The course covers Exercise and Sport Science Australia target pathologies including cardiac disease, pulmonary conditions, cancer, metabolic diseases, renal disease, musculoskeletal conditions and injuries, neurological and immunological conditions and exercise for mental health. Graduates will be able to apply knowledge to specific population groups, including older people.

Location Teaching period UAC code QTAC code
Gold Coast Session 1 N/A N/A
Lismore Session 1 N/A N/A

Career Outcomes

The Master of Clinical Exercise Physiology is accredited by Exercise and Sport Science Australia (ESSA). Graduates will be eligible to apply for accreditation with ESSA as an accredited exercise physiologist (AEP).

Please note: In order to apply to be an Accredited Exercise Physiologist, ESSA’s requirements for English language must be met.

Requirements

We encourage you to apply for the courses you most want to study. If you are not eligible to enter your chosen course right now, our team will work with you to find the best pathway option.

Before applying, make sure you double check all entry requirements, gather required documentation and review the University’s Rules Relating to Awards, noting any specifics listed below.

Entry requirements

Applicants seeking admission to the Masters of Clinical Exercise Physiology will have:

  • successfully completed a Bachelor’s Degree that is accredited with Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA) at the level of Exercise Science, with a GPA not less than 5.0 (a credit average) across the degree; or
  • met the requirements of ESSA’s Graduate Assessment for Postgraduate Study, with a GPA not less than 5.0 (a credit average) across the degree

Applicants with a GPA between 4.5 and 4.9 can be referred to the Faculty for interview.

In order to apply to be an Accredited Exercise Physiologist, ESSA’s requirements for English language must be met.

Credit for prior learning

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is available for this course. For more information please view the Master of Clinical Exercise Physiology RPL Guide.

Course requirements

To be eligible to receive the Master of Clinical Exercise Physiology, students must complete the equivalent of 12 units (144 credit points), comprising all core units.

Course structure

Your course progression is in the recommended order you should complete your course in. It is important that you follow this to ensure you meet the course requirements. For further assistance see How to Enrol in Units using My Enrolment.

Students should use course progression information to select units specific to their course and enrol in these units using My Enrolment.

Unit Code Unit Title Available Credit points Notes
Year 1, Session 1
PSYC5001 Advanced Sport and Exercise Psychology
Session1
Location Domestic International
Coffs Harbour
Session1
Session1
Gold Coast
Session1
Session1
Lismore
Session1
Session1
Pre-requisites PSYC2003 - Exercise Psychology OR PSYC1006 - Principles of Behaviour in Physical Activity OR be admitted to course: 1207247 - Master of Clinical Exercise Physiology
HLTH5002 Exercise Physiology for Specific Populations
Session1
Location Domestic International
Coffs Harbour
Session1
Session1
Gold Coast
Session1
Session1
Lismore
Session1
Session1
Pre-requisites HLTH3002 - Exercise Physiology and Prescription OR be admitted to course: 1207247 - Master of Clinical Exercise Physiology
Year 1, Session 2
HLTH1003 Small Business and Entrepreneurship for Allied Health, Fitness and Sport
Session2
Location Domestic International
Online
Session2
Session2
REHB5002 Metabolic Health
Session2
Location Domestic International
Coffs Harbour
Session2
Session2
Gold Coast
Session2
Session2
Lismore
Session2
Session2
Pre-requisites HBIO1007 - Human Physiology I AND HBIO1008 - Human Physiology II OR be admitted to course: 1207247 - Master of Clinical Exercise Physiology
Enrolment information The laboratory activities within this unit require students to fulfil certain vaccination compliance requirements prior to attending laboratory classes. As some vaccination protocols can take up to 5 months to complete, we encourage you to prepare now. Compliance requirements include SCU Vaccination requirements in accordance with state Health policies: NSW Vaccination Against Specified Infectious Diseases; and QLD Health Vaccination Requirements. SCU has incorporated a combined NSW and QLD vaccination procedure as students may need to attend laboratory classes in both states. Full details are available at www.scu.edu.au/healthplacements.
Year 2, Session 1
REHB5001 Clinical Exercise Physiology for Chronic Conditions
Session1
Location Domestic International
Gold Coast
Session1
Session1
Lismore
Session1
Session1
REHB5004 Cardiovascular Health
Session1
Location Domestic International
Gold Coast
Session1
Session1
Lismore
Session1
Session1
REHB6001 Advanced Professional Practice I
Session1,3
Note 1
Location Domestic International
Gold Coast
Session1,3
Session1,3
Lismore
Session1,3
Session1,3
Enrolment information This unit contains professional experience learning/laboratory activities that require students to meet mandatory compliance requirements prior to attending. Failure to comply with these requirements will result in you being unable to undertake the Professional Experience Learning and/or stipulated Laboratory Activity which may result in failure of the unit. Full details are available at www.scu.edu.au/healthplacements Please note: Full Covid-19 vaccination is a mandatory requirement associated with the placement element of this unit of study. This requirement has been stipulated by the placement providers. It is strongly recommended that only students who meet this requirement enrol in this unit.
Year 2, Session 2
REHB5003 Musculoskeletal Health
Session2
Location Domestic International
Gold Coast
Session2
Session2
Lismore
Session2
Session2
REHB5005 Clinical Exercise Physiology for Neurological Conditions
Session2
Location Domestic International
Gold Coast
Session2
Session2
Lismore
Session2
Session2
REHB6002 Advanced Professional Practice II
Session2
Note 1
Location Domestic International
Gold Coast
Session2
Session2
Lismore
Session2
Session2
Enrolment information This unit contains professional experience learning/ laboratory activities that require students to meet mandatory compliance requirements prior to attending. Failure to comply with these requirements will result in you being unable to undertake the Professional Experience Learning and/or stipulated Laboratory Activity which may result in failure of the unit. Full details are available at https://www.scu.edu.au/health/health-placements/. Please note Full Covid-19 vaccination is a mandatory requirement associated with the placement element of this unit of study. This requirement has been stipulated by the placement providers. It is strongly recommended that only students who meet this requirement enrol in this unit.

