Health and Physical Education Major - Bachelor of Sport, Exercise and Health

Year 1

In your first year you’ll develop foundational knowledge for the sport, health and exercise sector as well as skills in academic writing, critical thinking and the presentation of ideas. You’ll also participate in practical movement workshops and be introduced to the role of sport, health and physical activity in education settings.

Core courses:

• SPOR520 Tauherea taiao ki ngā hunga
• SPOR521 Movement: Theory into Practice
• SPOR522 Professional Practice I
• SPOR523 Sport, Exercise and Health in Aotearoa New Zealand

Health and physical education courses

• SPOR524 Sport, Health, and Physical Activity in Education
• SPSC502 Exercise Physiology I

You’ll also take the first two courses for your second major, minor(s) or elective courses.

Year 2

You’ll build on the foundations you’ve laid in Year 1, and will explore how biomechanics, society and culture, and te ao Māori relate to health and physical education. You’ll also learn to integrate what you’ve learnt in a professional setting.*

Core courses:

• SPOR630 Professional Practice II

Health and physical education courses

• SPOR631 Health and Physical Education: Curriculum in Action
• SPOR632 Skill Acquisition
• SPSC604 Applied Sports Biomechanics I
• SPOR641 Te Pūtake o te Waiora

You’ll also continue to take courses for your chosen second major, minor(s) or elective courses.

Year 3

This year you’ll further your understanding of teaching and learning in health and physical education, and other learning environments.**

Health and physical education courses

• SPOR722 Health Education and Youth Wellbeing
• SPOR723 Teaching and Learning Approaches in Sport, Health, and Physical Education

You’ll also take the final courses for your chosen second major, minor(s) or elective courses.

_{*These courses will be available from 2026.
**These courses will be available from 2027.}

Workplace experience

Work integrated learning is the final part of your degree. This is your chance to apply what you’ve learnt in a workplace related to your studies, gain experience in the sport, exercise and health industries, and make valuable industry contacts before you graduate.

Your workplace experience is part of this Year 3 course:

• SPOR720 Sport, Exercise and Health Cooperative Education (45 points)

Recent placements covered a wide range of schools, including:

• Rangitoto College
• Manurewa High School
• Northcross Intermediate

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