Health and Physical Education Major - Bachelor of Sport, Exercise and Health

Year 1

In your first year you’ll develop foundational knowledge for the sport, health and exercise sector as well as skills in academic writing, critical thinking and the presentation of ideas. You’ll also be introduced to the role of sport, health and physical activity in education settings.

Core courses:

• LSKL500 Uni101
• SPOR521 Movement: Theory into Practice
• SPOR520 Tauherea taiao ki ngā hunga
• SPOR523 Sport, Exercise and Health in Aotearoa New Zealand

Health and physical education courses

• SPOR524 Sport, Health, and Physical Activity in Education
• SPSC502 Exercise Physiology I

You’ll also take the first two courses for your second major, minor(s) or elective courses.

Year 2

You’ll build on the foundations you’ve laid in Year 1, and will explore how biomechanics, society and culture, and te ao Māori relate to health and physical education. You’ll also learn to integrate what you’ve learnt in a professional setting.*

Core courses:

• SPOR630 Professional Practice II

Health and physical education courses

• MAOH602 Te Pūtake o te Waiora
• SPOR631 Health and Physical Education: Curriculum in Action
• SPOR632 Skill Acquisition
• SPSC604 Applied Sports Biomechanics I

You’ll also continue to take courses for your chosen second major, minor(s) or elective courses.

Year 3

This year you’ll further your understanding of teaching and learning in health and physical education, and other learning environments.**

Health and physical education courses

• SPOR722 Health Education and Youth Wellbeing
• SPOR723 Teaching and Learning Approaches in Sport, Health, and Physical Education

You’ll also take the final courses for your chosen second major, minor(s) or elective courses.

_{*These courses will be available from 2026.
**These courses will be available from 2027.}

Workplace experience

Work integrated learning is the final part of your degree. This is your chance to apply what you’ve learnt in a workplace related to your studies, gain experience in the sport, exercise and health industries, and make valuable industry contacts before you graduate.

Your workplace experience is part of this Year 3 course:

• SPOR720 Sport, Exercise and Health Cooperative Education (45 points)

Recent placements covered a wide range of schools, including:

• Whangaparaoa College
• Gladstone Primary School
• Alfriston College
• Wentworth College

Want more info about work integrated learning at AUT?

Read more about workplace experience in AUT programmes, how it works and why it’s so beneficial when you start your career.

Workplace experience in AUT programmes

If you started your studies in the Bachelor of Sport and Recreation and joined AUT in 2024 or earlier, the courses you need to complete are a little different. Find out what courses you need to take to complete your qualification if you started in 2024 or earlier.

VIEW STUDY PLANNERS