Understanding the science of human movement and performance.
The list of benefits of exercise and sport participation on health, well-being and quality of life is continually growing. Exercise and Sport Science is an internationally recognised scientific discipline consisting of four core sub-disciplines: Biomechanics, Motor control / learning development, Physiology, and Psychology.
Our curriculum is aligned with accrediting bodies in Exercise and Sport Science providing attractive career opportunities.
Ready to enrol?
Bachelor of Science (BSc), Dunedin, 2025
Bachelor of Entrepreneurship (BEntr), Dunedin, 2025
Bachelor of Arts and Science (BASc), Dunedin, 2025
Bachelor of Commerce and Science (BComSc), Dunedin, 2025
Our curriculum is aligned with Sport and Exercise New Zealand, and Exercise and Sport Science Australia. After completing our major you will be prepared to write the accreditation tests for these accrediting bodies.
You can combine with other majors and minors across the School to provide multiple specialisations.
We offer a practicum providing the opportunity to gain clinical, lab or field experience.
Exercise and sport also provide essential vehicles for societal life-long learning and wellbeing. The academic study of exercise and sport science will remain an important pursuit for the foreseeable future.
Career opportunities
There are numerous opportunities for graduates in Exercise and Sport Science.
Our graduates build careers in roles such as:
Sport scientist
Exercise physiologist
Mental skills trainer
Performance analyst
Technique analyst
Strength and conditioning trainer
Sport / health industry research and development
Personal trainer
Exercise prescription adviser
Exercise and Sport Science at Otago
Postgraduate options
We have a strong postgraduate culture and you can undertake further studies in Exercise and Sport Science.
Background required
There are no specific Year 12 or 13 level subjects required for admission. However, biology and physics are helpful. Basic numeracy skills are also recommended.
Four of: SPEX 301 Performance Analysis SPEX 303 Exercise Energetics and Physiology SPEX 304 Sport Psychology SPEX 305 Athletic Conditioning and Rehabilitation SPEX 311 Sports Technology SPEX 316 Practicum SPEX 317 Neural Control of Movement
72
Plus
144 further points (SPEX 206 Te Pū o te Ora Māori Physical Education and Health recommended); must include 36 points at 200-level or above.
Up to 90 points may be taken from outside Science.
144
Total
360
Exercise and Sport Science as a minor subject for a BA, MusB, BPA, BTheol, BSc, BCom, BEntr, BHealSc, BACom, BASc or BComSc degree
Available as a minor subject for a Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Music (MusB), Bachelor of Performing Arts (BPA), Bachelor of Theology (BTheol), Bachelor of Science (BSc), Bachelor of Commerce (BCom), Bachelor of Entrepreneurship (BEntr), Bachelor of Health Science (BHealSc), Bachelor of Arts and Commerce (BACom), Bachelor of Arts and Science (BASc) or Bachelor of Commerce and Science (BComSc) degree
Level
Papers
Points
100-level
SPEX 102 Principles of Exercise for Health and Performance
18
200-level
Three of: SPEX 201 Biomechanics SPEX 202 Motor Behaviour SPEX 203 Exercise Physiology SPEX 204 Psychology of Sports and Exercise
54
300-level
One of: SPEX 301 Performance Analysis SPEX 303 Exercise Energetics and Physiology SPEX 304 Sport Psychology SPEX 305 Athletic Conditioning and Rehabilitation SPEX 317 Neural Control of Movement
18
Note: Students should check the prerequisites for 200- and 300-level papers when selecting papers.
Total
90
Qualifications
Explore your study options further. Refer to enrolment information found on the following qualification pages.
