Why Study / Key Benefits

• The Postgraduate Diploma in Sport Science (PGDipSS) is a specialised postgraduate qualification designed to develop advanced knowledge and skills in sport science and related health industries.
• It is suitable for students seeking career opportunities in high-performance sport, non-clinical health, sport performance and related professional fields.
• UC's teaching team includes researchers and practitioners active in sport science, health and professional organisations.
• The programme covers contemporary areas including exercise physiology, biomechanics, sport psychology, sport nutrition, performance, rehabilitation and health behaviour change.
• Students can undertake an advanced internship or independent study, depending on the approved programme of courses.
• The diploma can lead to further study in the Master of Sport Science or PhD study in Health Sciences or Biological Sciences.

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

The qualification requires 120 points.

Compulsory course:

• SSCI403 – Innovation in Sport and Exercise, 30 points.

The remaining 90 points are selected from the approved course schedule. Current 2026 options include:

• HLTH430 – Motivating Behaviour Change I, 30 points.
• HLTH464 – Research Approaches for Health and Sport, 30 points.
• HLTH661 – Advanced Pathophysiology, 30 points.
• HLTH692 – Evidence for Clinical Practice, 30 points.
• SSCI404 – Advanced Internship for Sport Science, 30 points.
• SSCI405 – Psychology of Sport and Exercise, 30 points.
• SSCI407 – Coaching Physical Performance, 30 points.
• SSCI408 – Sport Science Independent Study, 30 points.
• SSCI409 – Extreme Sport Science, 30 points.
• SSCI410 – Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, 30 points.
• SSCI411 – Exercise Rehabilitation for those with Cardiac, Chronic or Complex Conditions, 30 points.

UC's programme page describes the elective curriculum as covering areas such as:

• Exercise physiology.
• Biomechanics.
• Sport psychology.
• Sport nutrition.
• Health behaviour change.

Disciplines / Specialisations

The qualification does not offer formal majors, minors or endorsements.

Students can nevertheless develop a particular academic focus through their approved elective choices, including:

• Sport science.
• Exercise physiology.
• Biomechanics.
• Sport psychology.
• Sport nutrition.
• Physical performance and coaching.
• Performance-related research.
• Exercise rehabilitation.
• Musculoskeletal rehabilitation.
• Health behaviour change.
• Sport science internship/practical experience.
• Extreme sport science.

Programme Highlights

• 120-point postgraduate qualification.
• Normal completion in one year full-time.
• February and July start options.
• Flexible full-time and part-time study.
• Campus and distance/online course options depending on the selected courses.
• Specialist sport science curriculum.
• Practical and research-oriented learning opportunities.
• Advanced internship option through SSCI404.
• Independent study option through SSCI408.
• Exposure to sport psychology, exercise rehabilitation, physical performance and health behaviour.
• Opportunity to progress to the Master of Sport Science.
• Possible longer-term progression to PhD study in Health Sciences or Biological Sciences.

Career Outcomes

UC identifies the following potential career pathways:

• Sports scientist.
• Strength and conditioning specialist.
• Development officer for professional sporting organisations.
• Development officer for health-oriented organisations.
• Corporate health and fitness consultant.
• Community health and fitness consultant.
• Health promotion/lifestyle consultant.
• Athletic/sports programme coordinator.

The qualification may be particularly relevant to employment in:

• Professional sports teams.
• Individual athlete support.
• National and international sporting organisations.
• Community sport.
• Health and fitness organisations.
• Sports performance environments.
• Health promotion.

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

• The programme remains open and is currently listed by UC as a 120-point qualification.
• Current UC fees are published through 2028.
• The 2026 regulations confirm that the programme has a 48-month maximum completion period.
• The current regulations specify no majors, minors or endorsements.
• A student may be exempted from 30 points in the approved elective schedule based on previous study and replace those points with an appropriate postgraduate course, subject to approval by the Executive Dean of Health or delegate.
• Students may repeat a maximum of 30 points under the qualification regulations.
• Some courses may require vaccination and/or health screening, particularly where students have access to healthcare agencies or undertake clinical, research or work-integrated learning.
• These health and vaccination requirements can change and may be communicated during enrolment in the relevant course.
• Several elective courses require academic approval, so students should not assume that every listed course will automatically be available to them.

International Student Visa Requirements

For an international student travelling to New Zealand for this on-campus qualification, the normal visa route is the New Zealand Fee Paying Student Visa, subject to Immigration New Zealand's assessment.

Current INZ information states:

• Cost: from NZ$850.
• Maximum stay: up to 4 years.
• Processing: 80% within 8 weeks.
• An offer of place from an approved education provider is required.
• The student must have sufficient funds to pay tuition or an acceptable scholarship.
• The student must demonstrate sufficient living funds or have an acceptable sponsor.
• Acceptable medical and travel insurance is required.
• Applicants must meet health and character requirements.
• Applicants must demonstrate genuine intentions to study.
• Evidence of onward travel or sufficient funds for onward travel is required.