MCEXP Master of Clinical Exercise Physiology

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Overview

The Master of Clinical Exercise Physiology requires 2 years of full-time study (or the equivalent part-time). The course is offered by the College of Nursing and Health Sciences.

An Accredited Exercise Physiologist (AEP) provides a unique and specialised role by offering exercise interventions as part of the primary and secondary prevention as part of treatment of chronic and other health conditions.

This is a professional entry-level course and credit will not be awarded for prior learning unless applicants are transferring from other accredited postgraduate entry-level Exercise Physiology courses.

Student guidance

Program of study overview

To qualify for the Master of Clinical Exercise Physiology, a student must complete 72 units with a grade of P or NGP or better in each topic, according to the program of study below.

Not all topics are necessarily available each year.

Upon completion of 36 units a student may choose to exit with the Graduate Diploma in Health Studies, subject to meeting the program of study for that award or upon completion of 27 units a student may choose to transfer to the Graduate Diploma in Health Studies and exit with that award upon completion of the program of study.

Program of study notes

Program of study
72 Units

Year 136 Units

Core36 Units

First half18 Units

Second half9 Units

Stream9 Units

Year 236 Units

Core27 Units

First half13.5 Units

Second half13.5 Units

Stream 9 Units

Streams18 Units

Select one of the following Streams and undertake the Stream topics in the Program of study

Stream - Coursework18 Units

Stream - Coursework with Research Component18 Units

Year 19 Units

Year 29 Units

Minor18 Units

Admission requirements

Admission requirements

Applicants must have completed a Bachelors degree in Sport and/or of Exercise Science that is accredited and satisfies Exercise and Sport Science Australia (ESSA) entry requirements into a postgraduate Clinical Exercise Physiology course, OR be a Full Member or eligible for Full Membership with Exercise and Sport Science Australia (ESSA) as an Accredited Exercise Scientist. Applicants need to have completed 140 hours of practicum experience with apparently healthy individuals. Graduates of undergraduate programs in science and/or health science require an 'ESSA approved Graduate status'.

Special requirements

English Language requirements

Applicants must show English language competence equivalent to a score of 6.5 on the International English Language Testing Systems (IELTS) or equivalent, unless subject to an exemption as defined by Exercise and Sport Science Australia (ESSA).

Potential students must read the eligibility requirements for obtaining credentialing with ESSA following graduation, in terms of ESSA’s English Language Requirements.

Aims

The overall aim of the course is to prepare students for professional practice as an Accredited Exercise Physiologist (AEP). Graduates will be able to contribute to interdisciplinary health interventions using exercise as part of the management strategy of disease, dysfunction and injury across a range of public and private settings and work within an interdisciplinary environment including rural and remote areas.

Learning outcomes

On completion of the course you will be able to:

Apply the principles of exercise assessment and prescription to a variety of prevalent and priority metabolic, cardiovascular and musculoskeletal health conditions

Design and implement individualised and client-centred exercise interventions to enhance a person's functional capacity and health status

Use appropriate behaviour change strategies to promote health and compliance of physical activity

Demonstrate an awareness of medical and other allied health interventions showing appropriate exercise approaches and interdisciplinary scope of practice

Demonstrate skills to assess, monitor and modify exercise interventions within hospitals, return to work and aged care populations in an individualised and client-centred approach

Demonstrate research skills and a thorough understanding of the scientific basis for exercise for a given health condition

Interpret and apply specific skills and competencies in the areas of cardiovascular, metabolic, respiratory, musculoskeletal and neurological rehabilitation, which will assist in gaining accreditation with Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA)

Demonstrate well developed cognitive and creative skills to teach, coach and motivate clients to facilitate self-management of exercise and healthy lifestyle, using models of behaviour change, scientific evidence and clinical reasoning while accounting for socioeconomic and individual factors

Student progression rules

Failure to complete the course within four consecutive years, may constitute prima facie evidence of unsatisfactory progress for the purposes of the University's Policy on Student Progress. Where credit has been granted a lesser period to complete the course may be set by the Dean (Education).

The award of a grade of Fail (F) in the same topic on more than one occasion, may constitute prima facie evidence of unsatisfactory progress for the purposes of the University's Policy on Student Progress.

The course requires students to successfully complete a minimum of 360 hours of clinical practicum.

Except with the permission of the Dean (Education) a student may not proceed to a higher year unless they have satisfactorily completed the previous year's topics.

Professional accreditation and recognition

Professional accreditation

Associations

Course/Exit award association

Double degree association