Postgraduate Certificate in Applied Science
Deepen your knowledge and understanding of sport/exercise. Choose to specialise in performance analysis, physical conditioning or exercise prescription, and apply your learnings through industry experience during your study. A course in professional development will then prepare you to work within the industry and assist you to understand your learning needs.
Domestic
July
About the programme
Specialise in in Performance Analysis, Physical Conditioning or Exercise Prescription.
This qualification will help you extend and deepen your knowledge and understanding of the underpinning base theories and procedures that are relevant to the practice environment.
You will have completed applied project work, which allows you to address your practice from multiple perspectives and position your practice within a wider industry context. This qualification prepares you for further postgraduate study or a career in sport or exercise.
Graduates of this programme can expect to gain employment at competent practitioner level within a professional organisational setting. This may include government or non-government sport (particularly performance analysis and physical conditioning), rehabilitation, exercise and wellness promotion, fitness industry roles and employee fitness. Students will be trained in the introduction to Performance Analysis, Physical Conditioning and Exercise Prescription and will complete industry projects within their chosen field of practice.
Studying part-time
We know full-time study isn't always possible. We also offer this programme part-time over a year.
International
July
About the programme
With specialities in Performance Analysis, Physical Conditioning or Exercise Leadership.
This qualification will help you extend and deepen your knowledge and understanding of the underpinning base theories and procedures that are relevant to the practice environment.
You will have completed applied project work, which allows you to address your practice from multiple perspectives and position your practice within a wider industry context. This qualification prepares you for further postgraduate study or a career in sport or exercise.
Graduates of this programme can expect to gain employment at competent practitioner level within a professional organisational setting. This may include government or non-government sport (particularly performance analysis and physical conditioning), rehabilitation, exercise and wellness promotion, fitness industry roles and employee fitness. Students will be trained in the introduction to Performance Analysis, Physical Conditioning and Exercise Leadership and will complete industry projects within their chosen field of practice.
Studying part-time
We know full-time study isn't always possible. We also offer this programme part-time over a year.
What You Study
Courses
Within this programme you will chose one of the focus 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.
| Course | Level | Credits |
|---|---|---|
|
Choose one of:
|
8 | 30 |
|
Professional Development |
8 | 30 |
Links to useful websites
Further study options
Graduates of this programme will be able to continue their studies into either the Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Science or the Master of Applied Science at Otago Polytechnic. Further study at other tertiary institutes is also possible.
Workload
Your workload
This is a full-time programme of study and students are expected to complete 30-35 hours per week. This programme is taught with intensive blocks, online classes and industry placements.
Entry
Entry requirements
Minimum academic entry criteria
- The Bachelor of Applied Science or an equivalent qualification at bachelor level in a related discipline, or equivalent documented professional experience.
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 internationally recognised proficiency tests and proficiency outcomes for international students).
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.
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.
Tuition 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
If you are a first-time tertiary learner in 2025, you may be able to access 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.
If you started studying before 2025, you may be able to continue to use your remaining first-year entitlement in 2025.
Visit our Fees and Funding page to learn more about the Fees Free programme Fees and Funding
