Master of Health, Sport and Human Performance

The Master of Health, Sport and Human Performance will set you up with a research-based qualification that will teach you to critically examine how political, cultural, social and economic factors influence the meaning and nature of the sport, exercise and leisure.

Studying the Master of Health, Sport & Human Performance (MHSHP), you'll explore how psychological or physiological factors influence movement and performance in sport and exercise. Throughout your course of study, you'll receive opportunities to get involved in real-world research to make a difference in people’s lives, as well as connect with elite athletes and teams.

The University of Waikato's Health, Sport and Human Performance Department boasts world-renowned active researchers and lecturers who have international expertise and reputations. Also, our research group on the Critical Studies of Sport and Physical Culture is one of the most highly regarded in the world, particularly in the study of action and adventure sports.

You will work in our high-tech laboratories at the Cambridge Avantidrome or the University of Waikato Adams Centre for High Performance in Tauranga and will benefit from our collaborative relationships established with local organisations. These partnerships bring about opportunities for you to connect with elite athletes and teams for research including; Waikato Chiefs, BoP Magic, Cycling NZ and community organisations such as Parafed, Disabilities Waikato and Sports Waikato.

The MHSHP is a flexible degree, giving you the option to tailor the programme to meet your needs. Our staff hold the expertise to supervise a diverse range of projects, and you have the option of completing your degree over one year full-time, or part-time while working.

Study flexibly

At masters level, you can study a range of papers. The MHSHP usually comprises 180 points (500 level) including required and optional papers. You are required to choose one or more option(s) from the below. You can also pursue an area of interest in greater depth by undertaking a research project or thesis, under one of our expert supervisors. You are required to take a research methods paper and we recommend the school-based paper: SPLS501-16A Researching sport and leisure.

Main Subject

Health, Sport and Human Performance

Graduate study options

PhD in Health, Sport and Human Performance

Practical experience

Our research projects

1. Sport and fitness researcher, Dr Matt Driller
2. Sport and movement researchers, Dr Holly Thorpe and Dr Belinda Wheaton (Marsden Research Grant recipient researching sport in sites of war, conflict and disaster)
3. Quality education settings – Associate Professor Clive C Pope (Children's and youth sport) and Mike Brown (Outdoor education)