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Gain hands-on skills and knowledge to pursue diverse careers in sports, health, and exercise science.
Over three years, you'll explore theoretical concepts, engage in practical training, and complete work placements in your selected sport and exercise science specialization. Your coursework will equip you to assess, support, and improve athletic and fitness performance across various settings using modern scientific methods and technologies. Part-time options available for up to 6 years.
Professionals in this field operate in both lab and real-world environments to maximize human performance potential.
This specialization offers numerous career paths in health and sports science. Potential roles include performance analyst, strength coach, sports development officer, consultant for both athletes and the general public, or pursuing advanced academic studies.
University Entrance: NCEA Level 3 (60 credits at level 3 and 20 credits at level 2 or higher) which must include 14 credits at Level 3 in each of three approved* subjects and:
14 credits at Level 3 in each of: biology or human biology or physical education another subject, preferably core health/health education, physics, statistics, mathematics, chemistry, geography, home economics and psychology
Human Nutrition specialisation applicants must have a minimum of 14 credits in Chemistry at Level 2) one other subject from the list of approved subjects*
Numeracy* - 10 credits at Level 1 or above (specified achievement standards, or unit standards 26623, 26626, 26627)
Literacy* - 10 credits at Level 2 or above, made up of 5 credits in reading, 5 credits in writing,
OR New Zealand Certificate in Exercise (Level 4)
OR New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Level 4) Ara Pre Health Pathway or equivalent.
Due to Covid-19 disruption, if you studied and achieved NCEA Level 3 during 2020, you only need 12 credits per Level 3 subject (i.e. total of 36 credits). Literacy and Numeracy requirements remain the same
If you have undertaken examinations other than NCEA, Ara will assess your qualification for academic entry equivalency.
* NZQA approved subjects
IELTS - Academic score of 6.0 with no band score lower than 5.5
SPEAKING – 5.5; READING - 5.5; WRITING - 5.5; LISTENING – 5.5
TOEFL (pBT) - Score of 550 (with an essay score of 5 TWE)
TOEFL (iBT) - Score of 60 or higher (with a writing score of 18)
University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations - B2 First, or B2 First for schools, or C1 Advanced, or C2 Proficiency with a score of 169. No less than 162 in each skill
Pearson Test of English (Academic) - PTE (Academic) score of 50 with no band score lower than 42