Bachelor of Applied Science (Wellness & Sport)
Sport & Recreation
A course by
UCOL
The Bachelor of Applied Science (Wellness & Sport) provides specialist knowledge and advanced practical skills in physical health, strength and conditioning, and sport and recreation management, preparing graduates for careers in the exercise industry with a strong practical and theoretical foundation.
In-person study
Face-to-face learning in a physical classroom setting
UCOL campuses, New Zealand


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Plan and implement physical activity programmes
Ability to design, plan, implement, evaluate and report on structured physical activity opportunities and services for individuals and communities.

Develop specialist knowledge in chosen major
Gain in-depth knowledge in Physical Health and Wellness, Strength and Conditioning, or Sport and Recreation Management to meet professional industry standards.

Apply practical skills in supervised environments
Demonstrate competence in exercise prescription, coaching, health assessment and project management through practicum experiences.
What You're Signing Up For
This degree programme offers majors in Physical Health and Wellness, Strength and Conditioning, and Sport and Recreation Management. It combines theoretical knowledge with extensive practical experience through supervised placements totaling 580 practicum hours. Graduates gain competencies in planning and implementing physical activity programs impacting health and fitness, with career opportunities in exercise training, health coaching, clinical rehabilitation, corporate wellness, sports coaching and management. The programme includes foundational courses in years one and two, followed by advanced majors and applied professional practice in year three. Entry requires University Entrance or equivalent, and practical requirements include current First Aid certification and safety clearances.
Course Content
- Socio-cultural and Professional Practices
- Physical Health and Wellness Fundamentals
- Strength and Conditioning Fundamentals
- Sport and Coaching Science Fundamentals
- Client Assessment and Programme Prescription
- Leading Client Exercise Interventions
- Strength and Conditioning Practices
- Sport and Recreation Project Management Skills
- Small Business Skills
- Physical Health and Wellness Practices
- Research Skills for Exercise Professionals
- Sport and Group Coaching Practices
- Advanced Physical Health and Wellness (Major)
- Applied Professional Practice: Physical Health and Wellness (Major)
- Advanced Strength and Conditioning (Major)
- Applied Professional Practice: Strength and Conditioning (Major)
- Advanced Sport and Recreation Management (Major)
- Applied Professional Practice: Sport and Recreation Management (Major)
What you need to know first
University Entrance or New Zealand Certificate in Exercise (Level 4 or 5) or discretionary entry by Executive Dean
Current Comprehensive First Aid Certificate before second semester
Safety check as per Vulnerable Children’s Act 2014
English language proficiency requirements for international students (IELTS 6.0 with no band below 5.5)

What sort of industry will this job lead to
Exercise Industry
Health and Wellness
Sport and Recreation
Fitness and Coaching

Future employment opportunities might be
Exercise trainer
Health coach
Physical health coordinator
Chronic disease intervention specialist
Clinical exercise rehabilitation practitioner
Corporate wellness coordinator
Strength and conditioning coach
Sports performance trainer
Sports coordinator
Active-recreation and event/project manager
Secondary or tertiary institution teaching (subject to further qualification)


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