Master of Sport Science
MSS
Duration
18 months full-time
Entry times
Semester 1 (February)
Fees Estimate
Scholarships
Pathways
Pathways include:
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Download Brochure
Duration
18 months full-time
Entry times
Semester 1 (February)
Fees Estimate
Scholarships
Pathways
Pathways include:
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Download Brochure
Overview
For students with an interest in pursuing a career in the sport field, this coursework-based Master’s degree allows students to specialise or broaden their expertise.
Courses will draw on sport science research, as well as experts in the field from within and outside UC, to provide students with contemporary knowledge and skills. Students 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, or allow established professionals to upskill and update their sport science knowledge.
- 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 students to stand out in a competitive job market.
- If undertaking the dissertation option, you will graduate with the knowledge and skills to pursue entry into a PhD.
To enrol, 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.
If English is your additional language, you are also required to meet UC's English language requirements.
All students will also be approved to enrol by the Dean of Education and Health Sciences.
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. Find out more about how to apply for graduate and postgraduate qualifications.
The MSS requires 180 points of coursework, including a research project or dissertation. It would normally be completed full-time over 18 months.
MSS requires 180 points of coursework, including compulsory and optional courses.
Compulsory courses:
Project or dissertation
Choose one of the following:
- SSCI 680 Sport Science Research Project (30 points)
- SSCI 681 Sport Science Dissertation (60 points)
Optional courses:
Choose one of the following:
- EDME 601 Understanding and Using Research in Education
- HLTH 464 Research Approaches for Health and Sport
Depending on whether you chose the 30-point project or 60-point dissertation, choose another one or two courses from the following:
- HLTH 430 Motivating Behaviour Change I
- SSCI 404 Advanced Internship for Sport Science
- SSCI 405 Special Topic: Psychology of Sport and Exercise
- SSCI 406 Special Topic: Advancing Knowledge in Sport Science
- SSCI 408 Sport Science Independent Study
- SSCI 409 Extreme Sport Science
Please contact the Programme Coordinator for more information on how to enrol in an SSCI course.
You can go on to study a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Health Sciences.
Graduates of this applied master’s degree will have a well-rounded view of sport science. Potential roles for 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 and graduate profiles.
- 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 you can do with a degree from UC.
- Come along to an upcoming information event for prospective postgraduate students.
See Tuition Fee Structure for more information
| Year | Points | Info | Fees (NZD) |
| 2021 | 180 | Banded Fee - total tuition fee dependent on course selection | $12,787 |
| 2022 | 180 | Banded Fee - total tuition fee dependent on course selection | $13,005 |
| Year | Points | Info | Fees (NZD) | Fees (NZD) Excl GST |
| 2021 | 180 | Special (Set) Programme Fee | $59,250 | $51,522 |
| 2022 | 180 | Special (Set) Programme Fee | $60,000 | $52,174 |
Contact us
Please contact the Programme Coordinator for more information on how to enrol in an SSCI course.
See more information about our Sport Science programmes.
For full requirements, see the Regulations for the Master of Sport Science.
For study planning help, contact our Student Advisor team.
For more information on facilities, resources, and staff, see Te Rāngai Ako me te Hauora | College of Education, Health and Human Development.
For more general information, email info@canterbury.ac.nz or freephone 0800 VARSITY (827 748).