Auckland University of Technology is one of New Zealand’s leading modern universities, known for its industry-focused education, practical learning approach, research excellence, and strong graduate employability. AUT has built a strong international reputation in sport science, exercise science, rehabilitation, and athlete performance research.

The university is especially recognised for:

• Strong industry connections
• Applied and research-led learning
• State-of-the-art sport science facilities
• Access to AUT Millennium high-performance training facility
• Flexible learning pathways for international students
• Globally recognised qualifications

Why Study Master of Sport, Exercise and Health at AUT?

The programme is designed for students who want advanced expertise in:

• Sport science
• Exercise physiology
• Athlete development
• Strength and conditioning
• Sport leadership and management
• Health and physical education

Key reasons international students choose this programme:

• World-leading sport and exercise research opportunities
• Flexible study options (online + on-campus)
• Industry-connected curriculum
• Practical learning with modern laboratories and performance technology
• Opportunities to work with elite athletes and sports organisations
• Access to AUT Sport Research Institute New Zealand (SPRINZ)
• Research dissertation/thesis supervised by experienced academics
• Strong focus on Maori and indigenous health perspectives

Specialisations / Disciplines Offered

1. Health and Physical Education

Focus Areas:

• Health education
• Physical education
• Physical activity in schools
• M?ori health perspectives
• Contemporary teaching methods

2. Sport Leadership and Management

Focus Areas:

• Sport leadership
• Sport marketing
• Event management
• Sport development
• Sport industry strategy

3. Strength and Conditioning

Focus Areas:

• Exercise physiology
• Human movement studies
• Athlete conditioning
• Muscular performance
• Performance analysis

4. Standard Master Pathway

Students may also customise their programme through a broader selection of sport, exercise, and health papers.

Programme Structure / Subjects Offered

Core Components

Students complete:

• Maori health development
• Research methods
• Quantitative or qualitative research
• Dissertation or thesis

Example Subjects

Health and Physical Education

• Contemporary Approaches to Health Education
• Transformative Teaching and Learning in Physical Education
• Matauranga M?ori in Health and Physical Education

Sport Leadership and Management

• Advanced Sport Development
• Advanced Sport Leadership and Management
• Advanced Sport Marketing
• Advanced Sports Event Management

Strength and Conditioning

• Exercise Physiology
• Enhancing Muscular Performance
• Applied Human Movement Studies
• Internship in Strength and Conditioning
• Performance and Movement Analysis

Career Outcomes

Graduates may work in:

• Professional sports organisations
• High-performance athlete programmes
• Schools and educational institutions
• Fitness and wellness organisations
• Sports management companies
• Rehabilitation and health sectors
• Research institutions

Common Career Roles

• Strength and Conditioning Coach
• Exercise Physiologist
• Sport Scientist
• Performance Analyst
• Sports Development Manager
• Health and Physical Education Specialist
• Athlete Performance Consultant

Highlights of the Programme

Major Advantages

• Globally respected sport science education
• Access to AUT Millennium sports facility
• Research-led curriculum
• Flexible online study options
• Internship and applied learning opportunities
• Internationally experienced faculty
• Industry engagement and networking
• Strong graduate employability focus

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

Important Notes

• Some specialisations require on-campus attendance.
• Dissertation/thesis research is compulsory.
• Students may need access to sport or exercise settings for practical research.
• Early application is recommended for international students due to visa timelines.

Recent student discussions also suggest AUT is known for:

• Practical and hands-on teaching
• Good student support services
• Applied learning environment compared with more theory-heavy universities

Student Visa Requirements for New Zealand

International students generally require:

• Valid passport
• Offer letter from AUT
• Proof of tuition fee payment
• Proof of living expenses/funds
• Medical insurance
• English language evidence
• Health and character documents