Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Science
An advanced sport/exercise programme to extend your knowledge in a specialty of your choice - performance analysis, physical conditioning or exercise leadership. This programme has a wider and more encompassing scope than the Postgraduate Certificate. You’ll study a course in professional development which will prepare you to work within the industry and study a specialist topic to deepen your learning in a specific issue. Graduates will be eligible for relevant industry accreditations as well.
Domestic
July
About the programme
With specialities in Performance Analysis, Physical Conditioning or Exercise Leadership.
This qualification will help you extend and deepen your knowledge of the underpinning base theories and procedures used in the practice environment, in a wider and more encompassing scope than within our Postgraduate Certificate programme. You will also gain a greater understanding of the roles of those who are working with you.
You will have completed an applied project, which allows you to address your practice from multiple perspectives and to position your practice within a wider industry context. This qualification prepares you for further postgraduate study or a career in advanced sport or exercise through the completion of an industry project in your chosen field.
Graduates of this programme can expect to gain employment at advanced 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.
- Graduates who focused on Physical Conditioning will be eligible for accreditation with the Australian Strength and Conditioning Association.
- Graduates who focused on Performance Analysis will be eligible for International Society of Performance Analysis accreditation.
- Depending on your postgraduate experiences, graduates who focused on Exercise Leadership 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. We also offer this programme part-time over two years.
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 of the underpinning base theories and procedures used in the practice environment, in a wider and more encompassing scope than within our Postgraduate Certificate programme. You will also gain a greater understanding of the roles of those who are working with you.
You will have completed an applied project, which allows you to address your practice from multiple perspectives and to position your practice within a wider industry context. This qualification prepares you for further postgraduate study or a career in advanced sport or exercise through the completion of an industry project in your chosen field.
Graduates of this programme can expect to gain employment at advanced 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.
- Graduates who focused on Physical Conditioning will be eligible for accreditation with the Australian Strength and Conditioning Association.
- Graduates who focused on Performance Analysis will be eligible for International Society of Performance Analysis accreditation.
- Depending on your postgraduate experiences, graduates who focused on Exercise Leadership 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. We also offer this programme part-time over two years.
What You Study
Courses
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. You will also 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.
| Course | Level | Credits |
|---|---|---|
|
Choose one of:
|
8 | 30 |
|
Professional Development |
8 |
30 |
|
Choose one of:
|
8 | 30 |
|
Choose on of:
|
8 | 30 |
Links to useful websites
Further study options
Graduates of this programme will be able to continue their studies into 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 (Level 7) 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 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.
Covid-19 vaccination
- 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.
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
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.
