Start date
February

Duration
4 year(s) full-time

Mode
On-campus

Program Code
IHCP

Prerequisites
None

Assumed Knowledge
None

Fees
AUD$ 44,300 per annum (per 1.0 EFTSL) for students enrolled in 2025

English Language Requirements
  • IELTS total [6.5]
  • IELTS reading [6.5]
  • IELTS writing [6.5]
  • IELTS speaking [6.5]
  • IELTS listening [6.5]
Equivalent English qualifications (PDF)

International Admission by Country
See full entry requirements

CRICOS Code
095008F

Degree overview

  • Use the power of exercise to help manage and improve health outcomes for people with chronic conditions, disability and injuries.
  • Become qualified as an accredited exercise physiologist in just four years, studying South Australia’s first exercise physiology degree fully accredited by Exercise and Sport Science Australia (ESSA).
  • Get hands-on training in our on-campus High Performance Sport Centre, exercise physiology clinics, biomechanics and anatomy laboratories.
  • Engage with more than 500 placement hours at some of the state's best clinical exercise facilities through UniSA's strong industry networks.
  • Take your place at a university ranked in the World Top 50 for sports science.1
  • Study a curriculum informed by well above world-class research in clinical exercise physiology.2
  • UniSA is an unstoppable university for unstoppable people. As one of the World’s Top Young Universities,3 we’ll ensure you get the experience your future profession demands so it’ll feel like you’re studying one minute and in a career the next.

1Ranked #35, 2021 Shanghai Global Ranking of Sport Science Schools and Departments. 2Results in Human Movement and Sports Science - 2018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA). 3Ranked #43, 2024 THE Young University Rankings.

Snapshot

Exercise Physiologist

Use your interest in exercise to help manage chronic conditions, disabilities and injuries, and improve peoples’ quality of life.

Studying the Bachelor of Clinical Exercise Physiology (Honours), you will be eligible to qualify as an accredited exercise physiologist in just four years. Studying a curriculum with key human movement subjects alongside specialised training areas, you’ll become an expert in the human body and how it can be harnessed through the power of exercise and a continuity of care. You'll put your theoretical learning into practice with real-world experience through industry placements across at some of South Australia's best clinical exercise facilities.

Playing a key role in interprofessional health teams, you'll also be exposed to research and learning opportunities in collaboration with other allied health students, including physiotherapy and podiatry, in our on-campus exercise physiology clinics.

Further study opportunities may include a Master of Research (Health Sciences) or a Master of Health Services Management.

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 UniSA’s 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.

What you'll learn

What you Learn

Through a variety of theoretical classes, practical experiences and clinical placements, you'll develop an understanding of how exercise management is 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'll study courses across key topics, such as:

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

You'll 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


A major part of your studies in third and fourth year see you complete an honour’s level professional project. Honour’s projects involve investigating industry-based research questions whereby students work alongside industry to solve real-world issues to advance professional practice.

Degree structure

Course name Area and cat no. Units Reference  
FIRST YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Physiology Essentials 100 BIOL 1051 4.5
Human Anatomy 100 HLTH 1020 4.5
Aboriginal Health: Culture, Community and Country HLTH 1063 4.5
Physical Activity and Health HLTH 1044 4.5
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Motor Development and Ageing HLTH 1065 4.5
Functional Anatomy HLTH 1045 4.5
Societal Issues in Clinical Exercise Physiology HLTH 2029 4.5
Introduction to Evidence Based Practice and Research in Health Sciences HLTH 1049 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 Prescription and Delivery 1 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 and Delivery 2 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
Clinical Exercise Honours Project Design HLTH 3071 4.5
Elective 1 4.5 Rule(s): 9
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Advanced Exercise Assessment and Reasoning 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 4.5 Rule(s): 9
FOURTH YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Musculoskeletal Evaluation and Exercise 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

Study hours

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, as well as to 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.

Assessment

Assessment

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

  • practical tests
  • theory tests
  • quizzes
  • group assignments
  • research proposals
  • essays and assignments
  • examinations.

