Why Study / Key Benefits

The Master of Health, Sport and Human Performance (MHSHP) is a research-based master’s degree designed to develop advanced understanding of the factors that shape health, sport, exercise, leisure and human performance. Students examine these areas through sociological, psychological and physiological perspectives.

Key benefits include:

• Strong research focus, with students required to complete an approved research-methods paper and a substantial research component such as a dissertation, directed study or thesis.
• Opportunities to undertake real-world research and work with elite athletes, teams and community organisations.
• Access to high-tech facilities including the Grassroots Trust Avantidrome and the University of Waikato Adams Centre for High Performance in Tauranga.
• Industry and community connections involving organisations such as Waikato Chiefs, BOP Magic, Cycling New Zealand, Sport Waikato, Parafed Waikato, Paralympics New Zealand and Special Olympics New Zealand.
• Flexible programme design, allowing students to develop an area of interest through advanced coursework and supervised research.
• The University states that Waikato is ranked equal 293rd globally in the QS World University Rankings 2027, placing it in the top 1.5% of universities worldwide. It also states that Waikato is among the top 150 universities worldwide for Sports-related subjects in the QS rankings.

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

The 2027 MHSHP requires 180 points at 500 level. Students must complete approved research-methods study and a significant research component.

Current 2027 options include:

• HSHUP501 – Research Methods in Health, Sport and Human Performance – 30 points
• HPSCI502 – Advanced Human Performance Science – 30 points
• HSHUP507 – Social Sciences of Sport, Active Recreation and Coaching – 30 points
• HSHUP508 – Coaching, Skill Acquisition and Performance Development – 30 points
• HSHUP590 – Directed Study – 30 points
• HSHUP592 – Dissertation – 60 points
• HSHUP593 – Health, Sport and Human Performance Thesis – 90 points
• HSHUP594 – Health, Sport and Human Performance Thesis – 120 points
• HPSCI593/HPSCI594 – Health, Sport and Human Performance Thesis alternatives listed in the 2027 subject regulations.

Students can also draw from related advanced subjects where approved, including areas such as:

• Human performance science
• Sport development and coaching
• Exercise physiology
• Human performance psychology
• Biomechanics
• Strength and conditioning
• Sport media and communication
• Coaching practice
• Sports law
• Culturally responsive research methodologies
• Education and social-science research methods.

Disciplines / Specialisations

The MHSHP does not present a conventional fixed list of named majors/specialisations on its current programme page. Instead, it allows students to tailor their 500-level study and research around areas of interest.

Relevant areas include:

• Human performance science
• Exercise physiology
• Sport and exercise psychology
• Biomechanics and injury prevention
• Strength and conditioning
• Coaching and skill acquisition
• Sport development
• Social and cultural dimensions of sport
• Health, exercise and wellbeing
• Sport, active recreation and leisure
• Research in health, sport and human performance.

Programme Highlights

• Research-based master’s qualification in health, sport and human performance.
• 180-point structure at 500 level.
• Flexible study planning and research options.
• Access to specialist high-performance facilities.
• Opportunities to work with elite sporting organisations and community partners.
• Hamilton and Tauranga study options, with selected research components available online.
• Strong combination of physiological, psychological and sociological perspectives.
• Research opportunities covering areas such as exercise physiology, coaching, biomechanics, injury prevention, strength and conditioning, sport sociology and human performance.

Career Outcomes

The University identifies the following career opportunities for MHSHP graduates:

• Applied Exercise Scientist / Exercise Physiologist
• Coach
• Coach Educator
• Coach Developer
• Health, Physical Education or Dance Teacher
• Human Movement or High Performance Manager
• Outdoor Adventure Leader
• Researcher in Health, Sport and Human Movement
• Strength and Conditioning Coach. 

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

The 2027 subject regulations are particularly important for prospective applicants.

• MHSHP continues to require 180 points at 500 level.
• An approved research-methods paper is compulsory.
• Students must complete a 30-, 60-, 90- or 120-point research component.
• The 90- and 120-point thesis options are externally examined.
• The 90-point thesis requires an approved 500-level research-methods paper and a B+ average in the prior 500-level paper(s).
• The 60-point dissertation requires an approved 500-level research-methods paper and a B average in the prior 500-level paper(s).
• The University advises students to contact the Division of Health for programme advice.
• There will be no new enrolments into the Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma in Health, Sport and Human Performance under the 2027 subject regulations; students are instead directed toward newer subject areas such as Community Health, Human Performance Science and Sport Development and Coaching. This does not indicate that the MHSHP itself is being discontinued.

International Student Visa Requirements

International students normally require a New Zealand Fee Paying Student Visa when studying this programme on campus.

Immigration New Zealand currently states that the Fee Paying Student Visa:

• Costs from NZD 850
• Can be issued for up to 4 years
• Requires an offer of place from an approved education provider
• Requires evidence of sufficient tuition funding or a scholarship
• Requires evidence of sufficient living funds or an acceptable sponsor
• Requires acceptable medical/travel insurance
• Requires applicants to be in good health and of good character
• Requires genuine intentions to study
• Requires evidence that the student can leave New Zealand at the end of their stay.