Where you can study
International students
International students are not New Zealand citizens or residents.
Specialise in Sport and Exercise for your Postgraduate Diploma in Health Science at Massey
If you have a Bachelor’s degree in Sport and Exercise, Health Science or equivalent, and are considering pursuing postgraduate study and research in sport and exercise, the Postgraduate Diploma in Health Science (Sport and Exercise) may suit.
World-class, highly experienced staff
You will learn from the best. Many of your lecturers are involved in sport at the highest levels – either as competitors, coaches, administrators and managers. Our research-active academic staff will teach you the most up-to-date information. This will help prepare you for the ever-changing and expanding world of sport and exercise.
Strong student support
Small class sizes are personalised to your learning style. We’re here for you – your lecturers are approachable, helpful and committed to your success.
Outstanding facilities
You will enjoy working in first-class facilities including our state-of-the-art human performance labs.
Further study
As a graduate of this qualification , you may go on to study a master’s, depending on your achievement and consultations with the relevant qualification coordinators or Head of Institute/School.
A Postgraduate Diploma in Health Science in Sport and Exercise is a good fit if you:
- want to pursue research
- are interested in enhancing people’s wellbeing or athletic performance.
Planning information
If you study full-time, you’ll take 120 credits per year or 60 credits per semester.
Official regulations
To understand what you need to study and must complete to graduate read the official rules and regulations for this qualification.
You should read these together with all other relevant Statutes and Regulations of the University including the General Regulations for Postgraduate Degrees, Postgraduate Diplomas, and Postgraduate Certificates.
Returning students
For returning students, there may be changes to the majors and minors available and the courses you need to take. Go to the section called ‘Transitional Provisions’ in the Regulations to find out more.
In some cases the qualification or specialisation you enrolled in may no longer be taking new enrolments, so may not appear on these web pages. To find information on the regulations for these qualifications go to the Massey University Calendar.
Please contact us through the Get advice button on this page if you have any questions.
Courses you can enrol in
Course planning key
- Prerequisites
- Courses that need to be completed before moving onto a course at the next level. For example, a lot of 200-level courses have 100-level prerequisite courses.
- Corequisites
- Courses that must be completed at the same time as another course are known as corequisite courses.
- Restrictions
- Some courses are restricted against each other because their content is similar. This means you can only choose one of the offered courses to study and credit to your qualification.
Compulsory course
Course code: 234724 Research Seminar in Sport and Exercise credits 15
Through student and staff presentation and discussion, this course will acquaint students with selected research topics, conducting and disseminating research in this field, and preparation for research endeavours at the postgraduate level.
View full course detailsCompulsory course selection
Course code: 168711 Health Research Design and Method credits 30
Philosophical, ethical and methodological issues in relation to health research are examined. Selected quantitative and qualitative methods are explored in depth, in preparation for developing a research proposal for a thesis, or research project.
View full course detailsCourse code: 168713 Evidence-Based Practice credits 30
Evidence based practice (EBP) is an approach to problem solving and service provision based on the integration of “best evidence” with expert opinion and client/consumer perspectives. Students will develop EBP skills needed to critically evaluate information available from research findings, professional consensus statements and other sources of information, as well as communicating the results.
View full course detailsSubject courses
Course code: 231732 Physical Activity Promotion credits 15
This course draws on the disciplines of epidemiology, health promotion, policy analysis and exercise science to develop public health competencies specific to physical activity promotion at a population level, including knowledge of the relationship between physical activity and health, and skills in population-based physical activity assessment, determinants analysis and intervention design and evaluation.
View full course detailsCourse code: 234725 Athletic Conditioning credits 30
An advanced focus on physical conditioning as it pertains to athlete performance, with an emphasis on research-led and evidence-based practice.
View full course detailsCourse code: 234726 Exercise and Sport Science credits 30
An advanced, research-led focus on human physiology, motor control, and biomechanics as it relates to the integrative science underpinning sport and exercise.
View full course detailsCourse code: 234727 Physical Activity for Compromised Health credits 30
An advanced, integrative focus on physical activity and its impact on compromised health, with particular reference to examining disease aetiology, and the assessment, monitoring and prescription of exercise for a range of non-communicable diseases (e.g. cardiorespiratory, metabolic, musculoskeletal, cancer).
View full course detailsCourse code: 250703 Health Communication credits 15
This course examines the primary factors that influence the effective communication and adoption of positive health behaviours by individuals and communities. Students will review: micro and macro-level theories of health communication; audience engagement and persuasion; the impact of evolving public attitudes to health knowledge; innovative methods for health communication.
View full course detailsEntry requirements
Admission to Massey
All students must meet university entrance requirements to be admitted to the University.
Specific requirements
To enter the Postgraduate Diploma in Health Science (Sport and Exercise) you will have been awarded or qualified for a Bachelor of Health Science degree or an equivalent qualification.
You will need to provide verified copies of all academic transcripts for studies taken at all universities other than Massey University.
English language requirements
To study this qualification you must meet Massey University's English language standards.
English language skills
If you need help with your English language skills before you start university, see our English for Academic Purposes (EAP) courses.
Fees and scholarships
Fees, student loans and free fees scheme
Your tuition fees may be different depending on the courses you choose. Your exact fees will show once you have chosen your courses.
There will also be some compulsory non-tuition fees and for some courses, there may also be charges for things such as study resources, software, trips and contact workshops.
- Get an estimate of the tuition fees for your qualification
- View a list of non-tuition fees that may be payable
Already know which courses you're going to choose?
You can view fees for the courses that make up your qualification on the course details pages.
Student loans (StudyLink) and Fees Free scheme
You may be eligible for a student loan to help towards paying your fees.
The New Zealand Government offers fees-free tertiary study for eligible domestic students. Find out more about the scheme and your eligibility on the Fees Free website. To use the site's eligibility checking tool, you will need your National Student Number.
Current and returning Massey students can find their National Student Number in the student portal.
- Student loans (StudyLink)
- Fees Free
- Student portal
Fees disclaimer
This information is for estimation purposes only. Actual fees payable will be finalised on confirmation of enrolment. Unless otherwise stated, all fees shown are quoted in New Zealand dollars and include Goods and Services Tax, if any. Before relying on any information on these pages you should also read the University's Disclaimer Notice.
Accreditations
Related study options
Bachelor of Sport Management – BSptMgt
Turn your passion for sport into something more. Gain the business, communication, and management skills that you will need to join the exciting world of sport management.
Sport and Exercise – Master of Health Science
Advance your knowledge and skills in the health sector with Massey’s Master of Health Science (Sport and Exercise). This is for graduates who have successfully completed an undergraduate degree with an exercise focus such as a Bachelor of Health Science, Bachelor of Sport and Exercise, or any other exercise-related qualification.
Useful planning information

Key information for students
Compare qualifications and academic information across different New Zealand institutions. Learn more on careers.govt.nz