University of Western Australia
Master of Clinical Exercise Physiology
- Delivery: Face to Face
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 18 months
Transform your passion for movement into a career in allied health with a master’s in exercise science, combining clinical placements, research opportunities and expert-led training in chronic condition management.
Course overview
The Master of Clinical Exercise Physiology is designed to provide a holistic understanding of the use of exercise as a modality in the treatment of musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, metabolic and other chronic and complex conditions. You’ll develop knowledge and skills in preparation for work in the allied health industry.
Students who meet certain criteria (contact the Course Coordinator for details) can apply to complete a 24-point dissertation in addition to the coursework components. The examination of the dissertation will mimic the BSc Honours thesis examination, so an Honours-equivalent grade can be created to allow graduates to be ranked for Higher Degree by research scholarships.
Depending on the applicant’s background knowledge from their previous studies at bachelor level, this master's course may be undertaken as a 72-point (three semester) or 96-point (four semester) program or the part-time equivalent.
The course comprises 12 core units, which address the major knowledge and skill components for this allied health profession, as well as opportunities for mentoring and knowledge application within a series of clinical placements.
For students wishing to make the transition to exercise and sport science from other cognate disciplines, this course makes provision for up to 24 points of conversion units, selected on advice from the course coordinator.
Domestic students may be eligible for a Commonwealth supported place within this course. This course has been approved by the Department of Social Services for Student Support Payments. Eligible students can receive Youth Allowance, Austudy or Pensioner Education Supplement. Further information can be found on the Department of Social Services website.
CSP Subsidised Fees Available
This program has a limited quota of Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP). The indicative CSP price is calculated based on first year fees for EFT. The actual fee may vary if there are choices in electives or majors.
Key facts
What you will study
Students who have not completed (a) a Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Sciences Science from this university or equivalent as recognised by the course coordinator or (b) a bachelor's degree in Sport, Exercise and/or Movement Sciences from a recognised tertiary institution that has been accredited by ESSA at the 'Exercise Science' level must complete relevant conversion unit(s) up to the value of 24 points, as advised by the course coordinator. Students may also be recommended by the Course Coordinator to take units from a broader range of conversion units than those listed.
- Exercise Prescription and Delivery (6)
- Exercise Physiology (6)
- Foundations of Work-Integrated Learning (6)
- Promoting Lifelong Physical Activity (6)
- Professional Practice (6)
- Exercise as Medicine (6)
- Motor Development: Principles to Teaching in Practice (6)
Core Courses
Take all 72 units
- Advanced Exercise Rehabilitation (6)
- Exercise and Health Psychology (6)
- Cardiac Rehabilitation (6)
- Neurological Rehabilitation (6)
- Workplace Injury Prevention and Management (6)
- Chronic and Complex Conditions (6)
- Brain and Behaviours (6)
- Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation (6)
- Clinical Paediatrics and Disability (6)
- Work Integrated Learning (Clinical Exercise Physiology) (6)
- Work Integrated Learning (Evidence-Based Practice) (6)
- Work Integrated Learning (Diverse Populations & Settings) (6)
- Exercise Physiology Clinical Portfolio (0)
Electives
Students in the course, by coursework and dissertation, take 24 points.
- Literature Review and Research Proposal (6)
- Sport Science Exercise and Health Research Project Part 1 (6)
- Sport Science Exercise and Health Research Project Part 2 (6)
- Sport Science Exercise and Health Research Project Part 3 (6)
Entry requirements
To be considered for admission to this course, an applicant must have:
- A relevant bachelor's degree, or an equivalent qualification, as recognised by UWA.
- And the equivalent of a UWA weighted average mark of at least 60 per cent.
Applicants are awarded a place in the 72-point course if they have either
- A bachelor's degree that has been accredited by Exercise & Sport Science Australia at the 'Exercise Science' level.
- An official ESSA "Graduate Entry Assessment" letter that demonstrates equivalence with "Exercise Science" members.
All other applicants are awarded a place in the 96-point course and must have a relevant bachelor's degree that included foundation units in human anatomy, functional anatomy, biomechanics, exercise physiology, exercise and health and research methods/statistics with equivalence to ESSA ‘Exercise Science' standards.
Recognition of Prior Learning
If you are enrolled in a course at UWA, you can apply for credit for units passed in a previous course, either at UWA or from an external university or institution. To apply, complete an Application for credit transfer, advanced standing and recognition of prior learning form and submit it to your Student Advising Office via Email Us or in person.
If you're applying for credit from an external university or institution, attach an original or full-colour scan of your formal academic transcript to your application. Please note that informal transcripts, eRecords, screenshots or letters cannot be accepted as proof of results.
Contact the university for more information.
Outcomes
Learning outcomes
Accredited exercise physiologists specialise in clinical exercise interventions for people with a broad range of health issues. Those people may be at risk of developing, or have existing, medical conditions and injuries. The aims of exercise physiology interventions are to prevent or manage acute, sub-acute or chronic disease or injury, and assist in restoring one’s optimal physical function, health or wellness. These interventions are exercise-based and include health and physical activity education, advice and support and lifestyle modification with a strong focus on achieving behavioural change.
Accredited exercise physiologists work across a range of health settings including public and private hospitals, private and multidisciplinary clinics, government and not-for profit organisations, workplace health and rehabilitation, aged care facilities, fitness centres, gymnasiums and sports organisations.
Accredited exercise physiologists offer a range of services, including behavioural coaching, health education, exercise counselling and physical rehabilitation. Services include:
- the prescription of tailored exercise programs
- promoting leisure-time and incidental activity
- counselling to reduce sedentary behaviours.
Fees and CSP
Average first-year fee in 2025: $26,000 (domestic paying price)
All costs are calculated using current rates and are based on a full-time study load of 48 credit points (normally eight units) per year.
A student’s annual fee may vary in accordance with:
- The number of units studied per term.
- The choice of major or specialisation.
- Choice of units.
- Student fees shown are subject to change. Contact the university directly to confirm.
Commonwealth Supported Places
The Australian Government allocates a certain number of CSPs to the universities each year, which are then distributed to students based on merit.
If you're a Commonwealth Supported Student (CSS), you'll only need to pay a portion of your tuition fees. This is known as the student contribution amount – the balance once the government subsidy is applied. This means your costs are much lower.
Limited CSP spaces are offered to students enrolled in selected postgraduate courses.
Your student contribution amount is:
- Calculated per unit you're enrolled in.
- Depending on the study areas they relate to.
- Reviewed and adjusted each year.
HECS-HELP loans are available to CSP students to pay the student contribution amount.
FEE-HELP loans are available to assist eligible full-fee-paying domestic students with the cost of a university course.