Global opportunities

Enrich your studies and your life – make overseas study part of your qualification. You may have the option to undertake an exchange, short-term program or study tour overseas while you study. We have links with universities worldwide, as well as a range of travel grants available to make going overseas much more accessible.

You can choose short-term or semester-long study from a range of universities and countries depending on your area of study and cultural interests.

Take a look at the global opportunities available.

Global opportunities

Honours

Over the third and fourth years of your degree, you will complete an honour’s level individual professional project in partnership with an academic researcher or industry professional.

Previous honour’s projects have included:

  • working with the oncology department at the Flinders Medical Centre to develop a clinical framework for patients to access specialist exercise services
  • evaluating participant perspectives of the first SA-based wheelchair football league
  • using 2D motion analysis equipment to evaluate the benefit of underwater therapy on improving joint range of motion
  • developing an online behaviour change program to help people on a waitlist for weight-loss surgery to establish healthy diet and exercise habits
  • investigating prehabilitation options for patients waiting for hip and knee replacement surgery
  • reviewing evidence for isometric exercise in managing hypertension
  • evaluating the use of a new online lifestyle monitoring system developed by a local exercise physiology business
  • developing a new type of exercise program for cardiac rehabilitation at a local medical centre
  • looking at the challenges and opportunities in workplace fitness programs as part of supported work environments for people living with intellectual disabilities
  • investigating blood flow restricted training as an alternative exercise mode for people with respiratory disease

Why Bachelor of Clinical Exercise Physiology (Honours)

Helping Hand Aged Care

This specialist degree equips you with the educational requirements to practice as an accredited exercise physiologist in Australia. Graduating with an honour’s degree will set you apart from the crowd, ensuring you have a competitive edge and are well-placed for a career in industry, research or further postgraduate study.

Engage with hands-on learning on-campus in our dedicated learning spaces. You'll gain practical skills in our exercise physiology clinics, working in collaboration with a range of other allied health students, to provide services to real clients. You'll provide support and laboratory monitoring for people with chronic conditions and exercise therapies for rehabilitation, providing you with valuable learning opportunities to prepare for your career.

Conduct various tests using specialised equipment such as metabolic carts, electrocardiograms, dynamometers and ergometers in our exercise physiology laboratories, exercise physiology clinics and exercise testing learning spaces. The biomechanics laboratory space offers the opportunity for you to use 2D and 3D motion capture to understand how people move. Our UniSA Sport gyms aren't just a place for you to work out – they act as an integrated teaching and resource facility where you can undertake physical activity measurement research.

Throughout your degree, you’ll study a curriculum informed by well above world-class research in clinical exercise physiology.1 UniSA is also home to a number of research centres and groups at the forefront of health research, including the Alliance for Research in Exercise, Nutrition and Activity (ARENA).

1Results in Human Movement and Sports Science - 2018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA).

Real-world connections

You'll benefit from UniSA’s strong industry links when you complete clinical placements across a range of South Australia's best clinical exercise facilities in metro and rural locations. You could complete your placements at places like Adelaide Exercise Physiology, Minda, Novita or Determined2; Adelaide-based hospitals; or at multidisciplinary clinics like iNform Health and Fitness Solutions or NeuroMoves. You may also work with serving and veteran service personnel and first responders in the Invictus Pathways Program, further enhancing your industry networks and relationships.

Through your degree, you’ll complete more than 500 hours of clinical placements, which is an opportunity to develop your industry relationships. Final year students organize and host an annual industry conference which facilitates networking opportunities for all clinical exercise physiology students. The conference features a keynote presentation, opportunities to meet practicing exercise physiologists, and presentation of honour’s projects.

We also host regular University-wide alumni events, employee master classes and employment expos in Australia and overseas.

Clinical Exercise Physiology Careers Snapshot

Hear from UniSA graduate Georgia Perkins and her rewarding career as a Clinical Exercise Physiologist at aged care facility, Helping Hand. With UniSA’s strong ties to industry partners such as Helping Hand, our students graduate career-ready.

