Postgraduate Study in Sport, Exercise and Health
Overview
The significance of Sport, Exercise and Health as a broad academic field of study has increased markedly in the last couple of decades. For example:
- Sport is recognised as a vehicle for innumerable social goals including improvements in health and education, social integration and reductions in crime and deviancy, and international relations and diplomacy.
- Many commentators are describing the lack of exercise amongst humans (or physical inactivity) as the greatest threat to global health in the 21st century.
- Sport has a major economic impact on the New Zealand economy and is a significant social and cultural component of New Zealand society. The sport and recreation sector contributes more than $5.2 billion to GDP (gross domestic product) or 2.8 per cent and employs more than 50,000 people.
The Bachelor of Science with Honours (BSc(Hons)), Postgraduate Diploma in Science (PGDipSci) and Master of Science (MSc) in Sport, Exercise and Health are science focused postgraduate qualifications appropriate for students interested primarily in the biophysical sciences and sociocultural contexts that inform human movement and exercise. Students will learn about the important roles that exercise and sport play across the lifespan and how human potential and health can be optimised through exercise science principles. As the qualification is taught by internationally recognised scholars, the teaching and learning will be at the forefront of knowledge, intrinsically linked to the research directions of the academic staff members and the University.
Students will be able to develop a coherent course of study (with input from an academic advisor) by selecting from papers that reflect their subject of interest.
Applying
To apply for this major subject:
- Select the qualification you wish to take from the list below. This will take you to the relevant qualification page.
- Click the Apply now button on the right of the qualification page. This will take you to the eVision login page where you can create your account and apply for the programme and select your major subject/s.
Papers
See the full list of Sport, Physical Education and Exercise (SPEX) papers
Choose a study option
Whether you are advancing your career with our specialised graduate qualifications or pursuing in-depth research and expertise through our postgraduate programmes, Otago is here to support your aspirations.
Postgraduate qualifications
Honours, Master’s, PhDs, and other advanced degrees for graduates. Just one additional year of study will earn you a valuable postgraduate degree. Or perhaps you want the depth of a full year of research-only time during a Master’s or to step up to a PhD.
Bachelor of Science with Honours (BSc(Hons))
A four-year degree focusing on advanced study and culminating in a research project in the final year
Postgraduate Diploma in Science (PGDipSci)
A one-year programme which builds on an undergraduate science degree, encompassing coursework and a chosen research topic
Master of Science (MSc)
A two-year degree with a wide range of subject options, the MSc may be taken by a combination of coursework and thesis, or by thesis only
Ready to apply?
Take your expertise to the next level with advanced study.
Programme details
Compare programmes for this subject.
Papers
View a list of all related papers below.
Contacts
School of Physical Education, Sport and Exercise Sciences
Tel 64 3 479 8991
Email physical-education@otago.ac.nz
Website School of Physical Education, Sport and Exercise Sciences
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Regulations on this page are taken from the 2025 Calendar and supplementary material.
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