Diploma of Clinical Exercise Science

What is a Diploma of Counselling and Communication Skills?

The Diploma of Clinical Exercise Science builds your expertise in health assessment, exercise prescription and supporting long-term wellbeing. Whether you’re growing your existing skills or starting your career, you’ll learn anatomy, physiology and the science behind movement, using the latest digital tools and evidence-based methods in real-world settings.

Gain hands-on experience in our student-led clinic, building the practical skills to work across fitness, health and community roles. This AUSactive-accredited diploma is a step up from entry-level personal training qualifications, making you eligible to register as a fitness professional and preparing you for advanced personal training or clinical support roles. You can also use your qualification as a pathway into our Bachelor of Health Science (Clinical Myotherapy).

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Learning outcomes and Work-Integrated Learning

Build strong foundations in anatomy, physiology and exercise science
Assess health and fitness using industry-standard tools and techniques
Design exercise programs tailored to individual goals, taking nutrition and wellbeing into account
Use digital technology to monitor progress and deliver programs
Develop communication, coaching and motivational skills for clients
Apply evidence-based practice to support health, injury prevention and wellbeing
Gain hands-on experience at our student-led gym

Accredited by AUSActive

When you graduate, you’ll be eligible to register as a Personal Trainer or fitness professional with AUSactive, Australia’s peak industry body.

Download course guide Start online application

Study mode

On campus, Blended

Campus locations

Melbourne

Student

Domestic

Course duration

1 year full time, part time options available

Start date

16 Feb 2026

01 Jun 2026

14 Sep 2026

View all key dates

Fee & scholarships

Learn more

This course is provided by Torrens University Australia, ABN 99 154 937 005, TEQSA Provider ID: PRV12209 (Australian University) and delivered by Think: Colleges Pty Ltd through a third-party agreement.

Master clinical skills

Get hands-on experience solving client health issues and learning the latest methods from experienced professionals.

Pathways for your next step

Use your diploma to start or progress your career, or put credits towards a bachelor’s degree.

Smaller classes, more support

Get more time with academics and peers, so you get the help and feedback you need to progress.

Career opportunities

The Diploma of Clinical Exercise Science qualifies you to work as a personal trainer, with opportunities in gyms, wellness centres and community programs

Potential career paths

Personal Trainer
Average salary: $64,556 - $100,159

Learn more about careers in Health

Subjects and units

This course comprises 8 core subjects, each subject requiring 10 hours of study per week; three hours facilitated and seven self-directed. Assessments may include activity-based assignments or online quizzes. There are no formal exams.

Requirements

These eight core subjects must be completed.

Exercise Physiology | EXS101T

This subject builds on foundational anatomy and physiology to examine the acute and chronic responses of the human body to exercise. Students will explore the physiological adaptations that occur with various exercise modalities and training programs, and how these responses are influenced by environmental conditions, individual characteristics, and health status. The subject integrates theoretical learning with practical laboratory experiences, allowing students to apply exercise physiology principles to fitness enhancement, chronic disease prevention, and performance optimisation across diverse populations.
Musculoskeletal Anatomy 1 | MYO103

Musculoskeletal Anatomy 1 builds upon the foundational knowledge of the formation and spatial relationships of the tissues and joints of the upper body that is gained in Anatomy and Physiology 1. This subject introduces students to the musculoskeletal components of the human body in a theoretical and practical setting and comprises the study of the axial and appendicular skeleton (upper limb), nervous system, cervical and thoracic spine, head, and shoulder. A practical component of this subject will incorporate anatomy wet labs where available, so that students can examine specimens of tissues and regions of the body. Dynamic anatomic and cadaveric software and models will also be part of the practical component.
Professional Communication and Collaboration | HSC101T

Professional Communication and Collaboration will introduce you to the skills required by health professionals to enable effective interactions within a wide variety of inter-personal and inter-professional workplace settings. You will work on developing practical skills to assist in the building, maintenance, and endings of professional relationships with clients, other professionals, and members of the community across multi-modal communication settings. You will be introduced to frameworks promoting change, compliance, self-efficacy, goal-setting and collaboration. This subject will also cover those foundational counselling skills that are applicable to a wide variety of health professions, such as core counselling behaviours, listening skills, and communication micro-skills. Sessions facilitate your understanding of the importance of ethical communication, diversity and inclusion considerations, professional expectations and the development of professional behaviours including self-reflection and self-care. Agile and adaptable communication skills to support working with clients and with other professionals collaboratively and inclusively, allowing for conflict resolution and appropriate endings of relationships.
Exercise Prescription 1 | MYO205

Exercise Prescription 1 provides an introduction to the foundations and principals of exercise prescription, physical fitness and health. You will explore physical activity, exercise, and human movement in the context of clinical practice, incorporating cardiovascular, flexibility, strength, balance, speed and agility exercise. This subject will develop your skills in functional movement (including biomechanics of movement and exercise) performing exercise, coaching and cueing, and prescription of fundamental movement patterns. The subject is designed to equip you with the skills necessary to safely prescribe exercise and communicate effectively in a clinical setting.
Musculoskeletal Anatomy 2 | MYO104

