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
Health, Health & Wellbeing
Don’t have the academic requirements you need to enter one of our diploma- or degree-level healthcare programmes? No problem. By studying courses such as Function of the Human Body and an Introduction to Careers in Health, you will be well prepared to apply for your chosen diploma or degree.Duration
1 Year Full-time
2 Years Part-time
Delivery
On campus, Online with block course(s)
Health, Health & Wellbeing
This Level 4 programme is the second part of our health bridging pathway for those that don't yet meet the entry requirements for our diploma or degree level health programmes. To enter directly into Level 4, you need to hold a New Zealand Certificate in Study and Employment Pathways (Level 3) (our Level 3 Health Bridging certificate), or equivalent, e.g. NCEA Level 3.Duration
17 Weeks Full-time
1 Year Part-time
Delivery
On campus, Online with block course(s)
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 Full-time
Delivery
On campus
Career potential
Cardiac Rehabilitation, Clinical Assistant, Community Facilitator, Community School Advisor, Health and Community Care Services, Health and PE Teacher, Lifeguard, Performance Analysis, Physical Health Advisor, Recreational Therapist, Research Assistant, Sports Administration and Coordination, Summer Camp Counsellor, Teacher Aide, Water Sports Instructor, Youth Mental Health Service Coordinator, Youth Worker
Sport
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.Duration
6 Months Full-time
1 Year Part-time
Delivery
Blended learning
Career potential
Specialist roles
Sport
An advanced sport/exercise programme. Choose to specialise in performance analysis, physical conditioning or exercise prescription. 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 focus topic to deepen your learning in a specific area. Graduates will be eligible for relevant industry accreditations as well.Duration
1 Year Full-time
2 Years Part-time
Delivery
Blended learning
Career potential
Specialist roles
Sport
This sport and exercise science programme is for you if you want to demonstrate mastery in the field. Our Master of Applied Science prepares you for doctoral level study, an academic career or leadership roles in sport or exercise. Complete your degree by research or practice.Duration
6 Months Full-time
12 Months Part-time
Delivery
On campus
Career potential
Doctoral Research, Team Leader/Manager
Student stories
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
Applying theory into practice
There's always something kicking off for our ākonga, who have been involved in no shortage of exciting action in 2023.
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.
