Career opportunities
Career opportunities include physical education teaching, working with Māori communities, physical activity and health promoters, green prescription, health and fitness professionals, sport coaching, prescribing exercise in healthy and sedentary populations, wellness facilitators, and leadership roles.
Recommended background
There are no specific Year 12 or 13 level subjects required for admission. However, biology is helpful and physical education is recommended.
Choose a study option
Whether you're embarking on your academic journey with our comprehensive undergraduate programmes or aiming to reach new heights through our advanced postgraduate offerings, Otago is here to support your aspirations.
Undergraduate qualifications
For new and current students studying towards a Bachelor's or other first degree. Explore undergraduate qualifications at Otago, designed to build a strong foundation in your chosen field, preparing you for a successful career or further study.
Bachelor of Science (BSc)
A three-year degree offering flexibility to explore a major in Science along with other subjects
Bachelor of Arts and Science (BASc)
Combine two majors, one in Arts and one in Science, into a four-year degree and expand your future career prospects
Bachelor of Commerce and Science (BComSc)
Combine two majors, one in Commerce and one in Science, into a four-year degree and expand your future career prospects
Bachelor of Entrepreneurship (BEntr)
A three-year degree that equips you to change the world as you create new products, services and ideas
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Further study opportunities
Whether you are looking to bridge your undergraduate studies to advanced knowledge or aiming to specialise in a specific field, Otago offers a range of graduate and postgraduate options to suit your aspirations.
Diploma for Graduates (DipGrad)
The Diploma for Graduates (DipGrad), requiring study of at least seven papers (at least four of which are at 300-level o...
Postgraduate Study in Physical Education, Activity and Health
Explore postgraduate study in Physical Education, Activity and Health at Otago. Gain advanced knowledge, skills, and res...
Programme details
Compare programmes for this subject as a major and minor (where available).
| Level | Papers | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 100-level | SPEX 101 Sport, Science and Society | 18 |
| SPEX 102 Principles of Exercise for Health and Performance | 18 | |
| ANAT 101 Anatomy for Sport and Exercise (or (HUBS 191 or PTWY 131) and HUBS 192) | 18 | |
| PHSL 101 Physiology for Sport and Exercis (or (HUBS 191 or PTWY 131) and HUBS 192) Note: PTWY 131 is only available to students enrolled in the Diploma in Science. | 18 | |
| 200-level |
Three of: SPEX 203 Exercise Physiology SPEX 205 Physical Activity and Health SPEX 206 Te Pū o te Ora Māori Physical Education and Health SPEX 207 Understanding Sports Coaching | 54 |
| 300-level |
Four of: SPEX 306 Te Pou o te Koronga Advanced Māori Physical Education and Health SPEX 307 Coaching, Leadership and Mentoring SPEX 308 Psychology of Physical Activity SPEX 309 Active Living and Environment SPEX 310 Exercise for Clinical Populations SPEX 316 Practicum | 72 |
| Plus | 162 further points. Up to 90 points may be taken from outside Science. | 162 |
| Total | 360 |
Papers
View a list of all related papers below.
SPEX papers
| Paper Code | Year | Title | Points | Teaching period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SPEX101 | 2025 | Sport, Science and Society | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| SPEX102 | 2025 | Principles of Exercise for Health and Performance | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| SPEX201 | 2025 | Biomechanics | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| SPEX202 | 2025 | Motor Behaviour | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| SPEX203 | 2025 | Exercise Physiology | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| SPEX204 | 2025 | Psychology of Sport and Exercise | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| SPEX205 | 2025 | Physical Activity and Health | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| SPEX206 | 2025 | Te Pū o te Ora Māori Physical Education and Health | 18 points | Not offered in 2025 |
| SPEX207 | 2025 | Understanding Sports Coaching | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| SPEX208 | 2025 | Sociology of Sport and Exercise | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| SPEX209 | 2025 | Sport Development and Management | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| SPEX301 | 2025 | Performance Analysis | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| SPEX303 | 2025 | Exercise Energetics and Physiology | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| SPEX304 | 2025 | Sport Psychology | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| SPEX305 | 2025 | Athletic Conditioning and Rehabilitation | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| SPEX306 | 2025 | Te Pou o Te Koronga Advanced Māori Physical Education and Health | 18 points | Not offered in 2025 |
| SPEX307 | 2025 | Coaching, Leadership and Mentoring | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| SPEX308 | 2025 | Psychology of Physical Activity | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| SPEX309 | 2025 | Active Living and Environment | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| SPEX310 | 2025 | Exercise for Clinical Populations | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| SPEX311 | 2025 | Sports Technology | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| SPEX312 | 2025 | Advanced Sociology of Sport | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| SPEX313 | 2025 | Sport and Health Policy | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| SPEX314 | 2025 | Advanced Sport Management | 18 points | Not offered in 2025, expected to be offered in 2026 |
| SPEX315 | 2025 | Sport Media | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| SPEX316 | 2025 | Practicum | 18 points | Semester 1, Semester 2, Full Year, 1st Non standard period (10 November 2025 - 20 February 2026) |
| SPEX317 | 2025 | Neural Control of Movement | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| SPEX380 | 2025 | Special Topic | 18 points | Not offered in 2025 |
| SPEX401 | 2025 | Research Methods in Sport, Exercise and Health | 20 points | Semester 1 |
| SPEX440 | 2025 | Advanced Topics in Physical Education, Activity and Health | 20 points | Semester 1 |
| SPEX441 | 2025 | Advanced Topics in Physical Education, Activity and Health | 20 points | Semester 2 |
| SPEX450 | 2025 | Advanced Topics in Exercise and Sport Science | 20 points | Semester 1 |
| SPEX451 | 2025 | Advanced Topics in Exercise and Sport Science | 20 points | Semester 2 |
| SPEX460 | 2025 | Advanced Topics in Sport Development | 20 points | Semester 1 |
| SPEX461 | 2025 | Advanced Topics in Sport Management and Policy | 20 points | Semester 2 |
| SPEX480 | 2025 | Independent Project | 40 points | Full Year |
| SPEX481 | 2025 | Independent Study | 20 points | Semester 1, Semester 2 |
| SPEX490 | 2025 | Dissertation | 60 points | Full Year |
| SPEX495 | 2025 | Master's Thesis Preparation | 40 points | Full Year, 1st Non standard period (3 March 2025 - 27 February 2026), 2nd Non standard period (1 July 2025 - 26 June 2026) |
| SPEX516 | 2025 | Practicum | 30 points | Full Year, 1st Non standard period |
| SPEX517 | 2025 | Practicum Report | 30 points | Full Year, 1st Non standard period |
More information
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Regulations on this page are taken from the 2025 Calendar and supplementary material.
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