Course details

Summary

The Master of Health, Sport and Human Performance will set you up with a research-based qualification that will teach you to critically examine how political, cultural, social and economic factors influence the meaning and nature of sport, exercise and leisure.

Studying the Master of Health, Sport & Human Performance (MHSHP), you'll explore how psychological or physiological factors influence movement and performance in sport and exercise. Throughout your course of study you'll receive opportunities to get involved in real world research to make a difference in people’s lives, as well as connect with elite athletes and teams.

The University of Waikato's Health, Sport and Human Performance Department boasts world-renowned active researchers and lecturers who have international expertise and reputations. Also, our research group on the Critical Studies of Sport and Physical Culture is one of the most highly regarded in the world, particularly in the study of action and adventure sports.

You will work in our high-tech laboratories at the Cambridge Avantidrome or the University of Waikato Adams Centre for High Performance in Tauranga, and will benefit from our collaborative relationships established with local organisations. These partnerships bring about opportunities for you to connect with elite athletes and teams for research including; Waikato Chiefs, BoP Magic, Cycling NZ and community organisations such as Parafed, Disabilities Waikato and Sport Waikato.

The MHSHP is a flexible degree, giving you the option to tailor the programme to meet your needs. Our staff hold the expertise to supervise a diverse range of projects, and you have the option of completing your degree over one year full-time, or part time while working.

Study flexibly

At masters level you can study a range of papers. The MHSHP usually comprises 180 points (500 level) including required and optional papers. You are required to choose one or more option(s) from the below. You can also pursue an area of interest in greater depth by undertaking a research project or thesis, under one of our expert supervisors. You are required to take a research methods paper and we recommend the school-based paper: SPLS501-16A Researching sport and leisure.

Career opportunities

• Applied Exercise Scientist/ Exercise Physiologist
• Strength and Conditioning Coach
• Events or Sports Manager
• Outdoor Education Instructor/manager
• Health, Physical Education or Dance Teacher
• Researcher in Health, Sport and Human Movement
• Human Movement or High Performance Manager

Programme requirements

The MHSHP usually comprises 180 points (500 level) including required and optional papers and a research project or thesis.

Choose from

• SPLS502 Sport, Fitness & Health: Science in Practice
• SPLS504 Sport and Communities
• SPLS505 Youth Culture and Sport
• SPLS507 Sporting Bodies and Movement Culture
• SPLS508 Health and Physical Education in Schools
• SPLS520 Special Topic

Choose one from

• SPLS501 Researching Sport and Leisure (recommended)
• DSOE557 Research Methods
• PCSS502 Kaupapa 毛利 Research

And at least one from

• SPLS590 Directed Study
• SPLS592 Dissertation
• SPLS5933-paper thesis
• SPLS5944-paper thesis

Entry criteria

Applicants must have completed a recognised bachelor’s degree with a B/B+ average, and a B/B+ average in a relevant subject.

English language requirements:

IELTS - 6.5 overall (no less than 6.0 in writing); iBT (internet based TOFEL) - 90 with a score of 22 in writing; Pearson PTE Academic- 65 with English language requirements no less than 58 for each communicative skill; From Waikato Pathways College - Successful completion of Level 8 with a B grade average in the Certificate of Attainment in Academic (CAAE) programme.