Bachelor of Clinical Exercise Physiology (Honours)

University of South Australia

About

This industry-relevant, practical degree will provide you with an in-depth understanding of how to use exercise management to prevent disease onset and treat a range of cardiovascular, respiratory, metabolic, neurologic and musculoskeletal conditions, as well as cancer and mental health.

Practical experience will be further highlighted when you complete real-world clinical placements.

These industry-based placements are not only a practical way for you to apply what you have learnt during your studies but are also a great way to build industry networks and relationships.

A major part of your studies in third and fourth year will involve completing an honours level professional project related to clinical exercise physiology in partnership with an academic researcher or industry professional.

You will also be exposed to research and learning opportunities in our on-campus and community Allied Health and dedicated Exercise Physiology Clinics.

What you'll need Students who undertake activities where interaction with patients/the public is required for their degree, such as field or clinical placements/visits and in University clinics and gyms, must demonstrate they meet mandatory pre-placement conditional requirements.

These include criminal history clearance, a Working with Children Check and immunisation requirements.

Please visit the Clinical Placement Unit for information on key requirements, and to access the full student checklists.

Structure

Course name Area and cat no Units Reference Rules
FIRST YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Physiology Essentials 100 BIOL 1051 4.5
Human Anatomy 100 HLTH 1020 4.5
Foundations of Health HLTH 1029 4.5
Foundations of Physical Activity and Health HLTH 1044 4.5
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Lifespan Growth and Motor Development HLTH 1043 4.5
Functional Anatomy HLTH 1045 4.5
Societal Issues in Clinical Exercise Physiology HLTH 2029 4.5
Research Methods and Statistics MATH 1071 4.5
SECOND YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Motor Control and Learning HLTH 2026 4.5
Exercise Physiology 1 HLTH 2006 4.5
Human Nutrition HLTH 2001 4.5
Exercise Delivery HLTH 2027 4.5
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Biomechanics of Human Movement HLTH 2025 4.5
Exercise Physiology 2 HLTH 2005 4.5
Health, Exercise and Sport Psychology HLTH 3014 4.5
Exercise Prescription HLTH 3011 4.5
THIRD YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Practice Education in Exercise Delivery HLTH 3047 4.5
Pain Mechanisms and Management REHB 3066 4.5
Applied Exercise and Sport Science (Honours) HLTH 3071 4.5
Elective 1 4.5 Rule(s): 9
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Clinical Exercise Assessment HLTH 3056 4.5
Clinical Basis of Chronic Disease Management HLTH 4010 4.5
Clinical Studies for Exercise Physiology HLTH 4015 4.5
Elective 2 Rule(s): 9
FOURTH YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Exercise Physiology Studies for Workplace Evaluation and Rehabilitation HLTH 4016 4.5 Note(s): 5
Clinical Exercise Physiology HLTH 4011 9
Health Science Honours Project REHB 4052 9
OR
Health Science Honours Thesis REHB 4012 9
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Clinical Exercise Physiology Practicum 1 HLTH 4012 4.5
Clinical Exercise Physiology Practicum 2 HLTH 4013 4.5
Clinical Exercise Physiology Practicum 3 HLTH 4014 4.5

Entry requirements

Entry requirements

Admission criteria

The admission criteria have been grouped to assist you to easily find the information most relevant to your circumstances. However, you may fit into more than one and the university will consider applicants against each of the relevant criteria.

Certain conditions apply. For more information refer to Appendix 4 of the University's Selection and Entry policy.

Applicants are required to meet one of the following criteria with a competitive result, and demonstrate that they fulfil any prerequisite requirements and essential requirements for admission:

Recent secondary education Meet any prerequisite requirements with a minimum grade of C- or equivalent AND

  • Qualify for the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE), and achieved a competitive Selection Rank (ATAR), or
  • Complete secondary qualifications equivalent to SACE, or
  • Complete the International Baccalaureate Diploma with a minimum score of 24 points

Applicants who have not achieved the Selection Rank required for automatic selection may be selected for any remaining places based on the grades of their year 12 subjects.

Recent secondary education ATAR profile
Recent secondary education ATAR profile

OR Higher education study

  • Complete or partly complete a recognised higher education program at a recognised higher education institution, or
  • Complete at least four Open Universities Australia (OUA) courses at undergraduate level or above

OR Vocational Education and Training (VET)

  • Complete an award from a registered training organisation at Advanced Diploma level or above

OR Work and life experience

  • Qualify for Special Entry, or
  • Complete a UniSA Foundation Studies program or equivalent, or
  • Hold completed secondary qualifications equivalent to SACE obtained more than 2 years in the past

Essential requirements for admission

Prerequisites

Assumed Knowledge

Deferment

This degree is available for deferment. This option is made available by responding to your offer during the application process via the SATAC website. Applicants who receive an offer into a midyear degree are eligible to defer for six months.

Learning outcomes

Students who undertake activities where interaction with patients/the public is required for their degree, such as field or clinical placements/visits and in University clinics and gyms, must demonstrate they meet mandatory pre-placement conditional requirements. These include criminal history clearance, a Working with Children Check and immunisation requirements. Please visit the Clinical Placement Unit for information on key requirements, and to access the full student checklists.

