Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Science

Minimum academic entry criteria 

• The Bachelor of Applied Science (Level 7) OR an equivalent qualification at bachelor level in a related discipline OR equivalent documented professional experience. 

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.

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.

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. You will also 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.

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.

Graduates of this programme will be able to continue their studies into the Master of Applied Science at Otago Polytechnic. Further study at other tertiary institutes is also possible.

• Activity and Nutrition Aotearoa  
• Sport NZ  
• High Performance Sport NZ
• International Society for Performance Analysis in Sport
• 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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