Charles Sturt University

What you'll study

This masters programme focuses on evidence‑based assessment, exercise prescription and management for people with a range of clinical conditions. Core study areas include advanced exercise testing and prescription, clinical exercise interventions for cardiometabolic disease, respiratory and pulmonary rehabilitation, neurological and neuromuscular conditions, musculoskeletal rehabilitation, cancer and oncology exercise, and management of frailty and ageing.

Students also develop skills in clinical reasoning, behaviour change strategies, health promotion, outcome measurement and professional practice. The course typically combines coursework subjects, a supervised clinical practicum in healthcare or community settings, and a research or capstone project that emphasises critical appraisal and translation of research into practice.

• Advanced exercise physiology and pathophysiology
• Exercise testing, monitoring and prescription for chronic disease
• Cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation
• Metabolic disease and diabetes management
• Neurological and musculoskeletal rehabilitation
• Behaviour change, counselling and health promotion
• Clinical practicum with supervised placements
• Research methods and a project or capstone integrating evidence into practice

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold an undergraduate degree in exercise science, human movement, kinesiology, physiotherapy, or a closely related health science. Applicants without a directly related degree may be considered if they have significant relevant professional experience and prior studies covering exercise physiology core content. Admission typically requires a demonstrated academic record at bachelor level and evidence of readiness for postgraduate study.

As this is a clinically based programme, applicants must meet professional fitness-to-practise requirements for placement, which may include background checks and immunisation records. International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency through an accepted test or prior study in English. Prospective students should check admissions guidance for any additional prerequisites or required undergraduate subjects.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared to work as clinical exercise physiologists in a variety of settings. Common employment destinations include hospitals, multidisciplinary rehabilitation teams, private allied health clinics, community health services, cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation programmes, diabetes clinics, aged care and residential health services, and specialist cancer or neurological rehabilitation centres.

Other career paths include roles in preventative health and workplace wellness, program management, health promotion, clinical research and academia. Graduates who meet the relevant professional criteria are eligible to apply for accreditation with the national professional body for exercise physiologists, enabling clinical practice and third‑party billing where available.

Why study at Charles Sturt University

Charles Sturt University combines industry‑aligned teaching with practical clinical experience through an established network of placement providers, including regional and metropolitan health services. The university offers purpose‑built teaching laboratories and simulation facilities for hands‑on skills development, and many subjects are delivered in flexible formats to suit working professionals.

Charles Sturt has a strong focus on rural and regional health, helping students prepare for workforce needs outside major metropolitan centres, and its academic staff include clinicians and researchers active in chronic disease, rehabilitation and community health. The curriculum is designed to meet professional standards for clinical exercise physiology and to support graduates in transitioning to accredited practice and diverse career opportunities.