Sport and Exercise Science Major - Bachelor of Sport and Recreation

Sport and exercise science focuses on improving sports performance, based on anatomy, biomechanics, nutrition and physiology, fitness assessment and exercise prescription.

AUT is New Zealand’s top ranked university for sport and exercise science research, and our graduates go on to a range of exciting careers. The Sport and Exercise Science major is supported by the Sport Performance Research Institute New Zealand (SPRINZ), based at AUT Millennium.

You investigate issues related to human movement, physical conditioning, sports and exercise nutrition, exercise prescription and assessment, movement, exercise physiology and strength and conditioning. Our strong industry links with the high performance sport and fitness industry open up great opportunities for your workplace experience, and there are frequent visits from experts in the field.

Talk to us about your study options

Thinking about studying at AUT? Book a time with us to discuss your study options.

BOOK A SESSION


This is part of the Bachelor of Sport and Recreation.

Brochure
Enquire
How to apply
Apply

Download programme guides

Year 1

Semester 1 courses

Semester 2 courses

Year 2

This year also includes two work placements of 30-40 hours, designed to introduce you to the workplace and help you identify where you want to complete your third-year workplace experience.

Year 3

Courses you study this year

Workplace experience in the Sport and Exercise Science major

In your third year you complete 350 to 400 hours in an organisation, which includes working on a project related to your major through the Cooperative Education courses. This takes approximately two days per week.

Recent placements included:

  • High Performance Sport New Zealand
  • AUT Millennium
  • Auckland Cricket
  • Auckland Rugby
  • Counties Rugby
  • Emirates Team New Zealand
  • Jetts
  • Les Mills
  • New Zealand Breakers
  • New Zealand Police
  • New Zealand Rugby League
  • North Harbour Rugby
  • Northern Mystics Netball
  • Secondary school sports academies
  • YMCA

Want more info about work integrated learning at AUT?

Read more about workplace experience in AUT programmes, how it works and why it’s so beneficial when you start your career.

Workplace experience in AUT programmes

  • Sport or exercise scientist
  • Fitness trainer
  • Health and wellness advisor
  • Personal trainer
  • Physical conditioning or training instructor
  • School sports academy co-ordinator
Sport-and-exercise.jpg

Find out more about industry trends, job descriptions and what employers may be looking for.

Sport & Exercise Science Careers

Key features
  • Workplace experience with high-performance and recreational athletes, fitness centres, schools and sporting bodies
  • Access to the latest ideas from the Sports Performance Research Institute New Zealand
  • You can register with REPS (Register of Exercise Professionals)
See yourself as
  • Interested in the science behind sport and performance
  • Passionate about fitness and performance
  • A people person and great motivator
Jess Chittenden
Heather Reed
Rory Moore
Joshua Pereira
Jasper Wong
Jess Chittenden
Great graduatesJess Chittenden Head Performance Analyst, Black Ferns SevensBachelor of Sport and Recreation
Master of Sport, Exercise and HealthIt was quite daunting task selecting what career path to take, says Jess Chittenden who came to AUT to study a Bachelor of Sport and Recreation degree.It was quite daunting task selecting what career path to take, says Jess Chittenden who came to AUT to study a Bachelor of Sport and Recreation degree.
Read full story
Heather Reed
Great graduatesHeather ReedCo-Founder, Knoxfit-HauoraBachelor of Sport and RecreationWhen Heather Reed decided to set up a wellbeing studio, she wanted a welcoming space where friends and whānau can nurture all aspects of their wellbeing.When Heather Reed decided to set up a wellbeing studio, she wanted a welcoming space where friends and whānau can nurture all aspects of their wellbeing.
Read full story
Rory Moore
Great graduatesRory MooreBachelor of Sport and RecreationVolunteering as a coach inspired him to consider coaching as a career, says Rory Moore who is currently studying a Bachelor of Sport and Recreation degree.Volunteering as a coach inspired him to consider coaching as a career, says Rory Moore who is currently studying a Bachelor of Sport and Recreation degree.
Read full story
Joshua Pereira
Great graduatesJoshua PereiraImplementation Consultant (Asia-Pacific), Hudl, SydneyBachelor of Sport and Recreation
Bachelor of Sport and Recreation (Honours)As a promising tennis player and fan of all things sport, Joshua Pereira has long been captivated by the science and technology behind athletic performance.As a promising tennis player and fan of all things sport, Joshua Pereira has long been captivated by the science and technology behind athletic performance.
Read full story
Jasper Wong
Great graduatesJasper WongDoctor of Philosophy
Bachelor of Sport and Recreation
Master of Sport, Exercise and HealthFor Jasper Wong, one of the most enjoyable aspects about AUT is being part of the AUT Sports Performance Research Institute of New Zealand (SPRINZ).For Jasper Wong, one of the most enjoyable aspects about AUT is being part of the AUT Sports Performance Research Institute of New Zealand (SPRINZ).
Read full story
View all student profiles

The information on this page was correct at time of publication. For a comprehensive overview of AUT qualifications, please refer to the Academic Calendar.

Back to top