Physical Activity and Nutrition department

The Behavioural Nutrition and Physical Activity department is part of the School of Sport and Recreation at AUT.

AUT’s behavioural nutrition and physical activity programme creates graduates that work in a diverse range of fields related to the promotion of healthy lifestyles. Our expert staff bring first-hand research experience to their teaching, ensuring that our students develop the advanced skills and knowledge to improve the health and wellbeing of individuals, communities and populations.

Undergraduate study in behavioural nutrition and physical activity will give you a solid grounding in this area.

Research in sport and recreation

We believe in high-quality research that has impact, and have world-class researchers and research strengths across sport and recreation.

More about our research

Research associations

AUT has access to the following facilities to provide students with hands-on learning and work experience:

AUT community gardens

The AUT community gardens were founded in 2019 as part of the Lifestyle Nutrition course in the Bachelor of Sport and Recreation. Students completing the Bachelor of Sport and Recreation in Exercise Science and Nutrition were given the opportunity to immerse themselves in a collaborative, sustainable environment and grow their own food as part of the course.

Community  gardens website

Contact us

Dr Lisa Mackay
Head of Department
Phone:  +64 9 921 9999 ext 7698

lisa.mackey@aut.ac.nz

QS Subject Ranked

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New recommendations released to help Kiwi kids avoid impacts of high rates of screen use at home and in classroom.
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New research: reversing Type 2 diabetes
26 Feb, 2024
Associate Professor Dr Caryn Zinn is leading a three-year project looking into non-pharmaceutical ways to reverse Type 2 Diabetes and says it's possible.
Prof John Cronin
Small weights strong impact
20 Jan, 2022
Moving with small weights increases your strength as effectively as lifting large loads, AUT professor John Cronin explains wearable resistance.
Kristen Spencer
Top play – it's all in the eyes
01 Dec, 2021
AUT research at the U21 Hockey World Cup taking place in India aims to improve player decision-making and provide more goal opportunities.
Ameya Kagali
Post-grad realises sports medicine dream
11 Oct, 2021
An AUT degree has enabled Dr Ameya Kagali to realise his dream of working with athletes, serving as chief medical officer to the Indian Paralympics team.