Price
Domestic learners
$2,299* per 30 point course
International learners
$8,500* per 30 point course
*Fees outlined are based on the 2026 fee schedule and are subject to revision each year. Prices include GST where applicable. Non-tuition fees, such as the Student Services Levy (SSL), will also apply.
Qualification
MSW(App)
240 points
Duration
4 years part-time
Learn online from anywhere in Aotearoa New Zealand, combined with 20 days onsite in Ōtautahi Christchurch.
Entry times
13 July 2026*
February 2027
July 2027
2028
*July 2026 learners will start with the first course before applying for the full MSW(App) during their studies. Please note: completing this course does not guarantee entry into the full programme.
Overview
Become a specialist healthcare professional in the growing field of clinical exercise physiology. Develop your skills for career opportunities as an accredited clinical exercise physiologist, alongside opportunities in service development, programme leadership, research or doctoral study.
This flexible master's degree combines the best of online learning with a small number of in-person intensive days in Ōtautahi Christchurch, and clinical practice hours. You’ll develop advanced skills to design and deliver exercise-based interventions, health education and lifestyle support for people managing illness, injury, or disability.
Building on the same accreditation pathway as the postgraduate diploma, this programme extends your expertise through a health-focused research project. You’ll design and conduct an investigation in clinical exercise physiology to deepen your knowledge in a specialised area. The Master’s degree can also strengthen your academic background in sport and exercise science to grow your skills and CV.
Graduates can apply for accreditation with Clinical Exercise Physiology New Zealand, or international accreditation bodies such as Clinical Exercise Physiology UK (provided you meet their additional requirements).
Learn online from anywhere in Aotearoa New Zealand, combined with up to 20 days onsite in Ōtautahi Christchurch. Places are limited, and applicants may be waitlisted.
More ways to study
Grow as you go — graduate early with a Postgraduate Certificate or Diploma if your plans change.
Requirements
To ensure that our learners have the necessary background and experience to succeed, admission to the Master of Clinical Exercise Physiology is based on your previous studies in a relevant health or sport science degree.
To enrol in the MCEP, you must have:
- Completed one of the following:
- Qualified for an Aotearoa New Zealand degree in a relevant field (e.g. health or sport/sport science) with a grade average of B or greater in your 300-level courses.
- Been admitted with Academic Equivalent Standing as fulfilling these requirements.
Your eligibility will be considered upon enrolment, with successful applicants approved as students by the Amo Matua Te Kaupeka Oranga | Executive Dean of Health or delegate.
Unsure about your suitability?
As part of our application process, your eligibility will be assessed by our health academic team to make sure that your academic and professional background meets the entry criteria. Unfortunately, our Tuihono UC | UC Online team cannot confirm your eligibility before your application is submitted, beyond referring you to the requirements above. We are happy to help answer any general questions you have about the programme or online learning, however. You can get in touch with us here.
Clinical requirements
Clinical practicum requirements mean that learners must also complete at least 380 hours of placements in clinical settings (and up to 500 hours of placements including the SSCI404 course.)
The clinical hours will encompass various domains of practice, including cardiac, metabolic, musculoskeletal, cancer, mental health, respiratory, and neurological. These will be conducted in accordance with the standards set by accreditation body Clinical Exercise Physiology New Zealand (CEPNZ). Placement locations will be discussed during the enrolment process.
Course requirements
Learners must attend up to 20 days of in-person intensives at Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury.
Structure
The Master of Clinical Exercise Physiology can be studied part-time over 3 years subject to course availability. Please contact our team via info@uconline.ac.nz if you are interested in full-time study.
Time commitment
Part-time learners complete one course per semester, requiring approximately 18.5 hours of study per week. Full-time learners complete two courses per semester, requiring approximately 37.5 hours of study per week. Study time includes taking in course material, reflection time and writing assignments.
Learners must attend in-person intensives at Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury to complete practical skill application and tests. Specific dates will be discussed during the enrolment process.
Upcoming dates
Specific learning dates for this programme can be found below (please note: these dates exclude our period of marking and feedback).
- 13 July – 8 November 2026
- Semester two study break and in-person intensives to be confirmed with enrolled learners
Please note: these dates are provisional and may be subject to change.
View course-specific dates
Each course has its own schedule for in-person intensive dates and assessments. Find the most up-to-date information via the UC Course Information System.
Begin
Get started with the two foundation courses you need to begin your learning journey in clinical exercise physiology.
Courses taken: Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation (SSCI410) and Exercise Rehabilitation in Cardiac, Complex and Chronic Conditions (SSCI411).
Progress
Having successfully completed your foundation courses, take the next step in your learning through two advanced practice courses. In these hands-on courses, you'll gain the 500 hours clinical practicum experience you need to become accredited.
