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 those with an interest in pursuing a career in the sport field, 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, 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.
For the full entry requirements, see the Regulations for the Master of Sport Science or use the admission requirements checker.
One or more courses or research may require vaccination
The government has announced new vaccination requirements for the health and education sectors. At UC, our programmes are strongly connected to our communities of practice. For many of our programmes, you will not be able to complete research or practice-oriented courses if you are not vaccinated. This is due to research/practice taking place in health centres and schools/kura where all employees and volunteers are required to be vaccinated.
For these courses you will be required to be vaccinated in line with the NZ Government regulations, and supply evidence of your vaccination status.
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.
Project or dissertation
Choose one of the following:
- SSCI680 Sport Science Research Project (30 points)
- SSCI681 Sport Science Dissertation (60 points)
Optional courses:
Choose one of the following:
- EDME601 Understanding and Using Research in Education
- HLTH464 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:
- HLTH430 Motivating Behaviour Change I
- SSCI404 Advanced Internship for Sport Science
- SSCI405 Special Topic: Psychology of Sport and Exercise
- SSCI406 Special Topic: Advancing Knowledge in Sport Science
- SSCI408 Sport Science Independent Study
- SSCI409 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) |
| 2023 | 180 | Fee estimate. Actual fee will be determined by course selection. | $13,362 |
| 2022 | 180 | Fee estimate. Actual fee will be determined by course selection. | $13,005 |
| Year | Points | Info | Fees (NZD) | Fees (NZD) Excl GST |
| 2022 | 180 | Special (Set) Programme Fee | $60,000 | $52,174 |
| 2023 | 180 | Special (Set) Programme Fee | $61,500 | $53,478 |
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 Kaupeka Oranga | Faculty of Health.
For more general information, email info@canterbury.ac.nz or freephone 0800 VARSITY (827 748).