Master of Sport Science
- Degree Structure - Start In
- February, July
180
Overview
Master of Sport Science
For those with an interest in pursuing a career in sports and sport science, this coursework-based Master’s degree allows you to specialise or broaden your expertise.
Courses will draw on sport science research, as well as experts in the field from within and outside UC, to provide you with contemporary knowledge and skills. You will have flexibility to choose courses covering biomechanics, exercise physiology, sport psychology, sport nutrition, strength and conditioning, and performance analysis.
This 18-month Master’s degree could lead to a career in high performance sport in New Zealand or overseas, or allow established professionals to upskill and update their sport science knowledge.
Master of Sport Science
- 18-month applied master’s degree.
- The Master of Sport Science is designed to meet the need for high-level sport scientists, coaches, and high performance managers employed in professional and semi-professional sport and at various sporting institutes.
- Lecturers are involved in sport science, coaching, or health as active researchers and supervisors, as well as serving professional bodies in their discipline.
- The field of sports science is developing rapidly, and so this postgraduate degree will allow you to stand out in a competitive job market whether in New Zealand or overseas.
- If undertaking the dissertation option, you will graduate with the knowledge and skills to pursue entry into a PhD.
Master of Sport Science
To enrol in the Sports Science Master's programme at UC you should have previously completed a sport and/or science-related Aotearoa New Zealand degree, or equivalent, and normally should have achieved at least a B Grade Point Average in 300-level courses in the degree.
One or more courses in this degree may also require vaccinations. Check each course page for more details.
If English is not your first language, you are also required to meet UC's Postgraduate language requirements. See how to provide your English language evidence to UC. If you need help meeting these requirements, or would like to practise your English skills before studying, UC offers English for Academic Purposes (EAP) language programmes.
For the full entry requirements, see the Regulations for the Master of Sport Science or use the admission requirements checker.
How to apply
You can apply online at myUC.
See Admission and enrolment for all information on enrolling at UC.
Master of Sport Science
The Master of Sport Science (MSS) requires 180 points of coursework, including a research project or dissertation. It would normally be completed full-time over 18 months.
For full requirements, see the Regulations for the Master of Sport Science.
Master of Sport Science
MSS requires 180 points of coursework, including compulsory and elective courses.
Compulsory courses:
Project or dissertation
Choose one of the following:
- SSCI680 Sport Science Research Project (30 points)
- SSCI681 Sport Science Dissertation (60 points)
Elective courses
Depending on whether you chose the 30-point project or 60-point dissertation, choose another one or two courses from the following:
- HLTH430 Motivating Behaviour Change I
- HLTH661 Advanced Pathophysiology
- HLTH662 Advanced Health Assessment
- HLTH692 Evidence for Clinical Practice
- SSCI404 Advanced Internship for Sport Science
- SSCI405 Special Topic: Psychology of Sport and Exercise
- SSCI408 Sport Science Independent Study
- SSCI409 Extreme Sport Science
- SSCI410 Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation
- SSCI411 Exercise Rehabilitation for those with Cardiac, Chronic, or Complex Conditions
Please contact the Programme Coordinator for more information on how to enrol in an SSCI course.
Domestic students
2025 tuition fee estimate: $9,706 per 120 points
2026 tuition fee estimate: $10,288 per 120 points
International students
2025 tuition fee estimate: $65,700 (180 points)
2026 tuition fee estimate: $67,950 (180 points)
2027 tuition fee estimate: $71,400 (180 points)
Master of Sport Science
Master of Sport Science
Graduates of this applied master’s degree will have a well-rounded view of sport science. Potential roles for Sports Science master's graduates include:
- Sports Scientist/Strength and Conditioning Specialist positions in professional sport, working with teams or individual athletes, or in national and international sporting organisations
- Development officer for professional sporting and health orientated organisations
- Corporate and community health and fitness consultant
- Health promotion/lifestyle consultant
- Athletic/sports programme coordinator.
Graduates from the MSS are eligible for accreditation with Sport and Exercise Science New Zealand (SESNZ), and the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA).
Useful information:
- Read what other UC postgraduate students have gone on to achieve in their studies and careers in our student stories.
- Te Rōpū Rapuara | UC Careers can help you to achieve the career you want, connect with employers, or find a job.
- For research into career destinations by qualification, visit Te Pōkai Tara | Universities New Zealand website.
- Find out more about what can you do with a degree from UC.
- Come along to an upcoming information event for prospective postgraduate students.
