Australian Catholic University

What you'll study

This postgraduate programme focuses on the evidence-based application of exercise for prevention, management and rehabilitation of chronic disease and complex health conditions. Core study areas typically include advanced exercise prescription, exercise physiology and pathophysiology, clinical assessment and monitoring, behaviour change and health coaching, exercise for cardiometabolic disease, respiratory disease, musculoskeletal conditions, neurological disorders and cancer, as well as research methods and professional practice.

• Advanced Exercise Prescription and Programming – tailoring exercise interventions across the lifespan and for comorbid conditions.
• Clinical Assessment and Monitoring – functional testing, risk stratification, interpretation of clinical investigations and exercise testing.
• Exercise Physiology and Pathophysiology – in-depth study of cardiovascular, metabolic, respiratory and neuromuscular systems in health and disease.
• Behaviour Change and Health Promotion – strategies for adherence, motivational interviewing and long‑term lifestyle change.
• Research Methods and Evidence Translation – critical appraisal, study design and applying research to clinical decision making.
• Professional Practice and Ethics – interprofessional practice, clinical governance and legal/ethical frameworks.
• Clinical Placements – supervised placements in hospital, community and private settings to develop applied skills in assessment, program delivery and multidisciplinary teamwork.

Entry requirements

Admission normally requires a recognised bachelor degree in exercise science, human movement, physiotherapy or a closely related discipline. Applicants should have completed foundational coursework in human anatomy, exercise physiology, exercise testing and prescription, and research methods. Selection may also consider relevant professional experience, referee reports and a personal statement.

Applicants whose prior study does not meet all prerequisites may be considered for conditional or bridging entry and will usually be required to complete specified undergraduate units or demonstrate competency before progressing. International applicants must meet the university's English language requirements.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared to work as clinical exercise physiologists in a variety of settings where exercise is used therapeutically. Typical employment pathways include:

• Cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation services
• Chronic disease management programs (diabetes, obesity, metabolic syndrome)
• Hospital allied health teams and community health services
• Private practice and multidisciplinary clinics
• Programs for neurological and musculoskeletal rehabilitation
• Health promotion, workplace wellness and aged‑care services
• Further research, teaching or postgraduate study

The programme is designed to meet professional practice requirements for accreditation with the national accrediting body for exercise professionals, supporting graduates who seek credentialing as clinical exercise physiologists.

Why study at Australian Catholic University

Australian Catholic University offers a values‑based approach to health education with a focus on ethical, person‑centred care and social justice. The university combines academic teaching with extensive supervised clinical placements across hospital, community and private settings to ensure students develop applied competencies.

Students benefit from multidisciplinary teaching teams, access to exercise physiology laboratories and clinical simulation resources, and strong links with health services and community organisations that support work placements and graduate employment. The curriculum emphasises evidence translation and professional readiness, preparing graduates for clinical roles and professional accreditation pathways.