Study Physical Education, Activity and Health at Otago

Social and physical bases of mauri ora or flourishing wellness.

Physical education with physical activity and health have been combined to provide students with a well-rounded understanding of the theory and practices of health, wellness and well-being for individuals, communities and populations, whatever their health status.

Physical education, activity and health captures the reasons why we should all be physically active, the physiology behind how physical activity works to influence health, and how to prescribe exercise.

It includes how we can encourage people to be more active, as well as coaching, teaching and instructing about the relevance of physical activity. We focus on the importance of communities, including Māori communities, as well as understanding how the environment relates to being active.

Physical education, activity and health will also appeal to those interested in teaching or coaching sport and exercise. It is designed to equip students with a strong background in the biophysical and socio-cultural sub-disciplines of human movement.

In addition, there is a strong emphasis on applied practice and theory.

Why study Physical Education, Activity and Health?

Physical education and physical activity influences all areas of a person's health and wellbeing. Physical education, or how we learn, teach, coach and instruct, is critical for positive health and wellbeing.

You can learn how to prescribe exercise for healthy individuals and for sedentary populations. You will appreciate and learn how to utilise the strength of wider communities to promote physical activity. You will have the opportunity to engage in practical learning inside and outside of the classroom and exercise laboratories including our specially designed practicum paper.

The course offers a strong Māori physical education and health focus.

Career opportunities

Career opportunities include physical education teaching, working with Māori communities, physical activity and health promoters, green prescription, health and fitness professionals, sport coaching, prescribing exercise in healthy and sedentary populations, wellness facilitators, and leadership roles.

Lead through physical activity

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Hear from students and staff about how Physical Education, Activity and Health at Otago explores human movement, wellbeing, and the global impact of physical inactivity—plus the diverse careers it can lead to.

Read transcript

Samantha Kirkness:

Hey, I’m Samantha. I study Physical Education, Activity and Health. And one thing I love about Otago is the close-knit community that we have. Everything is available at the tip of our fingers, and the staff and student support services are just really there to look out for you and want you to do the best. And so yeah, I really highly recommend anyone thinking about this course or studying at Otago.

Associate Professor Chris Button:

Kia ora koutou, I’m Chris Button. I’m the Dean of the School of Physical Education, Sport and Exercise Science.

So, what is Physical Education, Activity and Health? It’s one of our four majors, and we look at the study of the social and physical basis of mauri ora or flourishing wellness. The programme considers why humans move in the way they do, what motivates them to be active or not, and what are the long-term implications for their health and their well-being.

Physical inactivity could prove to be one of the most significant burdens on global health in the 21st century. We will teach you to understand why this is the case, and we will also give you the tools to tackle this issue head-on.

If you love sport, exercise and physical activity, then you should come to study with us here at Otago for a truly moving physical education.

Wondering what you might do when you graduate? There are many career opportunities that await graduates of our PEAH programme. There are numerous career pathways in the general areas of coaching or teaching. You might consider community health and wellness, physical activity and health research. And specific roles include things such as a health promotion coordinator, exercise programme advisor, a wellness facilitator, or sport and lifestyle coaches. All of these would be perfect career pathways for students that graduate with a Physical Education, Activity and Health major.

Recommended high school subjects for undergraduate study

There are no specific Year 12 or 13 level subjects required for admission. However, biology is helpful and physical education is recommended.

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.

Bachelor of Science (BSc)

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A three-year degree offering flexibility to explore a major in Science along with other subjects

Bachelor of Arts and Science (BASc)

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Combine two majors, one in Arts and one in Science, into a four-year degree and expand your future career prospects

Bachelor of Commerce and Science (BComSc)

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Combine two majors, one in Commerce and one in Science, into a four-year degree and expand your future career prospects

Bachelor of Entrepreneurship (BEntr)

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A three-year degree that equips you to change the world as you create new products, services and ideas

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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.

Diploma for Graduates (DipGrad)

The Diploma for Graduates (DipGrad), requiring study of at least seven papers (at least four of which are at 300-level o...

Graduate Study in Physical Education, Activity and Health

Explore graduate study in Physical Education, Activity and Health at Otago. Gain advanced knowledge, skills, and researc...

Related subject areas

Explore all subject areas

Sport and wellbeing

Study exercise science and nutrition to enhance physical and mental well-being and improve community health outcomes

Programme details

Compare programmes for this subject.

