Bachelor of Clinical Exercise Physiology

School of Health Sciences

It is well established that physical inactivity is a critical risk factor contributing to ill health in Australia and that exercise and lifestyle behaviour modification plays a significant role in preventing, managing and rehabilitating both chronic disease and injuries. Clinical Exercise Physiology is the study of evidence-based, safe and effective application of clinical exercise assessment, prescription and delivery across diverse clientele. The four-year degree has flexible full-time or part-time study options available. Get in touch today to move your career in the right direction.

• Why study this degree?

  The Bachelor of Clinical Exercise Physiology aims to provide highly trained Accredited Exercise Physiologists (AEPs) to join the allied health workforce, providing clinical exercise services within clinical, community, workplace, and sporting environments. Specifically, graduates may work with diverse populations including individuals living with chronic disease such as cardiovascular, metabolic, musculoskeletal, mental illness, disability and long-term sporting injuries. Acquiring in-depth knowledge and skills in core and emerging areas in the field, students will be equipped to practice in dynamic health environments within urban or rural settings.

  The Bachelor of Clinical Exercise Physiology is currently seeking full accreditation status with the professional registration body - Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA). Following successful full accreditation, graduates will be eligible to ascertain registration as an AEP. Exercise Physiology services are now officially recognised under Medicare as an allied health service. Patients referred to AEPs by their GP, for whom exercise is important for treatment of chronic health problems, are eligible to claim a Medicare rebate. AEP’s are also eligible to register with the Department of Veterans Affairs, National Disability Insurance Scheme, WorkCover, and numerous private allied health providers.

  Studying the Bachelor of Clinical Exercise Physiology at UNDA also provides opportunities for unique and contemporary practicum opportunities such as within rural and remote health that reflect the expansion of evidence-based practice in the field of Clinical Exercise Physiology.

• Program summary

  Year 1

  • HLTH1000 Human Structure and Function
  • HLTH1001 Physical Activity and Health
  • HLTH1007 Human Growth & Development
  • HLTH1150 Academic Research and Writing in Health Sciences
  • CORE1000 Foundations of Wisdom
  • HLTH1008 Exercise Health and Disease
  • HLTH1010 Functional Anatomy for Human Movement
  • HLTH1100 Exercise Physiology

  Year 2

  • HLTH2015 Physiology of Training and Environmental Extremes
  • HLTH2016 Principles of Strength and Conditioning
  • HLTH2017 Heath, Fitness and Performance Elective
  • COREXXXX Core Elective
  • HLTH2012 Motor Control Development and Learning
  • HLTH2014 Psycho-Social Aspects of Sport & Physical Activity
  • HLTH2018 Exercise Biomechanics
  • HLTH2412 Exercise Prescription and Delivery

  Year 3

  • HLTH3017 Exercise Physiology for Special Populations
  • HLTH3018 Advanced Biomechanics
  • HLTH3021 Foundations of Clinical Exercise Physiology Practice
  • HTLH3019 Exercise & Sport Science Professional Practice
  • HTLH3016 Integrate Practice in Exercise & Sport Science
  • HLTH3015 Nutrition for Health and Physical Activity
  • HLTH3022 Behaviour Change & Lifestyle Counselling
  • HLTH3023 Cardiorespiratory Exercise Rehabilitation

  Year 4

  • HLTH4021 Musculoskeletal Exercise Rehabilitation
  • HLTH4022 Neurological & Metabolic Exercise Rehabilitation
  • HLTH4023 Clinical Exercise Physiology in Cancer & Mental Health
  • HLTH4024 Clinical Exercise Physiology Practicum 1
  • HLTH4025 Clinical Exercise Physiology Practicum 2
  • HLTH4026 Evidence-Based Practice in Clinical Exercise Physiology
  • HLTH4027 Clinical Exercise Physiology in Special Care Populations
  • HLTH4028 Advanced Topics in Clinical Exercise Physiology
  • HLTH4029 Clinical Exercise Physiology Practicum 3

  Core Curriculum

  • CORE I: Foundations of Wisdom
  • CORE II: Elective
    • Electives in philosophy and\or theology
    • Professional embedded electives that integrate studies in a profession with philosophy and\or theology
    • An option to undertake a pilgrimage embedded in the study of the philosophy and theology of pilgrimage, e.g., World Youth Day
    • An option to undertake a course that integrates philosophy & theology with community service and charity work
    • An option to undertake an elective in philosophy, theology, and the liberal arts contained within an international experience

  Full details of the program requirements are contained in the Program Requirements.

