Bachelor of Clinical Exercise Physiology
Exercise is a powerful tool to improve human performance and health outcomes. Become qualified to help people live healthier lives. Work with clients in healthcare settings and sports to prevent disease and injuries, and to manage health, lifestyle and behaviour changes.
In this program you will:
- Learn how to use exercise to prevent and manage heart disease, diabetes, cancer, osteoporosis and mental health
- Train to prevent and manage musculoskeletal injuries in sport and recreation
- Study anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, assessment, programming, psychology and nutrition
- Attend 500 hours of supervised work placement
- Test and train athletes in USC’s AIS-accredited sport science labs
- Qualify to work in hospitals, health clinics, rehabilitation facilities, gyms and more
Location
CRICOS code
Entry threshold
ATAR/RankDuration
Full-time or equivalent part-time Only a full-time option is available to international students on a Student visa. Online programs are not available to Student visa holders.Indicative fees
Indicative 2025 fees (A$)
CSP Annual feeQTAC code
Start
- Semester 1
Career opportunities
- Cancer and renal disease rehabilitation
- Cardiac and pulmonary testing
- case management and research
- Exercise Physiologist
- Musculoskeletal injury prevention and management
- Neurological rehabilitation
- Occupational rehabilitation
Memberships
Graduates may be eligible to become members of:
- Sports Medicine Australia
Accreditation
This degree is professionally accredited at the levels of Exercise Science and Exercise Physiology with Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA).
Note: External accreditation requirements for this program allow for credit transfer to be granted for study completed at minimum of AQF level 7 Bachelor degree level only. Credit transfer cannot be granted for study completed within a qualification lower than AQF level 7 Bachelor degree (e.g. TAFE/RTO level Advanced Diploma or lower), or for non-formal learning.
- Start
-
- Semester 1
- Delivery mode
-
- Blended Learning
- Total courses
- 30
- Total units
- 384
- Duration
- 4 years 4 years
- CRICOS code
- 098401F
- UniSC program code
- SC304
- Program coordinator
Introductory courses (8) 96 units
HLT140 Think Health
LFS112 Human Physiology
LFS122 Human Anatomy
SCI110 Science Research Methods
SPX100 Physical Activity and Health
SPX101 Introduction to Sport and Exercise Science
SPX102 Introduction to Coaching Science
SPX121 Exercise Prescription and Programming I
Developing courses (8) 96 units
HLT221 Human Pathophysiology
SPX201 Functional Anatomy
SPX202 Biomechanics I
SPX203 Exercise Prescription and Programming II
SPX211 Exercise Physiology I
SPX221 Sports and Exercise Medicine
SPX222 Sport and Exercise Psychology
SPX231 Motor Control and Learning
Graduate courses (14) 192 units
NUT300 Nutrition for Health and Exercise
PUB351 Health Promotion Implementation and Evaluation
SPX300 Exercise Science Professional Practicum *
SPX301 Exercise in Cardiorespiratory and Metabolic Health
SPX302 Exercise in Musculoskeletal Health
SPX306 Clinical Skills for Exercise Physiology Δ
SPX322 Biomechanics II
SPX331 Exercise Physiology II
SPX402 Clinical Exercise Physiology Professional Practicum I Δ (24 units)
SPX403 Clinical Exercise Physiology Professional Practicum II Δ (24 units)
SPX410 Exercise Management in Chronic Disease Δ
SPX411 Exercise in Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation Δ
SPX412 Exercise in Neurological Rehabilitation and Mental Health Δ
SPX413 Case Management and Occupational Rehabilitation Δ
* Exercise and Sports Science Australia requires students to complete 500 hours of supervised practice comprising of a minimum of 140 hours for apparently healthy clients, 140 hours for neuromuscular /musculoskeletal clients, and 140 hours for metabolic / cardiopulmonary clients. These hours will be completed within SPX300, SPX402 and SPX403 courses.
Δ refer to Program notes
Note: Program structures are subject to change. Not all UniSC courses are available on every UniSC campus.
This study sequence reflects the current program structure. Continuing students must follow their commencing structure, which can be found in the previous student handbooks.
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| Applicant background | No. of students | % of all students |
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Notes
<5 - the number of students is less than 5
N/A - Students not accepted in this category
N/P - Not published: the number is hidden to prevent calculation of numbers in cells with less than five students.
Adjusted ATARs are a calculation of a student's ATAR + eligible adjustment factors and are used to determine admission. The raw ATAR is the student's rank before any adjustments are applied.
Entry requirements
For entry into most USC undergraduate degree programs, you need to have completed a minimum level of education similar to successful completion of Australian Year 12 with good grades.
Further studies, for example, a semester or more at college or university, can also be considered for entry and may give you credit transfer towards a degree.
Some examples of upper secondary qualifications and a guide to the minimum grades that USC will consider are listed here. These are minimum requirements and do not guarantee entry. Some programs may require higher grades. Alternative qualifications may also be considered on a case by case basis.
