Bachelor of Clinical Exercise Physiology

The Bachelor of Clinical Exercise Physiology at the University of the Sunshine Coast is a four-year degree that trains you to prescribe exercise as medicine. You learn how the body responds to physical activity, how to test and measure fitness and function, and how to design exercise programs for people with chronic conditions, injuries and disability. It is a clinical degree, not a general sport science one. You will study anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, exercise prescription and behaviour change, then apply that knowledge in supervised clinics.

The degree is structured across standard semesters, with each unit carrying a set number of credit points. You complete core units in the health sciences before moving into clinical exercise physiology subjects. A major component is work-integrated learning: you complete clinical placement hours in settings such as hospitals, private practices, cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation clinics, and community health organisations. The degree meets the requirements for accreditation as an exercise physiologist in Australia, which is what lets you register and work in the field. You should confirm the current accreditation status and placement requirements on the official University of the Sunshine Coast page.

As an international student, you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight while your course is in session. After you graduate, you may be eligible for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-study work stream, which gives you time to gain Australian work experience. English proficiency is required for admission, typically IELTS Academic 6.0–6.5 overall for this kind of degree, with TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, Cambridge C1 Advanced and the university's own English programs accepted as equivalents. The Department of Home Affairs also sets a separate English threshold for the Student visa itself, so check both. Tuition is published on the CRICOS register under course code 098401F.

This degree suits people who want to work directly with patients, not just in a gym. You will spend time in clinics, talking to people about their health, running exercise tests, and adjusting programs as their condition changes. If you are comfortable with science, like working with people one-on-one, and want a health career with clear registration and job pathways, this is a strong fit. Check the official page for current entry requirements, placement details and credit arrangements.

• Accredited Exercise Physiologist in private practice, hospitals or community health centres
• Cardiac or pulmonary rehabilitation specialist in hospital and clinic programs
• Exercise physiologist in workers compensation and injury management for insurers and rehabilitation providers
• Chronic disease management roles in diabetes, obesity, mental health and musculoskeletal programs
• Sports and performance roles with professional teams, institutes of sport and athlete support services
• Aged care and disability exercise roles in residential care, home care and NDIS-funded services
• Occupational health and workplace wellbeing positions in large employers and safety consultancies

Australian employers in these areas include public and private hospitals, Medicare-funded allied health practices, rehabilitation providers, aged care groups, sporting organisations and government health services.