Master of Clinical Exercise Physiology
Overview
Designed with Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Sciences graduates in mind, the Master of Clinical Exercise Physiology provides a distinct pathway for graduates to become an Accredited Exercise Physiologist (AEP) with Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA)^.
Accredited Exercise Physiologists (AEP) are university-qualified professionals and experts in the prescription of exercise for treating and managing health conditions. AEPs support individuals with chronic and complex health conditions, injuries, and disabilities to find the best exercises for their condition, ability, and health goals.
This course will build on the skills and knowledge gained in your undergraduate degree, enhancing your understanding of professional communication and practice and the management of chronic conditions.
^This course currently has Qualifying accreditation by Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA), indicating that it is eligible to be considered for full accreditation. As it is a new course, full accreditation cannot be granted until the course commences. CQUniversity is working with ESSA to gain full accreditation and anticipate this will be granted in 2027. ESSA will grant accreditation to graduates to work as Accredited Exercise Physiologists (AEP) only from accredited courses.
Study Experience
Discover more about your postgraduate exercise physiology degree, offering practical residential schools and placements to support your learning. Click 'Explore Study Experience' for more information.
- Authentic Learning Experiences
- Commonwealth Supported
- Experienced Teaching Team
- Flexible Online Study
- Seamless Pathways
- Study Full-time or Part-time
Career Opportunities
Upon successful completion of the Master of Clinical Exercise Physiology, you will be eligible to apply for accreditation through Exercise and Sport Science Australia (ESSA) to be employed as an Accredited Exercise Physiologist (AEP).
Accredited Exercise Physiologists work in a variety of settings, including private and public hospitals, multidisciplinary medical centres, fitness centres, aged-care facilities, workplace health and rehabilitation and private practice.
Structure & Availability
The course structure and available locations can change depending on when you want to study. You can choose the intake that best suits you in the drop-down menu below.
Available Locations
Your Course
You must complete 13 units (78 credits):
- 1The core structure (13 units)
Unit Details
The units you'll study are listed below. Click on a unit to learn more.
Course Planner
To help you plan your studies and see which unit comes first, if one unit should be completed before another and the term you will study each unit, check out our course planners.
Additional Information
Professional Practice - Exercise and Sport Science Australia
Core
This course currently has Qualifying accreditation by Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA), indicating that it is eligible to be considered for full accreditation. As it is a new course, full accreditation cannot be granted until the course commences. CQUniversity is working with ESSA to gain full accreditation and anticipate this will be granted in 2027. ESSA will grant accreditation to graduates to work as Accredited Exercise Physiologists (AEP) only from accredited courses.
Clinical Exercise Physiology Practicum 1 - ESSC28009
Students must complete a compulsory practicum experience with individuals and population groups with various conditions throughout all stages of their life under the supervision of a health professional. Placement hours will consist of a range of activities relevant to clinical exercise physiology and include exercise assessment, prescription, and delivery.
Clinical Exercise Physiology Practicum 2 - ESSC29006
Students must complete a compulsory practicum experience with individuals and population groups with various conditions throughout all stages of their life under the supervision of a health professional. Placement hours will consist of a range of activities relevant to clinical exercise physiology and include exercise assessment, prescription, and delivery.
Clinical Exercise Physiology Practicum 3 - ESSC29009
Students must complete a compulsory practicum experience with individuals and population groups with various conditions throughout all stages of their life under the supervision of a health professional. Placement hours will consist of a range of activities relevant to clinical exercise physiology and include exercise assessment, prescription, and delivery.
Duration and timing of Clinical Placement Units
Your 360 hours of clinical placements are broken into three blocks*.
| Year | Clinical Placement Unit, Duration and Timing |
| 1 | Clinical Exercise Physiology Practicum 1 (ESSC28009)
Clinical Exercise Physiology Practicum 2 (ESSC29006)
|
| 2 | Clinical Exercise Physiology Practicum 3 (ESSC29009)
|
*Standard placement dates are used where possible, however are dependent on partner hosts and are subject to change.
Placement locations
CQU coordinates placements for students. While we aim to keep you close to home, you may need to travel for your placement, and this travel is at your own expense. Clinical placements you complete as part of this course are unpaid.
If you have completed prior study relevant to units within this course, you may be eligible for credit for your past studies.
Requirements
To Be Eligible
For your application to be considered, you must meet the following entry requirements.
ESSA Graduate Entry (GE) Assessment Letter
If you are using a GE Assessment Letter from Exercise and Sports Sciences Australia (ESSA) to meet entry requirements for this course, please note:
- these letters are only valid for 12 months;
- they make make take 10-12 weeks to receive; and
- you must have this letter when you submit your application.
During Your Study
While not needed to apply, you'll need to meet the following requirements throughout your studies.
Fees & Scholarships
Indicative First-Year Fee
The Indicative First-Year Fee is the approximate cost of enrolling in this course for one full-time academic year (eight units over two terms) depending on the type of place you are offered, for example, a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) or Full Fee Paying (FFP) Place. The indicative fee provided should be used as a guide only. Your actual fees may vary depending on the units you select to study and your study load. Check the Cost per Unit spreadsheet available on our Understanding Course Fees webpage.
Fees are reviewed each year and are subject to change. Fee estimates for the following year are expected to be available in September each year.
Commonwealth Supported Places
With Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP) available for this course in 2026, you may be eligible for significant fee savings, provided you meet CSP eligibility requirements. CSPs are subsidised by the Australian Government, meaning you are only required to pay the student contribution rather than full tuition fees.
If you are not eligible for a CSP or if CSPs are full, you will be required to pay full fees.
HECS-HELP
You may be eligible for a HECS-HELP government loan if you are offered a CSP. HECS-HELP is an Australian Government loan scheme that assists you in paying your student contributions. Provided you meet the HECS-HELP eligibility criteria, you may use HECS-HELP to defer part or all of your student contribution fees.
Part of your course costs will include Student Services and Amenities Fees (SSAF). SSAF is charged in addition to your student contribution or tuition fees and is used to help enhance your study experience. There may also be other costs as part of your studies, such as textbooks, technology expenses, travel expenses, professional certifications, uniforms, or vaccinations.
We believe a quality education can be for everyone – regardless of background, location, or life circumstances. That's why we offer a variety of scholarships and bursaries that can give you a helping hand with a range of expenses and enhance your employability.
How to Apply
How to Apply
Check what you need to do to apply to study this course.
Your Application Options
Follow These Steps
Extra Admission Information
Learn about the assessment of applications and everything you need to know about receiving and accepting an offer to study with CQU.
