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
You’ll focus on sport, health and physical activities in educational settings, and explore how people learn in subjects related to health and movement.
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
Build your degree
Use our online tool to build your own degree and see what your three years of study could look like.
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.
Ready to enrol in your courses?
Find out how you can enrol in the courses and classes for your programme, whether you’ve just joined AUT as a new student or you’re already studying with us. If you’re looking for more info on a specific course use our course search.
- 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
Find out more about industry trends, job descriptions and what employers may be looking for.
Other majors in the Bachelor of Sport, Exercise and Health
- 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
- 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
The information on this page was correct at time of publication. For a comprehensive overview of AUT qualifications, please refer to the Academic Calendar.