  More information regarding courses can be found at the course descriptions page.

  Please note: the availability of these courses is indicative only and may be subject to change.

• Entry requirements

  Entry requirements WA

  Academic requirements for this program are outlined below. In addition, to be eligible for admission, all applicants need to satisfy the Minimum University Admission Requirements outlined. These include those relating to minimum age and English Language Proficiency. We also consider your application more broadly – your non-academic achievements (such as any previous leadership roles, volunteering, work, church and/or community involvement) as well as personal qualities - your aspirations and interests and your capacity to complete your chosen program. See Individual Factors for further details regarding this.

  Applicants with recent Secondary Education

  • Indicative ATAR/Selection Rank* of 75

  OR

  • International Baccalaureate (IB) score of 27

  *Selection Ranks include ATAR plus Adjustment Factors.

  Applicants with Higher Education

  • Successful completion of 4 subjects at an undergraduate level or higher*, with an average grade of 65% or higher

  *Applicants who have successfully completed subjects at another University, which are relevant to the selected program of study, may be eligible for credit (Advanced Standing). See here for details.

  Note: Tertiary Preparation Programs are not accepted for entry.

  Applicants with Vocational Education and Training (VET) study

  • Successful completion of AQF Diploma or higher from an accredited provider such as TAFE or a Registered Training Organisation (RTO)

  Applicants with Work and Life Experience

  Applicants who left secondary education more than two years previously and who have not undertaken VET or higher education study since may be considered for direct entry. This includes applicants who have completed Steiner, Montessori or home school curriculums. To qualify, applicants must be 20 years of age as at 1 March in the year of intake and meet one or more of the following:

  • Applicants who have completed at least two years of relevant work experience may be considered for direct entry. Applicants must provide evidence of their work experience, including duties undertaken and years of experience, and they must demonstrate that they have the academic capability to undertake undergraduate studies. The Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) may be required*.

  OR

  • Completion of STAT with scores of at least 160 in the Multiple Choice section and 160 in the Written English section*.

  OR

  • Completion of two Year 12 WACE, HSC or equivalent exams, with a result equivalent to the Indicative ATAR/Selection Rank listed under Secondary Education section above.

  *STAT results must have been obtained within the last three calendar years in order to be considered (e.g. for 2024 admission, STAT results obtained in 2023, 2022 or 2021 can be considered).

• Learning outcomes

  Upon successful completion of the [name of program] graduates will be able to:

  1. Apply specialised knowledge to design and deliver a broad range of exercise-related healthcare services within the scope of practice of an Accredited Exercise Physiologist (AEP)
  2. Apply evidence-based practice for the assessment and exercise rehabilitation of diverse clientele with broad clinical conditions and injuries, including appropriate risk mitigation strategies
  3. Evaluate and adapt professional practice and behaviour to enhance clinical outcomes and ensure safe and respectful healthcare provision for people with diverse backgrounds
  4. Practice ethically and responsibly by working cooperatively and collaboratively in multidisciplinary healthcare settings
  5. Critically analyse and solve complex clinical problems within the scope of an AEP
  6. Exemplify highly developed communication skills to provide optimal AEP services to individuals, healthcare professionals and stakeholders; and
  7. Commit to professional development in the field of Clinical Exercise Physiology via on-going learning, self-reflection, and industry advocacy.

