Exercise physiology

Why study exercise physiology?

If you are passionate about exercise, health and rehabilitation then the combined Bachelor/Master course in Exercise Physiology at La Trobe is the course for you.

Exercise physiologists use exercise to assess and condition healthy people and those with, or at risk of developing, chronic illnesses or injuries. Some exercise physiologists concentrate on improving physical performance and well-being in healthy persons, while others practice in clinical and community settings to treat patients with multiple medical conditions.

This course prepares you to design and deliver client-centered exercise programmes to athletes, healthy people and people with known disease, such as heart disease, obesity, diabetes, arthritis and Parkinson’s disease. You will apply a comprehensive knowledge of exercise science and health to clinical situations, and undertake supervised clinical practice to consolidate these skills.

La Trobe University received a world leading ranking for its research in Human Movement and Sports Science in the 2010 and 2012 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA).

Career opportunities

Exercise Physiologists work across a variety of areas in the health and exercise and sports science fields, operating in public and private hospitals, primary healthcare within private or multidisciplinary clinics, population health, workplace health, workplace rehabilitation, aged care, case managers for rehabilitation providers, injury consultants for insurers, and exercise scientists or strength and conditioning coaches for professional sports teams.

Your study experience

Exercise physiology placements

Students studying exercise physiology will undertake placements throughout the course - these may be located in metropolitan or rural areas, interstate, and sometimes overseas. It should be noted that students may be required to complete clinical placement outside of University semester time.

Overseas study opportunities

You may be eligible for our student exchange program.