Sport Science
A Sports Science qualification at Otago Polytechnic will give you the highly regarded skills and understanding of elite sports and exercise performance. As well as the chance to move into a wide range of careers and specialised sport and wellbeing fields.

As a graduate, you can expect to gain employment at competent practitioner level within a professional organisational setting. This might include government or non-government sport, health and exercise settings such as regional sports trusts, commercial gyms, teaching, health promotion organisations and sporting organisations.
The best thing about Sports Science at Otago Polytechnic, is that it’s based around practical experiences and problem-based learning. You will study in a stimulating environment that incorporates a mix of hands-on and theoretical learning, and gain valuable industry insights and contacts during your work placements.
Sport Science qualifications
Sport
This highly regarded degree is based around practical experiences and problem-based learning. You’ll develop skills and understanding in sport, exercise, and health, as well as communication, academic writing, and project management. You will complete practical community projects and gain real-world industry experience within your chosen field to deepen your knowledge.
Duration
3 Years
Delivery
On campus
Location
Dunedin
Career potential
Cardiac Rehabilitation, Health and Community Care Services, Health and PE Teacher, Performance Analysis, Sports Administration and Coordination
Sport
Deepen your knowledge and understanding of Applied Science. Choose to specialise in performance analysis, physical conditioning or exercise leadership, 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.
Duration
6 Months
Delivery
Blended learning
Location
Dunedin
Career potential
Specialist roles
Sport
An advanced 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.
Duration
1 Year
Delivery
Blended learning
Location
Dunedin
Career potential
Specialist roles
Sport
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.
Duration
18 Months
Delivery
On campus
Location
Dunedin
Career potential
Doctoral Research , Team Leader/Manager

Student Story
Manassah Kutia
“I really liked the fact it wasn’t just theory, but also practical work. The learning environment was great!”
Discover our Institute of Sport, Exercise and Health
Get a taste of what it’s like to study this field at Otago Polytechnic:
- Meet your lecturers and find out what makes them leaders in their chosen area
- Hear about our latest news and events
- Learn first-hand what it’s like to study with us from real students and graduates
- Read about our postgraduate research and studies
Contact us
If you’re not sure what to study and would like some guidance, we’re here to help. Feel free to chat to us directly about any questions you may have.