Career opportunities
There are numerous opportunities for graduates in Exercise and Sport Science.
Our graduates build careers in roles such as:
- Sport scientist
- Exercise physiologist
- Mental skills trainer
- Performance analyst
- Technique analyst
- Strength and conditioning trainer
- Sport / health industry research and development
- Personal trainer
- Exercise prescription adviser
Move, perform, excel with Sport Science
Discover how Otago’s Exercise and Sport Science degree equips you with the knowledge and skills to enhance movement, performance, and well-being – whether in high-performance sport, health promotion, or beyond.
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Ashton Tourell:
Kia ora, I’m Ashton, and I’m a member of the Phys Ed School here at Otago University. I’ve just recently graduated with a degree in Exercise and Sport Science.
What I loved about my time here at Otago is the way that it caters for students of such a diverse range, whether it be using the recreation centre or the awesome facilities on campus. It really does have it all. Within the School of Phys Ed, there’s such a great range of students and staff who are keen to offer you support in any way that you desire.
Associate Professor Chris Button:
Kia ora tātou, I’m Chris Button, the Dean of the School of Physical Education, Sport, and Exercise Sciences.
What is Exercise and Sport Science? Well, it’s the academic study of why we move and how we move the way that we do. It will remain an important pursuit for the foreseeable future because Kiwis love sport and recreation, and these pursuits are of considerable value to New Zealand’s economy as well as promoting health and well-being to the general population.
The Bachelor of Science majoring in Exercise and Sport Science is an internationally recognised qualification. It consists of four related sub-disciplines that you may recognise from your studies at high school—things like biomechanics, motor behaviour, physiology, and psychology. Across the world, Exercise and Sport Science graduates are working in high-performance sport environments or in health promotion, and their common goal is to help people move more effectively.
If you love sport, exercise, and physical activity, then you should come and study here with us at Otago for a truly moving physical education.
Wondering what you might do after you’ve graduated with our Exercise and Sport Science qualification? Our qualification and curriculum have been designed to align with several international accrediting bodies, which provide attractive career options both in New Zealand and abroad.
There are numerous careers that might await you. For example, you might become an exercise prescription advisor, go into mental skills training, be a performance analyst, or work as a personal trainer. We have students who go on to be health industry research developers, sports scientists, strength and conditioning trainers, and sport equipment and clothing engineers. The list is endless!
There are many career opportunities in Exercise and Sport Science—why not come and try us?
Postgraduate options
We have a strong postgraduate culture and you can undertake further studies in Exercise and Sport Science.
Recommended background
There are no specific Year 12 or 13 level subjects required for admission. However, biology and physics are helpful. Basic numeracy skills are also 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.
Note: this subject can also be studied as a minor.
Bachelor of Science (BSc)
A three-year degree offering flexibility to explore a major in Science along with other subjects
Bachelor of Arts and Science (BASc)
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)
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)
A three-year degree that equips you to change the world as you create new products, services and ideas
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.
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...
Postgraduate Study in Exercise and Sport Science
Explore postgraduate study in Exercise and Sport Science at Otago. Gain advanced knowledge, skills, and research opportu...
Programme details
Compare programmes for this subject as a major and minor (where available).
| Level | Papers | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 100-level | SPEX 101 Sport, Science and Society | 18 |
| SPEX 102 Principles of Exercise for Health and Performance | 18 | |
|
and either: ANAT 101 Anatomy for Sport and Exercise, and PHSL 101 Physiology for Sport and Exercise or HUBS 191 Human Body Systems 1, and HUBS 192 Human Body Systems 2 or PTWY 131 Introduction to the Human Body, and HUBS 192 Human Body Systems 2 Note: PTWY 131 is only available to students enrolled in the Diploma in Science. | 36 | |
| 200-level | SPEX 201 Biomechanics | 18 |
| SPEX 202 Motor Behaviour | 18 | |
| SPEX 203 Exercise Physiology | 18 | |
| SPEX 204 Psychology of Sport and Exercise | 18 | |
| 300-level | Four of: | 72 |
| Plus | 144 further points (SPEX 206 Te Pū o te Ora Māori Physical Education and Health recommended); must include 36 points at 200-level or above. | 144 |
| Total | 360 |
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), Bachelor of Arts and Commerce (BACom), Bachelor of Arts and Science (BASc) or Bachelor of Commerce and Science (BComSc) degree
| Level | Papers | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 100-level | SPEX 102 Principles of Exercise for Health and Performance | 18 |
| 200-level | Three of: | 54 |
| 300-level | One of: | 18 |
| Note: Students should check the prerequisites for 200- and 300-level papers when selecting papers. | ||
| Total | 90 |
More information
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Regulations on this page are taken from the 2025 Calendar and supplementary material.
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