Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Science

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.

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 [email protected] 

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 [email protected] or call 0800 762 786.