The aim of this qualification is to provide a student- centred learning environment for school-leavers, those seeking additional education in applied science, or those seeking a change in career. The BAppSc will enable students to gain knowledge, develop skills and enhance personal attributes to work in the health and sport industries Graduates will be able to critically evaluate and apply their knowledge, skills and attributes to the constantly changing contexts of industry.

Apply knowledge of their specific discipline to a range of workplace contexts; 2. Conceptualise and apply critical thinking; 3. Establish and maintain ethical workplace and client relationships.; 4. Critically reflect and appraise their own sustainable professional practice; 5. Engage with scientific research to ensure currency of practice; 6. Communicate and collaborate effectively in a range of vocational, cultural and educational settings; 7. Engage competently with Maori clients and communities.
In addition graduates of the Health Promotion specialisation will also be able to: 8. Work effectively with a range of populations and organisations to enhance the holistic health of individuals, communities and populations; 9. Apply health and wellbeing promotion principles and concepts in a range of environmental, cultural and social contexts; 10. Apply principles of health promotion to enable clients from a range of diverse backgrounds to achieve their goals.
In addition graduates of the Sports and Exercise Science specialisation will also be able to: 8. Apply knowledge of sport and exercise science to measure, evaluate and enhance sports and exercise performance to enable clients to achieve identified goals or outcomes.
In addition graduates of the Human Nutrition specialisation will also be able to: 8. Apply knowledge of nutrition science to enhance the health of individuals, communities and special populations; 9. Effectively communicate nutrition principles in a range of contexts; 10. Use knowledge of cultural, social, and environmental issues to assist in the nutritional choices of individuals and groups.

Depending on the specialisation, post graduate study in sports science, teaching, community and public health.

Academic Requirements
New Zealand University Entrance: NCEA Level 3 (60 credits at level 3 and 20 credits at level 2 or higher) which must include:
* 14 credits at Level 3 in each of:
- Biology or Human Biology or Physical Education.
- another subject, preferably Core Health/ Health Education, Physics, Statistics, Mathematics, Chemistry, Geography and Psychology. (Human Nutrition specialisation applicants must have a minimum of 14 credits in Chemistry at Level 2 or equivalent)
- one other subject from the list of approved subjects* and
* Literacy - 10 credits at Level 2 or above, made up of 5 credits in reading, 5 credits in writing and
* Numeracy/Maths - 10 credits at Level 1 or above (specified achievement standards, or unit standards 26623, 26626, 26627)

OR one of the following:
* Successful completion of NZ3563 New Zealand Certificate in Exercise (Level 4).

For the Health Promotion or Human Nutrition Specialisations:
* NZ2860 New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation, Level 4; Ara Pre-Health Pathway (HN and PAHP) or equivalent.

For the Sport and Exercise Science Specialisation:
* NZ2860 New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation, Level 4; Bachelor of Applied Science Pathway (SES) or equivalent.

Note: Students who have undertaken examinations other than NCEA (e.g. International Baccalaureate, Cambridge examination) should contact Ara for requirements.
* NZQA approved subjects: see here
Alternative Requirements
Applicants who are unable to evidence that they meet Academic Entry Requirements, but who can demonstrate acquired skills for tertiary study gained through study, work and/or life experience, may be approved for alternative entry. Contact Ara for advice.
Additional Requirements
* Consent to Disclosure of Information Successful applicants will be required to complete a New Zealand Police Consent to Disclosure of Information form depending on their placement. The form will be sent by Ara to the Police Licensing and Vetting Service, and returned in confidence to the Head of Department. Information on the NZ Police Vetting Service is available from the New Zealand Police website.
* Provide evidence of good character and personal attributes via two referee report(s).

English Requirements
Applicants for whom English is not their first language may also be required to provide evidence of English language skills as listed below. Applicants who do not have evidence of English language skills and are a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident, should contact Ara for advice.
* IELTS 6.0 Academic (lower than 5.5 in any subtest). For acceptable alternatives refer to the English Proficiency Outcomes Chart on Ara Institute of Canterbury's website.

Note: IELTS scores used must be taken from a single IELTS Test Report Form and are valid for two years from the date of the test.
Students who have achieved NCEA Level 3 University Entrance requirements are not required to provide evidence of English language skills.