Institute of Technology or Polytechnic
Ara Institute of CanterburyBachelor of Applied Science (Sport and Exercise)
This course is available
On-Campus
Level of Study
Bachelor's Degree
Duration
3 years
Next start date
Expected Feb 2027
Campus
Christchurch - City Campus
Summary
Sport and exercise work brings science, coaching and people skills together. You’ll explore how physical activity supports health, movement and performance, while learning how to work with individuals, teams and communities.
Practical learning is a strong part of the experience, including industry placements and applied work in sport, exercise and health settings. Alongside technical knowledge, you’ll build communication, cultural understanding and professional practice skills, preparing you to support people safely, confidently and effectively.
Key features- Learn beyond the gym:
Study coaching, performance analysis, exercise psychology and event management.
- 200 hours industry experience:
Gain workplace experience through two supervised industry practicums.
- Strong industry connections:
Build networks through placements, sports clubs and industry partners.
- Work across sport and health:
Learn flexible skills to support individuals, teams and communities through physical activity.
- Anatomy, physiology and applied sport science
- Coaching practice informed by diverse cultures and communities
- Exercise programming for health, performance and athletic development
- Sport performance analysis, data use and research skills
- Sport sociology and psychology
- Training methods for individuals, teams and athletes
- Nutrition for sport and exercise
- Adapted physical activity and rehabilitation
- Event and programme coordination in sport
- Professional communication and practice
Entry criteria
Academic RequirementsUniversity Entrance as defined by New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA), which must include:
- 14 credits at Level 3 in each of:
- Biology or Physical Education or Health Education
- another subject, preferably Physics, Statistics, Mathematics, Chemistry, Geography or Psychology.
- (Human Nutrition specialisation applicants must have a minimum of 14 credits in Chemistry at Level 2 or alternative as approved by the specialisation coordinator.)
- one other subject from the list of approved subjects*
OR successful completion of NZ3563 New Zealand Certificate in Exercise (Level 4) or New Zealand Certificate in Study and Employment Pathways (Level 4) Pre Health Pathway or equivalent
* NZQA approved subjects: see https://www2.nzqa.govt.nz/ncea/understanding-secondary-quals/university-entrance/
If you have undertaken examinations other than NCEA (e.g. International Baccalaureate, Cambridge Examination), Ara will assess your qualification for academic entry equivalency.
Additional RequirementsIn addition you need to:
Consent to Disclosure of Information
- Successful applicants will be required to complete a New Zealand Police Consent to Disclosure of Information form.
- The form will be sent by Ara to the Police Licensing and Vetting Service, and returned in confidence to the Faculty Dean or delegate. Information on the NZ Police Vetting Service is available from the New Zealand Police website.
Still want to study but don't meet the Academic Requirements?
If you show that you have equivalent skills for tertiary study gained through study, work and/or life experience, you may be able to gain alternative entry.
This may include Recognition of Prior Learning, please contact Ara for advice.
English RequirementsWhat if English is not my first Language?
Overall IELTS 6.0 Academic
- 5.5 Listening
- 5.5 Reading
- 5.5 Writing
- 5.5 Speaking
If English is not your first language, we want to make sure that you will be successful in your chosen programme of study.
- Please provide a result from a test or qualification on the acceptable alternatives
- English Proficiency Outcomes Chart.
- If you are a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent Resident, complete an Admission and Enrolment form and Ara will contact you regarding a free assessment.
- If you are not a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent resident, please book a PTE Academic test through the Ara Examination Centre or complete an NZQA-approved English language test in your home country.
- IELTS scores used must be taken from a single IELTS Test Report Form and are valid for two years from the date of the test.
What if I have achieved New Zealand University Entrance?
If you have achieved New Zealand University Entrance requirements, you are not required to provide evidence of English language skills.
Selection RequirementsApplicants who meet the entry requirements will be accepted into the programme in the order that completed applications are received.
Disclaimer
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Please note that degrees and qualifications earned via remote or distance learning are excluded from the overseas credential evaluation and recognition services provided by the Chinese Service Center for Scholarly Exchange (CSCSE). For more information, please contact CSCSE directly: +86-10-62677800 (phone) or visit their website(external link that opens in a new tab).
You can learn more about international recognition of New Zealand qualifications on the NZQA website.