Sport and Exercise Science 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. In your second semester, you’ll become familiar with applied anatomy and physiology, and the factors that influence human performance.

Core courses:

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

Sport and exercise science courses

• SPSC502 Exercise Physiology I
• SPSC503 Applied Anatomy*

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

Year 2

You’ll choose from a range of courses to further your understanding of sports biomechanics, exercise physiology, nutrition, sports psychology and other factors that impact human movement during sport and exercise. Based on proven scientific research, these courses help you become familiar with the most effective training and performance methods.**

Core courses:

• SPOR630 Professional Practice II

Sport and exercise science courses

Choose four from:

• NUTR601 Sport and Exercise Nutrition*
• SPOR632 Skill Acquisition*
• SPSC603 Exercise Prescription and Assessment*
• SPSC604 Applied Sports Biomechanics I*
• SPSC605 Exercise Physiology II*
• SPSC607 Performance Psychology
• SPSC608 Sport Performance Analysis#

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

Year 3

You’ll further develop your ability to create sport and exercise programmes to help athletes and teams perform at their best. The advanced level courses you can choose from range from biomechanics to sport performance, and there’s a strong emphasis on applying your knowledge.***

Sport and exercise science courses

Choose two from:

• SPSC701 Athletic Conditioning*
• SPSC702 Applied Sports Biomechanics II*
• SPSC703 Clinical Exercise Physiology
• SPSC704 Applied Sport Performance Science*#

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

_{*If you complete these courses and 140 hours of professional practice, you can apply to become a Level 1 registered exercise and sport scientist.
**These courses will be available from 2026.
***These courses will be available from 2027. 
#These courses are beneficial for working in sport performance analysis, and after completing these courses you can apply to become a Level 1 accredited analyst with the International Society of Performance Analysis of Sport.}

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 included:

• High Performance Sport New Zealand
• AUT Millennium
• Auckland Cricket
• Auckland Rugby
• Counties Rugby
• Emirates Team New Zealand
• Jetts
• Les Mills
• New Zealand Breakers
• New Zealand Police
• New Zealand Rugby League
• North Harbour Rugby
• Northern Mystics Netball
• Secondary school sports academies
• YMCA

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.

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