Master of Clinical Exercise Science and Rehabilitation

On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

1. Contextualise theoretical knowledge and expertise through the application of individualised exercise assessment and intervention principles for preventive healthcare, chronic disease management, and rehabilitation;
2. Implement specific evidence-based skills and competencies in clinical exercise physiology aligned with the professional standards for accreditation from Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA);
3. Critically reflect on and implement high-level interpersonal communication skills for ethical and safe clinical exercise practice supporting person-centred care, cultural inclusivity, and interprofessional practice;
4. Evaluate, devise, and conduct research which exhibits independence of thought in the field of clinical exercise physiology and rehabilitation; and
5. Critically reflect on practice capabilities and recognise the need for ongoing professional development.

Everything you learn with VU has direct links to the real world. We place a strong emphasis on clinical and practical learning.

A key part of your studies will be embarking on a range of external clinical practicums, with additional staff mentoring. You'll have the opportunity to gain real-world experience through exercise science and rehabilitation placements that can lead directly to future employment.

Victoria University has an outstanding reputation in sport, exercise science and health and fitness.

We have gained this name through our extensive offering of sport-related courses and our world-class facilities. Also unique to VU is our significant research, leading academic staff and our broad partnerships.

We have more sports industry partners than any other university. Our partners include:

• Western Centre for Health, Research and Education at Sunshine Hospital
• Victoria University Inter-professional Clinic
• Western Bulldogs Football Club
• Australian Institute of Sport
• Victorian Racing Club
• Australian Sports Commission
• Real Madrid Football Club Foundation
• Beijing and German Sports Universities
• Sport Australia Hall of Fame
• National Heart Foundation
• VicHealth
• National Ageing Research Institute
• Football Federation Victoria
• Tennis Australia
• Western Health
• Australian Football League (AFL)
• many public and private healthcare providers.

VU has the largest number of students enrolled in sport courses, and we have the most graduates working in the sport industry.

Victoria University has been ranked number 7 in the world for sport science (ShanghaiRankings).

Our ground-breaking research, world-class facilities and partnerships with some of the world’s top sporting clubs have rocketed us to this position.

Studying with us means you benefit from all of the opportunities that come with our elite status – learning from academics who are connected with top organisations, researching with national sporting bodies and accessing our cutting-edge sport-science equipment.

Study this course via our award-winning VU Block Model®, where you complete one subject at a time over four weeks, rather than juggling several at once.

Learning in workshop-style classes, you’ll develop strong connections with your peers and practical skills for your future career.

You’ll also get fast feedback on your assignments, helping you to improve quickly as you progress through your course.

Learn more about the VU Block Model®

To be considered for postgraduate study, you will need to have specific academic qualifications, as outlined below. We also consider non-academic research and work experience for our research candidates.

Admission criteria

Completion of an Australian Bachelor degree (or equivalent) in a similar discipline OR Completion of an Australian Graduate Certificate (or equivalent) in a similar discipline PLUS IELTS (or equivalent): Overall score of 7 (with no band less than 7.0 in Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking)

Additional information

To check whether your prior study would meet current ESSA Exercise Science standards, please consult the ESSA website: (https://www.essa.org.au/Web/Accreditation/Becoming-accredited/AES-accreditation.aspx). Complete a Graduate Entry Assessment (GEA) (https://www.essa.org.au/Web/Web/Accreditation/Becoming-accredited/graduate-entry-to-exercise-physiology.aspx) and include the information that you receive back from ESSA in your application for AMEP Master of Clinical Exercise Science and Rehabilitation. Typically, a GEA is completed by students coming from a non-ESSA accredited qualification. If you are not sure if your degree is ESSA accredited or not, you should check with your university, or here at the ESSA website:https://essa.org.au/AccreditedCourses CLINICAL PLACEMENTS Work Integrated Learning (WIL) placement hours consist of a minimum of 360 hours: • SCL6104 Clinical Exercise Practice (80 hours onsite placement – Victoria University Clinical Exercise & Rehabilitation Clinic) • SCL7006 Exercise Physiology Practicum 1 (140 hours external placement) • SCL7007 Exercise Physiology Practicum 2 (140 hours external placement). Prior to participating in the onsite practicum in SCL6104 Clinical Exercise Practice the following requirements must be met: •Completion of the unit SCL6003 Introduction to Clinical Exercise Physiology; •Completion of at least one of the following units: SCL6202 Exercise Assessments and Interventions for Musculoskeletal Conditions SCL6203 Exercise Assessments and Interventions for Neurological Conditions SCL6000 Exercise Assessments and Interventions for Cardiorespiratory Conditions SCL6001 Exercise Assessments and Interventions for Metabolic Conditions and Cancer •Completion of the coursework component of SCL6104 Clinical Exercise Practice •Demonstration of fitness for practicum including professionalism and evidence of continuing developing competencies throughout the duration of the degree. This is determined in consultation with the Course Chairs and academic teaching staff. Prior to participating in Exercise Physiology Practicum 1 & 2 (SCL7006 and SCL7007) students are required to have: •Completed at least 96 Credit Points of the course (8 units). These must include all of: SCL6104 Clinical Exercise Practice SCL6202 Exercise Assessments and Interventions for Musculoskeletal Conditions SCL6203 Exercise Assessments and Interventions for Neurological Conditions SCL6000 Exercise Assessments and Interventions for Cardiorespiratory Conditions SCL6001 Exercise Assessments and Interventions for Metabolic Conditions and Cancer •Demonstration of fitness for practicum including professionalism and evidence of continuing developing competencies throughout the duration of the degree. This is determined in consultation with the course chairs and academic teaching staff.

Special entry programs

If you are from a disadvantaged or underrepresented social, economic or cultural background, you may be eligible for one of our special admission programs. These programs are designed to help you access education more easily.

Learn more about special admission programs

Inherent requirements

Inherent requirements are the abilities, attributes, skills and behaviours needed to meet the learning outcomes of the course.

You should carefully consider the inherent requirement statement as a:

• guide for your learning during the course
• way for you to identify challenges you may have in studying this course.

Learn more about inherent requirements