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    The relationship between nutrition, physical activity, and performance is becoming increasingly important across all areas of health and sport. From professional athletes fine-tuning their training to healthcare professionals addressing lifestyle-related health issues, there's a growing need for expertise that bridges nutrition science and exercise physiology. Graduates are in demand to work in diverse sectors where nutrition, wellbeing, and physical activity intersect.

    Why study Sport and Exercise Nutrition?

    The Bachelor of Science in Sport and Exercise Nutrition at Otago is the only degree programme in New Zealand that combines comprehensive nutrition education with physical education. This qualification provides a thorough understanding of how nutrients affect human performance, recovery, and long-term health outcomes.

    This programme suits students who are interested in the scientific basis of nutrition and enjoy understanding how the body responds to different foods and exercise. You should be comfortable with science subjects and interested in translating research into practical recommendations for individuals or groups.

    The degree provides a solid foundation for a career in health, health education, and wellbeing – whether you're interested in working directly with people, contributing to research, or developing products and programmes that support health and performance.

    Career opportunities

    Graduates work in diverse sectors where nutrition, wellbeing, and physical activity intersect:

    • Sports nutrition consultancy. Providing evidence-based nutrition support to individual athletes, sports teams, and performance centres.
    • Public health roles. Developing and implementing nutrition and physical activity programmes for community health organisations and government agencies.
    • Research positions. Contributing to studies that advance our understanding of nutrition's role in health and performance across research institutions and private organisations.
    • Product development. Working with food and supplement companies to develop and evaluate products for active populations.
    • Clinical practice. Pursuing further study in dietetics to work in healthcare settings, combining sport and exercise knowledge with clinical nutrition expertise.
    • Corporate and community wellness. Designing and delivering workplace wellness programmes or community health initiatives.

    How you will learn

    This degree covers the full spectrum of human nutrition while integrating key areas of exercise and sport science. You'll explore the biochemical processes that convert food into energy, understand how different nutrients support various types of physical activity, and learn to apply this knowledge in practical settings.

    You’ll gain practical experience in hands-on labs, practical sessions, tutorials, and workshops.

    Recommended high school subjects for undergraduate study

    Secondary school students are recommended to take biology, chemistry, maths and English in Year 12 and preferably chemistry in Year 13.

    Choose a study option

    Whether you're embarking on your academic journey with our comprehensive undergraduate programmes or aiming to reach new heights through our advanced postgraduate offerings, Otago is here to support your aspirations.

    Undergraduate qualifications

    For new and current students studying towards a Bachelor's or other first degree. Explore undergraduate qualifications at Otago, designed to build a strong foundation in your chosen field, preparing you for a successful career or further study.

    Note: this subject can also be studied as a minor.

    Ready to apply?

    Take the first step towards your future in this subject.

    Further study opportunities

    Whether you are looking to bridge your undergraduate studies to advanced knowledge or aiming to specialise in a specific field, Otago offers a range of graduate and postgraduate options to suit your aspirations.

    Fuel your future in Sport and Exercise Nutrition

    Ready to discover how food powers performance? The Bachelor of Science in Sport and Exercise Nutrition at Otago is New Zealand's only degree that brings together nutrition education and physical education in one comprehensive programme.

    You'll explore the fascinating science behind how nutrients impact human performance, recovery, and long-term health. Whether you're curious about helping elite athletes optimise their training or supporting communities to live healthier lives, this degree gives you the knowledge to make a real difference.

    This programme is perfect if you want to understand the scientific basis behind how our bodies respond to different foods and exercise. You'll learn how to translate research into practical advice that helps people achieve their goals.

    Graduates are highly sought after across healthcare, sports teams, fitness centres, and community health organisations. In a world where nutrition and physical activity are increasingly recognised as keys to wellbeing, your expertise will be invaluable.

    Transform your passion for nutrition and exercise into a rewarding career that changes lives.

    Programme details

    Compare programmes for this subject.

    YearPapersPoints
    100-level BIOC 192 Foundations of Biochemistry 18
    CHEM 191 The Chemical Basis of Biology and Human Health 18
    HUBS 191 Human Body Systems 1, or PTWY 131 Introduction to the Human Body 18
    HUBS 192 Human Body Systems 2 18
    HUNT 141 Understanding Human Nutrition 18
     

    Note: PTWY 131 is only available to students enrolled in the Diploma in Science.

    		 
    200-level HUNT 245 Sport and Exercise Nutrition 18
    Two of: 36
    SPEX 201 Biomechanics and SPEX 203 Exercise Physiology,
    or 
    SPEX 204 Psychology of Sport and Exercise and SPEX 205 Physical Activity and Health     		36
    300-level HUNT 345 Applied Sport and Exercise Nutrition 18
    Two of:
    • HUNT 341 Nutrition and Behaviour Change Communication
    • HUNT 342 Nutrition and Chronic Diseases
    • HUNT 343 Community and Public Health Nutrition
    		 36
    SPEX 303 Exercise Energetics and Physiology and SPEX 305 Athletic Conditioning and Rehabilitation,
    or
    SPEX 308 Psychology of Physical Activity and SPEX 309 Active Living and Environment     		36
     

    90 further points. Up to 90 points may be taken from outside Science.

    Note: Cannot be taken by students majoring in Human Nutrition.

    		90
    Total 360

    Further information regarding the BSc majoring in Sport and Exercise Nutrition is available on the Department of Human Nutrition website.

    A minor subject can be included in many of our undergraduate degrees. To earn a minor, you typically must complete a minimum of 90 points in that subject, with at least 18 points at the 300-level.

    Your minor can be a subject more commonly taken for a different degree. For example, a BCom majoring in Marketing can include Japanese as a minor subject. To include this subject as a minor in your application, first find a major subject through our Subject Search or Study Match.

    You can check what’s required to receive the minor accreditation in the programme details below.

    Available as a minor subject for a Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Music (MusB), Bachelor of Performing Arts (BPA), Bachelor of Theology (BTheol), Bachelor of Science (BSc), Bachelor of Commerce (BCom), Bachelor of Entrepreneurship (BEntr), Bachelor of Health Science (BHealSc), or Bachelor of Arts and Science (BASc) degree

    LevelPapersPoints
    100-levelHUNT 141 Understanding Human Nutrition18
    200-level

    HUNT 245 Sport and Exercise Nutrition

    One of:

    Note: HUNT 141 is a prerequisite for HUNT 241-243 but can be taken as a co-requisite for HUNT 241; other prerequisites for HUNT 241 are BIOC 192, CHEM 191 and ((HUBS 191 and HUBS 192) or (HUBS 192 and PTWY 131*) or (ANAT101 and PHSL 101)).

    18

    18

    300-level

    HUNT 345 Applied Sports Nutrition

    One of:

    • HUNT341 Nutrition and Behaviour Change Communication
    • HUNT342 Nutrition and Chronic Diseases
    • HUNT343 Community and Public Health Nutrition

    18

    18

    Total 90

    Note: This minor subject is not available for students majoring in Human Nutrition.

    * PTWY 131 is only available to students enrolled in the Diploma in Science.

    More information

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    Regulations on this page are taken from the 2026 Calendar and supplementary material.

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