| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2024-02-01 | - |
| 2024-07-01 | - |
Program Overview
This Postgraduate Certificate in Applied Science deepens knowledge in sport/exercise through specialized tracks in performance analysis, physical conditioning, or exercise leadership. By applying theories through industry experience, graduates gain practical skills to pursue careers in sports management, rehabilitation, or fitness roles. The program also includes a focus on professional development, preparing students for success in the industry. Graduates can pursue further studies in the Postgraduate Diploma or Master of Applied Science.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
This Postgraduate Certificate in Applied Science is designed to deepen your knowledge and understanding of sport/exercise. You can choose to specialize in performance analysis, physical conditioning, or exercise leadership. The program emphasizes applying your learnings through industry experience during your studies. A course in professional development will prepare you to work within the industry and help you understand your learning needs.
Objectives:
- Extend and deepen your knowledge and understanding of the underpinning base theories and procedures relevant to the practice environment.
- Complete applied project work, allowing you to address your practice from multiple perspectives and position your practice within a wider industry context.
- Prepare you for further postgraduate study or a career in sport or exercise.
Outline:
Courses:
Within this program, you will choose one of the specialty areas: performance analysis, physical conditioning, or exercise and health. These areas will have industry experience within them where you are applying the theory you are learning. In addition, you will study a course in professional development, which will prepare you to work within the industry and assist you to understand your learning needs.
Course Structure:
- Choose one of:
- Performance Analysis
- Physical Conditioning
- Exercise Leadership
- Level: 8
- Credits: 30
- Professional Development
- Level: 8
- Credits: 30
Workload:
This is a full-time program of study, and students are expected to complete 30-35 hours per week. This program is taught with intensive blocks, online classes, and industry placements.
Careers:
Graduates of this program can expect to gain employment at a competent practitioner level within a professional organizational setting. This may include:
- Government or non-government sport (particularly performance analysis and physical conditioning)
- Rehabilitation
- Exercise and wellness promotion
- Fitness industry roles
- Employee fitness
Other:
- Links to useful websites:
- Activity and Nutrition Aotearoa
- Sport NZ
- High Performance Sport NZ
- International Society for Performance Analysis in Sport
- Register of Exercise Professionals NZ
- Further study options: Graduates of this program can continue their studies into either the Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Science or the Master of Applied Science at Otago Polytechnic.
- Students will be trained in the introduction to Performance Analysis, Physical Conditioning, and Exercise Leadership and will complete industry projects within their chosen field of practice.
- Studying part-time: We know full-time study isn't always possible. We also offer this program part-time over a year.
Domestic fees Full tuition Standard $5,484 International fees Full tuition Standard $16,250
Otago Polytechnic
Overview:
Otago Polytechnic is a tertiary education institution located in New Zealand. It offers a wide range of qualifications and courses, from certificates to doctorates, across various fields. The institution emphasizes hands-on learning, providing students with practical skills and experience relevant to their chosen careers.
Services Offered:
Otago Polytechnic offers a variety of services to support students, including:
Accessibility and disability services:
Support for students with disabilities.Campus tours:
Guided tours of the institution's campuses.Accommodation assistance:
Guidance on finding accommodation options, including on-campus housing, flatting, homestay, and renting.Career advice:
Support in exploring career options and developing career plans.Fees and funding information:
Information on tuition fees and available funding options, including scholarships and government schemes.International student support:
Specific services and resources for international students, including information on English language requirements, entry requirements, and international partnerships.Māori and Pasifika culture and support:
Resources and support for Māori and Pasifika students.Student support services:
A range of services to assist students with their academic and personal well-being.Student Life and Campus Experience:
Otago Polytechnic provides a welcoming and inclusive learning environment with a focus on student support. Students can expect:
Friendly and inclusive atmosphere:
A supportive and welcoming community.Modern facilities:
Access to state-of-the-art equipment and technology.Real-world experiences:
Opportunities to gain practical experience through internships, projects, and industry placements.Flexible study options:
A variety of learning formats, including on-campus, online, and blended learning.Sustainability initiatives:
A commitment to environmental sustainability.Rainbow Tick Certification:
A commitment to creating an inclusive environment for LGBTQ+ students and staff.Key Reasons to Study There:
Educational excellence:
High-quality teaching and a strong focus on student success.Hands-on learning:
Practical, skills-based learning that prepares students for the workforce.Personal growth and support:
A supportive environment with a range of services to assist students.Flexible study options:
A variety of learning formats to suit individual needs and preferences.Free fees and scholarships:
Opportunities to reduce or eliminate tuition costs.Academic Programs:
Otago Polytechnic offers a wide range of academic programs, including:
Adventure & Tourism:
Programs in avalanche safety, bike mechanics, hospitality, outdoor education, snowsports, and tourism.Agriculture & Animal Healthcare:
Programs in animal care, avian wildlife, beekeeping, high-country farming, and veterinary nursing.Art:
Programs in ceramics, digital media and photography, and visual arts.Business:
Programs in accounting, administration, applied management, event management, human resources, professional development, and sales & marketing.Community Services:
Programs in addiction, disability support, Hauora Māori, mental health, and social services.Construction:
Programs in architecture, carpentry, construction management, and stonemasonry.Design:
Programs in architecture, communication design, digital media, fashion design, game design and development, and product design.Education & Culture:
Programs in English language, outdoor education, teaching, and Te Reo & Tikanga.Engineering:
Programs in civil, electrical, and mechanical engineering.Food & Hospitality:
Programs in brewing, cooking, culinary arts, and hospitality.Hair & Beauty:
Programs in beauty therapy and hairdressing.Health:
Programs in health pathways, massage therapy, mental health, midwifery, nursing, and occupational therapy.Horticulture:
Programs in amenity horticulture, arboriculture, fruit production, gardening, groundskeeping, nursery, and winemaking.Information Technology:
Programs in computing, game development, and information technology.Sport:
Programs in groundskeeping, gym & personal training, massage therapy, outdoor education, sport science, and snowsports.Trades & Pre-trades:
Programs in automotive, bike mechanics, carpentry, electrical trades, mechanical engineering, plumbing, and transport.Other:
Entry Requirements:
Minimum academic entry criteria:
- The Bachelor of Applied Science or an equivalent qualification at bachelor level in a related discipline, or equivalent documented professional experience.
Language Proficiency Requirements:
If English is not your first language, you must provide:
- New Zealand University Entrance OR
- Overall Academic IELTS 6.5 with no individual band score lower than 6.0 (achieved in one test completed in the last two years), OR
- Acceptable alternative evidence of the required IELTS (see here for NZQA proficiency table and here for list of recognised proficiency tests).
