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

Transform the lives of young people through impactful learning experiences in health, physical education and sport with our Health and Physical Education major.

You’ll develop an understanding of the role of sport, health and physical activities in educational settings, and explore how people learn and how to support this learning in health-related and movement-based subjects.

There’s a strong focus on practical learning opportunities where you can put the teaching concepts you’ve learnt into practice. This major is a great choice if you want to teach health and physical education in schools, or in other physical activity and health-promoting education settings.


This is part of the Bachelor of Sport, Exercise and Health.

Download programme guides

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:

Health and physical education courses

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:

Health and physical education courses

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

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

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:

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

  • Health, physical education and outdoor education teacher
  • Sports director/co-ordinator
  • Education consultant for sporting organisations
  • Sport and physical activity learning advisor
  • Kaiwhakahaere working with kōhanga/puna reo
  • School wellbeing director

Health-and-Physical-Education-A4-08-16.JPG

Find out more about industry trends, job descriptions and what employers may be looking for.

Health and Physical Education Careers

Other majors in the Bachelor of Sport, Exercise and Health

Key features
  • Progressive approach to health and wellbeing
  • Foundation for a career in health and physical education
  • Hands-on experience through workplace experience
  • Includes mātauranga Māori and Māori perspectives of physical activities
See yourself as
  • A strong leader and good communicator
  • A role model for an active lifestyle
  • Organised, a good planner and time manager
  • Able to motivate, lead and inspire young people
Arana Rakena
Yvaan Hapuku-Lambert
Hannah Creamer

The information on this page was correct at time of publication. For a comprehensive overview of AUT qualifications, please refer to the Academic Calendar.