University of Western Australia

What you'll study

This professionally oriented masters combines advanced coursework, applied clinical placements and a substantial research or capstone project. Core topics focus on exercise prescription and clinical management for chronic disease, clinical assessment and outcome measurement, exercise testing and interpretation, behaviour change and long‑term intervention strategies, and the physiological bases of rehabilitation.

• Clinical exercise testing and prescription – graded exercise testing, cardiopulmonary exercise testing interpretation, strength and functional capacity assessment.
• Disease‑specific management – clinical approaches to cardiovascular disease, metabolic disease (including diabetes and obesity), pulmonary conditions, neurological disorders and cancer rehabilitation.
• Clinical reasoning and safety – risk stratification, medication considerations, emergency procedures and multidisciplinary care planning.
• Behaviour change and long‑term adherence – counselling techniques, motivational interviewing and strategies to support exercise adherence in diverse populations.
• Research methods and project – quantitative and qualitative methods, evidence appraisal and completion of a supervised research or practice‑based capstone.
• Professional practice – ethics, health policy, clinical governance, and preparation for registration or accreditation.

The programme includes multiple supervised clinical placements in hospitals, community health services and allied health clinics to develop practical skills and professional competencies required for clinical practice.

Entry requirements

Applicants are typically expected to hold an undergraduate degree in exercise science, human movement, physiotherapy, kinesiology or a closely related health science. Demonstrated academic competency in human physiology and exercise science subjects is advantageous. Selection often considers academic transcript, relevant clinical or volunteer experience, a curriculum vitae and referees.

Domestic applicants who do not hold a directly aligned undergraduate qualification may be considered if they can demonstrate substantial relevant health experience or prior tertiary study in allied health, and may be required to complete bridging coursework. International applicants must meet the university's English language requirements and provide certified academic records equivalent to the stated entry qualification.

Some offers may be conditional upon a satisfactory police check and compliance with immunisation and clinical placement health requirements.

Career prospects

Graduates qualify to work as clinical exercise physiologists in a range of settings where exercise is used as part of clinical management. Typical employment destinations include:

• Public and private hospitals and health services (cardiac rehabilitation, oncology, pulmonary rehabilitation, metabolic clinics)
• Community health centres and chronic disease management programmes
• Private allied health clinics and multidisciplinary practices
• Corporate health and workplace wellness providers
• Residential aged‑care and disability services
• Research institutes and academic roles focused on rehabilitation, exercise interventions and health outcomes

Graduates may also pursue further study or research higher degrees, or seek accreditation/registration with the relevant national professional body to practise as an accredited clinical exercise physiologist.

Why study at University of Western Australia

The University of Western Australia offers access to experienced academic staff active in clinical and translational research, and strong links with hospitals and community health services across Perth and regional Western Australia for clinical placements. Students benefit from modern laboratories and facilities for exercise testing, biomechanics and physiological measurement, and from a cohort size that supports close supervision during applied placements and research projects.

Studying at UWA also provides opportunities to engage with interdisciplinary health programs, collaborate with clinicians across allied health disciplines, and undertake projects that address health priorities relevant to the local community and beyond.