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.

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Bachelor of Sport and Exercise (BSpEx) - Massey University

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Degree Overview:

• Prepares students for careers in the large New Zealand sport and exercise sector (health and physical activity).
• Provides a broad, interdisciplinary understanding of key concepts and knowledge.
• Offers three specialization areas (Exercise Prescription, Physical Education, Sport Development).
• Utilizes a blended learning approach: online delivery combined with optional on-campus workshops for balancing study, work, and personal life.
• Features a hands-on sport and exercise practicum for applying learned skills and gaining real-world experience.
• Imparts knowledge by experienced, research-active staff involved in various aspects of the sporting world.

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Outline:

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Schedule A: Core Courses (choose 105 credits):

• Introduction to Physical Education (234140)
• Introduction to Sport Organisations and Development (234131)
• Health Communication (250100)
• Introduction to Human Movement and Hauora (234141)
• Training Principles and Practice (234111)
• Sociology of Sport and Exercise (234135)
• Functional Anatomy (234121)

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Schedule B: Specializations (180 credits, including 60 at 300 level):

• Exercise Prescription: focuses on developing, implementing, and assessing exercise programs for sport performance, health, and rehabilitation.
• Physical Education: prepares students for working with youth in sport and exercise, focusing on teaching models, management techniques, contemporary issues, and diversity considerations related to Treaty of Waitangi.
• Sport Development: focuses on the role of sport development in the health, wellbeing, and economy of society.

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Year one structure (typical pattern):

• 3 core courses
• 5 major courses

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Year two and three structure:

• 6 major courses per year
• 2 elective courses per year
• Sport and Exercise Practicum (30 credits) in year three

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Careers:

• Community sports and fitness centres
• Medical centres, hospitals, clinics, and aged care facilities
• National and regional sporting organisations
• School sport coordinator
• Sport events and recreation programmes
• Sport venues and facilities
• Sport, health, and physical activity promotion
• Sports trainer or coach of athletes and teams
• Program duration varies depending on study pace (full-time/part-time):
• Full-time: 3 years (360 credits)
• Part-time: Up to 8 years
• The program is available to international students studying online and has dedicated sections in provided context covering specific requirements for them.

Massey University of New Zealand - Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa

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Overview:

Massey University is a research-led university in New Zealand, known for its excellence in innovation and the creation of new knowledge. It offers a wide range of academic programs and support services to students.

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Services Offered:

Massey University provides a variety of support services to students, including: *

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Academic support:

Guidance and resources for academic success. *

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Student life services:

Support for personal well-being, career development, and social engagement. *

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Māori @ Massey:

Dedicated services and resources for Māori students. *

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Pacific Massey:

Support and resources for Pacific students.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Research-led institution:

Massey University is known for its strong research focus and commitment to innovation.

Diverse student body:

The university welcomes students from various backgrounds and cultures.

Supportive environment:

Massey provides a range of services and resources to help students succeed.

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Other:

Distance and online study:

Massey offers a wide range of distance and online study options.

Alumni network:

The university has a strong alumni network that provides support and connections for graduates.