Master of Applied Science
This programme is for you if you want to demonstrate mastery in the field. This qualification prepares you for a doctoral level study, an academic career or leadership roles in sport or exercise. You will have the choice to complete your degree by research or practice.
Domestic
To apply
We want to make sure that this programme is the right fit for you before you apply. Please email sport@op.ac.nz so we can touch base with you about this. Thanks!
About the programme
With specialties in Performance Analysis, Physical Conditioning or Exercise Leadership
Take your sport and exercise knowledge and skills to the next level.
This programme will allow you to demonstrate mastery of theoretically and procedurally sophisticated subject matter through a body of scholarly applied work, which is presented in a public forum and supported by a project or thesis. This could form the basis of scholarly journal articles. The work will respond to societal needs, address practice from multiple perspectives and be positioned within a wider framework of academic and applied research.
This qualification prepares you for doctoral level study, an academic career or a lead sport or exercise management role.
Graduates of this programme can expect to gain employment as expert practitioners within a professional organisational setting. This may include government or non-government sport (performance analysis or physical conditioning), rehabilitation, exercise and wellness promotion, fitness industry roles and employee fitness. It's expected that graduates have created new knowledge in their studies and are leading the industry.
- Physical Conditioning graduates will be eligible for accreditation with the Australian Strength and Conditioning Association.
- Performance Analysis graduates will be eligible for International Society of Performance Analysis accreditation.
- Depending on your postgraduate experiences, Exercise Leadership graduates will be eligible for accreditation with the New Zealand Register of Clinical Exercise Physiologists, and Sport and Exercise Science New Zealand (Accredited Exercise Physiologist; AEP).
Studying part-time
We know full-time study isn't always possible. You can also study this programme part-time over three years.
International
To apply
We want to make sure that this programme is the right fit for you before you apply. Please email sport@op.ac.nz so we can touch base with you about this. Thanks!
About the programme
With specialties in Performance Analysis, Physical Conditioning or Exercise Leadership.
Take your sport and exercise knowledge and skills to the next level.
This programme will allow you to demonstrate mastery of theoretically and procedurally sophisticated subject matter through a body of scholarly applied work, which is presented in a public forum and supported by a project or thesis. This could form the basis of scholarly journal articles. The work will respond to societal needs, address practice from multiple perspectives and be positioned within a wider framework of academic and applied research.
This qualification prepares you for doctoral level study, an academic career or a lead sport or exercise management role.
Graduates of this programme can expect to gain employment as expert practitioners within a professional organisational setting. This may include government or non-government sport (performance analysis or physical conditioning), rehabilitation, exercise and wellness promotion, fitness industry roles and employee fitness. It's expected that graduates have created new knowledge in their studies and are leading the industry.
- Physical Conditioning graduates will be eligible for accreditation with the Australian Strength and Conditioning Association.
- Performance Analysis graduates will be eligible for International Society of Performance Analysis accreditation.
- Depending on your postgraduate experiences, Exercise Leadership graduates will be eligible for accreditation with the New Zealand Register of Clinical Exercise Physiologists, and Sport and Exercise Science New Zealand (Accredited Exercise Physiologist; AEP).
Studying part-time
We know full-time study isn't always possible. You can also study this programme part-time over three years.
What You Study
Programme overview
Within this programme you will chose one of the specialty areas: performance analysis, physical conditioning or exercise and health, these areas will have industry experience within them where you are applying the theory you are learning. In addition you will study a course in professional development which will prepare you to work within the industry and assist you to understand your learning needs. At this point you may choose to complete a research thesis to complete your Masters degree, this is known as a Masters by research.
If you choose to continue with the course you will advance your learning in the specialty area and you will have learning in either a specialist topic that supports the industry or you can negotiate your learning around either research or industry that will provide the opportunity to deepen your learning in a specific issue. At the completion of this you may complete a 60 credit research project in industry to complete your Masters degree, this is known as a Masters by practice.