Courses taken: Clinical Exercise Physiology Practicum (SSCI412) and Advanced Internship for Sport Science (SSCI404).
Master
Advance your learning through a research project (and prepatory course). You’ll investigate a real-world health issue and apply clinical exercise physiology to develop meaningful, evidence-based outcomes.
Courses taken: Research Approaches for Health and Sport (HLTH464) and Clinical Exercise Physiology Research Project (MCEP680).
Graduate
Graduate with a Master of Clinical Exercise Physiology from Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury!
You'll now be ready to apply for accreditation with CEPNZ (as long as you meet their other requirements), to start working as a registered clinical exercise physiologist.
What you'll study
You’ll study four NZQF level 8 postgraduate courses, and two NZQF level 9 courses for the Master of Clinical Exercise Physiology. This includes 500 clinical practicum hours required for accreditation with Clinical Exercise Physiology New Zealand (CEPNZ).
When available, specific dates and assessment information can be found via UC's course information system.
Description
This course examines the pathophysiological basis of cardiac disease, chronic and complex conditions. The course will focus on; (a) developing knowledge of each condition, (b) the evidence basis for exercise as a medium through which to improve the health and wellbeing of those with these conditions and (c) exercise prescription for those with cardiac, chronic or complex conditions. Important aspects of the course will cover safety of exercise in high-risk individuals, contradictions and risk assessment, as well as prescriptive interpretation of exercise test results, and the design and supervision of exercise programmes.
Learning outcomes
- Describe, at an advanced level, the incidence, pathological and pathophysiological basis and treatment of cardiac disease, chronic or complex conditions.
- Demonstrate knowledge of evidence-based practice for patients with cardiac disease, chronic or complex conditions.
- Conduct clinical assessments of patients with cardiac disease, chronic or complex conditions and interpret clinical data arising from these examinations.
- Design and implementation of exercise rehabilitation programmes for patients with cardiac disease, chronic or complex conditions.
- Demonstrate knowledge of the Treaty of Waitangi and the implications for practice, regards to working in a bicultural context with Māori as well as Pasifika and a multicultural Aotearoa New Zealand.
Description
This course examines physiological assessment and exercise prescription for individuals who have musculoskeletal injuries, disease or degeneration, or who have undergone surgery. The course examines the functional anatomy of the spine and joints, with a view to understanding pathology prior to developing an exercise-based rehabilitation prescription.
Learning outcomes
- Describe at an advanced level the pathology of common injuries, disease or degeneration for the spine and major joints of the body.
- Conduct a physical assessment, using appropriate techniques, for individuals with common injuries, disease or degeneration for the spine and major joints of the body.
- Prescribe safe and appropriate rehabilitative exercise programmes for individuals with common injuries, disease or degeneration the spine and major joints of the body.
- Demonstrate knowledge of the Treaty of Waitangi and the implications for practice, regards to working in a bicultural context with Māori as well as Pasifika and a multicultural Aotearoa New Zealand.
Description
This course allows students to develop and apply their knowledge and skills in the clinical exercise physiology environment. Work-integrated learning is a key concept of this course, enabling the student to utilise supervised experience towards the role of the clinical exercise physiologist. Students will work directly with patients requiring physiological assessment and exercise prescription in the presence of chronic or life limiting conditions. Students will complete 380 hours of clinical placement for this course.
Learning outcomes
- Utilise the principles of clinical exercise physiology to design, prescribe and supervise personalised exercise programmes for both individuals and groups aimed at disease prevention and rehabilitation.
- Practices collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team to promote health outcomes and equity.
- Synthesises knowledge of advanced health assessment, pathophysiology and clinical exercise physiology with patients experiencing chronic or life limiting conditions.
- Articulate and practice within the cultural, ethical, legal and clinical standards set by Te Tiriti o Waitangi and Clinical Exercise Physiology New Zealand.
Description
This course places students in an advanced internship in a professional sporting workplace, with a view to enhancing employability through working in an authentic workplace setting. Students will work within an existing sporting workplace to gain experience in providing sport science support and development in a professional environment.
Learning outcomes
- Apply principles of exercise science testing and analysis in a workplace setting, demonstrating safe and correct use of equipment.
- Work effectively within a team environment to provide sport science support for athletes or higher level support for a team or squad of athletes.
- Critically reflect on how the workplace structure reflects the bicultural nature of New Zealand as constructed through the Treaty of Waitangi and to locate this reflection in the context of the realities of traditional and contemporary Māori society.
- Work alongside colleagues in a professional workplace to carry out a research project, or plan and implement a significant event or programme.
- Demonstrate understanding of and compliance with workplace Health and Safety requirements.
