Program summary

• Become an accredited exercise physiologist
• Use high-tech on-campus sport and exercise science laboratories
• USC is accredited with the Australian Institute of Sport’s National Sport Science Quality Assurance program

Learn to apply the knowledge of exercise science to professional practice in clinical and community environments, to help people with chronic and complex illnesses.

This program meets guidelines for an exercise physiologist qualification. These professionals improve the health of people with chronic or complex medical conditions such as diabetes, obesity, heart disease, osteoporosis, high blood pressure or arthritis. Your studies include anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pathophysiology, biomechanics, psychology, motor learning, sports nutrition, and sports coaching. Advanced courses focus on professional practice in clinical and community environments, with industry placement and workplace learning. Several first aid qualifications are incorporated throughout the degree.

Post-admission requirements

You must complete 500 hours of supervised practice to be eligible for accreditation.

Career opportunities

Provide Medicare Plus services as an exercise physiologist, or exercise therapy, cardiac and pulmonary testing and rehabilitation, community recreation and fitness, sports biomechanics, personal training, research.

Professional recognition

Graduates are eligible to apply for accreditation as an Accredited Exercise Physiologist with Exercise and Sports Science Australia. Graduates may also become members of Exercise and Sports Science Australia *; Sports Medicine Australia.

* Pending professional registration from Exercise and Sports Science Australia.

Program structure

Core courses

Select 2 courses from:
COR109
COR110
COR111

Introductory courses

7 required courses:
LFS100
LFS122
LFS112
PSY100
SCI105
SCI110
SPX102

Advanced courses

23 required courses:
BIM263
LFS201
LFS202
LFS251
LFS303
SPX201
SPX202
SPX211
SPX212
SPX221
SPX222
SPX231
SPX300 #
SPX301
SPX302
SPX312
SPX322
SPX331
SPX352
SPX401A #
SPX401B #
SPX401C #
SPX401D #

Course substitution: the GO (Global Opportunities) Program

As part of your USC program, you may apply to participate in the GO Program to undertake courses with an overseas higher education provider

Program requirements and notes

1. To be eligible for accreditation as an AEP, you must complete all required components of this program. This consists of the, 2 core courses, 7 introductory/foundation courses and 23 advanced courses. In addition, ESSA requires students to complete 500 hours of supervised practice comprising minimum of 140 hours for apparently healthy clients, 140 hours for neuromuscular/musculoskeletal clients, and 140 hours for metabolic/cardiopulmonary clients. These hours can be completed as part of  Clinical Placement and the Advanced Professional Experience for Exercise Science courses.
2. Refer to related policies, rules, plans and procedures.
3. Refer to explanation of terms.
4. International students need to refer to the University's English language proficiency requirements.
5. Only a full-time study option is available to international students on a Student Visa. 
6. Refer to the recommended enrolment pattern. For previous recommended enrolment patterns refer to the relevant archived Student Handbook.
7. 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.

Enquiries 

How to apply

Faculty of Science, Health and Education
Tel: +61 7 5430 2869
Email: sheinfo@usc.edu.au