Unit Code Unit Title Available Credit points Notes
Year 1, Session 2
REHB5002 Metabolic Health
Session2
Location Domestic International
Coffs Harbour
Session2
Session2
Gold Coast
Session2
Session2
Lismore
Session2
Session2
Pre-requisites HBIO1007 - Human Physiology I AND HBIO1008 - Human Physiology II OR be admitted to course: 1207247 - Master of Clinical Exercise Physiology
Enrolment information The laboratory activities within this unit require students to fulfil certain vaccination compliance requirements prior to attending laboratory classes. As some vaccination protocols can take up to 5 months to complete, we encourage you to prepare now. Compliance requirements include SCU Vaccination requirements in accordance with state Health policies: NSW Vaccination Against Specified Infectious Diseases; and QLD Health Vaccination Requirements. SCU has incorporated a combined NSW and QLD vaccination procedure as students may need to attend laboratory classes in both states. Full details are available at www.scu.edu.au/healthplacements.
HLTH1003 Small Business and Entrepreneurship for Allied Health, Fitness and Sport
Session2
Location Domestic International
Online
Session2
Session2
Year 2, Session 1
REHB5004 Cardiovascular Health
Session1
Location Domestic International
Gold Coast
Session1
Session1
Lismore
Session1
Session1
REHB5001 Clinical Exercise Physiology for Chronic Conditions
Session1
Location Domestic International
Gold Coast
Session1
Session1
Lismore
Session1
Session1
PSYC5001 Advanced Sport and Exercise Psychology
Session1
Location Domestic International
Coffs Harbour
Session1
Session1
Gold Coast
Session1
Session1
Lismore
Session1
Session1
Pre-requisites PSYC2003 - Exercise Psychology OR PSYC1006 - Principles of Behaviour in Physical Activity OR be admitted to course: 1207247 - Master of Clinical Exercise Physiology
HLTH5002 Exercise Physiology for Specific Populations
Session1
Location Domestic International
Coffs Harbour
Session1
Session1
Gold Coast
Session1
Session1
Lismore
Session1
Session1
Pre-requisites HLTH3002 - Exercise Physiology and Prescription OR be admitted to course: 1207247 - Master of Clinical Exercise Physiology
Year 2, Session 2
REHB5003 Musculoskeletal Health
Session2
Location Domestic International
Gold Coast
Session2
Session2
Lismore
Session2
Session2
REHB5005 Clinical Exercise Physiology for Neurological Conditions
Session2
Location Domestic International
Gold Coast
Session2
Session2
Lismore
Session2
Session2
REHB6002 Advanced Professional Practice II
Session2
Note 1
Location Domestic International
Gold Coast
Session2
Session2
Lismore
Session2
Session2
Enrolment information This unit contains professional experience learning/ laboratory activities that require students to meet mandatory compliance requirements prior to attending. Failure to comply with these requirements will result in you being unable to undertake the Professional Experience Learning and/or stipulated Laboratory Activity which may result in failure of the unit. Full details are available at https://www.scu.edu.au/health/health-placements/. Please note Full Covid-19 vaccination is a mandatory requirement associated with the placement element of this unit of study. This requirement has been stipulated by the placement providers. It is strongly recommended that only students who meet this requirement enrol in this unit.
Year 3, Session 1
REHB6001 Advanced Professional Practice I
Session1,3
Note 1
Location Domestic International
Gold Coast
Session1,3
Session1,3
Lismore
Session1,3
Session1,3
Enrolment information This unit contains professional experience learning/laboratory activities that require students to meet mandatory compliance requirements prior to attending. Failure to comply with these requirements will result in you being unable to undertake the Professional Experience Learning and/or stipulated Laboratory Activity which may result in failure of the unit. Full details are available at www.scu.edu.au/healthplacements Please note: Full Covid-19 vaccination is a mandatory requirement associated with the placement element of this unit of study. This requirement has been stipulated by the placement providers. It is strongly recommended that only students who meet this requirement enrol in this unit.

Note 1:

Double-weighted unit

Unit Code Unit Title Notes
Core Units
HLTH1003 Small Business and Entrepreneurship for Allied Health, Fitness and Sport
PSYC5001 Advanced Sport and Exercise Psychology
HLTH5002 Exercise Physiology for Specific Populations
REHB5002 Metabolic Health
REHB5004 Cardiovascular Health
REHB5001 Clinical Exercise Physiology for Chronic Conditions
REHB6001 Advanced Professional Practice I Note 1
REHB5003 Musculoskeletal Health
REHB5005 Clinical Exercise Physiology for Neurological Conditions
REHB6002 Advanced Professional Practice II Note 1