Why Study Bachelor of Sport and Human Performance

The Bachelor of Sport and Human Performance (BSHP) at the University of Waikato is a three-year undergraduate degree designed for students interested in sports science, physical activity, coaching, health promotion and human performance. The programme combines theoretical knowledge with practical learning to help students understand how physical activity, exercise and sport contribute to physical, social and mental well-being.

The degree is offered in Hamilton and Tauranga, with opportunities to connect with sports organisations, professional teams and industry partners. Students gain knowledge and practical skills relevant to the growing sports, health and leisure industries in New Zealand and internationally.

Key Benefits

• Industry-focused learning: Develop practical and theoretical skills relevant to sport, exercise, coaching, health and human performance.

• Multiple study locations: Study in Hamilton or Tauranga, subject to the availability of majors and papers at each campus.

• Advanced facilities: Access specialist sports science facilities, including the University of Waikato Sports Laboratory and the Adams Centre for High Performance.

• Industry connections: Opportunities to engage with organisations such as the Chiefs, Bay of Plenty Magic, Cycling New Zealand, Sport Waikato, Sport Bay of Plenty and Paralympics New Zealand.

• Career flexibility: Prepare for roles in sports coaching, performance analysis, health promotion, sports development and exercise science.

• Further study opportunities: Graduates can pursue postgraduate qualifications in health, sport and human performance.

Program Structure

The Bachelor of Sport and Human Performance is a full-time, three-year degree comprising 360 points, with courses at 100, 200 and 300 levels. Students complete a major alongside compulsory papers and electives.

• Level of study: Undergraduate – Bachelor's Degree (Level 7)

• Duration: 3 years full-time

• Total credits: 360 points

• Campus locations: Hamilton and Tauranga, New Zealand

• Mode of learning: Primarily on-campus, with some papers available online. The programme is not advertised as a fully online degree.

• Intakes: Trimester A (March) and Trimester B (July).

• Academic structure: Students complete at least 225 points above 100 level and 75 points above 200 level, including the requirements of their selected major.

Key subject areas and topics include:

• Human anatomy and physiology

• Introduction to human performance science

• Drugs in sport and society

• Health, well-being and health promotion

• Sport, culture and development

• Coaching methods and athlete development

• Exercise physiology, biomechanics and injury prevention

• Psychology, nutrition and physical activity

• Research, professional practice and applied sport studies

Discipline / Specialisation

The degree offers three major areas, although availability may vary by academic year and campus.

• Healthy Active Living: Focuses on health promotion, exercise prescription, exercise physiology, nutrition and holistic well-being. The major is listed in the 2026 regulations but is suspended as a major, second major and minor for 2027.

• Human Performance Science: Focuses on strength and conditioning, exercise physiology, biomechanics, injury prevention, psychology and the scientific understanding of physical performance.

• Sport Development and Coaching: Explores coaching practices, athlete development, sport pedagogy, sport culture, community participation and the social role of sport.

Programme Highlights

• Practical industry exposure: Students can develop applied knowledge through connections with sports organisations, community partners and professional sporting environments.

• Specialist sports facilities: Access to the University of Waikato Sports Laboratory at the Grassroots Trust Velodrome and the Adams Centre for High Performance in Tauranga, including facilities for testing performance, exercise and recovery.

• Industry partnerships: Links with the Chiefs, Bay of Plenty Magic, Cycling New Zealand, Sport Waikato, Sport Bay of Plenty and Paralympics New Zealand.

• Interdisciplinary learning: Combines sport, health, science, psychology, coaching and social perspectives to develop a broad understanding of human performance.

• Work-integrated learning: The 2026 International Student Guide lists a 60-hour internship for this degree. Students should confirm the specific placement arrangements for their intake.

• Further education: Graduates may progress to postgraduate study, including the Master of Health, Sport and Human Performance, subject to entry requirements.

• Conjoint study options: Students may combine the degree with another qualification, such as a programme in management or communication, with some conjoint pathways taking approximately four years.

Career Outcomes

Graduates can pursue a range of career opportunities in the sports, health, fitness, coaching and recreation industries, depending on their major, practical experience and any additional professional qualifications.

• Applied Sports Scientist

• Performance Analyst

• Sports Coach

• Strength and Conditioning Coach

• Coach Developer

• Sport Development Officer

• Community Sport Adviser

• Health Coach

• Health Promoter

• Event Manager

• Health and Physical Education Teacher (subject to additional teaching qualifications and registration requirements)

Visa Requirements (International Students)

International students intending to study this degree in New Zealand generally need a Fee Paying Student Visa issued by Immigration New Zealand.

• Offer of place: Obtain a confirmed offer of place from the University of Waikato.

• Tuition fees: Provide evidence of payment for the required tuition fees, generally for one year or the duration of the course if shorter, or meet the applicable visa payment requirements.

• Proof of funds: Demonstrate access to at least NZD $20,000 per year for living expenses, or NZD $1,667 per month for courses shorter than one year.

• Medical and travel insurance: Maintain acceptable medical and travel insurance for the duration of the stay.

• Health and character: Meet the relevant health and character requirements, including medical examinations or police certificates if requested.

• Return travel: Provide evidence of a return or onward ticket, or sufficient funds to purchase one.

• English proficiency: Meet the University's English-language entry requirements.

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

• 2027 major availability: Healthy Active Living is suspended as a major, second major and minor in 2027. Students should confirm which majors are available for their chosen intake before applying.

• International academic entry requirements: Applicants from India generally need an average of at least 75% across the best four academic subjects in Class XII from CBSE, CISCE or eligible state boards, with at least 60% in English. Equivalent qualifications from other education systems are assessed individually.

• English-language requirements: The general undergraduate requirement is IELTS Academic 6.0 overall, with no band below 5.5, or an accepted equivalent such as TOEFL iBT 80 with a writing score of 21, PTE Academic 50 with no communicative skills score below 42, or Duolingo English Test 105 with no band below 95.

• Scholarships: The Vice-Chancellor's International Excellence Scholarship for India offers eligible new international students up to NZD $15,000 towards tuition fees. Applicants generally need a strong academic record, an offer of place and must apply within the relevant scholarship deadlines. Awards are competitive and subject to the scholarship regulations.

• Fees and funding: The University's current programme listing gives an indicative international tuition fee of approximately NZD $42,788 per year. Fees are subject to annual revision and may vary according to the papers selected. Additional costs may include the Student Services Levy, medical and travel insurance, accommodation, food, transport, textbooks and personal expenses.

• Funding options: Students may explore eligible University of Waikato scholarships, education loans, personal savings and approved sponsorship arrangements to help finance their studies.

• Campus and delivery: Hamilton and Tauranga offer different paper and major availability. The Tauranga programme is jointly delivered with Toi Ohomai, with classes held at the University of Waikato's Tauranga city campus and the Toi Ohomai Windermere campus.

• Professional requirements: Students aiming to become registered health and physical education teachers should plan for additional approved teaching qualifications and any applicable registration requirements after completing the degree.