Health and Physical Education Major - Bachelor of Sport, Exercise and Health
Teaching
A course by
AUT
This major prepares students to teach and lead in health, physical education, and sport within schools and other educational settings, with a strong emphasis on practical learning and the role of physical activity in education.
In-person study
Face-to-face learning in a physical classroom setting
Available in 2 locations
It will take a total of 3 years
Core skills this course teaches
Understand the role of sport and health in educational settings
Develop knowledge of how physical activity, sport, and health concepts are taught and promoted within schools and education environments.
Apply teaching and learning concepts in practice
Gain practical skills to support and lead learning experiences in health and physical education, including curriculum design and educational delivery.
Integrate biopsychosocial and cultural perspectives
Incorporate Māori perspectives and broader cultural understandings into physical education and wellbeing teaching.
What You're Signing Up For
The Health and Physical Education major within the Bachelor of Sport, Exercise and Health at AUT is designed to shape educators who can inspire young people through impactful learning experiences in health, physical education, and sport. Students learn about sport and health in educational settings, people’s learning processes, and supporting learning in health and movement-based subjects. The major prioritizes practical, hands-on learning, and features strong work-integrated opportunities. Graduates often become teachers, sports coordinators, and wellbeing directors, especially within schools.
Course Content
- Foundational knowledge for the sport, health, and exercise sector
- Academic writing and critical thinking
- Theory and practice of movement
- Role of sport, health, and physical activity in education
- Sport, exercise and health in Aotearoa New Zealand
- Exercise physiology
- Sport, health, and physical activity in education settings
- Biomechanics and society/culture in physical education
- Skill acquisition
- Health education and youth wellbeing
- Teaching and learning approaches in sport, health, and physical education
- Te Pūtake o te Waiora (Māori perspectives in wellness/physical education)
- Professional practice and work-integrated learning (including placements in schools)
What you need to know first
University Entrance or equivalent
Relevant NCEA subjects recommended: Health Education, Physical Education, Biology, Science, English, Mathematics
What sort of industry will this job lead to
Education
Sport and Recreation
Health Promotion
Youth Work
Future employment opportunities might be
Health, physical education and outdoor education teacher
Sports director/co-ordinator
Education consultant for sporting organisations
Sport and physical activity learning advisor
School wellbeing director
Kaiwhakahaere working with kōhanga/puna reo