UniSA Video

Career outcomes

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. You can work individually, under supervision of a physician, or as part of an interdisciplinary team in clinical, community, or public health settings.

Exercise physiologists have a strong interest in the science of exercise and physical activity. You'll be interested in treating and managing injuries and illnesses with exercise. Strong communication skills, including the ability to interact with people of all ages and backgrounds as well as other health professionals, are essential.

As an exercise physiologist, you may work in a variety of settings in metropolitan, regional and rural locations, including:

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

This degree 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. 

Professional accreditation and recognition

This program is accredited by Exercise and Sport Science Australia (ESSA). Graduates satisfy the academic requirements and are eligible to apply for registration as an Accredited Exercise Scientist through ESSA. Requirements for registration as determined by ESSA are available on their website.

Industry facts

job-listings

Employment for nutrition professionals in Australia is projected to increase by 7.2% by November 2026.

Australian Government National Skills Commission Employment Projections 2021

chart-people

To November 2026, healthcare and social assistance is projected to make the largest contribution to employment growth in Australia – an increase of 301,000 jobs.

Australian Government National Skills Commission Employment Projections 2021

column-chart-growth

Healthcare and social assistance has been the primary provider of new jobs in the Australian labour market since the 1990s.

Australian Government National Skills Commission Employment Projections 2021

How to apply

How to apply for international students will give you helpful information about the application process at the University of South Australia. When you are ready, apply through our International Application System. If you would like to talk to someone near you about studying at the University of South Australia, we have agents all over the world who can assist you. Find an Education Agent in your country.

Alternative Pathways

Australian
There are other pathways you can follow to study this degree: 

International

There are other pathways you can follow to study this degree: 

Scholarships

Every year, over 2,500 UniSA students are supported in their studies through scholarships and grants worth millions of dollars. Check out the scholarships below. One of them may be perfect for you. Visit our scholarships page for more.

More scholarships

Your study experience and support

As a UniSA student, you will have unique access to work placement opportunities, overseas study tours and exchanges, networking events, internships, guest speakers and more.

Our campuses are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops and laboratories, as well as spaces that simulate real work environments. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform. We have health services on campus, gymnasiums, technology zones and great student lounges. You will also gain access to a range of community clinics, which provide professional and cost effective services in areas of health, business, law and psychology. 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 lots more.

Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit different requirements and budgets. Options include dedicated student accommodation and private rentals. See our long-term accommodation pages, or explore our student accommodation by Scape on Bank Street in Adelaide’s lively cultural precinct, an ideal 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.

Student services

Student services

Our international student services provide you with all the support you need at university. We want you to succeed, and if you need help, we're here to assist. You can access a full range of support services, including:

  • career advice and mentoring
  • help with student visas and health cover
  • personal counselling
  • academic counselling
  • fees and finance help
  • common rooms
  • prayer rooms
  • security officers
  • accommodation services 
  • as well as services offered through our student association, USASA.

We also offer study support from our Learning Advisers face-to-face or online. They are here to help you develop academically and professionally during your studies, and can offer help with the English language too. When you become a UniSA student, you can also contact Campus Central for help with anything related to your degree. They will help you with your enrolment, ID cards, fees, timetables and more.

24/7 digital environment

Our learnonline facilities include a personal learning environment with virtual classrooms, lecture recordings, emails, learning support, administration, library access and results. The environment is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so you can tailor your learning to your life. We are continually investing in innovative digital technologies for a high-quality student learning experience.

Student services

Your campus

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

Location This degree is delivered at the following campus.

Your study spaces

Undertaking a Vo2 Max Test

As a clinical exercise physiology student you'll have access to:

From 2025, students in our Human Movement, Exercise and Sport Science and Clinical Exercise Physiology programs will benefit from an integrated practical learning experience with the South Australian Sports Institute (SASI). You can study alongside elite athletes and leading industry experts, and learn how to use the latest equipment and sport science technology in new, purpose-built facilities.


