Sports enthusiasts and those with a passion for physical activity, health & wellness are advancing their career prospects in New Zealand by studying the Bachelor of Applied Science degree (specialisation) at CPIT.
First introduced in 2009, the degree’s initial intake of students are now in their second year of study and, with the majority due to graduate in 2012, New Zealand’s sports science, and health & fitness industries will be well equipped with qualified, work-ready graduates.
The degree has three specialisations, two of which include Physical Activity, Health & Wellness stream - the first of its kind in New Zealand, and Sport & Exercise Science - the first 3-year undergraduate sports science degree in the South Island. Both specialisations aim to develop theoretical knowledge, critical thinking and reflective practice for those planning a career in allied health or sport and exercise science.
“The degree is of interest to anyone who is passionate about either sports science or health and fitness, says Dr Nick Kimber, CPIT’s Bachelor of Applied Science programme leader.
“Specifically, it appeals to those who want to understand the limits of human performance and provide assistance to those in either a sports environment at all levels or particularly as part of an emerging health workforce. Individuals who are inspired by the opportunity to have an impact on the health and wellbeing of all New Zealanders are showing keen interest in this degree,” he says.
Dr Kimber says the degree is stimulating the growth of both New Zealand’s sports science industries and is also helping to promote the importance of maintaining physical activity and health for all New Zealanders through professional research and education.
“The degree has immense value for the health of our population and for creating new job opportunities that don't currently exist,” he says.
“It has the potential to be a major stimulus for the growth of our health workforce and a catalyst of many innovative health and fitness programmes, especially for the rapidly expanding 60+ year old population.”
Graduates of the degree will find employment in various areas of the industry such as physical activity development, working with individual athletes, clinical and general populations, public health research and teaching. Post-graduate study and research opportunities are also available for each specialisation.
“Providing competent sports science graduates with industry experience will provide further job opportunities in this field and strengthen the sports science community within New Zealand,” says Dr Kimber. “The richness and breadth of placements the second-year students are involved with is astonishing, and the feedback from the placement providers is very positive.”
For more information on the Bachelor of Applied Science including entry requirements and related study programmes, call 0800 24 24 76 or see www.cpit.ac.nz.