• Practical component

  Students are to complete a variety of formal practicum experiences within the clinical setting as a part of this Program. Practicums operate in accordance with the Health and Universities Agreement for Allied Health Student Clinical Placements (2005) and Schedules to that agreement or its substitute in place at the time. The following courses are specific to practicum experiences:

  • HLTH4024 Clinical Exercise Physiology Practicum 1
  • HLTH4025 Clinical Exercise Physiology Practicum 2
  • HLTH4029 Clinical Exercise Physiology Practicum 3

• Career opportunities

  After studying this degree students will become an Accredited Exercise Physiologist (AEP). AEPs work in a number of environments, including but not limited to:

  • Public and private hospitals settings
  • Primary, secondary and tertiary health care
  • Within private and multidisciplinary clinics
  • Population health
  • Workplace health and rehabilitation
  • Ageing and aged care
  • Fitness centres, gymnasiums, business
  • Sporting settings

• Real-world experience

  You will learn from academics who are industry leaders and, through our practicum placements and internship programs, you will gain real professional experience and make valuable contacts with potential employers.

• Study abroad

  At the University of Notre Dame, we believe that gaining a global perspective is an important part of your university education. We offer various opportunities for students to study abroad and become active global citizens. These opportunities include exchange programs, professional placements, study tours, and volunteer opportunities. Visit Opportunities and experiences to find out more.

• Professional accreditation

  The Bachelor of Clinical Exercise Physiology is currently seeking full accreditation status with the professional registration body - Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA). Following successful full accreditation, graduates will be eligible to ascertain qualification as an Accredited Exercise Physiologist (AEP). ESSA requires all individuals seeking initial accreditation to show English language competence in line with the English Language Skills Standard.

• Scholarships

  Scholarships provide financial support to students while they are completing their studies. There are various scholarships available to prospective and current students, across all study levels and campuses.

  These can be funded by Notre Dame, industry, individuals and non-profit organisations, to provide financial assistance to students to support costs associated with study. This could include buying food, paying rent, transport, and household bills, raising children as single parents, being a single-income household, becoming unemployed or caring for a sick loved one.

  Please visit the Scholarships Finder to see which scholarships are available to Undergraduate students.

• Fees and costs

  This Program has the following loan scheme(s) available for eligible students:

  Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
  A Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) is a place at a university where the Australian Government pays part of your fees. This part is a subsidy, not a loan, and you don’t have to pay it back. However, this subsidy does not cover the entire cost of your study. Students must pay the rest, which is called the ‘student contribution amount’.

  In a Commonwealth Supported Place, your fees are subsidised by the Australian Government. Your fees will be split into two portions:

  The Commonwealth contribution, which is the portion paid by the Australian Government.

  The student contribution, which is the portion you pay. You may choose to pay upfront or defer your student contribution with a HECS-HELP Loan. The HECS-HELP loan scheme assists eligible students with the payment of all, or part, of their tuition fees, not including additional study costs such as accommodation or textbooks. Your HECS-HELP debt will be indexed each year in line with the Consumer Price Index.

  Eligible students will be offered a CSP – you do not need to apply.

  For indicative fees and information on how to pay, including Government loan schemes and our online calculator, visit our Fees, costs and scholarships page.

• More information

  Considering your uni options?
  Our advisors provide support while choosing a program of study and completing our application process.

  If you need advice about studying at Notre Dame, the Prospective Students Office can help. Talk to one of our career advisors for a personalised advice session.

  Phone: 1800 878 916
  Email: future@nd.edu.au
  Address: 23 High St, Fremantle, WA 6160

  International students
  If you need advice about studying at Notre Dame, fill out our Make an Enquiry form, and you can book a session with one of our friendly International Student Advisors.

  Fremantle and Broome International Office
  Phone: +61 8 9433 0873
  Address: 19 Mouat St, Fremantle, WA 6160
  Postal address: PO Box 1225, Fremantle WA 6959

  Sydney and Melbourne International Office
  Phone: +61 2 8204 4229
  Address: 140 Broadway, Chippendale, NSW 2008
  Postal address: PO Box 944, Broadway NSW 2007