Through a variety of theoretical classes, practical experiences and clinical placements you will develop an understanding of how exercise management can be used to prevent disease onset and to treat a range of diverse health conditions. These include cardiovascular, respiratory, metabolic, neurological and musculoskeletal conditions, as well as cancer and mental health.

You will study a number of core courses that cover topics such as:

  • anatomy and physiology
  • biomechanics
  • motor learning and control
  • exercise and sport psychology
  • exercise programming and nutrition.

You will also complete specialised training in areas such as:

  • pathophysiology
  • clinical exercise assessment, prescription and delivery
  • occupational rehabilitation
  • lifestyle modification strategies such as behavioural change and motivational interviewing.

For each course you study, you will need to allocate time for various classes such as lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Plus you will need additional hours to study in your own time to complete assignments, readings and projects and contribute to online discussion forums (independent study). So as a general rule, if you are studying full-time you would need to allocate 12 – 26 hours of study when at university and 14 – 28 hours of independent study per week.

Your studies will incorporate practical, professionally focused and research-based learning, so assessment types will vary. You can expect them to include:

You will benefit from our strong industry links when you complete clinical placements across a range of South Australia's best clinical exercise facilities in metropolitan and rural locations, including Goodlife Health Clubs, Adelaide Exercise Physiology, SA Aquatic and Leisure Centre, Adelaide based hospitals, as well as multidisciplinary clinics such as iNform Health and Fitness Solutions.

You will complete more than 600 hours of clinical placements, where you will be given opportunities to develop industry relationships that will become part of your future business network.

Final year students host an annual industry conference to facilitate networking opportunities for all clinical exercise physiology students. We also host regular University-wide employee master classes and employment expos, and in Australia and overseas.

Your career

As recognised allied health professionals, Accredited Exercise Physiologists are qualified in clinical exercise prescription and the delivery of exercise-based lifestyle and behaviour modification programs to prevent and treat injury and disease.

Career prospects for exercise physiologists are expected to grow nationally due to our ageing population and an increased awareness regarding the benefits of exercise for a range of health conditions.

As an Accredited Exercise Physiologist, you may work in a variety of settings, including:

  • hospitals
  • general practices
  • private clinics
  • health and fitness facilities
  • workplace and population health services
  • exercise, sports and biomedical science research.

This could also lead you to work in areas such as workplace health and wellness, aged care, primary care and high performance.

Where can my interest in health take me?

View our guide on Active Careers for more information.

Applying to study with us:

  • go to the top of this page and make note of the SATAC code, then click Apply
  • you will be redirected through to the SATAC website to continue your application
Preferred Pathways
Option 1: Direct Entry Option 2: Undergraduate Pathway Apply for your preferred degree directly via SATAC Choose one of the following degrees and complete a year of full-time or equivalent part-time study; then apply for your preferred degree via SATAC using your competitive Grade Point Average (GPA). Bachelor of Clinical Exercise Physiology (Honours) Bachelor of Human Movement OR Bachelor of Health Science (Public Health) OR Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science

Please note that all pathways are competitive and no guaranteed due to limited places. A competitive Grade Point Average (GPA) and other entry criteria (including prerequisites) apply. For more information, visit unisa.edu.au/study or contact our Future Student Enquiries Team at unisa.edu.au/enquire or on (08) 8302 2376.

Our campuses have fantastic facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, and areas that simulate real work environments. But you’ll also discover that your journey at UniSA is about social experiences, healthy living and getting involved. You’ll find student sports and fitness facilities, community clinics, tech zones and chill-out spaces. There are campus sport activities to keep you active, and if you are keen to explore the social side of university life, there are movies, cooking demonstrations, parties and loads more.

Adelaide has a variety of accommodation options to suit different requirements and budgets. Options include dedicated student accommodation or private rentals. See our long-term accommodation pages for plenty of options. If you need somewhere to live, our new student accommodation by urbanest is on Bank Street in Adelaide’s lively cultural precinct, an ideal perfect location for students. It is within easy reach of UniSA’s city and metropolitan campuses, Rundle Mall shopping, the Central Market, Chinatown, and the West End’s vibrant nightlife. It is also across the road from the Adelaide train station, and on bus and tram routes.

Our student support services will make your life at university easier. We want you to be successful, and if you need help, we're here to assist. We provide a full range of support services, including:

  • academic counselling
  • personal counselling
  • social support services, including family support and nearby childcare

We have six campuses in metropolitan and regional areas, each with advanced facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, laboratories, and areas that simulate real work environments.

As a clinical exercise physiology student you will have access to:

  • Exercise Physiology Clinic
  • High Performance Sport Centre
  • Exercise physiology laboratories
  • Biomechanics laboratory
  • UniSA Sport Gyms and facilities
  • Anatomy laboratories
  • Physiology laboratories
  • Exercise conditioning laboratory
  • Human performance and resistance training laboratory

Institution