If your qualification (grouped by country) is not listed, send the qualification transcripts with your application form to the International Office for assessment.
English language requirements
You will also need to meet the English language requirements for this program. If you do not meet the minimum requirements, you may be able to enrol in our English Language Programs to reach the required level for most of UniSC’s programs (exceptions apply to non-standard English requirement programs).
Minimum entry threshold
Applicants must meet the minimum ATAR/Rank.
| Location | ATAR/Rank |
|---|---|
| Sunshine Coast | 65.00 |
Post admission requirements
Students must complete 500 hours of supervised placement. Students may be required to undertake some clinical placement hours outside the Sunshine Coast region in metropolitan and regional / rural areas.
Before undertaking placements (eg by Year 3), students must provide evidence of immunisations, first aid training, satisfactory criminal history check, and hold a current Blue Card (Working with Children Check). Students may also be required to complete QLD Health orientation package.
- Recommended prior study
- English; General Maths, Maths Methods or Specialist Maths, Biology; and one additional science (preferably Chemistry)
In order to graduate you must:
- Successfully complete 384 units as outlined in the Program Structure
- Complete all required components of this program, to be able to apply for accreditation as an Accredited Exercise Physiologist (AEP) with Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA)
- Complete 500 hours of supervised practice comprising of a minimum of 140 hours for apparently healthy clients, 140 hours for neuromuscular /musculoskeletal clients, and 140 hours for metabolic / cardiopulmonary clients. These hours will be
completed within SPX300, SPX402 and SPX403 courses.
In order to commence fieldwork placement you must:
- Hold a valid Suitability Card (Blue Card - Working with Children Check - QLD). This is required by week 6 of the third year subject, SPX300, and is issued by the Commission for Children and Young People and Child Guardian (CCYPCG). The application timeline for this Card is usually in the region of 6-8 weeks, therefore it is advised that this process is initiated at the time of enrolment into SPX300 if not before
- Provide evidence of immunity to Hepatitis B (blood titre level after approved vaccination schedule)
- Hold current Senior First Aid and CPR certificates (currency of certification is to be maintained throughout the program)
- You may also be required to complete a Criminal History Check for particular placements, cost of which is borne by the student
- Some courses within this program are taught outside of the standard teaching semesters. Students should refer to the Session Timetables for dates
Program notes
- SPX306MUST be studied prior to enrolment into SPX301, SPX302 and SPX411
- All 100, 200 and 300 level courses MUST be completed prior to commencing 400 level courses
- Enrolment in SPX300, SPX402 and SPX403 subject to special entry requirements and by Course Coordinator approval only.
- For Sippy Downs students some courses in this program will be taught at the Sunshine Coast Heath Institute
- Completing this program within the specified (full-time) duration is based on studying 48 unit points per semester (normally 4 courses) and following the recommended study sequence
- The unit value of all courses is 12 units unless otherwise specified
- It is each students responsibility to enrol correctly according to your course requisites, program rules and requirements and be aware of the academic calendar dates
- Courses within this program are assessed using a variety of assessment methods including essays, seminar presentations, reports, in-class tests and examinations. Not all courses will necessarily include all methods
- As part of your UniSC program, you may apply to Study Overseas to undertake courses with an overseas higher education provider. It is advisable to contact your Program Advisor to discuss timing and course issues. Students should be aware there are restrictions applicable to credit transfer in order to obtain ESSA accreditation and they should contact their Program Advisor if considering participating in the Study Overseas program
- Only a full-time study option is available to international students on a Student Visa
- Refer to the Managing your progression page for help in understanding your program structure, reviewing your progress and planning remaining courses.
- Note: External accreditation requirements for this program allow for credit transfer to be granted for study completed at minimum of AQF level 7 Bachelor degree level only. Credit transfer cannot be granted for study completed at TAFE/RTO level (Advanced Diploma or lower), or for non-formal learning.
WIL notes
- It is a Queensland Government requirement that students undertaking a placement within a clinical setting are fit tested annually for an approved respirator. Clinical settings include hospitals, residential aged care facilities, residential disability care facilities, prison health services, youth detention health services, community health care settings, and vaccination clinics). If the Fit Testing requirement applies to placement activity within your Program it will appear in your mandatory checks on Sonia Online. In accordance with Australian Standards, you must be clean shaven for your fit test. Facial hair that lies along the sealing surface of a tight-fitting respirator prevents an effective seal. Therefore, it is a requirement that there is no hair growth between the skin and the facepiece sealing surface in order to achieve a fit. At this stage, there is no exemption in Queensland to this requirement for religious or other reasons and UniSC is unable to waive this requirement.
-
It is no longer a requirement that students in Bachelor of Clinical Exercise Physiology are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
Please note that some placement host organisations have chosen to continue requiring COVID-19 vaccination. If you are not fully vaccinated, it is important to know that placement opportunities in your program may be limited and may result in a delay to your placement.
UniSC still strongly recommends that all students undertaking placement are fully vaccinated and provide evidence of this vaccination status to the University.