Description
This course will develop students' specialist knowledge and skills to support postgraduate research and/or industry led projects. Philosophical, ethical and methodological issues influencing research design will be examined and applied to researching health or sport related issues.
Learning outcomes
- Critique important philosophical perspectives on research and justify the implications of these for their research design.
- Critically analyse different research traditions and design strategies that affect knowledge development and application to practice.
- Evaluate the ethical and cultural considerations related to research in New Zealand.
- Engage in group processes to prepare and deliver peer teaching resources
- Utilise experiential learning from workshops for research design decisions, including analysis.
- Apply research design principles to produce a research report or proposal.
- Present the outcomes of the report / proposal to an identified community of interest for peer critique and review.
Description
This course requires students to apply their knowledge and understanding to a specific issue or opportunity within the field of clinical exercise physiology. Students will take an active role in designing and conducting an investigation aimed at generating meaningful outcomes for a broader audience. Undertaken under academic supervision, this research-based project is designed to develop and demonstrate students’ ability to integrate advanced theoretical knowledge with research methodologies relevant to clinical exercise physiology. Through a comprehensive literature review, data collection and analysis—often in collaboration with industry stakeholders—students will critically engage with current challenges in health and exercise physiology. The outcome will be the generation of practical, evidence-based insights applicable to real-world healthcare and exercise physiology settings.
Learning outcomes
- Critically examine a selected area of clinical exercise physiology, demonstrating depth of knowledge and analytical insight.
- Critically evaluate and synthesize research within the chosen clinical exercise physiology domain, applying rigorous methodological and critical analysis.
- Conduct an in-depth study that aligns with philosophical, methodological, ethical, and cultural considerations relevant to the field.
- Contextualize developments in clinical exercise physiology through self-reflection, engaging with contemporary Māori knowledge and norms within a bicultural Aotearoa New Zealand.
- Produce a research project of appropriate scope, presented in a structured and academically rigorous scientific report format.
Our people
The Master of Clinical Exercise Physiology is coordinated by Dr Jess Allan, with contributions from Professor Nick Draper, Dr Cathy Andrew and other industry professionals and Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury academics.
Dr Jess Allan
Programme Coordinator | University of Canterbury
Jess Allan is an accredited clinical exercise physiologist and researcher dedicated to promoting exercise as a cornerstone of health and wellness. Whilst working in Australia, she developed expertise in musculoskeletal and neurological conditions, with a focus on return-to-work and motor vehicle accident rehabilitation. She also contributed to the development and delivery of emerging exercise and cancer courses through the Cancer Council, expanding her knowledge in evidence-based cancer rehabilitation strategies.
Jess returned to New Zealand to pursue a Doctor of Philosophy, focusing on the feasibility of individualised exercise programmes for people with cancer. Her approach emphasises person-centred care and tailored programmes that restore optimal physical function, with a strong focus on bridging research and practice to enhance overall wellbeing.
Professor Nick Draper
Professor of Sport and Exercise Science | University of Canterbury
Professor Nick Draper has been a researcher and teacher at the University of Canterbury for over decade, but has a wealth of experience developed as a practitioner. Nick’s research has a translational focus with the aim of finding solutions to real-world problems. Through his research training and depth of his experience as a practitioner Nick is able to bring a practitioner’s and researcher’s knowledge to solving real-world problems.
As a researcher Nick has led or been involved in over 20 successful competitive grants in New Zealand and the UK totaling over $10 million. His current research projects, very much with a translational focus, include measuring collisions in junior rugby, examining possible impact force mitigation through rugby headgear, the feasibility of exercise to improve outcomes for cancer patients, the health benefits of trampolining and performance prediction for elite cyclists.
Associate Professor Cathy Andrew
Executive Dean | Faculty of Health | University of Canterbury
Cathy Andrews' nursing practice background is ICU and mental health. She has many years of experience in nursing and health educational leadership and management. Her research includes numerous collaborative projects between education and practice including curriculum development, evaluation and innovation in educational delivery.
Cathy's career has spanned New Zealand, Australia, the UK and the South Pacific. She has served on advisory groups, panels and committees for groups such as Health Quality and Safety, Nursing Council of NZ, Vanuatu Qualifications Authority, NZ Qualifications Authority and the National Nurse Leaders group.
Stay updated
If you’re keen to know more, stay updated on when enrolments open or ask a question, please sign up for updates below.
Cap & minimum enrolment threshold: a minimum number of learners is needed for effective interaction and feedback, while a maximum cap of learners ensures high quality learning and support. If the minimum number of enrolments required for a course isn’t met, or the maximum cap is exceeded, learners will be given the option to defer their study or receive a refund.
FAQ
The Tuihono UC | UC Online Master of Clinical Exercise Physiology is a 3-year (part-time) programme designed to develop knowledge, skills and competencies to become an accredited Clinical/Accredited Exercise Physiologist with Clinical Exercise Physiology New Zealand, or overseas bodies such as Clinical Exercise Physiology UK (provided you meet their other requirements).
