Graduate Diploma in Sport and Exercise

This programme aims to develop a broad theoretical knowledge in the fields of sport and exercise and an holistic understanding of sport and exercise and its importance to the community.  It recognises the significance of the Treaty of Waitangi to the New Zealand people and raises awareness of of the implications of the treaty with respect to community and resource management in the fields of sport and exercise.  Students will develop a range of practical expertise in the sport and exercise industry by developing a close working relationship with various organisations.

SE5102 Exercise Prescription
The paper will provide students with an understanding of safe and appropriate exercises for clients in a fitness centre environment. The focus will be on resistance training. Students will make use of movement analysis to enhance their understanding of resistance training exercises. Knowledge gained through active participation in fitness centre programmes will result in students being able to prescribe exercise programmes to assist in the improvement of flexibility, strength and weight control.

SE6248 Exercise Physiology
The paper will provide students with physiological knowledge, skills and understanding which underpin current theories and practice of training for performance and health.  The focus of this module will be to examine the physiological basis of training by evaluation and application of scientific research to training theory.  The measurement of many of the parameters of fitness will allow students to evaluate fitness and thus allow effective training protocols to be prescribed.

SE6241 Fitness Assessment and Programming
The paper will provide students with physiological knowledge, skills and understanding to carry out effective lifestyle assessment and physical activity programming for the general population. The focus of this module will be on assessing individual needs and designing appropriate exercise programmes. Special considerations will be examined e.g. pregnancy, back problems and cardiac rehabilitation. Related aspects including behaviour change and exercise adherence will also be covered.

SE7332 Marketing and Economics in the Leisure Industry
This paper will develop a broad understanding of economic and marketing principles for application to business/leisure services. The paper will enable the student to understand the economic issues central to an organisation’s activity and decision making. Students will develop the knowledge and understanding which is needed to assess a service, budget, promotion and sponsorship options and to make marketing mix recommendations for specific markets.

SE7331 Applied Sport and Leisure Management

Students will examine event and human resource management. Students will plan for and carry out a specific project or event. The paper will develop knowledge of the New Zealand industrial relations system and apply public relations and management theory to the sport/leisure environment.  By use of the ‘case study’ system, the paper will enable students to apply theory to practical aspects of leisure management and leisure promotion. 

SE7341 Applied Sport Science
The paper will extend students' knowledge in sports performance, conditioning and testing. Students will gain practical experience by training athletes as well as undertaking investigative studies in sport science. The presentation of seminars to peers on selected topics of interest in this field will ensure that current material is critically analysed, debated and discussed.

SE7342 Exercise and Nutrition as Therapy
The paper will investigate current issues of exercise management and nutrition as therapy for health. The emphasis will be on exercise management and nutrition strategies for specific conditions, including chronic diseases and disabilities.

SE7344 Applied Pedagogy in Sport and Physical Education

The paper will examine good teaching practice and its application to sports coaching and teaching physical education in schools. Teaching methods will be examined and evidenced based research in pedagogy will be critically analysed. The New Zealand Physical Education / Health curriculum will be introduced and linked unit / lesson plans developed. Students will develop skills through practical fieldwork, analysis, observation, planning, reflection and peer teaching / coaching.

Entry is open to degree graduates who have graduated successfully from a relevant bachelor degree programme or who can demonstrate equivalent, relevant, practical, professional or educational experience in a related discipline. Knowledge in anatomy, physiology and nutrition is required.

Additional Criteria

In addition, the following requirements also apply to applicants in all admission categories:

• Applicants whose first language is not English or who come from a country where the language of instruction in schools is not English must provide evidence of having successfully completed English instruction to a level deemed appropriate by the head of faculty.  Evidence may include official transcripts and or recognised English test results such as IELTS and TOEFL. 
• All enrolments in the Graduate Diploma in Sport and Exercise are approved at the discretion of the programme manager in consultation with the head of faculty and teaching staff as required.

Every candidate for the Graduate Diploma in Sport and Exercise is required to follow to the satisfaction of the Board of Studies, a programme of study for a minimum period of one year. The year of study comprises two 17-week semesters.

The overall programme of study for every candidate requires 120 credits for successful completion of the qualification. Individual papers may have specific pre-requisites or other knowledge/skill requirements, which must be satisfied by all students.

In order to be awarded the Graduate Diploma in Sport and Exercise, the student will have been credited with all required papers and electives as specified in the graduate diploma  schedule.

A student completing the Graduate Diploma in Sport and Exercise will normally be expected to complete the one-year  (full-time equivalent) within four years. Notwithstanding the requirements set out above, the Head of Faculty with the approval and recommendation of the Board of Studies, may allow a student a longer period to complete the programme.

(Please note: students failing to attend for 80% of timetabled programme hours will forfeit Zero Fees entitlement.)