Musculoskeletal Anatomy 2 builds upon the foundational knowledge of the formation and spatial relationships of the tissues and joints of the upper body that is gained in Human Structure and Physiology 2.You will gain practical experience in clinically orientated anatomy, beginning with the surface and bony landmarks, progressing to musculotendinous, vascular, neural and finally to osseous components. You will also develop knowledge in relation to biomechanics of musculotendinous and osseous anatomy. The practical component of the subject will employ the use of dynamic anatomic and cadaveric software and models to aid in the application of the learning.
Exercise Assessment and Testing | EXS102T

This subject introduces students to the principles and practice of pre-exercise screening, risk stratification, and fitness assessment. Students will develop the knowledge and practical skills required to assess client readiness for exercise participation, identify risks, and apply industry-recognised testing protocols within professional scope of practice. The subject includes instruction in commonly used assessment tools and equipment, supported by extensive supervised practical sessions to build competency in test administration, data interpretation, and client communication.
Foundations of Human Nutrition | FHN201T

This subject provides students with fundamental nutrition knowledge by examining the relationship between food, nutrition, human health and wellbeing. Students will learn about macro and micro-nutrition, dietary guidelines, role of nutrition in metabolism, health maintenance and disease, nutrient rich food sources, and the specific nutritional requirements throughout the lifespan. Students will also learn how to identify and construct a healthy diet according to specific dietary guidelines, and know the impact of nutritional deficiency and excess as they relate to health and disease
Exercise Psychology | EXS103T

Students will explore the psychological theories and principles that influence human behaviour in sport and physical activity contexts. We’ll delve into how mental factors impact exercise adherence, performance, and overall well-being. From motivation to stress management, you’ll gain insights into optimizing exercise experiences for individuals and groups. Whether you’re an aspiring coach, fitness professional, or health enthusiast, this unit provides essential knowledge for enhancing exercise outcomes. This subject also includes 30 hours of work integrated learning placement.

Entry details

Fees

Check the domestic course fee schedule for the cost of your course.

FEE-HELP

Eligible Australian students may choose to defer some, or all, of their tuition fees through FEE-HELP, a loan scheme repaid through the tax system based on income.

Learn more about fees and FEE-HELP

Scholarships

If you are truly passionate about health, we want to hear from you. We have a variety of health scholarships on offer to assist you in becoming a key part of the health industry:

Admission criteria

Before you begin your application to study as a domestic student, check that you meet the requirements listed below.

Year 12 (Australian secondary school certificate) or equivalent

OR

Successful completion of a Vocational qualification (AQF Level 4), or above

OR

Successful completion of at least 0.5 EFTSL at AQF level 5, 0.25 EFTSL at AQF level 6 or above, or equivalent.

View full course admission information

Frequently asked questions

How do I apply for a course?

Domestic students
Check the entry requirements for the course you’re interested in and submit an online application.

How to apply

If you have any difficulty, please contact a Future Student Advisor, who can talk you through the process.

International students

You can apply to Think Education through one of our Education Agents. Our agents are located throughout the world and will make sure the enrolment process runs smoothly. You can also apply online.

View the full list of Education Agents

For anything else, please contact our International recruitment team at study@torrens.edu.au.
What are the payment options? What are FEE-HELP and VET Student Loan (VSL)? Am I eligible?
Payment options available include:

Upfront payment via Flywire, credit card, BPAY or overseas bank account transfer.

You can also apply for a payment plan if you are a domestic student.

Financial assistance

If you’re a domestic student and looking to study our Bachelor of Health Science (Clinical Myotherapy), you may be eligible for FEE-HELP.

If you’re a domestic student and looking to study our, Diploma of Nursing you may be eligible for VET Student Loan.

Your eligibility for FEE-HELP and VET Student Loan depends on criteria such as your citizenship status, and whether you’re looking to study a undergraduate, postgraduate of vocational education program.

Check your eligibility on the Australian Government’s Study Assist website.

View tuition fees

What do part-time and full-time study entail?

A standard full-time study load is made up of three subjects (approximately 30 hours a week). Part-time study is made up of two subjects (approximately 20 hours per week).
What are Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and Credit Transfer (CT)? How do I apply?

Recognition of Prior Learning is an assessment process that recognises experience, previous study and qualifications, and other forms of informal and non-formal learning, to determine if you meet course requirements.

If you have relevant qualifications or experience, eligible for credit towards your course and a reduction in tuition costs.

Please speak to one of our Future Student Advisor to advise them on the experience or previous study you have.

View Course Credits

Diploma of Clinical Exercise Science
(Partnership with Torrens University Australia and Think Education)