Bachelor of Exercise Science (Clinical Practice)

Overview

Kick off your career in sport and exercise rehabilitation with a Bachelor of Exercise Science (Clinical Practice) at VU.

In our Exercise Science (Clinical Practice) degree, you'll develop a solid understanding of the science that underpins sport and exercise. You'll work with new ideas and technologies, and gain knowledge and skills for a professional career in fitness, rehabilitation, sport science or human movement.

At VU, you'll learn from world-leading experts in sport studies, and enjoy access to our state-of-the-art facilities. You'll benefit from our sports industry connections, with professional placements and industry networking opportunities.

Our elite partners include Western Bulldogs, Australian Sports Commission and Tennis Australia.

This course focuses on using exercise for rehabilitation, covering a range of biological and social sciences and humanities subjects, including:

biomechanics
clinical exercise
pathophysiology
nutrition and diet
motor learning.

VU received the highest possible ranking for human movement and sports science in the Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA) assessment. This ranking places us ‘well above world standard’.

Join a group of VU graduates known to be strong performers in the sports industry due to their practical experience.

World #7 for sport science

We are ranked world number 7 for sport science education (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 in 2018–19.

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

State-of-the-art facilities

Our world-class sport and learning precinct at the Footscray Park Campus features the most advanced sport and exercise technology available. The facility is used by students, researchers, professional sports teams and community organisations.

At the Victoria University Community Sports Stadium you will learn alongside sport and recreation professionals. This stadium is a joint initiative with the Western Bulldogs.

Our facilities include:

exercise physiology labs
altitude hotel
biomechanics labs
motor learning and skilled performance labs
heat chambers
motor control and biofeedback labs
integrated teaching and learning facilities.

Leading sport university

Victoria University is Australia's most recognisable sport university. We have an outstanding reputation in sport, exercise science and health and fitness.

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

VU has the largest number of students enrolled in sport courses, and has more sports industry partners than any other university. We also have the most graduates working in the sport industry.

We received the highest possible ranking for human movement and sports science in the Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA) assessment.

Work placement program

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 experiencing the true nature of working in a professional sports environment in your industry placements. With mentoring and support along the way, you will gain direct practical experience by taking what you learn in the classroom and applying it in the real world. These placements will provide you with confidence and a competitive advantage in the workforce.

Placements and cadetships take place with VU partner organisations such as Western Bulldogs Football Club, Melbourne Storm or Maribyrnong College.

Industry connections

VU has strong, unique partnerships with more than 350 local, national and global organisations across the sport, exercise and recreation industries. These partnerships inform the content of our courses and provide joint research opportunities. Our partnerships also give you access to industry contacts and work placements, which mean superior career development.

Some examples of our partners include:

Western Bulldogs Football Club
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
Australian Institute of Sport
Football Federation Victoria
Tennis Australia
Western Health
Australian Football League (AFL)

Learning advice

VU’s Learning Hubs are welcoming spaces where you can improve your study and employability skills.

Our students can attend Learning Hubs at one of five VU campuses.

We offer maths, writing, careers and English-language advice and can show you effective ways to study and manage your time.

Our programs include:

workshops
drop-in sessions
peer mentoring
maths and writing resources
resume and career guidance.

We also have accessibility support services and counselling services available to all students.

Study overseas while earning course credits

At VU you can spend part of your degree studying overseas all while gaining credits towards your course.

Immerse yourself in a new culture and learn from a new perspective, while building experiences that will help you to stand out in the competitive job market.

Need some advice?

Request a call back from one of our experienced VUHQ course advisers to get your questions answered.

Request a call back

360° tour of VUCER - Transcript

Careers in exercise, fitness and rehabilitation

This course provides you with a broad range of skills and knowledge for a rewarding career in the rapidly growing sports and exercise industry.

You could work in exercise science, clinical and sports rehabilitation, personal training, health and fitness instructing, lecturing, or exercise and sport rehabilitation research.

Example jobs include:

personal fitness trainer
exercise and sport scientist in professional sport
sport nutritionist
exercise rehabilitation
special populations training - elderly, young, people with a disability
community fitness and health services.

Find out about the employment prospects and salaries for fitness instructors in Australia on the government job-data site, Labour Market Insights.

VU Bachelor of Exercise Science graduates have found work at elite sport organisations, leisure centres and community-service organisations. Some graduates have started their own businesses in health, fitness and personal training.

Professional membership

Successful completion of this course will make you eligible to apply for membership of the Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA) as an Exercise Scientist.