Through a research project, you'll also develop advanced capabilities that support leadership and specialised practice.
The Postgraduate Certificate in Clinical Exercise Physiology is no longer eligible for accreditation. It provides you skills in clinical exercise physiology for professional development, but no accreditation pathway.
The Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Exercise Physiology builds on the academic foundation of the PGCertCEP with an additional two 30-point papers, including supported clinical practicum hours to give you the experience you need to apply for registration with Clinical Exercise Physiology New Zealand (CEPNZ) - provided you meet their other requirements.
The Master of Clinical Exercise Physiology gives you all the benefits of the postgraduate diploma, plus additional opportunities to extend your clinical expertise and develop research capabilities to broaden your career pathways.
Graduates of the diploma and master's degree will also be able to apply for professional accreditation with international bodies such as Clinical Exercise Physiology UK - provided you meet their other requirements.
Bringing together the latest industry-informed learning applicable to your life and career, the Tuihono UC | UC Online Master of Clinical Exercise Physiology gives you the same quality education as other university programmes with the flexibility of online learning.
This includes 24/7 access, academic advice and technical support, giving you the support to study at your pace.
Graduates can apply to Clinical Exercise Physiology New Zealand (CEPNZ) for accreditation as a Clinical/Accredited Exercise Physiologist. Please note: outside of this programme you must meet other requirements, as outlined by CEPNZ.
Clinical Exercise Physiologists are experts in helping clients prevent, manage, and recover from injury or illness through the development of progressive evidence-based exercise rehabilitation programmes and lifestyle improvements. It is an emerging field in Aotearoa New Zealand with growing demand, with practitioners working in a variety of settings, typically in the community helping clients with rehabilitation.
The overall cost of tuition fees per 30 point course based on the 2026 fee schedule:
- for domestic learners is $2,494* incl GST
Total programme investment for the 180 point programme based on the 2026 fee schedule:
- for domestic learners is $14,964* incl GST
*Please note that the fees are charged on a per year basis and the amount charged reflects the number of courses/points enrolled in the current year. These are based on the 2026 fee structure and subject to revision – you can learn more about the University of Canterbury’s Tuition fee structure here.
Student Services Levy costs
Each year university students around Aotearoa New Zealand are charged a Student Services Levy (SSL) in addition to their tuition fees. All the SSL money collected can only be used for the benefit of students - never for academic or administrative costs.
The SSL is automatically calculated on how many points you enrol in per academic year, capped at a maximum of 150 points. Tuihono UC | UC Online learners are charged a reduced SSL rate, which is 20% of the usual on-campus student levy. This is calculated as $2.06 per academic point in 2026. You can learn more about the Student Services Levy here, and more about UC Support Services here.
There are a range of options you can use to finance your study.
The programme can be completed in 3 years of part-time study.
Studying online allows for flexibility in completing coursework, and Tuihono UC’s programme provides learners with the same quality education and resources as other university programmes.
Please note that this programme does requires some study days onsite at Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury.
Successful learners will graduate with the academic requirements needed to apply for accreditation with Clinical Exercise Physiology New Zealand (CEPNZ) for accreditation as a Clinical/Accredited Exercise Physiologist. Please note: outside of this programme you must meet other requirements, as outlined by CEPNZ.
The programme is delivered with a majority of coursework online, using a range of technologies including video conferencing, online discussion forums, and interactive learning experiences.
There is some in-person learning required onsite at the University of Canterbury (Ilam, Dovedale or Manawa (city) Campus), including practical skill application and tests.
Learners have access to the same support services as on-campus students, including academic advising, technical support, and library resources. There are also great resources for both Canterbury based and remote learners at the UC RecCentre. Learn more here.
Learners also have the support of our Tuihono UC Learner Experience team.
Applications are made online through our Tuihono UC | UC Online website – view open enrolments and/or expressions of interest for when enrolments open.
Whether you need advice finding the right course for you or support with the enrolment process, we’re here to help! Contact enrolment support for course information, technical help and enrolment support.
There are some intensive study blocks where learning will be synchronous (live and on-campus at Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury).
Learners are expected to be present and participate in the online learning and the intensive study blocks.
Graduates can apply to Clinical Exercise Physiology New Zealand (CEPNZ) or another international body like Clinical Exercise Physiology UK (CEP-UK) for accreditation as a Clinical/Accredited Exercise Physiologist.
Please note: outside of this programme you must meet other requirements as outlined by CEPNZ.
The Master of Clinical Exercise Physiology is a standalone professionally relevant qualification but is also a good pathway for further doctoral study on-campus at UC.
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