Master of Clinical Exercise Physiology

Program Overview

The Master of Clinical Exercise Physiology equips students with the knowledge and skills to deliver exercise interventions for individuals with chronic diseases and injuries. The program includes extensive clinical placements and prepares graduates for accreditation as Accredited Exercise Physiologists, enabling them to work in various healthcare settings, including rehabilitation clinics, corporate environments, and government agencies.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Master of Clinical Exercise Physiology is a postgraduate degree designed to equip students with the extensive knowledge, skills, and experience required to deliver clinical exercise interventions for individuals with chronic diseases and injuries.

Objectives:

The program aims to:

• Provide a holistic understanding of the use of exercise as a modality in the treatment of musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, metabolic, and other chronic and complex conditions.
• Develop knowledge and skills in preparation for work in the allied health industry.
• Equip graduates with the skills to prescribe tailored exercise programs, promote leisure-time and incidental activity, and counsel individuals to reduce sedentary behaviors.
• Prepare graduates to be eligible for accreditation status with Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA).

Teaching:

• The program involves a high level of engagement with Accredited Exercise Physiologists (AEPs) and other industry professionals.
• A significant component of learning takes place in a clinical setting.
• Students are provided with a minimum of 400 hours of clinical placements and training across various domains, including public and private hospitals, private and multidisciplinary clinics, government and not-for-profit organizations, workplace health and rehabilitation, aged care facilities, fitness centers, gymnasiums, and sports organizations.

Careers:

• Graduates are prepared for work in various settings, including clinical practice, corporate environments, and government agencies.
• Potential career paths include:
• Rehabilitation practitioner within the private sector or hospital clinics.
• Company in-house rehabilitation specialist or injury management coordinator.
• Case manager at the Insurance Commission.

Other:

• The program is accredited by Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA).
• Students who meet certain criteria can apply to complete a 24-point dissertation in addition to the coursework components.
• The course comprises 12 core units, which address the major knowledge and skill components for this allied health profession, as well as opportunities for mentoring and knowledge application within a series of clinical placements.
• Domestic students may be eligible for a Commonwealth supported place within this course.
Eligible students can receive Youth Allowance, Austudy, or Pensioner Education Supplement.
• The program can be undertaken full-time or part-time.
• The program is available for intake in Semester 1 and Semester 2.
• The program is supported by Work Integrated Learning partners who are at the forefront of the Accredited Exercise Physiology field.
• The program is linked with the School of Human Sciences, providing clinical training to postgraduate students undertaking the Master of Clinical Exercise Physiology.
• The UWA Exercise and Performance Centre (EPC) provides individual and group exercise services to improve health, function, and physical performance.
• The EPC is linked with the School of Human Sciences, providing clinical training to postgraduate students undertaking the Master of Clinical Exercise Physiology.
• The program is ranked 1st in WA, 4th in Australia, and 19th in the world for Anatomy and Physiology (QS 2024).
• The program is ranked 5th in Australia and 20th in the world for Sports-Related Subjects (QS 2024).
• The program is a National University Course Accreditation Program (NUCAP) accredited course.
• Graduates may apply to Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA) within two years of completing the course for credentialing as an Accredited Exercise Physiologist (AEP).