You’ll also have access to a range of interesting on-campus spaces including modern lecture theatres, collaborative teaching rooms and relaxed student lounges.

Your program director

I am an accredited Clinical Exercise Physiologist with experience working in a community based and university health practices – I have a passion for exercise physiology and how this can positively influence human function and health.

Dr Danielle Girard

Program Director

Enquire
Portrait image for Dr Danielle Girard
Portrait image for Dr Danielle Girard

Dr Danielle Girard

Program Director

Enquire

Ask UniSA

  • How do I apply? minus-thick plus-thick

    There are a number of ways to apply to study UniSA's undergraduate and postgraduate coursework degrees.

    You can access our online International Application System through our How to Apply page. The International Application System is an easy and secure online application and acceptance process. You will have visibility of your application through the secure online portal with the ability to download offer documents, submit your acceptance and make a payment.

    Alternatively you can submit an application through one of the University's registered Education Agents.

    If you are completing an Australian year 12 qualification in Australia or overseas, or the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme in Australia, you must apply through SATAC http://www.satac.edu.au/.

    If you are applying for the UniSA Study Abroad or Study Abroad Plus program, you can submit your application online here.

    Postgraduate study by research
    For information on applying to do postgraduate study by research, including Masters by Research, PhDs or Doctorates, please visit http://unisa.edu.au/resdegrees.

  • Is there a closing date for applications? minus-thick plus-thick

    There is no closing date for submitting your application however the admissions process takes between one and three weeks from the date that we receive your application and all required supporting documentation.

    If you are completing an Australian year 12 qualification in Australia or overseas, or the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme in Australia, you must apply through SATAC. Key dates for applications can be found here.

  • What credit can I receive for previous studies? minus-thick plus-thick

    You may be eligible to receive credit or advanced standing for your chosen UniSA degree based on your previous studies, if they are in a related area at an equivalent or higher level. Receiving credit will reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and may also reduce the overall duration of your degree.

    The amount of credit you may be eligible to receive is assessed on a case-by-case basis by the Admissions team.

    The best way to determine your eligibility to receive credit or advanced standing is to apply using our International Application System which can be found on our How to Apply page. You will need to supply detailed syllabus documents with your application.

  • Can I speak to someone regarding my study options? minus-thick plus-thick

    UniSA welcomes the opportunity to speak with you regarding your study options. Our staff are able to talk to you about degree information, career outcomes and pathways, entry requirements, applications, and student life, so that you are able to make the best study decision for your future.

    Click here to book a 1:1 appointment with one of our enquiries team.

    We also have many events throughout the year in Australia and overseas where you can speak with UniSA representatives about your area of interest. View our calendar of events in your home country by selecting the 'International' filter.

More FAQs

What others are saying

I enjoyed Biology and PE in high school and chose this degree because it involved both the sports and clinical side of science. As part of my studies, I get the opportunity to run exercise classes, develop exercise programs and talk to different clients. 

Erin Coutts

Bachelor of Clinical Exercise Physiology

Erin Coutts

Erin Coutts

Bachelor of Clinical Exercise Physiology

I always had an interest in health and exercise so this degree was perfect for me. I get to improve the health of others through exercise whilst sharing my passion with them – it’s very rewarding.

Georgia Perkins

Bachelor of Clinical Exercise Physiology
Accredited Exercise Physiologist | Helping Hand

IMG_8395.jpg

Georgia Perkins

Bachelor of Clinical Exercise Physiology
Accredited Exercise Physiologist | Helping Hand

I chose to study a Bachelor of Clinical Exercise Physiology because my family is affected by obesity, type 2 diabetes, hypertension and heart disease. As a Muay Thai Boxing champion I am aware of how important exercise is to maintaining good health. Following graduation I hope to use my knowledge to influence positive health outcomes within the community and tackle the world’s obesity crisis.

Suliana Shahrin

Bachelor of Clinical Exercise Physiology

Suliana Shahrin.jpg

Suliana Shahrin

Bachelor of Clinical Exercise Physiology