Study for a degree in sport, recreation and exercise science
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Duration and study methods
Full-time for 3 years (34 teaching weeks per year)
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Start dates
February, July
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Qualification
Bachelor of Applied Sport and Exercise Science (Level 7)Programme code: MN4560 -
Credits
360 -
Locations
MIT Ōtara
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Domestic fees
$7,900 (approx.) per year
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International fees
NZD $26,000 (approx.) per year
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Free* study
Explore the free options available for this programme, and check your eligibility:
Programme highlights
There are so many places a career in sport and exercise can take you.
Study our Bachelor of Applied Sport and Exercise Science and get the skills to become a leader in the industry.
You will learn how to motivate, empower and help others achieve their fitness goals.
You can choose from a variety of courses in exercise physiology, coaching and personal training, rehabilitation and sports massage and nutrition.
Entry requirements
Applicants must meet the following criteria for admission into the programme:
42 credits at NCEA level 3 from the NZQA approved subject list including:
- a minimum of 14 credits in each of two subjects, and
- a further 14 credits from no more than two additional subjects or NZQA approved Domains
OR
- Have a minimum of 60 credits at NCEA Level 2 across four subjects (15 credits per subject) including English and a Science subject or Physical Education
- A minimum of 14 credits at Level 1 or higher in Mathematics or Pangarau on the New Zealand Qualifications Framework (NZQF)
- A minimum of 8 credits at Level 2 or higher in English or Te Reo Māori, 4 credits of which must be in Reading and 4 credits in Writing
OR
Applicants who do not meet the academic requirements noted above will need to provide attested evidence through an interview demonstrating aptitude, ability to study at degree level and appropriate work or other discipline related experience.
Applicants must be prepared to sign a form for consent for disclosure of information for the NZ Police. A criminal record will not automatically exclude an applicant form entry to the programme. Person with convictions for violence for against a person will not be considered.
International students: English Language Entry Requirements
For the minimum English language requirements refer to the requirements set out in the NZQF Programme and Accreditation Rules https://www.nzqa.govt.nz/providers-partners/qa-system-for-teos/english-international-students/
Any applicant whose first language is not English may be required to provide evidence of an overall IELTS (Academic) band score of 6.0 (with no score below 5.5) or equivalent.
Special & discretionary admission
Any ākonga who is 20 years of age or older and has not reached the general admission requirements for their intended programme is eligible for Special Admission. Te Pūkenga works with the ākonga to ensure they are prepared for their intended programme. Any ākonga who is not yet 20 years of age and has not reached the general admission requirements for their intended programme may be eligible for Discretionary Admission. In assessing whether to grant Discretionary Admission, the delegated authority focuses on the applicant’s level of preparedness for their intended programme.
Need IELTS?
Book your British Council IELTS test with us.
You will complete your test in one day, plus get free online tuition to help you succeed. We offer paper-based or computer-delivered IELTS. Choose computer-delivered IELTS and get your results in 3-5 days.
Give yourself credit with Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Did you know you can use the knowledge and experience you already have to your advantage?
Your previous work experience and on-the-job skills, volunteering, professional development, and other providers’ qualifications can be recognised as prior learning, matched against credits in our courses, and put towards your qualification – potentially saving you money and possibly helping you to complete your qualification faster Learn more.
Programme structure
You will need to complete the below 13 compulsory courses as well as the required amount of elective courses (360 credits):
Compulsory courses
Level 5
781.514 Structural kinesiology (15 credits)
Students will be able to have an understanding of the science of kinesiology and the process of human movement, as it relates to physical activity, sport and exercise.
781.518 Human anatomy and physiology (15 credits)
Students will be able to have an understanding of the sciences of anatomy and physiology as they relate to physical activity, sport and exercise. Anatomy is the study of the structure of the body and physiology is the study of the function of the body. Both disciplines are fundamental to the study of exercise science, coaching and sporting performance.
781.521 Introduction to Biomechanics (15 credits)
Students will be able to understand major concepts of biomechanics as they relate to performance in sport and exercise.
781.52 He Oranga Hauora (Healthy Lifestyle) (15 credits)
Students will be informed, responsible and proactive in the promotion of hauora and personal health. They will also gain an understanding of the potential role of lifestyle choices in the maintenance and improvement of health status.
