Why Bachelor of Clinical Exercise Physiology (Honours)?
Improve quality of life for people managing chronic health conditions. Clinical exercise physiologists understand how movement – at the right time and intensity – can be its own kind of medicine. Experts on the human body, they design personalised programs to help people with varying health issues and treatment goals achieve an improved quality of life. As patient-centred approaches to care continue to become the norm, clinical exercise physiologists are a central part of a person’s healthcare team. Working alongside doctors, medical specialists, dietitians and more to improve outcomes for their patients. Step into a life-changing career where every day is different.
Overview
Use your passion for exercise to enhance quality of life for people managing chronic conditions, disabilities and injuries in our Bachelor of Clinical Exercise Physiology (Honours).
Through a blend of theory, practical experiences and clinical placements you’ll discover how clinical exercise management can be used to prevent disease onset and treat a range of diverse health conditions.
Explore the major systems of the human body – including skeletal, muscular, nervous, endocrine, cardiovascular and respiratory systems – and how the function and structure of these change over time and with chronic health conditions.
Examine the role proper nutrition plays in enhancing client outcomes. Learn how to apply human movement and biomechanical principles to understand client performance and prevent injury. Gain experience in using a variety of clinical tools to assess client function, strength, cardiovascular and respiratory fitness.
But it’s not all theory – you’ll put your learning into practice in real-world settings. Complete up to 500 hours of clinical placements in some of South Australia’s best clinical exercise facilities and work with clients in one of our three, on-campus exercise physiology clinics.
Key features
Understand how exercise can be used to help manage and improve health outcomes for a wide range of clients. - Study key exercise science subjects and take electives in areas of interest.
- Learn how to conduct tests with specialised equipment including metabolic carts, electrocardiogram machines, dynamometers and ergometers.
- Get hands-on training in our High Performance Sport Centre, biomechanics and anatomy laboratories.
- Complete more than 500 hours of clinical placements in some of the state’s best clinical exercise facilities.
- Gain additional experience working with clients in our three community-based exercise physiology clinics.
What you'll learn
Taught over four years, our Bachelor of Clinical Exercise Physiology (Honours) provides you with a solid foundation in human anatomy and physiology, biomechanics, motor learning and control, exercise and sport psychology, exercise programming and nutrition.
Core courses will cover topics such as:
- Aboriginal Health: Culture, Community and Country
- Advanced Exercise Assessment and Reasoning
- Biomechanics of Human Movement
- Clinical Basis of Chronic Disease Management
- Functional Anatomy
- Human Nutrition
- Motor Control and Learning
- Motor Development and Ageing
- Musculoskeletal Evaluation and Exercise Rehabilitation
- Pain Mechanisms and Management
- Physical Activity and Health
- Societal Issues in Clinical Exercise Physiology.
You will also complete specialised training topics in areas such as pathophysiology, clinical exercise assessment, prescription and delivery, occupational rehabilitation, and lifestyle modification strategies including behavioural change and motivational interviewing.
In your final year, you’ll complete either an honours project or thesis. Working under the guidance of a team of professional mentors you will design, implement and report on a professional project of significance to the clinical exercise physiology field.
Across the degree, you’ll complete 500 hours of clinical placements – 140 hours in third year and 360 hours in fourth year. Under the supervision of professionally accredited and experienced clinical exercise physiologists, you’ll gain valuable experience working with real clients in clinical settings.
You’ll graduate with the qualifications necessary to register and practice as an accredited exercise physiologist and exercise scientist in Australia.
