Australian Catholic University

What you'll study

This short postgraduate award focuses on clinical application of exercise science to rehabilitation. Core study areas typically include advanced exercise testing and prescription, clinical exercise for cardiovascular and pulmonary disease, metabolic and endocrine conditions, musculoskeletal rehabilitation, cancer and survivorship, neurological rehabilitation and exercise behaviour change. Students also cover safety and risk management, outcome measurement and basic research methods relevant to clinical practice.

• Exercise assessment and interpretation (including VO2, submaximal tests and functional measures)
• Clinical exercise prescription across chronic disease populations
• Rehabilitation principles for cardiac, respiratory, metabolic, musculoskeletal and neurological conditions
• Behaviour change, counselling and patient education techniques
• Clinical governance, safety, documentation and professional practice
• Applied research methods and critically evaluating evidence for practice

Entry requirements

Admission is generally for applicants who hold a relevant bachelor’s degree in exercise science, physiotherapy, sport science, nursing or another allied health discipline, or who can demonstrate equivalent professional experience. Applicants are usually expected to meet the University’s postgraduate admission criteria, provide academic transcripts and a current curriculum vitae. Some applicants may be asked to demonstrate clinical experience or provide referee reports. International applicants must meet ACU’s English language requirements.

Career prospects

Graduates expand their scope to roles where exercise is used as a therapeutic intervention. Typical career paths include positions in multidisciplinary rehabilitation teams in hospitals, community health, cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation programmes, diabetes and metabolic clinics, cancer survivorship services, private allied health practice and corporate or workplace health services. The qualification also provides a pathway into further postgraduate study such as a master’s degree and supports credentialing pathways with national professional bodies for exercise practitioners.

Why study at Australian Catholic University

ACU emphasises practice‑based learning with small class sizes, clinically experienced academic staff and access to practical facilities. The programme benefits from ACU’s links with hospitals and community health providers, creating opportunities for applied learning and workplace integration. The curriculum is designed to align with contemporary professional competencies for exercise‑based rehabilitation and to support ongoing professional development and further postgraduate study.