Spotlight on our award-winning exercise physiology teaching team
We're proud to have industry leaders spearheading this course and inspiring the next generation of clinicians, teachers and researchers.
In 2012, Deakin was the first accredited institution to offer a Master of Clinical Exercise Physiology in Victoria. Ten years on, we’re ranked #1 in the world for Sport Science Schools for three years running. Accredited exercise physiologists work with real people every day to help them prevent and manage injuries and chronic illness.
Our Master of Clinical Exercise Physiology takes a holistic ‘whole person’ perspective to exercise physiology. This ensures a high standard of care that accounts for factors such as a client’s lived experience, cultural background and medical history. Over the past 10 years, we’ve cemented our reputation as the best place to study clinical exercise physiology and take your career to new heights.
Teachers who walk the talk
To be the best, you need to learn from the best. Since its inception, our Master of Clinical Exercise Physiology has emphasised teaching from experience. It’s not just lip service, either – all our teaching staff are qualified exercise physiologists who continue to treat clients.
Course director Clint Miller says it’s an area of strength that’s often taken for granted by the teaching team, simply because it’s always been that way.
'There are a lot of courses that don't have very many exercise physiologists on their teaching staff, whereas all of our teaching staff are exercise physiologists,' he says.
'The course has always been like that. All our staff have industry experience – there's nobody in our teaching team that hasn't worked as an exercise physiologist before gaining employment as an academic.'
Access to incredible, world-class facilities
At Deakin you’ll learn in the Deakin Clinical Exercise Centre (DCEC), treating members of the public alongside accredited exercise physiologists.
Master of Clinical Exercise Physiology Course Director Clint Miller says the DCEC is what really sets the Deakin learning experience apart from others in Australia.
'The clinic is in operation during some of our practical classes, so while the students are in there learning, they're really immersed in that clinic environment the whole time,' says Clint.
You’ll also have access to the Healthy Lifestyles Clinic, run in partnership with the Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, and the multi-million dollar Specialised Indoor Exercise and Sport Science Teaching Building.
How elite facilities enrich the Master of Clinical Exercise Physiology
Learn in world-class facilities from day one and kickstart your journey to a fulfilling career in exercise physiology.
Accredited by the peak body for exercise and sports science
The program has been accredited by Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA). Many of our graduates have gone on to be professionally commended by ESSA through a number of awards.
As you undertake the Master of Clinical Exercise Physiology, you’ll get over 360 hours of industry experience, gaining knowledge, industry contacts and the foundations for an incredible career.
When you graduate, you’ll be eligible to apply for provider numbers with Medicare Australia, WorkSafe Victoria, DVA, TAC and other compensable funds.
We know that being professional and competent on placement is important because most of our students will gain employment as a result of one of their placements.
Dr. Clint Miller
Senior Lecturer and Course Director, Master of Clinical Exercise Physiology
A practical approach to get you job-ready
Our Master of Clinical Exercise Physiology has a national reputation for excellence and graduate employability. Many students secure employment before they’ve even graduated.
One of the leading benefits of studying with Deakin is the emphasis on professionalism and preparedness.
'We have students working with clients in a workplace-like environment from really early in the course. They get into that mindset and that mentality of identifying as a clinician themselves quite early on,' says lecturer Dr. Niamh Mundell.
'Placements are a pathway to employment, so we focus on teaching students to perform competently and professionally right away.'
How a Deakin graduate forged a career in injury rehab
After graduating in 2012, Matt Pollard has gone on to achieve some impressive feats in the field of exercise physiology. Learn more about Matt’s journey after graduating from the very first Master of Clinical Exercise Physiology cohort.
'Around 80% of our students will gain employment within the first six months of graduating, and the feedback, particularly from placement providers, is always around the students' preparation. They're the most prepared students for placements, and they're the most professional – we take pride in that,' Clint says.
'I think that comes from teaching within a clinical space for 100% of their time at Deakin, and exposing them to clients early, so within three weeks of them starting the course, they're working with real clients in that clinic.'
Highly sought-after graduates
The hallmark of any great course is its graduate employability rates. Deakin's Master of Clinical Exercise Physiology was specially designed by accredited exercise physiologists with this in mind.
Soak up the latest research and industry knowledge
You’ll learn cutting-edge, evidence-based techniques to help you deliver better outcomes for your patients.
Throughout your studies you’ll stay on top of the latest industry research – much of which is being produced by our staff and past graduates. We partner with a diverse group of local and international research partners, including Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Austin Health, Epworth Health, Eastern Health and the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre.
The program also takes an agile approach to technology and incorporates the use of telehealth for clinical hours. Telehealth for exercise physiology is an emerging industry with demand expected to increase over the coming years.
This means you’ll graduate with the latest tools and knowledge to confidently treat a wide range of disabilities, injuries and chronic conditions.
Ready to take the next step in your sport science career and become an accredited exercise physiologist?
Want to explore more?
- Meet two exercise physiology graduates using research to make a difference
- How exercise physiology graduates are changing lives through research
- Four trends that will shape the future of exercise physiology
Meet two exercise physiology graduates using research to make a difference
Discover how these Master of Clinical Exercise Physiology graduates are conducting research that makes a difference to the lives of others.
How exercise physiology graduates are changing lives through research
Meet Deakin Master of Clinical Exercise Physiology graduates that are changing lives through their leading sports science research.
Four trends that will shape the future of exercise physiology
In the 10 years that Deakin has offered the Master of Clinical Exercise Physiology, the industry has evolved. So, what does the future hold for clinical exercise physiologists?