Master of Applied Science

About the programme

With specialties in Performance Analysis, Physical Conditioning or Exercise Leadership

Take your sport and exercise knowledge and skills to the next level.

This programme will allow you to demonstrate mastery of theoretically and procedurally sophisticated subject matter through a body of scholarly applied work, which is presented in a public forum and supported by a project or thesis. This could form the basis of scholarly journal articles. The work will respond to societal needs, address practice from multiple perspectives and be positioned within a wider framework of academic and applied research.

This qualification prepares you for doctoral level study, an academic career or a lead sport or exercise management role.

Graduates of this programme can expect to gain employment as expert practitioners within a professional organisational setting. This may include government or non-government sport (performance analysis or physical conditioning), rehabilitation, exercise and wellness promotion, fitness industry roles and employee fitness. It's expected that graduates have created new knowledge in their studies and are leading the industry.

• Physical Conditioning graduates will be eligible for accreditation with the Australian Strength and Conditioning Association.
• Performance Analysis graduates will be eligible for International Society of Performance Analysis accreditation.
• Depending on your postgraduate experiences, Exercise Leadership graduates 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. You can also study this programme part-time over three years.

Entry

Entry 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.

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.
• An interview panel consisting of the Postgraduate Coordinator and relevant postgraduate supervisors will interview and select applicants.

Covid-19 vaccination information

• 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.

Selection criteria

Where there are more applicants than places, an interview panel consisting 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.