781.516 Sport sociology (15 credits)
Students will be able to understand the historical, social and cultural foundations of sport and exercise science, and gain an understanding of the cultural diversity and identify foundational social-psychological concepts.
781.517 Introduction to Sport as a Business (15 credits)
Students will be able to have an understanding of principles of business, management and leadership in the context of sport, recreation and exercise.
781.515 Coaching pedagogy (15 credits)
Students will be able to design and introduce students to the theory and practice of sports coaching. An emphasis will be placed on the knowledge and practical skills necessary for coaching within the youth sport environment.
781.519 Exercise Prescription for Personal Trainers (15 credits)
Students will be able to apply an understanding of physiological knowledge to prescribe specific and general training programmes.
Level 6
781.619 Research methods in sport and exercise (15 credits)
This course aims to introduce students to research concepts, design and methods in sport and exercise science. Students will gain knowledge of the processes involved in research design, process and analysis.
781.62 Injury prevention and rehabilitation (15 credits)
This course aims to provide students with a basic understanding of the nature of injuries in sport and in the workplace, including: causal factors, assessment, treatment, management and rehabilitation.
781.621 Exercise programme design (15 credits)
This course aims to provide students with professional skills in the planning, management and design of integrated physical training programmes. There is emphasis placed on the processes involved in analysing needs, and presenting, monitoring and evaluating programmes.
781.618 Sport and exercise nutrition (15 credits)
To develop students appreciation and knowledge of sport and exercise nutrition and its application to sport performance.
781.622 Sport management and administration Skills (15 credits)
This course aims to introduce the student to management and administration knowledge that can be applied within the sport and recreation context.
Elective courses
Level 6
You will need to complete three level 6 elective courses (45 credits):
781.623 Applied exercise physiology (15 credits)
This course aims to further student knowledge of human physiology and physiological assessment procedures relevant to the study of exercise and sport performance.
127.607 Biomechanical applications in sport and exercise (15 credits)
This course is designed to further student knowledge regarding major concepts of biomechanics as they relate to the mechanical fundamentals of sport, exercise and human motion.
781.624 Biochemistry (15 credits)
This course aims to provide students with relevant knowledge of biochemistry as a foundation for subsequent study in sport and exercise science. There is emphasis on the metabolic pathways involved during physical activity.
781.627 Issues in sport and exercise psychology (15 credits)
This course aims to introduce students to some of the key issues in sport and exercise psychology, whilst developing an analytical approach to the application of psychological theory to sport, exercise and population health.
781.626 Sport and therapeutic massage (15 credits)
This course aims to provide students with a strong theoretical and practical basis in basic, therapeutic and sport massage practice.
781.625 Outdoor education (15 credits)
This course aims to explore the outdoor education principles and philosophies while relating them to the New Zealand Health and Physical Education (NZHPE) Curriculum. Students will have the opportunity to develop an outdoor education plan relating to a school-based outdoor environment, as well as experiencing outdoor activities as both a learner and leader.
781.628 Applied Coaching Pedagogy (15 credits)
This course aims to teach students planning, implementation and evaluation of coaching practice, while applying knowledge of motor skill development, and reflecting on different approaches to coaching pedagogy.
Level 7
You will need to complete 120 credits from any of the following level 7 courses:
115.722 Research topics in sports science (30 credits)
This course is designed to engage students with research in current sport science topics, to provide students with practical experience of the research process and to prepare students for professional employment or further study in the sport and exercise sector.
127.703 Applied Biomechanics in sport and exercise (15 credits)
This course aims to provide students with advanced knowledge, skills and professional competencies in the field of biomechanical analysis of sport, exercise and human motion. Recent developments in biomechanical research and their practical application will be investigated. Knowledge will be acquired in research methodologies and skills in using equipment and software will be developed to collect and analyse data.
721.703 Assessment and rehabilitation of injuries (15 credits)
This course aims to provide students with advanced knowledge, skills and professional competencies in the field of rehabilitation. Rehabilitation following injury is becoming an increasingly specialised field requiring the combined knowledge of medical consideration of injury and final-phase therapeutic exercise.
The course investigates the cause of injuries and the skills required to design and implement appropriate prevention, clinical assessment and rehabilitation programmes for a wide variety of musculoskeletal conditions.
