Bachelor of Sport, Health and Physical Education

Programme Overview

The Bachelor of Sport, Health and Physical Education (BSportHPE) provides skills and expertise across sport coaching, physical activity, health promotion, and education. This qualification focuses on making a meaningful impact on social justice and driving positive change regarding wellbeing issues affecting New Zealand and the world, such as mental health, fitness, and food.

The curriculum is diverse, allowing students to study topics ranging from alternative sports and sports media to nutrition, youth health, gender, and Māori movement. To cater to specific career aspirations, students can select a specialized pathway or opt for a flexible blend of courses without declaring a pathway.

Specialised Pathways

Students have the option to follow one of five pathways:

• Sport Coaching and Leadership: Focuses on effective coaching principles, sports media, and how different demographics engage with recreation.
• Health Education and Promotion: Prepares students to address community wellbeing and health issues.
• Sports Science: Taught in conjunction with the School of Exercise Sciences to focus on how the body moves, responds to physical activity, and how fitness is developed.
• Health and Physical Education: Develops knowledge of pedagogy, curriculum implementation, outdoor education, and games in primary and secondary school contexts.
• Dance: Taught in conjunction with the Dance Studies programme, analyzing dance theories and practices across diverse community and school environments.

What You'll Study

The degree comprises 360 points split across core courses, chosen pathways or electives, and General Education requirements.

Year 1 (Stage I Foundations):

• Core Studies: Basic building blocks including SPORTHPE 101, SPORTHPE 104, SPORT 101, SPORTHPE 102, and SPORTHPE 103.
• Electives: Choices from a targeted registry such as DANCE 101, PHYSED 101, HEALTHED 101, PHYSED 102, or EXERSCI 105.
• General Education: 1 x General Education course.

Year 2 (Stage II Intermediate):

• Advanced Core: Modules such as EDUCSW 201, SPORTHPE 202, HEALTHED 201, SPORTHPE 201, and SPORTHPE 203.
• Electives: Continuing mid-level elective options from Dance, Exercise Science, Education, or Population Health (e.g., POPLHLTH 111, EXERSCI 201).

Year 3 (Stage III Advanced):

• Core & Capstones: Advanced papers like EDUCSW 303, SPORT 202, and EDUCSW 302.
• Industry Experience: Practical, industry experience tailored to your career goals to build workplace networks.
• General Education: Completion of the final required General Education points.

Why Choose This Programme?

• World-Class Faculty: Learn from leading international academic staff in the fields of sport, health, and physical education.
• Global Mobility: Opportunities to study abroad at one of over 125 partner universities across 20+ countries.
• Industry Experience: Built-in practical placements ensure you graduate with an active understanding of current sector research and practices.

Entry Requirements

• Academic Baseline: Successful completion of NCEA Level 3 with UE and the necessary rank score, a GCE A Level score of CCC, or an IB Diploma score of 26.
• Additional Criteria: Certain applicants may be subject to additional entry checks, such as an interview, references, or safety portfolio reviews depending on their selected pathway.
• English: IELTS Academic 6.0 overall with no individual band below 5.5.