What courses you'll study
Complete 192 units comprising:
- 162 units from Core courses, and
- 18 units for all Work integrated learning, and
- 12 units for Electives
Complete exactly 162 units from the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Course name
Clinical Studies for Exercise Physiology
|
Course code
HLTH4002
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Musculoskeletal Evaluation and Exercise Rehabilitation
|
Course code
PSIO4002
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Health Science Honours Thesis
|
Course code
REHB4005
|
Units
12
|
|
|
Course name
Health Science Honours Project
|
Course code
REHB4009
|
Units
12
|
|
|
Course name
Functional Anatomy
|
Course code
HLTH1051
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Exercise Prescription and Delivery 1
|
Course code
EDUC3050
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Human Nutrition
|
Course code
NUTR2004
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Motor Control and Learning
|
Course code
HBIO2061
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Biomechanics of Human Movement
|
Course code
HUMV2002
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Exercise Prescription and Delivery 2
|
Course code
EDUC3051
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Advanced Exercise Assessment and Reasoning
|
Course code
HLTH1056
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Human Anatomy 100
|
Course code
BIOL1006
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Physiology Essentials 100
|
Course code
BIOL1020
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Exercise Physiology 1
|
Course code
HBIO1000
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Physical Activity and Health
|
Course code
HLTH1003
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Introduction to Evidence Based Practice and Research in Health Sciences
|
Course code
HLTH1016
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Aboriginal Health: Culture, Community and Country
|
Course code
HLTH1017
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Motor Development and Ageing
|
Course code
HUMV1001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Exercise Physiology 2
|
Course code
HBIO2059
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Societal Issues in Clinical Exercise Physiology
|
Course code
HLTH2007
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Health, Exercise and Sport Psychology
|
Course code
HLTH3005
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Practice Education in Exercise Delivery
|
Course code
HLTH3007
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Clinical Exercise Honours Project Design
|
Course code
HLTH3016
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Pain Mechanisms and Management
|
Course code
REHB3010
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Clinical Basis of Chronic Disease Management
|
Course code
HLTH4000
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Clinical Exercise Physiology
|
Course code
HLTH4001
|
Units
12
|
Notes
1. To undertake field/clinical placements students are required to have current criminal history and screening checks. These checks will list disclosable court outcomes that may prevent field / clinical placement involvement and subsequently may prevent completion of the program.
2. Students will be required to satisfy the standard of dress, behaviour and fitness prescribed by institutions in which the professional or clinical placements are undertaken. Failure to satisfy such requirements may prevent them satisfying the requirements for the completion of the program.
3. Students are required to have a current 'Provide First Aid' Certificate (or equivalent) prior to the commencement of their first placement. Students will need to cover costs associated with this certification.
4. Students will be required to undertake Child Safe Environments training before commencing their first placement. Students will need to cover costs associated with this training.
5. The program requires participation in practical classes where manual skills are practiced. Essential learning activities in some classes may require that students partially remove their clothing to a level that is appropriate to the learning activity. Students may also be asked to act as subjects for their peer group members. If a student is unable to meet these requirements they may be at risk of being unable to successfully complete course objectives and assessments and progress through the program.
6. Participation is required in practical classes and clinical placements where students are required to physically handle people including lifting and supporting people with disabilities.
7. Students will be required to undergo pre-exercise screening prior to commencing the degree to ensure safe readiness to participate in physical activity or exercise related learning activities.
8. Students must meet the vaccination requirements for health professionals prior to commencing the program. Failure to meet vaccination requirements will limit placement opportunities.
9. Students are strongly encouraged to study full-time. Students seeking part-time study must discuss this with the Program Director prior to enrolment. Part-time students are normally expected to complete the program in eight years.
1. Year 4 of the program commences early in the First Semester. The total load for the year is 24 units, however REHB4009 - Health Science Honours Project and REHB4005 - Health Science Honours Thesis are completed throughout the year, thus balancing student workload.
Complete 18 units for ALL of the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Clinical Exercise Physiology Practicum 1
|
Course code
PSIO4903
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Clinical Exercise Physiology Practicum 2
|
Course code
PSIO4904
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Clinical Exercise Physiology Practicum 3
|
Course code
REHB4900
|
Units
6
|
Notes
1. To undertake field/clinical placements students are required to have current criminal history and screening checks. These checks will list disclosable court outcomes that may prevent field / clinical placement involvement and subsequently may prevent completion of the program.
2. Students will be required to satisfy the standard of dress, behaviour and fitness prescribed by institutions in which the professional or clinical placements are undertaken. Failure to satisfy such requirements may prevent them satisfying the requirements for the completion of the program.
