Program Overview

Bachelor of Sport and Exercise – BSpEx

The Bachelor of Sport and Exercise (BSpEx) is a comprehensive undergraduate program designed to equip students with valuable skills to work in the world of health and physical activity. This degree offers a broad, interdisciplinary understanding of key sport and exercise concepts and knowledge, allowing students to choose from three specialist areas: Exercise Prescription, Physical Education, and Sport Development.

Type of Qualification

• Bachelor's degree
• Undergraduate study
• NZQF level 7

Time to Complete

• 3 years full-time (360 credits)
• Part-time available

International Students

• Open to international students studying online from outside New Zealand

Key Dates

• Admission application due dates
• Course enrolment dates for accepted students
• Semester dates

Structure of the Bachelor of Sport and Exercise

The program is structured to provide a comprehensive foundation in the first year, followed by specialized courses in the second and third years. Students take eight 15-credit courses in their first year, totaling 120 credits. The courses are a mix of core, major, and elective courses, ensuring a well-rounded education.

Core Courses

• Introduction to Exercise and Training
• Functional Anatomy
• Introduction to Sport Organisations and Development
• Sociology of Sport and Exercise
• Introduction to Physical Education
• Introduction to Human Movement and Hauora
• Health Communication
• Training Principles and Practice

Specialisations

• Exercise Prescription: This specialisation focuses on assessing, developing, and implementing exercise and lifestyle interventions to enhance sport performance, health, and wellbeing.
• Physical Education: Designed to prepare students for a career working with youth in sport and exercise, this specialisation emphasizes the development of skills and knowledge in physical education.
• Sport Development: This specialisation prepares students for roles in sport development, focusing on the health, wellbeing, and economic impact of sport on society.

Fees and Scholarships

• 2026 Tuition Fees:
  • Domestic students: $8,420
  • International students: $42,300
• Student Loans and Fees Free Scheme: Eligible domestic students may be entitled to a student loan or fees-free tertiary study.
• Scholarship and Award Opportunities: Various scholarships are available, including the He Oha Puiaki - Massey University Māori First Year Scholarship and the Massey University Undergraduate First Year Scholarship – School Leavers.

Careers and Job Opportunities

Graduates of the BSpEx program are prepared for a variety of careers in community sport, fitness, professional sport, sport administration, health, and wellness. Potential roles include positions in community and commercial sports and fitness centers, medical centers, hospitals, clinics, aged care facilities, national and regional sporting organizations, sport events and recreation programs, sport venues and facilities, health and physical activity promotion, high-performance sport, athlete development, and schools and education (with further study).

Accreditations and Rankings

• The Bachelor of Sport and Exercise (Exercise Prescription) is recognized by the Register of Exercise Professionals (REPS).
• Massey's School of Sport, Exercise and Nutrition is ranked in the top 200 Global Shanghai Ranking of Sport Science Schools and Departments.