Master of Applied Science
Course details
About the course
About the programme
You will be able to study our sports and exercise based Master of Applied Science (MAppSci) once you have completed the Postgraduate Certificate or Diploma in Applied Science (or equivalent as assessed through recognition of prior learning).
Please view the Postgraduate Certificate in Applied Science or the Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Science for more information on the first 60-120 credits of the programme.
Once you have completed the Post-graduate Certificate or Diploma, you can then apply for the Level 9 Master of Applied Science courses.
There are two pathways to choose from:
- Coursework option (60 credits) – Must have completed the 120-credit Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Science prior to applying.
- Research thesis option (120 credits) – Must have completed the 60-credit Postgraduate Certificate in Applied Science prior to applying.
Please note that, unlike the Postgraduate Certificate and Diploma, the Master of Applied Science is not divided by semester and none of our study options is considered full-time.
- The Masters by practice may be completed in either 6 months or 12 months.
- The Masters by research may be completed in either 12 months or 24 months, each with entrance points in either February or August.
Credit options
* Note: There is also a 120 credit option, which can be studied over 12 months full-time.
Entry requirements
Entry
Entry requirements
Academic requirements
Minimum entry requirements
- Postgraduate Certificate in Applied Science at Level 8 OR equivalent, with an overall grade of B+ (75%), for admission to the Masters by Research, OR
- Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Science at Level 8 OR equivalent, with an overall grade of B+ in the final 60 credits OR an equivalent postgraduate qualification of 120 credits in a related area with an overall grade of B+, for admission to the Masters by Practice.
- Exceptional applicants not meeting the qualification requirements, but who have appropriate documented professional experience, may also be considered for admission.
International equivalence
To enter Otago Polytechnic's undergraduate certificates, diplomas and degrees, you need to have achieved a secondary school qualification that is equivalent to New Zealand's NCEA levels (National Certificate of Educational Achievement).
This information is available by country on our Equivalent academic entry requirements page.
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 internationally recognised proficiency tests and proficiency outcomes for international students).
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.
- An interview panel consisting of the Postgraduate Coordinator and relevant postgraduate supervisors will interview and select applicants.
Selection criteria
Where there are more applicants than places, an interview panel consisting of a member of the Bachelor Leadership Team and relevant academic staff will interview and select applicants, with candidates prioritised on the basis of strength of academic record.
Applicants who do not meet the entry or selection criteria will be directed to a path of study to help prepare them for application in the future.
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.
About the provider
If you want to get a job and build a great career, Otago Polytechnic is a smart choice.
We’re known for offering the highest quality, hands-on training that helps students succeed. Our graduates are confident, skilled, and ready to work from day one. And, employers love that.
We’ve earned the highest ratings from the New Zealand Government for our teaching and support. Our flexible study options make it easier for you to learn in a way that suits your life.
At Otago Polytechnic, you’ll gain practical skills, real-world experience, and the confidence to make a real impact - in your career and in your community.