University of Adelaide

What you'll study

This honours degree combines foundational biomedical science with specialised clinical exercise physiology units and a research project in the final year. Early years cover human anatomy and physiology, biochemistry, exercise physiology, biomechanics and foundations of clinical practice. Core professional units explore exercise testing and prescription, clinical exercise interventions for cardiovascular, metabolic, respiratory, neurological and musculoskeletal conditions, pharmacology as it relates to exercise, and behaviour change strategies.

Practical skills are developed through supervised laboratory sessions and staged clinical placements in hospitals, outpatient clinics and community health settings. Research methods, statistics and an honours thesis or research project form the capstone, providing experience in experimental design, data collection and scientific communication. Elective options or cross-disciplinary units may allow study in public health, sports science or rehabilitation topics.

Entry requirements

Applicants are typically required to have completed secondary school qualifications equivalent to the Australian Year 12 with competitive academic results. Successful applicants usually demonstrate strong achievement in science subjects such as biology, chemistry or physics; prior study in mathematics is also advantageous. International applicants must meet the University’s English language requirements.

There are multiple pathways into the programme including direct entry from secondary study, recognised tertiary pathways and alternative entry schemes for mature-age students. Selection may consider academic record, and some applicants could be invited to supply a personal statement or references where specified by the University’s admission procedures.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for professional practice as accredited clinical exercise physiologists within hospital and community health teams. Typical workplaces include cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation services, chronic disease management programmes, multidisciplinary hospital clinics, private allied health practices, aged-care services and community health organisations. Graduates also pursue roles in health promotion, workplace wellness, and exercise-based research or progress to postgraduate study in clinical or research areas.

Accreditation pathways with national professional bodies support graduates in meeting registration or credentialing requirements for clinical practice, enabling employment in public and private health sectors as part of allied health teams.

Why study at University of Adelaide

The University of Adelaide combines research-led teaching with extensive clinical placement opportunities through major hospitals and community health services, giving students direct experience with diverse patient groups. Facilities include exercise physiology laboratories and allied health teaching spaces equipped for exercise testing and monitoring.

Teaching staff are active researchers and clinicians, providing connections to translational research, industry partnerships and professional networks. The honours component strengthens research skills for students interested in evidence-based practice or further study. The programme’s clinical focus and structured placements aim to prepare graduates for immediate entry into allied health teams and ongoing professional development.