3. Students are required to have a current 'Provide First Aid' Certificate (or equivalent) prior to the commencement of their first placement. Students will need to cover costs associated with this certification.
4. Students will be required to undertake Child Safe Environments training before commencing their first placement. Students will need to cover costs associated with this training.
5. The program requires participation in practical classes where manual skills are practiced. Essential learning activities in some classes may require that students partially remove their clothing to a level that is appropriate to the learning activity. Students may also be asked to act as subjects for their peer group members. If a student is unable to meet these requirements they may be at risk of being unable to successfully complete course objectives and assessments and progress through the program.
6. Participation is required in practical classes and clinical placements where students are required to physically handle people including lifting and supporting people with disabilities.
7. Students will be required to undergo pre-exercise screening prior to commencing the degree to ensure safe readiness to participate in physical activity or exercise related learning activities.
8. Students must meet the vaccination requirements for health professionals prior to commencing the program. Failure to meet vaccination requirements will limit placement opportunities.
9. Students are strongly encouraged to study full-time. Students seeking part-time study must discuss this with the Program Director prior to enrolment. Part-time students are normally expected to complete the program in eight years.
1. Students may be required to undergo a medical examination before commencing clinical placements as determined by the relevant hospital or placement authorities.
2. Students are advised that they may be required to spend time in a placement outside Adelaide in a country or interstate location.
3. Students may be required to undertake placement outside normal university teaching weeks and outside of normal business hours.
4. Students are advised that a current South Australian driver's license may be required by some field practice agencies and a driver's license is considered an advantage for field practice opportunities.
5. Students who do not maintain continuous enrolment in this program after commencing work integrated learning placements, or are returning from a period of absence of more than 12 months will be required to undertake a competency assessment and/or recency training at an upfront cost, in addition to the program tuition fees. This is to ensure students have maintained competency in the required skills to protect the safety of the public during work integrated learning arrangements.
Complete 12 units for either of the following:
- 0 to 6 units from University-wide electives, or
- 6 to 12 units from Program electives
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Human Anatomy 101
|
Course code
HLTH1008
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Human Anatomy 200
|
Course code
BIOL2018
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Small Business for Professionals
|
Course code
BUSI2013
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Nutrition, Exercise and Weight Management
|
Course code
HLTH3003
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Sports Nutrition
|
Course code
HLTH3004
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Anthropometry and Body Image
|
Course code
HLTH3006
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Sports Biomechanics
|
Course code
HUMV3000
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Human Movement Neuroscience
|
Course code
HUMV3001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Applied Exercise Physiology
|
Course code
PSIO3003
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Performance Analysis and Player Monitoring
|
Course code
SOCI3003
|
Units
6
|
Notes
1. To undertake field/clinical placements students are required to have current criminal history and screening checks. These checks will list disclosable court outcomes that may prevent field / clinical placement involvement and subsequently may prevent completion of the program.
2. Students will be required to satisfy the standard of dress, behaviour and fitness prescribed by institutions in which the professional or clinical placements are undertaken. Failure to satisfy such requirements may prevent them satisfying the requirements for the completion of the program.
3. Students are required to have a current 'Provide First Aid' Certificate (or equivalent) prior to the commencement of their first placement. Students will need to cover costs associated with this certification.
4. Students will be required to undertake Child Safe Environments training before commencing their first placement. Students will need to cover costs associated with this training.
5. The program requires participation in practical classes where manual skills are practiced. Essential learning activities in some classes may require that students partially remove their clothing to a level that is appropriate to the learning activity. Students may also be asked to act as subjects for their peer group members. If a student is unable to meet these requirements they may be at risk of being unable to successfully complete course objectives and assessments and progress through the program.
6. Participation is required in practical classes and clinical placements where students are required to physically handle people including lifting and supporting people with disabilities.
7. Students will be required to undergo pre-exercise screening prior to commencing the degree to ensure safe readiness to participate in physical activity or exercise related learning activities.
8. Students must meet the vaccination requirements for health professionals prior to commencing the program. Failure to meet vaccination requirements will limit placement opportunities.
