Postgraduate study in Exercise Sciences
What can you study in Exercise Sciences?
The postgraduate programme in Exercise Sciences provides high-level training for a career as an ‘Exercise Scientist’ working in industry, health or sport. Building on foundational knowledge obtained at an undergraduate level, this advanced study programme will help you develop essential skills that form the basis of scientific research and evidence-based practice, and provides opportunity to further deepen your knowledge across several key areas of specialisation, including:
- Exercise physiology and metabolism
- Biomechanics and computational movement science
- Movement neuroscience and motor control
- Exercise and performance psychology
- Clinical exercise physiology
The postgraduate programme in Exercise Sciences also provides state-of-the-art preparation for those looking to conduct further Doctoral study in Exercise Sciences.
Degree Options
The postgraduate programme in Exercise Sciences offers the following degree options:
• Postgraduate Diploma in Science (PGDipSci) – Exercise Sciences (1 year)
• Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Exercise Sciences (1 year)
• Master of Science (MSc) in Exercise Sciences (2 years)
Each degree option is tailored to specific interests, career opportunities, and pathways to further study:
Programme entry requirements differ per degree option, but generally include a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Sciences or a related field or discipline. More information about each degree can be found below.
For more information about our programme and the degree options available, please contact our Academic Programme Leader: pgadvice-exercise@auckland.ac.nz
Postgraduate Diploma in Science (PGDipSci) in Exercise Sciences (one year)
The one-year Postgraduate Diploma in Science (PGDipSci) in Exercise Sciences is designed for students with an all-round interest in Exercise Sciences, who are keen to deepen their knowledge base in selected areas of specialisation. The PGDipSci is all coursework and can either be taken as a stand-alone degree, or as a stepping stone to further study at MSc (thesis) level.
15 points:
At least 45 points from approved EXERSCI 700-level courses:
- EXERSCI 702 Projects in the Exercise Sciences
- EXERSCI 704 Advanced Techniques in Biomechanics
- EXERSCI 706 Seminar in Advanced Exercise Physiology
- EXERSCI 708 Advanced Seminar in Movement Neuroscience
- EXERSCI 711 Exercise and Performance Psychology
- EXERSCI 714 Special Topics in the Exercise Sciences
- EXERSCI 720 Clinical Exercise Physiology 1
- EXERSCI 721 Clinical Exercise Physiology 2
Up to 60 points from other 700-level courses in a related subject (approved by the Head of Department): Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Engineering, Exercise Sciences, Food Science, Health Sciences, Health Psychology, Medical Science, Population Health, Psychology, Physics, Statistics
Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Exercise Sciences (one year)
The one-year Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Exercise Sciences is designed for high-performing students who know what area of the Exercise Sciences they are interested in and who have a profound interest in Exercise Sciences research. Consisting of 50% coursework and 50% research, the Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Exercise Sciences provides a fast-track to Doctoral Study in Exercise Sciences as well as a robust basis for a career as specialised Exercise Scientist in industry, health or sport.
15 points:
30 points from:
- EXERSCI 704 Advanced Techniques in Biomechanics
- EXERSCI 706 Seminar in Advanced Exercise Physiology
- EXERSCI 708 Advanced Seminar in Movement Neuroscience
- EXERSCI 711 Exercise and Performance Psychology
Up to 15 points from 700-level courses in a related subject (approved by the Head of Department): Chemistry, Health Sciences, Health Psychology, Medical Science, Population Health, Psychology
60 points:
Master of Science (MSc) in Exercise Sciences 240-point (two years) research masters
The two-year Master of Science (MSc) in Exercise Sciences is designed for students who have an all-round interest in the Exercise Sciences, who are keen to further develop and deepen their knowledge base, and who have a strong interest in Exercise Sciences research. Year 1 generally follows the structure of the PGDipSci in Exercise Sciences, with inclusion of a recommended small research component. Year 2 is all research and solely consists of a 120-point MSc Thesis project. With its broad basis in coursework and large research component, the two-year Master of Science (MSc) in Exercise Sciences offers robust, state-of-the art preparation for a career as Exercise Scientist in industry, health or sport, as well as further Doctoral Study in Exercise Sciences.
Year 1
15 points:
45 points:
- EXERSCI 704 Advanced Techniques in Biomechanics
- EXERSCI 706 Seminar in Advanced Exercise Physiology
- EXERSCI 708 Advanced Seminar in Movement Neuroscience
- EXERSCI 711 Exercise and Performance Psychology
Up to 60 points from other 700-level courses in a related subject (approved by the Head of Department): Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Engineering, Exercise Sciences, Food Science, Health Sciences, Health Psychology, Medical Science, Population Health, Psychology, Physics, Statistics
Master of Science (MSc) in Exercise Sciences 120-point (one year) research masters
The second year of the Master of Science (MSc) in Exercise Sciences (i.e., 120 points MSc Thesis) is available as a standalone degree option for students with an existing postgraduate degree (PGDipSci or BScHons), who wish to further develop their research skills as they prepare for a career as Exercise Scientist in industry, health or sport, or work towards further Doctoral Study in Exercise Sciences.
120 points:
Postgraduate research topics and supervision
Whether it is a 30-point Postgraduate Research project, a 60-point Honours Dissertation, or a 120-point MSc Thesis, our postgraduate degrees in Exercise Sciences provide exciting research opportunities.
Starting early with identifying a potential topic and academic supervisor for your research project is important and can be done ahead of submitting your programme application.
Our academic staff are at the top of their scientific field and disciplines and available for supervision across a wide range of topics. Have a look at our research in the Department of Exercise Sciences and contact our academic staff via email to ask questions, seek advice, and to find out more about project and supervision options. Alternatively, schedule a meeting with our Academic Programme Leader via pgadvice-exercise@auckland.ac.nz to discuss your general interests and the options available.
Find a supervisor and search for topics of interest via this link:
Student stories
The Department of Exercise Sciences is a vibrant community of undergraduate students, postgraduate students, and professional and academic staff.
Meet our postgraduate students in Exercise Sciences and read about their experiences and interests:
Where can postgraduate study in Exercise Sciences take you?
There is a growing demand for Exercise Science scientists who have the skills to investigate and work with clients in the context of industry, health, and sport. Each of our postgraduate degrees aligns with the theoretical requirements for accreditation as a Level 2 Accredited Exercise and Sport Sciences Practitioner (AESSP) by Sport and Exercise Sciences New Zealand (SESNZ) and, depending on your existing practical experience and area of specialisation, you may be eligible to apply for accreditation as a Level 2 AESSP specialist in Sports Nutrition, Mental Skills, Biomechanics, Sport and Exercise Physiology, or Performance Analysis, upon graduation.
Over the past years, our graduates have been employed in the following jobs:
- Postdoctoral Research Fellow (John Hopkins University)
- Senior Biomechanist (Australian Sports Commission)
- Clinical Analyst (Accident Compensation Cooperation, ACC)
- Exercise Physiologist (Melbourne Osteopathy Sports Injury Centre)
- Strength and Conditioning Coach (Auckland Rugby Union)
- Performance Analyst (Academy of Sport, South Island)
- Chief Executive (Auckland Table Tennis Association)
Scholarships and awards
Each year the University of Auckland awards scholarships and prizes to thousands of students.
Find out about the scholarships you may be eligible for, search available scholarships, or begin an application by visiting the University’s scholarships and awards webpage.
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