Bachelor of Science (BSc) majoring in Physical Education, Activity and Health

Level	Papers	Points
100-level	SPEX 101 Sport, Science and Society	18
	SPEX 102 Principles of Exercise for Health and Performance	18
	ANAT 101 Anatomy for Sport and Exercise (or (HUBS 191 or PTWY 131) and HUBS 192)	18
	PHSL 101 Physiology for Sport and Exercis (or (HUBS 191 or PTWY 131) and HUBS 192) Note: PTWY 131 is only available to students enrolled in the Diploma in Science.	18
200-level	Three of: SPEX 203 Exercise Physiology SPEX 205 Physical Activity and Health SPEX 206 Te Pū o te Ora Māori Physical Education and Health SPEX 207 Understanding Sports Coaching	54
300-level	Four of: SPEX 306 Te Pou o te Koronga Advanced Māori Physical Education and Health SPEX 307 Coaching, Leadership and Mentoring SPEX 308 Psychology of Physical Activity SPEX 309 Active Living and Environment SPEX 310 Exercise for Clinical Populations SPEX 316 Practicum	72
Plus	162 further points. Up to 90 points may be taken from outside Science.	162
Total		360

Papers

View a list of all related papers below.

Papers

SPEX papers

Paper Code	Year	Title	Points	Teaching period
SPEX101	2025	Sport, Science and Society	18 points	Semester 1
SPEX102	2025	Principles of Exercise for Health and Performance	18 points	Semester 2
SPEX201	2025	Biomechanics	18 points	Semester 2
SPEX202	2025	Motor Behaviour	18 points	Semester 1
SPEX203	2025	Exercise Physiology	18 points	Semester 1
SPEX204	2025	Psychology of Sport and Exercise	18 points	Semester 2
SPEX205	2025	Physical Activity and Health	18 points	Semester 2
SPEX206	2025	Te Pū o te Ora Māori Physical Education and Health	18 points	Not offered in 2025
SPEX207	2025	Understanding Sports Coaching	18 points	Semester 1
SPEX208	2025	Sociology of Sport and Exercise	18 points	Semester 2
SPEX209	2025	Sport Development and Management	18 points	Semester 1
SPEX301	2025	Performance Analysis	18 points	Semester 1
SPEX303	2025	Exercise Energetics and Physiology	18 points	Semester 2
SPEX304	2025	Sport Psychology	18 points	Semester 1
SPEX305	2025	Athletic Conditioning and Rehabilitation	18 points	Semester 1
SPEX306	2025	Te Pou o Te Koronga Advanced Māori Physical Education and Health	18 points	Not offered in 2025
SPEX307	2025	Coaching, Leadership and Mentoring	18 points	Semester 2
SPEX308	2025	Psychology of Physical Activity	18 points	Semester 1
SPEX309	2025	Active Living and Environment	18 points	Semester 1
SPEX310	2025	Exercise for Clinical Populations	18 points	Semester 1
SPEX311	2025	Sports Technology	18 points	Semester 2
SPEX312	2025	Advanced Sociology of Sport	18 points	Semester 1
SPEX313	2025	Sport and Health Policy	18 points	Semester 2
SPEX314	2025	Advanced Sport Management	18 points	Not offered in 2025, expected to be offered in 2026
SPEX315	2025	Sport Media	18 points	Semester 2
SPEX316	2025	Practicum	18 points	Semester 1, Semester 2, Full Year, 1st Non standard period (10 November 2025 - 20 February 2026)
SPEX317	2025	Neural Control of Movement	18 points	Semester 2
SPEX380	2025	Special Topic	18 points	Not offered in 2025
SPEX401	2025	Research Methods in Sport, Exercise and Health	20 points	Semester 1
SPEX440	2025	Advanced Topics in Physical Education, Activity and Health	20 points	Semester 1
SPEX441	2025	Advanced Topics in Physical Education, Activity and Health	20 points	Semester 2
SPEX450	2025	Advanced Topics in Exercise and Sport Science	20 points	Semester 1
SPEX451	2025	Advanced Topics in Exercise and Sport Science	20 points	Semester 2
SPEX460	2025	Advanced Topics in Sport Development	20 points	Semester 1
SPEX461	2025	Advanced Topics in Sport Management and Policy	20 points	Semester 2
SPEX480	2025	Independent Project	40 points	Full Year
SPEX481	2025	Independent Study	20 points	Semester 1, Semester 2
SPEX490	2025	Dissertation	60 points	Full Year
SPEX495	2025	Master's Thesis Preparation	40 points	Full Year, 1st Non standard period (3 March 2025 - 27 February 2026), 2nd Non standard period (1 July 2025 - 26 June 2026)
SPEX516	2025	Practicum	30 points	Full Year, 1st Non standard period
SPEX517	2025	Practicum Report	30 points	Full Year, 1st Non standard period

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