Price
Domestic learners
$1,935* per 30 point course
International learners
$8,094* per 30 point course
*Fees outlined are based on the 2025 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
PGDipCEP
120 points
Duration
2 years part-time
Learn online from anywhere in Aotearoa New Zealand, combined with up to 20 days onsite in Ōtautahi Christchurch.
Entry times
14 July 2025
February 2026
July 2026
Overview
Advance your career with the academic expertise and hands-on clinical experience you need to become an accredited clinical exercise physiologist — an in-demand profession with growing opportunities.
Clinical exercise physiologists are health professionals who design and deliver exercise-based interventions, health education, and lifestyle support for people managing or at risk of illness, injury, or disability. They work in diverse settings, with a strong focus on people facing high levels of chronic health risk, including those with cancer, cardiovascular disease, mental illness, physical disabilities, and workplace injuries.
Combining the best of online and in-person learning, the Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Exercise Physiology provides both the academic expertise and clinical experience required for accreditation. Graduates can apply for accreditation with Sport and Exercise Science New Zealand, Clinical Exercise Physiology New Zealand, or international accreditation bodies such as Clinical Exercise Physiology UK (provided you meet their additional requirements).
Not sure if the diploma or Postgraduate Certificate in Clinical Exercise Physiology is right for you? Check out our FAQs.
Learn online from anywhere in Aotearoa New Zealand, combined with up to 20 days onsite in Ōtautahi Christchurch.
Requirements
To ensure that our learners have the necessary background and experience to succeed, admission to the Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Exercise Physiology is based on your previous studies in a relevant health or sport science degree.
To enrol in the PGDipCEP, 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.
- 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.
For the full requirements, see the Regulations for the Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Exercise Physiology or use the admission requirements checker.
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 if they take the SSCI404 elective 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 bodies; Sport and Exercise Science New Zealand (SESNZ) and 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. Specific dates will be discussed during the enrolment process. Please note: one of our elective courses is only available on-campus. This course is therefore only suitable for learners based in Waitaha | Canterbury. This is detailed below under structure.
Structure
The Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Exercise Physiology can be studied part-time over 2 years, subject to course availability. Learners must complete the PGDipCEP within 4 years.
Time commitment
Part-time learners complete one course per semester, requiring approximately 18.5 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 exams. 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).
- 14 July – 16 November 2025
- Study break: 15 – 21 September
- In-person intensive days: 10 – 14 November
Please note: these dates are provisional and may be subject to change.
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 an advanced practice course. In this hands-on course, you'll gain 380 hours clinical practicum experience.
Alternatively, if you already have at least 360 professional practice hours (in addition to the 140 hours of experience with healthy populations required for Sport Science registration) you may choose to exit early at this point and graduate with a Postgraduate Certificate in Clinical Exercise Physiology. This will give you the academic background you need to apply for registration with Sport and Exercise New Zealand if you meet their other requirements.
Courses taken to progress your PGDipCEP: Clinical Exercise Physiology Practicum (SSCI412).
Graduate
Choose an additional elective paper in an area that interests you to complete your Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Exercise Physiology.
Please note: If you wish to apply for registration with Clinical Exercise Physiology New Zealand (CEPNZ) or have not completed the 140 hours of additional healthy populations experience required for registration with SESNZ, your elective course during the PGDipCEP must be SSCI404 - Advanced Internship for Sport Science. This practical course will give you the additional professional practice you need to apply for accreditation with CEPNZ – provided you meet their other requirements.
Once you've successfully completed your final course, you can graduate with your PGDipCEP, apply for accreditation, and start working as a registered clinical exercise physiologist!
Elective options (subject to availability): Advanced Internship for Sport Science (SSCI404), Motivating Behaviour Change I (HLTH430), Advanced Pathophysiology (HLTH661), Advanced Health Assessment (HLTH662), or Evidence for Clinical Practice (HLTH692).
What you'll study
You’ll study four NZQF level 8 postgraduate courses for the Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Exercise Physiology, including three required courses and one elective.
