Master of Applied Science

Minimum entry requirements 

• Postgraduate Certificate in Applied Science at Level 8 OR equivalent, with an overall grade of B+ (75%), for admission to the Masters by Research, OR 
• Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Science at Level 8 OR equivalent, with an overall grade of B+ in the final 60 credits OR an equivalent postgraduate qualification of 120 credits in a related area with an overall grade of B+, for admission to the Masters by Practice.
• Exceptional applicants not meeting the qualification requirements, but who have appropriate documented professional experience, may also be considered for admission. 

English Language Requirements 

• If English is not your first language, you must provide:
  • New Zealand University Entrance OR
  • Overall Academic IELTS 6.5 with no individual band score lower than 6.0 (achieved in one test completed in the last two years), OR
  • Acceptable alternative evidence of the required IELTS (see here for NZQA proficiency table and here for list of recognised proficiency tests).

If you need to improve your English Language skills, we offer a wide range of English programmes.

Additional criteria

• All applicants who are accepted must obtain a First Aid Certificate, and complete the requirements of the Children’s Act 2014 (including police vetting), prior to commencing classes.
• An interview panel consisting of the Postgraduate Coordinator and relevant postgraduate supervisors will interview and select applicants. 

Covid-19 vaccination 

• Whilst you don’t need to provide us with evidence of your vaccination status to study this programme, please note that some placement providers may ask you for this.

Where there are more applicants than places, an interview panel consisting a member of the Bachelor Leadership Team and relevant academic staff will interview and select applicants, with candidates prioritised on the basis of strength of academic record. 

Applicants who do not meet the entry or selection criteria will be directed to a path of study to help prepare them for application in the future. 

Applicants without a base degree need to discuss options with the programme teaching team. Please email ebsTOO@op.ac.nz

Learners are expected to purchase a uniform ($200) - this is important for industry placements. In addition it is suggested that you have your own laptop/tablet that you are able to bring with you.

Within this programme you will chose one of the specialty areas: performance analysis, physical conditioning or exercise and health, these areas will have industry experience within them where you are applying the theory you are learning. In addition you will study a course in professional development which will prepare you to work within the industry and assist you to understand your learning needs. At this point you may choose to complete a research thesis to complete your Masters degree, this is known as a Masters by research. 

If you choose to continue with the course you will advance your learning in the specialty area and you will have learning in either a specialist topic that supports the industry or you can negotiate your learning around either research or industry that will provide the opportunity to deepen your learning in a specific issue. At the completion of this you may complete a 60 credit research project in industry to complete your Masters degree, this is known as a Masters by practice.

This is a full-time programme of study and students are expected to complete 30-35 hours per week. This programme is taught with intensive blocks, online classes and industry placements.

Master of Applied Science (by Practice) 

Master of Applied Science (by Research) 

It is expected that graduates of the Master of Applied Science will be able to gain entry into doctoral level qualifications at tertiary institutions (dependant on meeting programme-specific entry criteria). Possible programmes include the Doctor of Professional Practice at Otago Polytechnic and PhD programmes at other institutions.

• Activity and Nutrition Aotearoa  
• Sport NZ  
• Register of Exercise Professionals NZ  

Student loans and allowances are for domestic students only. For information about student loans and allowances please visit the Studylink website. It is important to apply for your student loan/allowance at the same time as you apply for this programme, due to the length of time Studylink take to process. Loan/allowance applications can be cancelled at any time if you decide to withdraw your programme application or if it is unsuccessful. 

If you already have extensive knowledge and skills gained from practical experience in this area, enquire about our recognition of prior learning process at Capable NZ. You may have already gained credits towards this qualification in the course of your life. Visit the Capable NZ website. 

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