The Master of Health, Sport and Human Performance (MHSHP) at the University of Waikato is a flexible, research-focused degree designed to teach students how political, cultural, social, and economic factors impact the meaning and practice of sport, exercise, and leisure. Students explore sociological, psychological, and physiological aspects of movement and performance, benefit from hands-on research, access to high-tech laboratories, and engagement with elite athletes. The programme allows for specialization via papers, research projects, and practical placements, and is supervised by internationally recognized staff. Graduates are prepared for advanced roles in sport, health, and education settings.

Course Content

• Critical examination of social, political, cultural, and economic factors in sport and exercise

• Research methods in health, sport, and human performance

• Psychological and physiological factors in movement and performance

• Hands-on research projects, dissertation or thesis

• Engagement with elite sports organizations and community partners

• Coaching, high performance, and movement science

• Strength and conditioning science

• Biomechanics and injury prevention

• Exercise physiology and adaptation

• Sleep and energy balance in athletes