Course structure

To attain the Bachelor of Exercise Science (Clinical Practice), students will be required to complete 288 credit points consisting of:

- 96 credit points of First Year Core units
- 192 credit points of Professional Core units

Course structure and units

First Year Core Units

Structural Kinesiology

Unit code

AHE1101

Credits
12
Research Methods for Exercise Professionals

Unit code

AHE1105

Credits
12
Human Growth and Lifespan Development

Unit code

AHE1107

Credits
12
Resistance Training

Unit code

AHE1112

Credits
12
Biomechanics

Unit code

AHE1202

Credits
12
Human Physiology

Unit code

RBM1174

Credits
12
Exercise Physiology

Unit code

SCL1002

Credits
12
Exercise and Sport Psychology

Unit code

SCL1003

Credits
12

Clinical Practice Core Units

Nutrition and Diet for Exercise and Physical Education

Unit code

AHE2005

Credits
12
Exercise Interventions for Healthy Populations

Unit code

AHE2006

Credits
12
Motor Learning

Unit code

AHE2127

Credits
12
Advanced Resistance Training

Unit code

AHE2129

Credits
12
Functional Kinesiology

Unit code

AHE2202

Credits
12
Advanced Exercise Physiology

Unit code

AHE3100

Credits
12
Advanced Biomechanics

Unit code

AHE3101

Credits
12
Clinical Exercise Practice 1

Unit code

AHE3115

Credits
12
Applied Exercise Psychology

Unit code

AHE3125

Credits
12
Motor Control

Unit code

AHE3126

Credits
12
Physical Activity and Health in Society

Unit code

SCL2000

Credits
12
Exercise, Health and Disease

Unit code

SCL3001

Credits
12
Sport and Exercise Science Capstone

Unit code

SCL3002

Credits
12
Corrective Exercise Prescription and Injury Management

Unit code

SCL3003

Credits
12
Advanced Training and Conditioning

Unit code

SCL3101

Credits
12
Fitness Training Systems

Unit code

SFI2001

Credits
12

Achieve more with the VU Block Model

We are the first Australian university to use a 'block' model of learning, where you study one unit at a time rather than juggling several at once.

Introduced in 2018, the VU Block Model has improved our student results and achievements, and has won awards for innovation and excellence. Initially for first-year students, it now applies to all students studying at our Melbourne campuses.

You'll study in short bursts, called blocks, of three 2-3 hour face-to-face teaching sessions per week.

Each block focuses on one unit (subject) and is only four weeks long, with up to four days between. Our two semesters have four blocks each, and there are optional blocks over winter and summer where you can catch up on a missed unit.

Some courses have labs and pracs too, and these are generally scheduled on the same days as teaching sessions. There are also workshops where you'll develop your study skills and prepare for your future career.

Find out more about the VU Block Model.

Learning outcomes

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

	1.	Provide exercise interventions for apparently healthy populations, including high performance and recreational athletes, and the general population;
	2.	Integrate the biological and social scientific knowledge and professional skills that underpin professional practice in the fields of clinical exercise science;
	3.	Critically analyse and synthesise knowledge gathered from clinical exercise science research;
	4.	Exercise judgement to solve routine exercise science problems using social, ethical, economic, regulatory and global perspectives;
	5.	Operate as an independent and collaborative professional who can communicate knowledge and ideas clearly and coherently;
	6.	Critically apply clinical exercise science knowledge and skills to solve routine problems in clinical practice settings;
	7.	Adapt legal and ethical frameworks in order to work effectively in socially and culturally diverse communities and contexts; and
	8.	Continue to develop a broad and coherent body of professional clinical practice so as to undertake postgraduate studies and research in exercise rehabilitation and related fields.

What's a unit?

A unit or 'subject' is the actual class you'll attend in the process of completing a course.

Most courses have a mixture of compulsory 'core' units that you need to take and optional elective units that you can choose to take based on your area of interest, expertise or experience.

Credits

Each unit is worth a set amount of study credits based on the amount of time you study. Generally, 1 credit is equal to 1 hour of study per week.

Fees & scholarships

Fee type for this course: Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)

Fee type definitions

The amount you pay for your course depends on whether you’re offered a Commonwealth supported place (CSP) or a full fee-paying place.

Students who enrol in a:

Commonwealth supported place pay tuition fees that are partly subsidised by the Australian government
full fee-paying place need to pay the full amount for all enrolled units before census each study period.

In addition to your tuition fees, you may also be charged a Student Services & Amenities Fee (SSAF).

Scholarships & assistance

Apply for a scholarship to help with your study costs.

We can help with fee assistance and advice.

Admissions

Victoria University is committed to providing a transparent admissions process. Find out more about how to apply for our courses, and our commitment to admissions transparency.

Applicants for this course will need to have met the academic requirements and prerequisites for this course outlined below.

Meeting the minimum admission criteria does not guarantee entry into this course. Past academic performance may be considered.

Admission criteria

The minimum criteria for admission varies depending on your education background. If you’re not sure which criteria applies to you, use the help tool on this page or make an enquiry and we can assist.

Inherent Requirements

'Inherent requirements' are the abilities, attributes, skills and behaviours needed to meet the learning outcomes of a course. These should be met while preserving the academic integrity of the university’s learning, assessment and accreditation processes.

You need to be able to demonstrate that you hold, or can acquire, the inherent requirements for this degree.

