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View course information for 2023
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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.
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.
Current Southern Cross students – to access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook.
See the University’s Rules Relating to Awards, in conjunction with the Specific Award Rules listed below.
Applicants seeking admission to the Masters of Clinical Exercise Physiology will have:
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.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is available for this course. For more information please view the Master of Clinical Exercise Physiology RPL Guide.
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
| Category | Score |
|---|---|
| Overall | 6.5 |
| Listening | minimum 6.0 |
| Speaking | minimum 6.0 |
| Reading | minimum 6.0 |
| Writing | minimum 6.0 |
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.
Domestic students
| Location | Teaching period |
|---|---|
| Gold Coast | Term 1 |
| Lismore | Term 1 |
International students
| Location | Teaching period | Annual Fees | CRICOS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gold Coast | Term 1 | $20,267 ($2,533 per unit) | 071787E |
| Lismore | Term 1 | $20,267 ($2,533 per unit) | 071787E |
Tuition fees are in Australian dollars, and are subject to change, including annual increases over the duration of a course. Annual tuition fee is based on completing 8 units per year. In addition students are required to pay OSHC for the duration of their visa in advance. Non-tuition fee covers textbooks, stationery and excursions. | |||
Applications for this course are made directly to Southern Cross University via our online application service.
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.
| 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 | ||||
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
Browse uni-wide elective units by selecting Uni-wide elective in the advanced filter of the Unit search.
Browse shared majors and their units at Shared majors
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Available | Notes | ||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PSYC5001 | Advanced Sport and Exercise Psychology | Not currently available | |||||||||||||||||||
| HLTH5002 | Exercise Physiology for Specific Populations | Not currently available | |||||||||||||||||||
| HLTH1003 | Small Business and Entrepreneurship for Allied Health, Fitness and Sport | Term3,5 | |||||||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||||||
| REHB5002 | Metabolic Health | Not currently available | |||||||||||||||||||
| REHB5006 | Clinical Exercise Physiology Bridging Unit | Term1 | |||||||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||||||
| REHB6001 | Advanced Professional Practice I | Dual Term1,2 | Note 1 | ||||||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||||||
| HLTH3013 | Clinical Exercise Physiology for Oncology and Neurological Health | Term2 | |||||||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||||||
| HLTH3010 | Clinical Exercise Physiology for Mental and Cardiorespiratory Health | Term3 | |||||||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||||||
| REHB6002 | Advanced Professional Practice II | Tri Term2 | Note 1 | ||||||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||||||
| HLTH3012 | Exercise for Injury Prevention, Rehabilitation and Musculoskeletal Health | Term4 | |||||||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||||||
| Note 1: | Double-weighted unit |
Outstanding ratings of 'at world standard' or above in 23 research fields.
Excellence in Research Australia (ERA) 2018
Only 25 years young and ranked in the top 200 universities in the world.
Times Higher Education Young University Rankings 2020
5-Star Student Support across undergraduate and postgraduate studies
Good Universities Guide 2021
Course Learning Outcomes express learning achievement in terms of what a student should know, understand and be able to do on completion of a course. These outcomes are aligned with the graduate attributes.
| 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 |
Students complete a variety of assessments which may include written exams, academic writing, competency assessments, clinical and in-person practical exams.
The method of teaching may vary from unit to unit. On-campus students experience a variety of teaching approaches including lectures, tutorials, online activities, laboratory and clinic sessions and video-linked or podcast virtual classes. Units are delivered by accredited exercise physiologists and academics who have diverse professional experience.
Graduates are suited to employment in various settings including private practice with referrals from General Practitioners, rehabilitation centres, community health, multidisciplinary allied health clinics, workplace health centres, hospitals and aged care facilities.
Clinical exercise physiology is a relatively new allied health profession. Accredited exercise physiologists work in chronic disease prevention and management, and rehabilitation services (chronic disease and musculoskeletal rehabilitation) in rural and metropolitan areas.
Clinical exercise physiology is an allied health profession that is part of the Medicare, Department of Veterans' Affairs and private health insurance systems.
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 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.
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Call +61 2 6620 3876 during business hours.
Email: enquiry@scu.edu.au
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