Course information

Clinical exercise physiology uses exercise interventions to improve the health, wellbeing and clinical status of people with, or at risk of, medical conditions, injuries and disabilities. Demand is increasing for degree-qualified exercise physiologists who can apply exercise and physical activity principles in disease prevention, health, rehabilitation, and sports performance.

You will graduate from UNE’s Bachelor of Clinical Exercise Physiology as an Accredited Exercise Physiologist (AEP) equipped to assist people with acute, sub-acute or chronic medical conditions, injuries or disabilities through exercise, lifestyle and behaviour modifications. In doing so, you will future proof your career in this fast-growing profession.

Why study the Bachelor of Clinical Exercise Physiology with UNE?

At UNE, our small class sizes allow our teaching staff to dedicate more time, one-on-one to you.

You will have access to world-class sports, exercise and health facilities, whether you study on campus or online.

Our research is recognised as being among the best in the world. Our human movement and sports science research received a rating of 5 – well above world standard – by the Australian Research Council in 2019.

SportUNE at UNE is one of the best university sporting precincts in Australia. We offer variety, flexibility and a range of new facilities and services. Our facilities include a state-of-the-art fitness and strength building gym, a new 25-metre, 6-lane indoor heated pool, indoor and outdoor courts, a climbing and bouldering wall and 15 hectares of playing fields.

UNE is a member of the Elite Athlete Education Network (EAEN). We offer our student-athletes flexible study options to balance sporting pursuits with academic requirements.

We have been selected as the academic partner institution for the NSW Rugby League Centre of Excellence to be established at Sydney Olympic Park. This partnership may provide you with opportunities to undertake exercise and sports science internships with NSW Rugby League.

What makes our course different?

This advanced course will extend your knowledge of the scientific basis of sport and exercise and its effect on both healthy individuals and those with chronic and complex health conditions.

You will hone your skills in the clinical application of exercise-based disease prevention, rehabilitation and performance improvement.

You will graduate as an Accredited Exercise Physiologist (AEP). Services covered by AEPs include cardiovascular, metabolic, neurological, musculoskeletal, cancers, kidney, respiratory/pulmonary and mental health, and any other conditions for which there is evidence that exercise can improve the client’s clinical status.

You will have opportunities to:

• Improve your ability to provide specialist advice on safe and effective participation in physical activity.
• Deepen your understanding of the clinical applications of exercise and sports science.
• Develop the skills needed to manage and rehabilitate individuals with chronic and/or complex diseases, injuries and medical conditions.
• Choose between studying online and on campus, giving you the flexibility to balance your studies with your work and personal commitments.
• Complete a total of 500 hours of practicum experience required to qualify as an AEP.
• Work with a clinical placement officer who will help you to identify suitable practicum sites and supervisors and ensure your practicum placement complies with the Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA) accreditation requirements.
• Progress to the Bachelor of Clinical Exercise Physiology with Honours or the research-based Master of Science if you have an above average academic record.
• Graduate with the Diploma in Science, Advanced Diploma in Science or Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science if you decide to exit the course at a stage where you fulfill the requirements of those courses.

Course structure

To qualify for the award a candidate must pass units to the value of 192 credit points with not more than 60 credit points at 100-level and at least 96 credit points at 300-level, including 500 hours of practicum experience.

Course outcomes

This course aims to provide a range of learning experiences to develop expertise in the clinical application of evidence based exercise interventions to manage a variety of complex and/or chronic health conditions. This is facilitated following the acquisition of core knowledge and skills across the sub- disciplines of Exercise and Sports Science as identified by Exercise and Sports Science Australia. This includes, but is not limited to, biomechanics, exercise physiology, motor control/learning, exercise and sport psychology, human nutrition/development/health.