Programme structure
Master of Applied Science (by Practice)
Programme structure: 18 months full-time and 36 months part-time
| Course | Level | Credits |
|---|---|---|
Choose one of:
|
8 | 30 |
| Professional Development | 8 | 30 |
Choose one of:
|
8 | 30 |
Choose one of:
|
8 | 30 |
| Contemporary Issues | 9 | 30 |
| Placement Leadership | 9 | 30 |
Master of Applied Science (by Research)
Programme structure: 18 months full-time and 36 months part-time
| Course | Level | Credits |
|---|---|---|
Choose one of:
|
8 | 30 |
Choose one of:
|
8 | 30 |
| Applied Research Methods | 9 | 30 |
| Thesis | 9 | 90 |
Further study options
It is expected that graduates of the Master of Applied Science will be able to gain entry into doctoral level qualifications at tertiary institutions (dependant on meeting programme-specific entry criteria). Possible programmes include the Doctor of Professional Practice at Otago Polytechnic and PhD programmes at other institutions.
Workload
Your workload
As a full-time student, you'll be expected to complete 30-35 hours per week. This programme is taught with intensive blocks, online classes and industry placements.
We know full-time study isn't always possible. You can also study this programme part-time over three years.
Entry
Entry requirements
Minimum entry requirements
- Postgraduate Certificate in Applied Science at Level 8 OR equivalent, with an overall grade of B+ (75%), for admission to the Masters by Research, OR
- Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Science at Level 8 OR equivalent, with an overall grade of B+ in the final 60 credits OR an equivalent postgraduate qualification of 120 credits in a related area with an overall grade of B+, for admission to the Masters by Practice.
- Exceptional applicants not meeting the qualification requirements, but who have appropriate documented professional experience, may also be considered for admission.
English Language Requirements
- If English is not your first language, you must provide:
- New Zealand University Entrance OR
- Overall Academic IELTS 6.5 with no individual band score lower than 6.0 (achieved in one test completed in the last two years), OR
- Acceptable alternative evidence of the required IELTS (see here for NZQA proficiency table and here for list of recognised proficiency tests).
If you need to improve your English Language skills, we offer a wide range of English programmes.
Additional criteria
- All applicants who are accepted must obtain a First Aid Certificate, and complete the requirements of the Children’s Act 2014 (including police vetting), prior to commencing classes.
- An interview panel consisting of the Postgraduate Coordinator and relevant postgraduate supervisors will interview and select applicants.
Covid-19 vaccination information
- Placements are an integral part of this programme. You'll need to complete the practical elements of this qualification to successfully achieve it and some placement/work providers may want to see evidence of your vaccination status. Our objective is to support your success in whatever qualification you enrol in but this is also dependent on you meeting requirements set by third party placement providers. We cannot guarantee you a placement if you do not meet these requirements.
Selection criteria
Where there are more applicants than places, an interview panel consisting a member of the Bachelor Leadership Team and relevant academic staff will interview and select applicants, with candidates prioritised on the basis of strength of academic record.
Applicants who do not meet the entry or selection criteria will be directed to a path of study to help prepare them for application in the future.
Pathways into this programme
Applicants without a base degree need to discuss options with the programme teaching team. Please email ebsTOO@op.ac.nz
Want your existing skills recognised?
If you have extensive knowledge and skills due to practical experience in this area, please ask us about our recognition of prior learning process. You may have already gained credits towards this qualification and could achieve it in a shorter timeframe. Please email info@op.ac.nz or call 0800 762 786.
Fees
Domestic fees
International fees
Additional costs
Learners are expected to purchase a uniform ($200) - this is important for industry placements. In addition it is suggested that you have your own laptop/tablet that you are able to bring with you.
Multi-year fees
The tuition fees shown above are approximate only. There may be a slight fee increase per year once Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) rules and guidelines are applied. These fees also don’t include additional costs or living costs.
Studylink
Domestic full-time students can apply for a student loan through Studylink.
Some support may be available for domestic part-time students if this programme offers a part-time study option.
Apply at the same time as you apply for your course (you can withdraw your application anytime).
Student Services Fee
For most students, your tuition fee shown above includes a Student Services Fee – also known as the Student Levy. This compulsory fee covers your access to the student services we offer. This cost is tailored depending on how you're studying.
The international tuition fee does not include your Student Levy. This will be calculated when you enrol with us.
Click below to find out more about the Student Levy costs and services provided.
Fees Free
The Government has announced that Fees Free for the first year of study or training will finish at the end of 2024. A final-year Fees Free policy will replace it, starting from 1 January 2025.
If you are a first-time tertiary learner in 2025, you may be able to get Fees Free for your final year of study or training. If you are eligible, you will need to apply for your entitlement through IRD from 2026 onwards.
For more information about the transition from first-year Fees Free or the final-year Fees Free policy, visit FeesFree.govt.nz.
Study Grants for international students
We have a range of Study Grants to support our international students.
