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 Food Marketing
Introductory courses (7)
LFS100 Corporate Governance and Social Responsibility
LFS112 Contemporary and Emerging Marketing Perspectives
LFS122 Sport and Event Marketing
PUB104 Marketing Research Project
SCI105 International Marketing
SCI110 Food Marketing
SPX102 Sport and Event Marketing
Advanced courses (21)
HLT221 Marketing Research Project
PUB351 Communication and Thought
SPX201 Business Analytics
SPX202 Accounting for Business
SPX211 Introduction to Economics
SPX212 Introduction to Management
SPX221 Introduction to Marketing
SPX222 Introduction to Informatics
SPX231 Cross-Cultural Management
SPX300 Business Law and Ethics
SPX301 Strategic Management
SPX302 Project Management
SPX322 Corporate Governance and Social Responsibility
SPX331 Advanced Strategic Management
SPX343 Managing Organisational Change
SPX352 Small Business and New Venture Management
SPX401A Quality Management
SPX401B Leadership and Team Dynamics
SPX401C Business Analytics 2
SPX401D Managing Organisational Change
SPX410 Leadership and Team Dynamics
SPX411 Communication and Thought
SPX412 Cell Biology
SPX413 Human Physiology