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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

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

GA1: Intellectual rigour

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

GA2: Creativity

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

GA3: Ethical 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

GA4: Knowledge of a discipline

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

GA5: Lifelong learning

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

GA6: Communication and social skills

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

Demonstrate professional behaviours

GA7: Cultural competence

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 Term 1 N/A N/A
Lismore Term 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.

Language requirements

English language requirements apply to International applicants and other applicants whose previous study was undertaken in a language other than English. The minimum English language requirements for such applicants for entry to this course are as follows

CategoryScore
Overall6.5
Listeningminimum 6.0
Speakingminimum 6.0
Readingminimum 6.0
Writingminimum 6.0

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
PSYC5001 Advanced Sport and Exercise Psychology

Not currently available

12
HLTH5002 Exercise Physiology for Specific Populations

Not currently available

12
HLTH1003 Small Business and Entrepreneurship for Allied Health, Fitness and Sport
Term3,5
12
Location Domestic International
Online
Term3,5
Term3,5
REHB5002 Metabolic Health

Not currently available

12
REHB5006 Clinical Exercise Physiology Bridging Unit
Term1
12
Location Domestic International
Gold Coast
Term1
Term1
Lismore
Term1
Term1
REHB6001 Advanced Professional Practice I
Dual Term1,2
24 Note 1
Location Domestic International
Gold Coast
Dual Term1,2
Dual Term1,2
Lismore
Dual Term1,2
Dual Term1,2
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.
HLTH3013 Clinical Exercise Physiology for Oncology and Neurological Health
Term2
12
Location Domestic International
Gold Coast
Term2
Term2
Lismore
Term2
Term2
Pre-requisites HLTH3009 - Pathophysiology for Clinical Exercise Physiology OR be admitted to course: 1207247 - Master of Clinical Exercise Physiology
Enrolment information Please note this unit has assessments scheduled in Week 7 which will require attendance on-campus. Details will be provided closer to the time.
HLTH3010 Clinical Exercise Physiology for Mental and Cardiorespiratory Health
Term3
12
Location Domestic International
Gold Coast
Term3
Term3
Lismore
Term3
Term3
Pre-requisites HLTH3009 - Pathophysiology for Clinical Exercise Physiology OR be admitted to course: 1207247 - Master of Clinical Exercise Physiology
Enrolment information Please note this unit has assessments scheduled in Week 7 which will require attendance on-campus. Details will be provided closer to the time.
REHB6002 Advanced Professional Practice II
Tri Term2
24 Note 1
Location Domestic International
Gold Coast
Tri Term2
Tri Term2
Lismore
Tri Term2
Tri Term2
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.
HLTH3012 Exercise for Injury Prevention, Rehabilitation and Musculoskeletal Health
Term4
12
Location Domestic International
Coffs Harbour
Term4
Term4
Gold Coast
Term4
Term4
Lismore
Term4
Term4
Pre-requisites HLTH2004 - Exercise Prescription and Delivery OR be admitted to course: 1207247 - Master of Clinical Exercise Physiology
Enrolment information Please note this unit has assessments scheduled in Week 7 which will require attendance on-campus. Details will be provided closer to the time.

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
REHB5006 Clinical Exercise Physiology Bridging Unit
REHB6001 Advanced Professional Practice I Note 1
HLTH3013 Clinical Exercise Physiology for Oncology and Neurological Health
HLTH3010 Clinical Exercise Physiology for Mental and Cardiorespiratory Health
REHB6002 Advanced Professional Practice II Note 1
HLTH3012 Exercise for Injury Prevention, Rehabilitation and Musculoskeletal Health