724.702 Community nutrition and health promotion (15 credits)
This course is designed for students who have an interest in nutrition counselling, health promotion and prevention of lifestyle diseases. The topics cover the main principles of health promotion and community nutrition.
The course aims to provide students with skills and knowledge in the area of public health issues and health promotion. In particular, students will explore common disease states and appreciate their impact on a person's food selection and nutritional status. Students will gain a sound understanding of the key principles of clinical nutrition and health promotion, and their potential applications in nutrition practice.
This course will follow on from the introductory course Lifestyle, Nutrition and Health, and compliment the Sports Nutrition courses.
781.707 Applied sport coaching (30 credits)
This course aims to provide students with advanced knowledge, skills and professional competencies in the field of sports coaching. The course is founded upon the level one coaching paper and draws further from the sub-disciplines encountered in earlier sport science courses.
An emphasis is placed on professional, holistic application of the various sub-disciplines in the interests of coaching athletes for improved performance.
781.708 Physiological preparation for sport (15 credits)
This course aims to provide students with advanced knowledge, skills and professional competencies in the field of exercise physiology for the profiling and preparation of athletes for competition.
781.709 Applied exercise programming (15 credits)
This course is designed to provide students with the opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge and practical skills of exercise programming and personal fitness training gained throughout the programme to simulated and actual work environments.
781.711 Exercise prescription for special populations (15 credits)
This course provides students with an understanding of individual health problems in the community and of special needs relating to the provision of health, fitness and sports programmes.
781.712 Practicum (15 credits)
To provide students with opportunities within a vocational or workplace setting for the advancement and application of their skills and knowledge in the area of sport and exercise science. In particular, to provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate their ability to put all the skills learned within the programme together in the professional practice setting at a level befitting a sport and exercise science professional.
Do you want to study a single course, without enrolling into the full programme?
Courses within some of our programmes may be offered as an individual Certificate of Proficiency (COP). Programme entry requirements and course fees apply. For more information, please speak to our friendly Ask Me! team.
Career opportunities
Career opportunities include:
- Self-employed or employed consultants
- Self-employed personal trainers
- Advisors in specialist fields (rehabilitation, personal training, coaching, sports science, community health, nutrition, psychology)
- Employment opportunities at gymnasia, recreation centres, sport trusts, educational institutions, sport medicine and physiotherapist clinics as managers, coaches, consultants, performers, lecturers, teachers, trainers, therapists.
For potential salaries visit careers.govt.nz.
The union was founded in 1955 and currently services a growing, diverse and youthful population in South Auckland. There are currently 7,897 registered players at all levels of the game in the province (2018 data).
Many of the greatest names in the game have started out with Counties Manukau Rugby Football Union and in 2019 MIT school of sports students were able to study at the Steelers home ground for a diploma-level qualification.
“New Zealand rugby expertise is in demand internationally. The partnership with Counties allowed us to provide a gateway to local players, coaches, volunteers and those who want a sports qualification based around rugby to access those opportunities without leaving the area to study” says MIT lecturer, Fran Serrano, who was also the union’s mental skills coach.
“I chose to study here because I feel more comfortable in this environment. You’re not just a number. Our lecturers know you, they know your name, and they know your lifestyle. It’s like a family here at MIT.
There is lots of variety and opportunities to apply our learning. We are learning in the books, we are learning with technology and we are learning hands-on.
I am also currently interning as a strength and conditioning assistant coach with the Auckland Dream basketball team and interning as a video analyst with Northern Stars. I’m learning heaps and it has been the best experience.”
Maryanne Moa
MIT student
“I want to become a police officer because I want to give back to my community. I've always wanted to go out there and serve my people.
My advice is just give it a go, you won't know what it's like unless you try. I didn't know what it was going to be like until I enrolled and I've come here and I've enjoyed it. I've learnt a lot and met a lot of new friends.”
Savah Gautusa
MIT student
“I love sports and I have wanted to do something related to sport since a young age.
I chose to study sport at MIT because everything was really easy to follow, everything was well organised, well structured, and the lecturers offered a huge amount of support. I got many types of support and was offered lots of advice and mental support. Everyone is patient and everything was adaptable to the person’s need.
