Overview
School of Sport, Exercise and Nutrition is an innovative and research-led academic grouping with expertise in:
- human nutrition and dietetics
- sport development
- exercise science
- exercise prescription
- physical education.
The school delivers excellence in research and teaching, taking a multidisciplinary approach to examine how diet, exercise and activity can impact people's health and wellbeing. At Massey we are Tiriti-led, upholding te Tiriti o Waitangi principles through our practice.
How we fit
The School of Sport, Exercise and Nutrition is part of the:
College of Health
Improving health and wellbeing for individuals, whānau and communities, and promoting equity and social justice for all.
Study with us
Choose from a range of qualifications, including a Bachelor of Sport and Exercise, science majors such as human nutrition, and exercise and sport science, and an accredited postgraduate qualification in dietetics.
Explore by area of interest
Explore a selection of qualifications relating to your interests.
Study food & nutrition
Get the most out of food. The most flavour. The best nutrition. Safe and efficient production processes. Learn from world-class lecturers and researchers.
Study sport & exercise
Our qualifications open many doors, including working with sports teams, personal training, and sport administration. Learn more about your options.
Who we are
Our people make us who we are. Meet senior leaders in the School of Sport, Exercise and Nutrition.
Associate Professor Andrew Foskett
Andrew is a keen practitioner who has worked with high-performance athletes across a range of sports as an applied sport scientist. His research and teaching interest is in high-performance sport from physiological, nutritional and strength and conditioning perspectives.
Associate Professor Matthew Barnes
Matthew Barnes's research interests include:
- alcohol and sports performance
- skeletal muscle recovery
- resistance exercise
- sports performance.
Professor Pamela von Hurst
Pamela Von Hurst is a human nutritionist with research interests such as vitamin D in health and disease, and child health and nutrition. Pam supervises doctoral students and is co-director the Vitamin D Research Centre.
Professor Ajmol Ali
Ajmol Ali's research interests include performance and physiology of team sports – especially football (soccer) – ergogenic aids and supplementation, and exercise for children. Ajmol collaborates with exercise and sport scientists, food scientists, nutritionists and biochemists.
Professor Rozanne Kruger
Registered dietitian Rozanne Kruger leads the master's programme in nutrition and dietetics. Research areas include dietary and nutritional assessment, dietary diversity and pattern assessment, clinical dietetics/nutrition determinants of obesity, and food-based approaches as solutions.
Professor Andy Martin
Andy Martin was named a Principal Fellow of the Higher Education Academy in 2021 for his teaching, scholarship and leadership in work-integrated learning. Andy co-authored ‘Legends in Black’ (2014), a best-selling text on why the All Blacks win, and 'Will to Win' (2020) about the Silver Ferns culture.
Professor Carol Wham
Dietitian Carol Wham has expertise in paediatric and gerontology nutrition, dietary assessment, longitudinal studies, dietetics and public health nutrition. Carol's research attracts funding from the Health Research Council, Ministry of Health, National Heart Foundation and Lotteries Health.
Professor David Rowlands
David Rowlands researches human health, exercise metabolism and performance nutrition. He is Director of the Exercise Physiology and Metabolism Lab and Microvascular and Metabolic Research Group. David fosters collaborations with public organisations and companies both locally and internationally.
Research
Our research aims to reduce the risk of disease and optimise health, physical development and performance of people and athletes. Our researchers have expertise in sport, exercise, human nutrition, dietetics and metabolic health.
Consultancy
We often carry out research for partners outside Massey or work with stakeholders on certain topics or as part of long-term relationships. Our consultancy makes the most of expertise from within the school and around the university, offering fresh thinking.
Research teams
Examples of how our academics create and share new knowledge.
Human Nutrition Research Unit
The unit has excellent facilities for nutritional assessment and running clinical studies. Our facilities span multiple disciplines, including:
- human studies
- microbiology and biochemistry
- molecular and cellular biology
- rheology.
Vitamin D Research Centre
The centre researches conditions and life stages where vitamin D deficiency may damage to health in the short and long term. This includes bone health, diabetes and during childhood, pregnancy and older age.
Meet our graduates
“I would recommend studying at Massey University due to the high level of support, guidance and valuable expertise from staff from both the academic and practical placement setting. I am now in a career where I feel I am making a true difference to the nutrition and health of the community.”
“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time studying at Massey and have been extremely fortunate to have been taught and supervised by some of the leading lecturers in the field of physical education and coaching.”
“Once I started studying at Massey I knew I had made the right choice for me and I never considered going anywhere else for my postgraduate degree. A lot of this was thanks to the lecturers who understood my passion for football and provided opportunities for me to work in the sport.”
Scholarships and financial support
Massey offers students a range of awards, grants and scholarships to:
- help with fees and living expenses
- support academic and research excellence.
Accreditation and rankings
New Zealand Dietitians Board
The Master of Science (Nutrition and Dietetics) programme is accredited by the New Zealand Dietitians Board. Our graduates are eligible to register as a New Zealand Registered Dietitian (NZRD) and to practice as a dietitian in New Zealand.
Register of Exercise Professionals
Massey's Bachelor of Sport and Exercise (Exercise Prescription and Training) is accredited by the Register of Exercise Professionals (REPS). Graduates can register as exercise professionals with REPS.
ShanghaiRanking - sport science schools
The School of Sport, Exercise and Nutrition is ranked in the top 150 Sport Science Schools and Departments worldwide. The ranking is determined by criteria such as research output, research quality and international collaboration.
New Zealand Performance-Based Research Fund Rankings
According to the NZ PBRF Rankings 2018, Massey University achieved research excellence relative to other New Zealand universities in the subject area of sport and exercise science.
Clinics and services
Massey offers services for the public, athletes and sports teams, as well as research or training for staff, students and professionals.
Nutrition and Dietetic Centre
The centre combines the clinical, nutritional and research expertise of Massey dietitians and nutritionists, with the enthusiasm and creativity of our dietetics students.
Location: Auckland campus
Human Performance Laboratory
This laboratory evaluates performance for a wide range of sports and occupational activities, with state-of-the-art research and testing equipment.
Sport and exercise students learn and practice at this laboratory.
Location: Manawatū (Palmerston North) campus
Sport and Exercise Science Research Laboratory
This laboratory offers a physiological and biomechanical analysis for many sports and occupational activities. Laboratory staff have experience with a wide range of sports, athletes and occupations.
Sport and exercise students learn and practice at this laboratory.
Location: Auckland campus
BodPod and other specialist equipment
BodPod accurately, easily and reliably measures body composition and body fat using air displacement. Massey also has:
- Fit3D body composition scanner
- DXA machine to measure bone density
- PeaPod — a BodPod for babies.
Auckland campus
Contact the School of Sport, Exercise and Nutrition
School of Sport, Exercise and Nutrition – Auckland campus
- Location
Physical address
Massey University
Albany campus
Gate 4, Building 80, Turitea Place
Albany 0632
AucklandPostal address
Massey University
Private Bag 102904
North Shore City
Auckland 0745
New ZealandUse our Auckland campus maps or find us on Google Maps.
School of Sport, Exercise and Nutrition – Manawatū campus
- Location
Physical address
Massey University
Practical Teaching Complex
Corner of University Ave and Albany Drive
Massey University
Palmerston NorthPostal address
PN 621
Private Bag 11-222
Massey University
Palmerston North 4442
New ZealandUse our Manawatū campus maps or find us on Google Maps.