Please note: If you wish to apply for registration with Clinical Exercise Physiology New Zealand (CEPNZ) or have not completed the 140 hours of additional healthy populations experience required for registration with Sport and Exercise Science New Zealand (SESNZ), your elective course must be SSCI404 - Advanced Internship for Sport Science.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Please note: If you wish to apply for registration with Clinical Exercise Physiology New Zealand (CEPNZ) or have not completed the 140 hours of additional healthy populations experience required for registration with Sport and Exercise Science New Zealand (SESNZ), this must be your elective. This practical course will give you the additional professional practice you need to apply for accreditation with CEPNZ - provided you meet their other requirements.
Description
This course will facilitate students to demonstrate an advanced knowledge of the pathological basis and clinical manifestations of disease processes. This provides the foundation for clinical decision making related to assessment findings, investigations and evidence to inform interventions and disease management.
Description
This course will enable and prepare students to utilise advanced knowledge of health assessment and diagnostic reasoning to formulate differential diagnoses and evidence-based plans and interventions. Students will conduct holistic assessments, identifying current health issues, incorporating history, physical assessment, lifestyle, psychosocial factors, risks and potential complications.
Description
Students will develop a comprehensive understanding of the principles of evidence-based practice (EBP), reflecting the complex and multifaceted nature of clinical decision making, critical thinking and patient centered care. Knowledge of EBP is crucial for making informed decisions regarding patients and is foundational to the professional identity and competence of all health care practitioners.
Description
This course provides introductory training in motivating behaviour change, including theory, research and practice, with particular emphasis on motivational interviewing.
Please note: this course is available on-campus only, with learners required to attend Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | the University of Canterbury in-person.
Our people
The Postgraduate Diploma in 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.
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 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.
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 Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Exercise Physiology is a 2-year (part-time) programme designed to develop knowledge, skills and competencies to become an accredited Clinical/Accredited Exercise Physiologist with Sport and Exercise Science New Zealand, Clinical Exercise Physiology New Zealand, or overseas bodies such as Clinical Exercise Physiology UK (provided you meet their other requirements).
The Postgraduate Certificate in Clinical Exercise Physiology is designed for those with existing clinical experience in the field.* It provides graduates the academic expertise you need to apply for accreditation with Sport and Exercise Science New Zealand (SESNZ) - provided you meet their other requirements.
*To meet clinical experience requirements, you must have at least 360 hours of professional practice in the categories defined by SESNZ and identified in practical log books. This is in addition to the 140 hours of experience with healthy populations required for Sport Science registration. If you do not already have this combined 500 hours of professional practice, we recommend the PGDipCEP, which allows you to gain this experience while studying.
The Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Exercise Physiology builds on the academic foundation of the PGCertCEP with an additional two 30-point papers. These include 380 supported clinical practicum hours, and an elective course to grow your knowledge and skills in an area of your choice.
If you wish to apply for registration with Clinical Exercise Physiology New Zealand (CEPNZ) (or have not completed the 140 hours of additional healthy populations experience required for registration with SESNZ), your elective course during the PGDipCEP must be SSCI404 - Advanced Internship for Sport Science. This practical course will give you the additional professional practice you need to apply for accreditation with CEPNZ - provided you meet their other requirements.
Graduates of the diploma 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 Postgraduate Diploma in 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 Sport and Exercise Science New Zealand (SESNZ) or 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 SESNZ and CEPNZ respectively.
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 2025 fee schedule:
- for domestic learners is $1,935* incl GST
- for international learners is $8,094* incl GST
Total programme investment for the 120 point programme based on the 2025 fee schedule:
- for domestic learners is $7,740* incl GST
- for international learners is $32,376* 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 2025 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 $1.94 per academic point in 2025. 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 two 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 Sport and Exercise Science New Zealand (SESNZ) or 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 SESNZ and CEPNZ respectively.
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 exams.
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 Sport and Exercise Science New Zealand (SESNZ), 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 SESNZ and CEPNZ respectively.
The Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Exercise Physiology is a standalone professionally relevant qualification but is also a good pathway for further study.
Graduates of the PGDipCEP who achieve a B grade average or better may apply for entry to further master's level study in health sciences on-campus at Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury.
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