My qualification has helped me improve specific skills that I needed to improve on.
I felt so independent, and I felt like I was able to be myself.
I loved it.”
Allan Phung
MIT graduate
“I choose to study sport because it’s always been a passion of mine. It’s been something I’ve done since I was young and it has continued to stick with me. Sports has always helped keep me busy. I’ve made lots of friends through sport and it’s allowed me to travel both in New Zealand and throughout the world.
Studying sport has also helped me with my part-time job as a health and fitness instructor. I’ve learnt how to teach people effectively whether that’s correcting techniques, setting up machines properly or avoiding injuries.”
Dan Maireroa
MIT student
“I want to set an example to my kids that studying and learning is important. It’s never too late to pursue a different career and do what makes you happy.
Crossing that stage to receive my first degree will be my highest achievement. In a million years, I didn't think I'd be graduating. This is more significant than any of my professional sporting milestones.
The skills I’ve learned here have put me at the front of the pack and I wouldn’t have picked them up anywhere else. It’s not just the technical knowledge but also learning the importance of connecting with people, and how crucial that is to get the best from them.”
John Cocker
MIT graduate
“I want to help my family and our help our community by educating them on healthy living and healthy lifestyles. I am excited about the future because now I have the knowledge and I can implement that in a way that’s going to help others.
People expect that they need to be going to the gym but it can be as simple as hanging the washing out or going for a walk. Get active whatever it takes and don’t take the shortcuts.”
Jane Cocker
MIT graduate
"It has been a real honour having the opportunity to work with the Steelers and experience various roles within their program. It is enjoyable being part of the Steelers game days and getting to see how the operational side of a professional sports organisation works. The fast-paced environment keeps me on my toes and allows me to learn in the field.
The course has given me many opportunities to engage with the community; building and strengthening relationships that will help me in the future. I also assist at various school rugby tournaments throughout the region, allowing me to enhance my coaching skills and giving me the chance to educate secondary school students as well.
The four-day schedule includes three days in-class, plus one day for work experience, and gives me the flexibility to work part-time which is a bonus.
I would highly recommend this course. It’s a hands-on course that’s designed to get you work-ready. There is a lot of flexibility so you can make the course work for you, regardless of your situation in life. The team at Counties Manukau Rugby and MIT are great to study with, you basically feel like a Counties Manukau Rugby staff member.
I will continue to utilise the knowledge and skills I have developed and apply them to my current role as Director of Rugby at Pukekohe High School. I also will look to continue with study and complete my bachelor's degree with MIT."
Shay Eva
MIT graduate
Ready to put your plans in place?
Fees Free scheme: Free study for the first or final year of your Level 3 or above qualification may be available under the Government’s Fees Free study scheme. Visit feesfree.govt.nz for eligibility criteria and more information. Students must meet New Zealand residency criteria. Note: The Government has announced that Fees Free for the first year of study will finish at the end of 2024. A final-year Fees Free scheme will replace it, starting from January 2025. Learners who have already used Fees Free in their first year of study won’t be able to access Fees Free under the new final-year policy. However, from now until the end of 2025, first-year Fees Free will operate under ‘first-year transition rules’. For more information, visit feesfree.govt.nz. All free study is subject to availability and funding confirmation. Proof of residency status required. Entry criteria, and some costs, may also apply. Eligibility for student allowances or student loans may vary. Contact StudyLink for more information.
Information is correct as at 28 August 2024. Programme fees are based on a full-time student and may vary depending on your final selection of courses that make up your programme. To provide you with an indication of costs, the approximate fees quoted in this publication are based on the indicative 2025 fee structure. The indicative programme fees for 2025 do not include the Compulsory Student Services Fee (CSSF). The CSSF is an additional levy to your 2025 programme or course fees. Further information about the CSSF can be found here www.manukau.ac.nz/cssf. Programmes stated as eligible for free study in 2025 are based on the 2024 fee structure and subject to funding confirmation for 2025. All fees are in New Zealand Dollars. You will be advised of the current fees at the time of enrolment. All courses and programmes will proceed subject to numbers and academic approval. Manukau Institute of Technology is part of Te Pūkenga – New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology. Te Pūkenga is accredited under the provisions of the Education and Training Act 2020. International students must study in class and will not be able to enrol for online study options.