9. Students are strongly encouraged to study full-time. Students seeking part-time study must discuss this with the Program Director prior to enrolment. Part-time students are normally expected to complete the program in eight years.
Program electives - 1. At least one elective must be chosen from the Program's elective list, unless otherwise approved by the Program Director.
Career outcomes
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. As a clinical exercise physiologist, you could work individually, under supervision of a physician, or as part of an interdisciplinary team in clinical, community, or public health settings.
You might be based in a private physical therapy clinic, guiding clients with injuries through physical exercises to aid their recovery. Maybe you’ll work as part of an interprofessional team in a community-based heart health clinic, helping patients integrate consistent exercise as part of their management plan. Perhaps you’ll find yourself working in an in-patient rehabilitation ward, developing personalised exercise programs for a wide range of clients hoping to regain mobility and the ability to live independently.
Industry trends
The healthcare and social assistance sector is the single largest employing industry in Australia. Notably, the number of allied health roles has increased by over 65% in the last three years alone and this trend is only expected to continue as Australia’s population changes (AIHW, 2023). Within the booming allied health sector, physiology is one of the top three fastest growing fields. Clinical exercise physiologists are currently projected to experience the most growth of all allied health professions in Australia (LinkedIn Jobs on the Rise, 2023).
Additional trends driving up demand for clinical exercise physiologists are Australia’s ageing population and the increase of people living with chronic health conditions. By 2066, older Australians will make up over 20% of the total population (AIHW, 2024). As we age, our demand and reliance on several healthcare services also increases. Maintaining independence and functional strength so we can live a strong life well into our elderly years is a key goal for many. Clinical exercise physiologists will be in-demand by this demographic, for their expertise in designing personalised exercise programs to help ageing clients maintain functional strength, mobility and manage symptoms and pain associated with chronic conditions.
Accreditation
Adelaide University is working through relevant approvals for program accreditation ahead of students commencing in 2026.
Ready to apply?
Please note that a non-refundable application fee of AUD$150 applies for every application submitted to Adelaide University.
Your study experience and support
Adelaide University sets you up for success in your studies – and your social life. You’ll have access to work placement and internship opportunities, overseas study tours and exchanges, networking events with guest speakers and more. Our campuses are equipped with purpose-built facilities including lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, and spaces that simulate real work environments. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform with personalised study information and resources.
You’ll have everything you need to live well and thrive during your studies, with health services on campus, gymnasiums, technology zones and modern student lounges. Get involved in campus sport or join our student clubs that will connect you to your passions – and the people who share them.
Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit your individual requirements and budget, with options ranging from dedicated student accommodation to private rentals. One of the world’s most liveable cities, Adelaide has lots of leafy parks, gardens and social hubs – and some of the highest living standards globally. No matter where you are in Adelaide, you’re only a short distance from beaches, vineyards, museums, art galleries, restaurants, bars and parklands. Visit the accommodation web page to find out more.
Student services
We’re here to support you on your student journey. Adelaide University offers a range of support services and facilities, including:
- Career advice and mentoring services
- Personal counselling
- LGBTQIA+ support
- Academic support
- Fees and finance help
- Security services
- Accommodation services
- Common rooms
- Prayer rooms.
You’ll also have unlimited access to our dedicated student support hub. Visit in-person or online, or contact our friendly team by phone. We can assist you with anything study-related including enrolment, identification cards, timetables, fees and more.
Your campus
You'll be studying at one of our renowned campuses, accessing cutting-edge facilities and contemporary study spaces.
Study hours
Your courses will require a combination of different learning formats, including lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Aside from your classes, you’ll also need to allocate additional time for independent study. This may include assignments, readings, projects and contributing to online discussion forums. As a rough guide, full-time studies may require 12-26 hours of class time and 14-18 hours of independent study per week.
Assessment
During your studies at Adelaide University, you’ll complete a mixture of practical, professional and research-based learning. Your assessment types will vary depending on the degree you’re studying, but may include:
- Case studies
- Essays and assignments
- Examinations
- Group projects
- Internships and placements
- Practicals
- Presentations
- Reports and project documentations
- Research projects
- Workplace and classroom contributions.
