Bachelor of Applied Science (Wellness and Exercise)

Course details

Bachelor of Applied Science (Wellness and Exercise)
Domestic tuition	$7,273 per year
International tuition	$21,500

About the course

Gain advanced skills for the exercise industry designed to address the needs of New Zealand communities with UCOL's Bachelor of Applied Science (Wellness and Exercise) (Level 7).

If you are passionate about using exercise to bring about positive change in the health and wellbeing of individuals and communities, UCOL's Bachelor of Applied Science (Wellness and Exercise) will provide you with specialist knowledge and skills to enable you to have a direct impact on:

Diabetes prevention, obesity, corporate wellness, aged-care and mental health management;
Strength and conditioning for high-performance and aspiring athletes;
Organising physical activity participation for community members and groups.

You'll progressively gain competencies and confidence to identify, plan, implement, evaluate and report on the impact of structured physical-activity opportunities and services delivered to clientele within your community.

Contextualised learning
Different from other degree programmes, you'll learn fundamental knowledge and skills in context. So, rather than just learn the theory in a foundation course, then build on it with practical knowledge, you'll learn the knowledge and gain the skills at once.

To further build on this, you'll be provided with many opportunities to apply your knowledge in supervised training environments. Firstly working one-on-one, with apparently healthy clients, then with groups, and then clients/communities requiring specialised programming needs (both in the sports, active-recreation and clinical health area). Thereafter students have opportunities to confirm their elected major and develop skills as an independent practitioner or project manager.

Majors

Although students will elect a major at the start of their degree, the first two years have been designed to give students a 'taste' of all the majors. Before starting their final year of study, students can confirm or change to one of the majors that suits their career plans the best:

Physical Health and Wellness
Strength and Conditioning
Sport and Recreation Management

Practical experience

This degree comprises a large practicum component designed to create work-ready graduates as follows:

First year - 100 hours
Second year - 120 hours
Third year - 360 hours

Entry requirements

Domestic Entry Requirements

University Entrance

New Zealand Certificate in Exercise (Levels 4 or 5)

On a case-by-case basis at the discretion of the Executive Dean

Provisional enrolment

Note:

Provisional enrolment is defined by NZQA as being Discretionary Entrance and includes the following clauses:

Discretionary entrance may be granted to those applicants under the age of 20 who:

Are New Zealand or Australian citizens and permanent residents under 20 years of age
Must have a minimum of 14 credits in an approved subject at Level 2 towards NCEA
Must also have met the literacy and numeracy standards required for University Entrance

Applicants 20 years of age or over:
A person having reached the age of 20 years before the first day of the programme in the year for which admission is sought, who does not meet the academic qualifications above may be required to attend a conversation prior to their enrolment being accepted. The purpose of this meeting is to discuss their career goals, reasons for study, choice of study, possible challenges and the support that is available for them at UCOL.

Background checks
Students must declare any previous criminal convictions prior to admission being confirmed; and authorise UCOL to undertake a background check on the applicant with the Police Licensing and Vetting Agency. Convictions of any offence may not necessarily exclude applicants from enrolment; the decision is at the discretion of the Head of School.

Once admitted to the programme, students are required to inform UCOL of any pending charges or changes to their conviction status. A change of status may not necessarily result in exclusion from the programme, but it may impact the availability of student placements.

UCOL will undertake a safety check of all students working with children under the age of seventeen years old to ensure legislative requirements of the Children’s Act are met. The safety check involves confirming the student’s work history, verifying with trusted referees their suitability to work with children and the completion of New Zealand Police vetting.

First Aid Certification

Students must hold a current Comprehensive First Aid Certificate, or have gained that Certificate prior to the second semester of the programme. The Certificate must remain current while the student is enrolled in the degree as it will impact on their practical ‘placement’ opportunities.

Note: First Aid Certification may be organised by UCOL at various time points, but the cost of such courses remains the responsibility of the student.

International Entry Requirements

In addition to the Domestic Entry Requirements, the following applies to international student applicants:

English Proficiency Entry Requirements
International student applicants whose first language is not English must have an IELTS Academic (or equivalent including TOEFL) score of 6 with no band score lower than 5.5. IELTS scores used must be taken from a single IELTS Test Report Form (i.e. combining scores from more than one test is not permissible). UCOL is a TOEFL iBT testing centre.

Applicants under 20 years of age: Under 20 years of age
For international applicants under 20 years of age who do not hold NCEA, International Academic Qualifications Entry Criteria apply.

About the provider

UCOL in its many forms has been part of the community for more than a century. We are a proud example of a successful Institute of Technology and Polytechnic. We have a rich heritage and much to contribute to the future of vocational learning.

When you study with UCOL you’re much more than a number. We take the time to get to know you, to understand who you are. By sharing your strengths and what you want to achieve, we can truly help you get to where you want to be.

At UCOL, we’re here to support you all the way. Studying can be a challenge, we get that.

Study takes commitment, which, together with a learning style that suits you and the support you need, is a very powerful combination. At UCOL we encourage resilience and build self-confidence while you learn - providing our students with even greater opportunities.

As a student studying on or off campus, you can expect to learn skills and gain knowledge that sets you on your way. Gaining a qualification is a wonderful achievement that is earned, not given. We encourage you to stay in touch and make life-long learning a part of your journey. Ultimately, we want you to find your own place, whatever that may mean for you.

Our networks with local employers go beyond one-way exchanges, we value meaningful connections that are mutually beneficial. These relationships keep our education grounded, our programmes relevant, and job opportunities real. Our approach is truly collaborative.

UCOL graduates are well-rounded and possess the skills and values employers are looking. They are valued members of their local community. With campuses in Palmerston North, Whanganui, Wairarapa and Horowhenua, and various delivery locations, we’re well known throughout the central and lower North Island.

Being close to our communities is a vital part of who we are. We strive to deepen connections and help our communities to grow and prosper. We aspire to build positive, meaningful relationships that benefit our students and graduates. That is why we exist.