Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Exercise Physiology
Allied Health
A course by
UC Online
Gain the expertise and clinical experience to become an accredited clinical exercise physiologist. This two-year, part-time, blended programme provides advanced study in clinical exercise prescription, rehabilitation for chronic health issues, and professional accreditation pathways.
Blended study
This is a mix of online learning & face-to-face sessions
UC Christchurch (including Ilam, Dovedale or Manawa campuses for intensives), Christchurch
It will take a total of 2 years
This course requires 18 hours per week
Core skills this course teaches
Design and deliver exercise-based rehabilitation
Develop and implement evidence-based exercise interventions for individuals affected by chronic, complex, or musculoskeletal health conditions.
Conduct advanced physiological assessment
Competently assess, monitor, and interpret physiological data for clinical populations, supporting safe and effective exercise prescription.
Apply clinical reasoning in diverse settings
What You're Signing Up For
The Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Exercise Physiology (PGDipCEP) at University of Canterbury Online prepares students with the knowledge and clinical skills to work as accredited clinical exercise physiologists. The qualification includes theoretical and practical learning in exercise-based interventions, physiological assessment, and rehabilitation for clients with chronic, complex, musculoskeletal, or life-limiting conditions. Delivered mostly online, the programme also features in-person intensives and a significant clinical practicum. Graduates are eligible to apply for professional accreditation with bodies such as Sport and Exercise Science NZ (SESNZ) and Clinical Exercise Physiology NZ (CEPNZ).
Course Content
- Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation (SSCI410): assessment and prescription for musculoskeletal issues
- Exercise Rehabilitation in Cardiac, Complex and Chronic Conditions (SSCI411): exercise prescription for chronic or complex diseases and injuries
- Clinical Exercise Physiology Practicum (SSCI412): supervised clinical placement, work-integrated learning
- Advanced Internship for Sport Science (SSCI404, elective): professional practice in a sport science workplace
- Electives: Motivating Behaviour Change I (HLTH430), Advanced Pathophysiology (HLTH661), Advanced Health Assessment (HLTH662), Evidence for Clinical Practice (HLTH692)
- In-person skill intensives (up to 20 days onsite)
- Minimum 380 hours clinical placements across practice domains (cardiac, metabolic, musculoskeletal, cancer, mental health, respiratory, neurological)
- Research-informed and evidence-based practice
- Professional and ethical standards in clinical exercise physiology
What you need to know first
What sort of industry will this job lead to
Allied Health
Rehabilitation
Clinical Exercise Physiology
Sport and Exercise Science
Health Care
Future employment opportunities might be
Clinical/Accredited Exercise Physiologist