Master of Sport Science
MSS
Duration
12–18 months full-time
Entry times
February or July (Semester 1 or 2)
Fees Estimate
Scholarships
Pathways
Pathways include:
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Download Brochure
Duration
12–18 months full-time
Entry times
February or July (Semester 1 or 2)
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 historically and culturally grounded knowledge and skills. Students will have flexibility to choose courses in biomechanics, exercise physiology, sport psychology, sport nutrition, strength and conditioning, and performance analysis.
This one-year Master’s degree could lead to a career in high performance sport, or allow established professionals to upskill and update their sport science knowledge.
- One year applied master’s degree.
- Findings from the 2013 Sport and Recreation Sector Workforce to 2026 Survey indicate that in Aotearoa New Zealand, up to 44,000 new staff will be required in the sector due to growth and retirements by 2026.
- Lecturers are involved in sport science or health as active researchers and supervisors, as well as serving professional bodies in their discipline.
- UC has the top ranked research department in Aotearoa New Zealand for ‘other health studies’ (the most recent Tertiary Education Commission 2012 PBRF Assessment).
- The field of sports science is developing rapidly, and so this degree will allow students to stand out in a competitive job market.
Normally the minimum requirement is a three-year bachelor’s degree from an Aotearoa New Zealand university, or a qualification or combination of qualifications considered to be equivalent. If you gained your qualifications overseas, these will need to be assessed to make sure they are of an equivalent standard.
You are also required to meet UC's English language requirements.
Specific entry requirements
You should have completed a sport and/or science-related Aotearoa New Zealand degree, or equivalent, and normally should have achieved at least a B grade average in 300-level courses in this degree.
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 12–18 months.
MSS requires 180 points of coursework, with some compulsory courses.
Compulsory courses:
Optional courses:
A minimum of 30 points selected from the list of courses. Courses cover areas such as exercise science, biomechanics, sport psychology, nutrition, or health behaviour change.
SSCI 405, SSCI 406, SSCI 407, SSCI 408, and SSCI 409 will be offered and tailored to the direction of study for each student.
- SSCI 405 Special Topic: Leading Change in Sport Science (30 pts)
- SSCI 406 Special Topic: Advancing Knowledge in Sport Science (30 pts)
- SSCI 407 Advanced Strength and Conditioning (30 pts)
- SSCI 408 Sport Science Independent Study (30 pts)
- SSCI 409 Advanced Adventure Sport Science (30 pts)
- BIOL 462 Medical Biochemistry (15 pts)
- BIOL 481 Environmental Animal Physiology (15 pts)
- HLTH 409 Health and Culture (30 pts)
- HLTH 430 Motivating Behaviour Change I (30 pts)
- HLTH 431 Motivating Behaviour Change II (30 pts)
- HLTH 463 Whanau and Community Health (30 pts)
Please contact the Programme Coordinator for more information on how to enrol in an SSCI course.
Project or dissertation
SSCI 680 Sport Science Research Project (30 points) or SSCI681 Sport Science Dissertation (60 points).
For an up-to-date list of course options see the Regulations for the Master of Sport Science.
Students can go on to study a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Health Sciences, or Biological 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 would be eligible for accreditation with Sport and Exercise Science New Zealand (SESNZ).
Useful information:
- Read what other UC postgraduate students have gone on to achieve in their studies and careers in our student and graduate profiles.
- Our Careers, Internships & Employment team can help you to achieve the career you want, connect with employers or find a job.
- For research into career destinations by qualification, visit the 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) |
| 2019 | 180 | Banded Fee - total tuition fee dependent on course selection | $12,401 |
| Year | Points | Info | Fees (NZD) |
| 2019 | 180 | Special (Set) Programme Fee | $54,900 |
Contact us
Please contact the Programme Coordinator for more information on how to enrol in an SSCI course.
For full requirements see the Regulations for the Master of Sport Science.
For study planning help contact the School of Health Sciences | Te Kura Mātai Hauora or the College of Education, Health and Human Development:
College of Education, Health and Human Development | Te Rāngai Ako me te Hauora
University of Canterbury | Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha
Private Bag 4800
Christchurch 8140
New Zealand
Phone +64 3 369 3333
Email educationadvice@canterbury.ac.nz