We may be able to make reasonable adjustments to help you manage circumstances that impact your studies – provided these don't fundamentally change the academic integrity of the degree.

Applicants with recent secondary education (within the last 2 years)

Australian Senior Secondary Certificate (e.g. VCE) or
an Australian or overseas equivalent or
an International Baccalaureate (IB).

Importance of ATAR for this course

ATAR+

We consider both ATAR and other criteria

ATAR is not a consideration. We use other criteria

Admission criteria

Completion of an Australian Senior Secondary Certificate (VCE or equivalent) including Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 25 in English (EAL) or 20 in any other English.

Why is ATAR not applicable?

You will not need an ATAR score to meet the admission requirements for this course. Only the successful completion of your secondary school studies, and any additional prerequisites. Our courses and support programs are designed to prepare students from diverse cultures for success, regardless of their prior experience, ATAR, age, socioeconomic or educational background.

Special admission programs

Our special admission programs cover a range of access and equity schemes that allow applicants from participating schools or disadvantaged social, economic or cultural environments to receive additional consideration. These include:

Special Entry Access Scheme (SEAS) for VTAC applicants.
Special consideration for direct applicants.

Applicants with vocational education and training (VET/TAFE) study

This information is for people who have completed an accredited award at an Australian Registered Training Organisation.

Admission criteria

Completion of an Australian Advanced Diploma or Diploma (or equivalent).
OR:
Completion of the Certificate IV in Tertiary Preparation (or equivalent).

Special admission programs

Special Entry Access Scheme (SEAS) for VTAC applicants.
Special consideration for direct applicants.

Applicants with higher education study

This information is for people whose highest level of study since leaving secondary education is a higher education course.

Admission criteria

Full or partial completion of an Australian Higher Education award (or equivalent).
OR:
Completion of two units of Higher Education studies.
OR:
Completion of a bridging or enabling course e. g. Foundation course or equivalent.

Special admission programs

Special Entry Access Scheme (SEAS) for VTAC applicants.
Special consideration for direct applicants.

Applicants with work & life experience

This information is for applicants who left secondary school more than two years ago and who have not undertaken VET or higher education study since then.

Admission criteria

Five years (minimum) work/life experience in Training & Development, Human or Health Services or similar.
OR:
Applicants that completed an Australian Senior Secondary Certificate more than two years ago.
PLUS:
Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 25 in English (EAL) or 20 in any other English (or equivalent).

Special admission programs

Special Entry Access Scheme (SEAS) for VTAC applicants.
Special consideration for direct applicants.

Additional information

Students will require a Working with Children Check and National Police Check to be eligible to undertake and participate in workplace visits, placements or projects. Use the following site links to obtain additional information:
http://www.workingwithchildren.vic.gov.au/
http://www.police.vic.gov.au/content.asp?Document_ID=274.

SUPERVISED PLACEMENT
Changes relating to the number of supervision hours required for accreditation have been introduced by the accreditation body, Exercise and Sport Science Australia (ESSA), in recognition of challenges in the current COVID-19 climate. The change in required hours impacts on the level of accreditation students are eligible for at the end of the course. A minimum of 80 hours of supervision is required for provisional accreditation in which students then have 2 years to obtain the remaining hours to get the 140 hours required for full ESSA accreditation.

Selection criteria assistance

Let us know which qualifications you have studied and we will help you find the admission information that most applies to you.

Which of the following qualifications have you studied, or are currently studying?

Still not sure? Make an enquiry and one of our advisors can assist.

Student profile

Take a look at a student profile to get an overview of students who have previously enrolled in this course.

Student profile

Applicant background	Number of students	Percentage of all students
(A) Past Higher Education Study (includes a bridging or enabling course)	12	21.1%
(B) Past vocational education and training (VET) study	8	14.0%
(C) Recent secondary education Admitted solely on the basis of ATAR (regardless of whether this includes the impact of adjustment factors such as equity or subject bonus points)	NA	NA
(C) Recent secondary education Admitted where both ATAR and additional criteria were considered (e.g. portfolio, audition, extra test, early offer conditional on minimum ATAR)	NA	NA
(C) Recent secondary education Admitted on the basis of other criteria only and ATAR was not a factor (e.g. special consideration alone, audition alone, schools recommendation scheme with no minimum ATAR requirement)	32	56.1%
(D) Work and Life experience	<5	<5
International students	<5	<5
All students	57	100%

"<5" – the number of students is less than 5.
N/A – Students not accepted in this category.
N/P – Not published: the number is hidden to prevent calculation of numbers in cells with less than 5 students.

Pathways & credits

There are many ways you can start your education journey at VU. Pathways offer an easy transition between courses at different levels, so that you can start with a certificate and progress right through to postgraduate study.

Pathways from VU courses

If you have completed any of the following course(s), you will be guaranteed a place in this course. In some cases you may receive credit for your previous study, reducing the time it takes to complete your course.

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