The aim of the programme is to prepare graduates for employment in industries related to Health Promotion, Sport, Exercise, and Human Nutrition, who can empower and enhance the lives of individuals, communities, and populations.

Graduates will become reflective practitioners through integrating advanced discipline knowledge, critical thinking, and cultural intelligence to address complex challenges with ethical, inclusive, and sustainable solutions.

Graduates of the Bachelor of Applied Science will be able to:
1. Apply advanced discipline-specific skills, knowledge and professional attributes to design and deliver initiatives and interventions with diverse individuals, communities, and populations.
2. Apply critical thinking to evaluate and utilise evidence to inform practice.
3. Critically reflect on cultural intelligence and apply to professional practice.
4. Apply knowledge to give effect to te Tiriti of Waitangi in professional practice.
5. Critically reflect on and implement inclusivity, equity, and sustainable practices.
6. Communicate and collaborate effectively to establish and maintain ethical workplace, client and community relationships.
7. Empower diverse individuals, communities, and populations to actively contribute to and enhance their hauora/health and wellbeing.

In the health promotion specialisation, graduates of the Bachelor of Applied Science will also be able to:
8. Critically evaluate the role of advocacy in health promotion and its importance for sustainable health promotion strategies that address health challenges.

In the sport and exercise specialisation, graduates of the Bachelor of Applied Science will also be able to:
8. Apply knowledge of physical activity, hauora, sport and exercise science to enable people, groups and communities to achieve identified goals or outcomes.

In the human nutrition specialisation, graduates of the Bachelor of Applied Science will be able to:
8. Demonstrate knowledge of nutrition science and tailor it to enhance the health of individuals, communities, and diverse populations.
9. Apply knowledge of sustainable food systems, food products, and food preparation practice that effect nutrition and health.
10. Apply knowledge of cultural, social, and environmental issues to assist in the nutritional choices of individuals and groups as applied to professional practice.

Postgraduate study in field relating to specialisation or teaching.

Bachelor of Applied Science (with specialisation)

University Entrance as defined by the New Zealand Qualification Authority (NZQA), and which must include:
* 14 credits at Level 3 in each of:
- Biology or Physical Education or Health Education
- another subject, preferably Physics, Statistics, Mathematics, Chemistry, Geography and Psychology. (Human Nutrition specialisation applicants must have a minimum of 14 credits in Chemistry at Level 2 or alternative as approved by the specialisation coordinator)
- one other subject from the list of approved subjects*
OR one of the following:

For the Sport and Exercise or Health Promotion Specialisations
* Successful completion of NZ3563 New Zealand Certificate in Exercise (Level 4) or New Zealand Certificate in Study and Employment Pathways (Level 4) Pre Health Pathway or equivalent

For the Human Nutrition Specialisation:
* New Zealand Certificate in Study and Employment Pathways (Level 4) Pre Health Pathway or
equivalent or successful completion of NZ3563 New Zealand Certificate in Exercise (Level 4) and minimum of 14 credits in Chemistry at Level 2 or equivalent as approved by the specialisation coordinator).

Note: If you have undertaken examinations other than NCEA (e.g. International Baccalaureate, Cambridge Examination), Ara will assess your qualification for academic entry equivalency.
* NZQA approved subjects: see here entrance/

Alternative Requirements
Applicants who are unable to evidence that they meet Academic Requirements, but who can demonstrate acquired skills for tertiary study gained through study, work and/or life experience, may be approved for alternative entry. This may include Recognition of Prior Learning. 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. The form will be sent by Ara to the Police Licensing and Vetting Service, and returned in confidence to the Faulty Dean or delegate. Information on the NZ Police Vetting Serviceis available from the New Zealand Police website.

English Requirements
If English is not the applicant's first language, applicants will need to provide a result from a test or qualification on the acceptable alternatives English Proficiency Outcomes Chart. Applicants who do not have evidence of English language skills and are a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident, may contact us for an assessment.
* IELTS 6.0 Academic (no lower than 5.5 in any subtest)
Note:
Applicants who have achieved University Entrance requirements are not required to provide evidence of English language skills.
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.

Admission
Applicants who meet the entry requirements will be accepted into the programme in the order that applications are received.