Career opportunities
There is a growing need for individuals with a combined understanding of the principles of nutrition, health and physical activity. This means there are many career paths available, depending on the minor chosen to complement SPNU, and the individual's areas of interest.
Some examples include:
- sports nutrition consultancy
- roles in public health, physical activity and nutrition
- research
- product development
- dietetics
What is Sport and Exercise Nutrition?
Sport and exercise nutrition is a rapidly expanding area requiring a combined knowledge of the roles of human nutrition and physical activity in health.
The Sport and Exercise Nutrition (SPNU) programme combines human nutrition, sports science and physical education. In addition, several minor programme options are available, broadening the career opportunities upon completion of your degree.
What will I learn about?
A broad understanding of the principles of nutrition and exercise science will be obtained from human nutrition and physical education papers in the first, second and third years.
First year
In your first year of study you will be required to take papers in nutrition, human body systems, biochemistry and chemistry.
Second year
In your second year, human nutrition and physical education become the mainstay of your study.
Third year
The third year sees further specialisation in the selection of human nutrition and physical education papers.
Teaching style
As well as lectures to learn the theory of human nutrition and sport and exercise science, there is a large practical component in both the physical education and human nutrition papers. Labs and practical sessions give you hands-on experience and regular tutorials provide excellent small group learning opportunities.
Recommended background
High school students are recommended to take biology, chemistry, maths and English in Year 12 and preferably chemistry in Year 13.
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.
Note: this subject can also be studied as a minor.
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
Ready to apply?
Take the first step towards your future in this subject.
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 Sport and Exercise Nutrition
Explore postgraduate study in Sport and Exercise Nutrition at Otago. Gain advanced knowledge, skills, and research oppor...
Related subject areas
Explore all subject areasProgramme details
Compare programmes for this subject as a major and minor (where available).
| Year | Papers | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 100-level | BIOC 192 Foundations of Biochemistry | 18 |
| CHEM 191 The Chemical Basis of Biology and Human Health | 18 | |
| HUBS 191 Human Body Systems 1, or PTWY 131 Introduction to the Human Body | 18 | |
| HUBS 192 Human Body Systems 2 | 18 | |
| HUNT 141 Understanding Human Nutrition | 18 | |
Note: PTWY 131 is only available to students enrolled in the Diploma in Science. | ||
| 200-level | HUNT 245 Sport and Exercise Nutrition | 18 |
| Two of: | 36 | |
| SPEX 201 Biomechanics and SPEX 203 Exercise Physiology, or SPEX 204 Psychology of Sport and Exercise and SPEX 205 Physical Activity and Health | 36 | |
| 300-level | HUNT 345 Applied Sport and Exercise Nutrition | 18 |
| Two of: | 36 | |
| SPEX 303 Exercise Energetics and Physiology and SPEX 305 Athletic Conditioning and Rehabilitation, or SPEX 308 Psychology of Physical Activity and SPEX 309 Active Living and Environment | 36 | |
90 further points. Up to 90 points may be taken from outside Science. Note: Cannot be taken by students majoring in Human Nutrition. | 90 | |
| Total | 360 |
Further information regarding the BSc majoring in Sport and Exercise Nutrition is available on the Department of Human Nutrition website.
A minor subject can be included in many of our undergraduate degrees. To earn a minor, you typically must complete a minimum of 90 points in that subject, with at least 18 points at the 300-level.
Your minor can be a subject more commonly taken for a different degree. For example, a BCom majoring in Marketing can include Japanese as a minor subject. To include this subject as a minor in your application, first find a major subject through our Subject Search or Study Match.
You can check what’s required to receive the minor accreditation in the programme details below.
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), or Bachelor of Arts and Science (BASc) degree
| Level | Papers | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 100-level | HUNT 141 Understanding Human Nutrition | 18 |
| 200-level | HUNT 245 Sport and Exercise Nutrition One of:
| 18 18 |
| 300-level | HUNT 345 Applied Sports Nutrition One of: | 18 18 |
| Total | 90 |
Note: This minor subject is not available for students majoring in Human Nutrition.
* PTWY 131 is only available to students enrolled in the Diploma in Science.
More information
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Regulations on this page are taken from the 2025 Calendar and supplementary material.
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