Learn to use exercise as a means of prevention and treatment of chronic diseases and conditions such as diabetes, obesity, heart disease, osteoporosis or arthritis.
Studies include anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pathophysiology, biomechanics, psychology, motor learning and sports nutrition. Advanced courses focus on professional practice in clinical and community environments, with industry placement and workplace learning. The program is under consideration for accreditation with Exercise and Sports Science Australia.
- Only a full-time option is available to international students on a Student visa. Online programs are not available to Student visa holders.
- * Estimated tuition fees are based on 2025 rates. Refer to international fees for more information.
- Not all majors/minors and elective options are available at every campus. You should refer to the What Can I Study tab, and the proposed study sequence for your chosen campus and intake for further information.
Studies include anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pathophysiology, biomechanics, psychology, motor learning and sports nutrition. Advanced courses focus on professional practice in clinical and community environments, with industry placement and workplace learning. The program is under consideration for accreditation with Exercise and Sports Science Australia.
Post-admission requirements
Before undertaking clinical placements, students must provide evidence of hepatitis B immunisation, first aid and CPR training, undergo a criminal history check and obtain or hold a current Suitability Card (Blue Card CCYPCG).
The evidence of these requirements is requested in the initial placement subject (SPX300 ) conducted in the third year of the Bachelor of Clinical Exercise Science. Students may be required to undertake some clinical placements outside the Sunshine Coast region in metropolitan and regional / rural areas. Students must complete 500 hours of supervised practise included within the program (SPX300 , SPX401 ).
Career opportunities
Accredited exercise physiology, exercise therapy, cardiac and pulmonary testing, rehabilitation, case management, research.
Membership
Graduates may apply for accreditation as exercise physiologists with Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA). Graduates may also become members of Sports Medicine Australia.
Students intending to seek accreditation with Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA) as exercise physiologists are advised that ESSA will allow recognition of prior learning (RPL) for non-university studies to a maximum of 12.5% of program load. USC recommends, therefore, that students holding TAFE studies in Fitness seek RPL for not more than 4 courses upon entering the Bachelor of Clinical Exercise Science.
Accreditation
USC's exercise science laboratories are accredited with the Australian Institute of Sport's National Sport Science Quality Assurance program.
Program structure
Program requirements
In order to commence fieldwork placement you must:
- Hold a valid Suitability Card (Blue Card - Working with Children Check - QLD). This is required by week 6 of the third year subject, SPX300 , and is issued by the Commission for Children and Young People and Child Guardian (CCYPCG). The application timeline for this Card is usually in the region of 6-8 weeks, therefore it is advised that this process is initiated at the time of enrolment into SPX300 if not before.
- Provide evidence of immunity to Hepatitis B (blood titre level after approved vaccination schedule)
- Hold current Senior First Aid and CPR certificates (currency of certification is to be maintained thorughout the program)
- You may also be required to complete a Criminal History Check for particular placements, cost of which is borne by the student.
- Some courses within this program are taught outside of the standard teaching semesters. Students should refer to the Session Timetables for dates.
In order to graduate you must:
- Complete all required components of this program, to be able to apply for accreditation as an Accredited Exercise Physiologist (AEP) with Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA).
- Complete 500 hours of supervised practice (as per ESSA requirement), comprising a 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 SPX300 and SPX401 courses.
Program notes
- Completing this program within the specified (full-time) duration is based on studying 48 unit points per semester (normally 4 courses).
- 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.
- As part of your USC program, you may apply to participate in the Global Opportunities (GO) Program to undertake courses with an overseas higher education provider. Students should be aware there are restrictions applicable to credit transfer in order to obtain ESSA accreditation and they should contact their Program Advisor if considering participating in the GO program.
- Only a full-time study option is available to international students on a Student Visa.
- When enrolling, please refer to the Study Plan
- Students intending to seek accreditation with Exercise and Sport Science Australia (ESSA) as exercise physiologists are advised that ESSA will allow recognition of prior learning (RPL) for non-university studies to a maximum of 12.5 of program load. Therefore, USC recommends that students holding TAFE studies in Fitness seek RPL for not more than 4 courses upon entering the Bachelor of Clinical Exercise Science.
Program structure
Core course (1)
COR109 Communication and Thought
Introductory courses (7)
LFS100 Cell Biology
LFS112 Human Physiology
LFS122 Human Anatomy
PUB104 Introduction to Behavioural Health
SCI105 Chemistry
SCI110 Science Research Methods
SPX102 Introduction to Coaching Science
Advanced courses (21)
HLT221 Human Pathophysiology
PUB351 Health Promotion Implementation and Evaluation
SPX201 Functional Anatomy
SPX202 Biomechanics I
SPX211 Exercise Physiology I
SPX212 Exercise Prescription and Programming
SPX221 Introduction to Sports Medicine
SPX222 Sport and Exercise Psychology
SPX231 Motor Control and Learning
SPX300 Introduction to Clinical Placement
SPX301 Exercise in Cardiorespiratory and Metabolic Health
SPX302 Exercise in Musculoskeletal Health
SPX322 Biomechanics II
SPX331 Exercise Physiology II
SPX343 Applying Clinical Exercise Research
SPX352 Sports Nutrition
SPX401A Advanced Professional Experience for Exercise Science
SPX401B Advanced Professional Experience for Exercise Science
SPX401C Advanced Professional Experience for Exercise Science
SPX401D Advanced Professional Experience for Exercise Science
SPX410 Exercise Management in Chronic Disease
SPX411 Exercise in Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation
SPX412 Exercise in Neurological Rehabilitation
SPX413 Case Management and Occupational Rehabilitation