- For more information on mandatory requirements refer to Sport and Exercise Science/Clinical Exercise Science - Placements
Prospective students must consider the Inherent Academic Requirements before applying to study this program.
Refer to Bachelor of Clinical Exercise Physiology - Inherent Academic Requirements
UniSC strongly supports the rights of all people to pursue studies. The University embraces diversity and endeavours to accommodate all students.
What are Inherent Academic Requirements (IARs)?
The IARs of a program are those fundamental skills, capabilities and knowledge that students must be able to demonstrate in order to achieve the essential learning outcomes of the program, while maintaining the academic integrity of that program.
Students with a disability or chronic health condition may be able to have reasonable adjustments made to enable them to meet these requirements.
UniSC is committed to making reasonable adjustments to teaching and learning, assessment, placement and other activities to enable students to participate in their program.
Reasonable adjustments must not fundamentally change the nature of the IAR.
Consideration is given to a student's cultural and religious background/beliefs, which may impact on participation in their program or course. For further information contact Student Support.
Why are Inherent Academic Requirements (IARs) important?
IARs ensure the academic integrity of a program is maintained and preserves the University's learning, assessment and accreditation processes. They must be met by all students.
How does this affect you?
To successfully complete a program at UniSC, you need to be able to meet all the Inherent Academic Requirements.
If you are applying for a program, you should read the IAR statement carefully to ensure you are able to meet them.
If you have a disability or chronic health condition, contact a UniSC Disability Advisor to talk about the adjustments that may be put in place so you can meet the requirements.
Headstart Program - Years 10 to 12
The Headstart program lets you study uni subjects while you’re still in high school. If you successfully complete two Headstart courses, you’ll get a selection rank that you could use to get into uni.
Early Offer Guarantee scheme - Year 12
The Early Offer Guarantee scheme enables Year 12 students to be offered a place at UniSC on the basis of their Principal's recommendation.
Prior study or work experience
If you:
- have completed Year 12 (no matter how long ago)
- have a TAFE/VET qualification
- have relevant work experience, or
- have studied at university before (even if you didn’t complete your studies)
You may be eligible for a selection rank, which can help you get into uni. For more detailed information selection ranks and how applications are assessed, visit Admissions explained.
Tertiary Preparation Pathway
If you don’t have qualifications or experience that will give you a selection rank, you can complete the Tertiary Preparation Pathway as a stepping stone into most degrees. You can also use TPP to complete subject prerequisites.
If you haven’t studied in a while, TPP is also a great way to brush up on essential study skills like critical reading, assignment writing and referencing.
It can also build your knowledge and confidence in the subject areas you’ll need for your degree, like science or maths. TPP courses are fee-free for eligible domestic students.
Indigenous Direct Entry and Access Scheme (IDEAS)
You may be eligible for direct entry into a UniSC degree based on your potential to succeed, under UniSC’s Indigenous Direct Entry and Access Scheme (IDEAS). All you have to do is complete an online application through our website.
High-school leavers completing year 12 are not eligible, and must apply through QTAC.
- CSP estimate
- A$11,710 - 2024 Fees
- Annual tuition fee (A$, 2025)
- A$29,200
Commonwealth supported places
Commonwealth supported places are substantially subsidised by the Australian Government so that students only pay 'student contribution" amounts. The student contribution amount will vary depending on the course you are studying and how much funding the Government provides.
If you accept a Commonwealth supported place you are a Commonwealth supported student. As a Commonwealth supported student you must make a contribution towards the cost of your education (unless you are enrolled in Enabling or Tertiary Preparation Pathway courses) with the majority of the cost met by the Commonwealth Government.
Commonwealth supported places are only available to domestic students. As a domestic student you are entitled to a Commonwealth supported place in an eligible program if you:
- meet the citizenship and residency requirements
- complete an electronic Commonwealth Assistance Form (eCAF)
- meet the University's entry requirements for your chosen program.
International fee-paying places
Annual tuition fees are based on 2025 rates and the equivalent full-time student load as per the recommended study sequence in the relevant program.
Actual fees payable are based on the actual enrolment load in a teaching period (excluding Study Abroad and Postgraduate Qualifying Pathway).
All prices quoted are in Australian Dollars (A$).
Domestic applicants apply for admission through the Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC). Some applicants may be eligible to apply direct to UniSC if they meet certain criteria.
Find out about how to apply and key application closing dates.
No matter what kind of future you’re looking for, you can find it at UniSC. Our programs offer the choice and flexibility you need to get started on any career goal.
Visit How to apply for simple steps to submit your international student application and start your UniSC experience today.
Need help with submitting your application?
UniSC has appointed representatives to assist you with submitting your application and provide information about the steps you need to complete to begin your studies. You can contact a UniSC Representative in your area.
Any questions? Contact us.
QTAC code
| Location | QTAC code |
|---|---|
| Sunshine Coast | 013251 |
Student story
“My study at UniSC offers clinical training, which involves working with a range of clients from limb deficiencies to neuromuscular disorders.”
Need advice on what to study or how to apply?
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