Why Study / Key Benefits

• The Master of Sport Science is an 18-month applied master's degree designed for students seeking careers in sport science, coaching and high-performance sport.
• UC combines sport science research with teaching from academics and experts working in sport, coaching and health.
• Students can broaden their sport-science knowledge or develop expertise in areas such as biomechanics, exercise physiology, sport psychology, sport nutrition, strength and conditioning, and performance analysis.
• The programme is aimed at preparing high-level sport scientists, coaches and high-performance managers for professional and semi-professional sport and sporting institutes.
• The dissertation option provides preparation for possible progression to PhD study.
• UC also states that graduates are eligible for accreditation with Sport and Exercise Science New Zealand (SESNZ) and the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA).

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

The 180-point MSS includes three compulsory components/courses:

• SSCI403 Innovation in Sport and Exercise — 30 points
• SSCI407 Coaching Physical Performance — 30 points
• HLTH464 Research Approaches for Health and Sport — 30 points.

Students then select a research component:

• SSCI680 Sport Science Research Project — 30 points; or
• SSCI681 Sport Science Dissertation — 60 points.

Depending on the research option, students select additional approved electives. Current UC examples include:

• HLTH430 Motivating Behaviour Change I
• HLTH661 Advanced Pathophysiology
• HLTH662 Advanced Health Assessment
• HLTH692 Evidence for Clinical Practice
• SSCI404 Advanced Internship for Sport Science
• SSCI405 Special Topic: Psychology of Sport and Exercise
• SSCI408 Sport Science Independent Study
• SSCI409 Extreme Sport Science
• SSCI410 Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation
• SSCI411 Exercise Rehabilitation for those with Cardiac, Chronic, or Complex Conditions.

The programme therefore provides exposure to areas such as:

• Sport and exercise innovation
• Coaching and physical performance
• Sport-science research methods
• Sport psychology
• Exercise rehabilitation
• Health and exercise
• Musculoskeletal rehabilitation
• Performance and applied sport science
• Internship and independent study.

Disciplines / Specialisations

The formal MSS regulations state that there are no formal majors, minors or endorsements.

Instead, students customise their expertise through electives and the research project/dissertation.

Potential areas of academic focus include:

• Sport science
• Exercise science
• Biomechanics
• Exercise physiology
• Sport psychology
• Sport nutrition
• Strength and conditioning
• Performance analysis
• Coaching
• Sport rehabilitation
• Health and exercise
• High-performance sport.

Programme Highlights

• 180-point postgraduate master's degree.
• 18-month full-time duration.
• February and July intakes.
• Applied rather than purely theoretical programme.
• Strong focus on high-performance sport.
• Research project or dissertation option.
• Flexible elective selection.
• Teaching from academics who are active researchers and/or involved in professional sport, coaching or health.
• Potential exposure to biomechanics, exercise physiology, sport psychology, nutrition, strength and conditioning and performance analysis.
• Potential professional accreditation with SESNZ and NSCA.
• Dissertation pathway can support progression to PhD study.

Career Outcomes

UC identifies the following potential career outcomes:

• Sports Scientist
• Strength and Conditioning Specialist
• Development Officer for professional sporting or health-oriented organisations
• Corporate and community health and fitness consultant
• Health promotion/lifestyle consultant
• Athletic/sports programme coordinator.

Graduates may work with:

• Professional sports teams
• Individual athletes
• National and international sporting organisations
• Sporting institutes
• Health and fitness organisations
• Community health programmes
• High-performance sport programmes.

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

The latest 2026 MSS regulations confirm:

• 180-point qualification.
• No majors, minors or endorsements.
• 48-month maximum completion period.
• Up to 60 points may be exempted on the basis of previous studies, subject to approval, with replacement by appropriate postgraduate courses.
• Students can potentially exit to the Postgraduate Diploma in Sport Science or Postgraduate Certificate in Sport Science if they do not complete the master's requirements and receive the required approval.
• The qualification may be awarded with Merit or Distinction. 

International Student Visa Requirements

International students normally need a New Zealand Fee Paying Student Visa for full-time study at UC.

Immigration New Zealand requires, among other things:

• An offer of place from an approved education provider.
• Evidence of tuition-fee payment or the ability to pay tuition fees.
• Evidence of sufficient living funds.
• Acceptable insurance.
• Genuine intentions to study.
• Evidence of the ability to leave New Zealand at the end of the stay.
• Health and character requirements where applicable.