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Postgraduate Study in Physical Education, Activity and Health

Social and physical bases of mauri ora or flourishing wellness.

Physical education with physical activity and health have been combined to provide students with a well-rounded understanding of the theory and practices of health, wellness and well-being for individuals, communities and populations, whatever their health status.

Physical education, activity and health captures the reasons why we should all be physically active, the physiology behind how physical activity works to influence health, and how to prescribe exercise.

It includes how we can encourage people to be more active, as well as coaching, teaching and instructing about the relevance of physical activity. We focus on the importance of communities, including Māori communities, as well as understanding how the environment relates to being active.

Physical education, activity and health will also appeal to those interested in teaching or coaching sport and exercise. It is designed to equip students with a strong background in the biophysical and socio-cultural sub-disciplines of human movement.

In addition, there is a strong emphasis on applied practice and theory.

Why study Physical Education, Activity and Health?

Physical education and physical activity influences all areas of a person's health and wellbeing. Physical education, or how we learn, teach, coach and instruct, is critical for positive health and wellbeing.

You can learn how to prescribe exercise for healthy individuals and for sedentary populations. You will appreciate and learn how to utilise the strength of wider communities to promote physical activity. You will have the opportunity to engage in practical learning inside and outside of the classroom and exercise laboratories including our specially designed practicum paper.

The course offers a strong Māori physical education and health focus.


Are you just starting uni?

Learn about studying Physical Education, Activity and Health as an undergraduate at Otago.

Graduate Qualifications

Our graduate qualifications are crafted to transition students from foundational studies to advanced, specialised knowledge.

Papers

View a list of all related papers below.


Contacts

School of Physical Education Sport & Exercise Sciences

Tel +64 3 479 8991
Email physical-education@otago.ac.nz
Website otago.ac.nz/sopeses


This information must be read subject to the statement on our Copyright & Disclaimer page.

Regulations on this page are taken from the 2025 Calendar and supplementary material.

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