Fight chronic disease with the science of exercise.
Exercise is one of the most powerful tools we have available to us to prevent disease, treat acute injuries, and manage long term diseases such as heart disease and diabetes. Exercise physiologists work within our health system, making important contributions to health care at relatively low cost.
- 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.
Exercise is one of the most powerful tools we have available to us to prevent disease, treat acute injuries, and manage long term diseases such as heart disease and diabetes. Exercise physiologists work within our health system, making important contributions to health care at relatively low cost.
This program is a professionally focussed degree to educate clinical exercise physiologists and prepare them for employment in the Australian health system. Studies include anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pathophysiology, biomechanics, psychology, motor learning, and sports nutrition. Advanced courses focus on professional practice in clinical and community environments, followed by industry placements and workplace learning.
Post-admission requirements
Students must complete 500 hours of supervised placement. Students may be required to undertake some clinical placement hours outside the Sunshine Coast region in metropolitan and regional / rural areas. Before undertaking placements (ie: by year 3), students must provide evidence of immunisations, first aid training, satisfactory criminal history check, and hold a current Suitability Card.
Career opportunities
Accredited exercise physiology (exercise as medicine), cardiac and pulmonary testing, occupational rehabilitation, case management, research.
Accreditation and Memberships
This degree is professionally accredited at the levels of Exercise Science and Exercise Physiology with Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA). Graduates from this program may practise as exercise physiologists and seek provider status with Medicare.
Also, graduates may apply to become members of Sports Medicine Australia.
Note: 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 four courses upon entering the Bachelor of Clinical Exercise Science.
Program structure
Introductory courses (8)
COR109 Professional Experience: Individual Learner Needs
HLT140 The Psychology of Learning
LFS100 Literacy and Numeracy Across the Curriculum
LFS112 Secondary Assessment and Reporting
LFS122 Using Data for Learning
PUB104 Secondary Professional Learning: The Professional Empowered and Engaged
SCI110 Communication and Thought
SPX121 Secondary Professional Learning 1: Transitioning into the Profession
Advanced courses (24)
HLT221 Mathematics Foundations
PUB351 Calculus and Algebra
SPX201 Introduction to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education
SPX202 Science Research Methods
SPX203 Applied Systems Modelling
SPX211 Discrete Mathematics
SPX221 Numerical Analysis
SPX222 Advanced Research Methods and Statistics
SPX231 Engaging Diverse Learners
SPX300 Secondary Professional Experience 2 : Managing the Diverse Learning Environment
SPX301 Arts Education: Curriculum A
SPX302 Teaching and Learning in Mathematics: Curriculum A
SPX322 Arts Education: Curriculum B
SPX331 Teaching and Learning in Mathematics: Curriculum B
SPX352 Responding to Diversity and Inclusion
SPX410 Secondary Literacy and Numeracy Across the Curriculum
SPX411 Secondary Assessment and Reporting
SPX412 Secondary Professional Learning 3: Diversity and Inclusion
SPX413 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Perspectives in Learning and Teaching
SPX401A The Psychology of Learning *
SPX401B Using Data for Learning *
SPX401C Secondary Professional Learning 4: The Professional Empowered and Engaged *
SPX401D Communication and Thought *
PLUS select 1 advanced level (200 / 300 coded) elective course from either faculty (Arts, Business and Law or Science, Health, Education and Engineering).
* Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA) requires students to complete 500 hours of supervised practice comprising of a minimum of 140 hours for apparently healthy clients, 140 hours for neuromuscular/musculoskeletal clients and 140 hours for metabolic/cardiopulmonary clients. These hours will be completed as part of SPX300 and SPX401 courses.
Note: Program structures are subject to change. Not all USC courses are available on every USC campus.
Total units: 384
Recommended study sequences
Program requirements and notes
Program requirements
In order to graduate you must:
- Successfully complete 384 units as outlined in the Program Structure
- 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
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 throughout 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
Program notes
- For Sippy Downs students some courses in this program will be taught at the Sunshine Coast Heath Institute
- 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 Study Overseas to undertake courses with an overseas higher education provider. It is advisable to contact your Program Advisor to discuss timing and course issues. 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
- Refer to the Planning your study page to manage your progression
- 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