Leading with the world's best – ranked 12th globally
Ranked 12th in the 2024 QS World University Rankings. The School of Physical Education, Sport and Exercise Sciences (SPSES) is a global leader in sport-related teaching and research.
SPSES stands out as the only New Zealand university in the international top 30. The school is the top-ranked department across all divisions at any university in New Zealand.
Explore what makes Science at Otago so special
It's not just our people – the experts in their fields and passionate students – but also the places we teach and learn: Otago Harbour, Fiordland, Stewart Island, Antarctica and the Pacific that mean our students leave here with highly sought-after skills and experiences.
Alumni
Stay in touch after you graduate. Join the Otago alumni network and keep connected with your classmates.
Latest news
All news-
03 Apr 2025
Celebrating 75 years of physical education graduates
“A little more grey – or just less – hair, a little slower moving around, reluctantly a little wiser, but with the same...
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14 Mar 2025
Work with passion and you're not working at all
A Q&A with Dr Bruce Hamilton, former High Performance Sport NZ and Olympic Health team lead.
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13 Mar 2025
Otago success in QS World Rankings
The University of Otago – Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka is home to New Zealand’s highest ranked subject area in the latest QS Wor...
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27 Dec 2024
Hands-on experience with High Performance Sport NZ
Students from the School of Physical Education, Sport and Exercise Sciences are getting a front-row seat to elite traini...
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25 Sep 2024
'Rollercoaster' rugby season ends on a high with award nomination
Blues and Golds Awards nominee Jacob Waikari-Jones is excited his work on the Otago University A rugby team has been not...
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09 Sep 2024
The nuts and bolts of research
If you’re looking to custom-build something, Craig Steel is the one to call.