The School of Sport, Exercise and Nutrition is one of New Zealand’s most innovative, research-led academic groupings encompassing human nutrition and dietetics; exercise science; and sport development, coaching and education. The School delivers excellence in research and teaching and the multidisciplinary approach enables us to be a key influencer on human health, performance and physical development throughout the lifecycle.
Our academic programmes include sport and exercise, sport development, and nutritional and exercise sciences as well as an accredited post-graduate pathway to a professional qualification in dietetics.
Our research aims to reduce the risk of disease and optimise the health, physical development and performance of people and athletes. Our researchers have expertise in sport, exercise, human nutrition, dietetics and metabolic health.
Massey has prepared me for a life beyond school. My degree has qualified my passion for sport into a prosperous profession in coaching, teaching, leading and managing sport teams.
Aaron McLelland
Bachelor of Sport and Exercise
Once I started studying at Massey I knew I had made the right choice for me and I never considered going anywhere else for my postgraduate degree. A lot of this was thanks to the lecturers who understood my passion for football and provided opportunities for me to work in the sport.
Aidan Wivell
Master of Science in Exercise and Sport Science
With its caring lecturers who want you to succeed, varied practical placements and industry contacts, I would certainly recommend choosing Massey. The variety of placements made me realise how many career opportunities there are for dietitians, giving me a taste of what it’s like to work in different fields.
Alex Lawn
Recipe Editor at My Food Bag
Master of Science (Nutrition and Dietetics)
If you are interested in learning about utilising nutritional science to improve one’s wellbeing, this is the degree for you!
Andrew Xia
Specialist Critical Care and Surgical Dietitian at Middlemore Hospital, Counties Manukau Health, Auckland
Master of Science (Nutrition and Dietetics) - First Class Honours
I decided to take the physical education major as I knew I wanted to be a teacher...The sport and exercise degree has given me a head start in my teaching career.
Ashleigh Tito-Collins
Bachelor of Sport and Exercise (Physical Education)
I chose Massey University due its known leadership in the area of food and nutrition. I am particularly interested in how nutrition can be utilised for health and wellbeing during infancy and older age. This is due to the vulnerability of these age groups to nutrition-related diseases.
Bolaji Lilian Ilesanmi-Oyelere
Doctor of Philosophy
I have really enjoyed my experience studying at Massey University. All of the staff and lecturers are super friendly, supportive and dedicated to helping students, such as myself, succeed.
Dayna Stockley
Master of Science (Nutrition and Dietetics)
I have thoroughly enjoyed my time studying at Massey and have been extremely fortunate to have been taught and supervised by some of the leading lecturers in the field of physical education and coaching.
Dr Lana McCarthy
Doctor of Philosophy
I would recommend studying at Massey University due to the high level of support, guidance and valuable expertise from staff from both the academic and practical placement setting. I am now in a career where I feel I am making a true difference to the nutrition and health of the community.
Dushanka Hettige
Clinical Dietitian at Capital and Coast DHB: Based in ICU, medical oncology, haematology and renal.
Master of Science (Nutrition and Dietetics)
Studying extramurally at Massey University enabled me to pace my study within other commitments and gave me access to experienced supervisors. I could largely independently pace my work providing I stayed within our set timelines. The knowledge I gained has contributed largely to my governance and director roles.
Grant Plumbley
Master of Health Science
I have really enjoyed studying at Massey and the Sport Science staff have always been extremely supportive throughout my time here. Massey has also presented many opportunities for internships and work experience which have proved to be invaluable learning experiences for me.
Joel Armstrong
Bachelor of Science (Exercise and Sport Science)
Studying these subjects (Physiology and Human Nutrition) has given me the opportunity to meet and be taught by some of the most inspiring and intelligent people I have ever (and possibly will ever) meet. The teaching staff on the Palmerston North campus are wonderful and caring.
Katie Schraders
Doctor of Philosophy
Overall, Massey was an excellent gateway for me landing my role at Nestle and I think the strong workforce connections Massey disposes to its students, in all areas of nutrition and dietetics, is an appealing point of difference compared to other universities.
Katrina Shepherd
Community Programme Manager at Nestle
Master of Science (Nutrition and Dietetics)
The lecturers were incredibly supportive and always extremely helpful. Massey University has an excellent reputation and provides the skills that I wanted to learn.
Kelly Irwin
Bachelor of Science (Exercise and Sport Science)
I love working in the lab environment. Studies in sport science at Massey University gives me the opportunity to work in various different lab environments and work with people across multiple different disciplines such as nutrition and physiology. It also helps build towards my progression as an academic as I have the opportunity to teach and interact with students at various levels of study.
Kyle Southward
Doctor of Philosophy
Studying is commonly seen as a chore and nobody like chores, but at Massey they go the extra step to help create an enjoyable, family-like environment. Just like any family you have ups and downs but when all is said and done, they are there for you.
Luke Stanaway
Doctor of Philosophy
Had I done my PhD somewhere other than Massey, I don’t think it would have been as exciting or successful. I was given a lot of flexibility, and my supervisors were really supportive, and I’m really grateful for that.
Matt Miller
Doctor of Philosophy
The highlight of my career is working as the Health and Nutrition Manager for World Vision in the Nepal earthquake response. The work was so fast-paced and dynamic. The team I had the pleasure to work with was incredible. I got to trek into health facilities in extremely remote areas of Nepal with views people would pay thousands of dollars for.
Moniek Kindred
Country Portfolio Manager at World Vision New Zealand
Master of Science (Human Nutrition) - First Class Honours
The outstanding facilities and excellent staff members at Massey enabled me to further develop my skills and fulfil my passion for sports and exercise.
Olivia Kitson
Bachelor of Science (Double major in Human Nutrition and Exercise and Sport Science)
I am really glad I made the decision to study the Bachelor of Sport and Exercise (Exercise Prescription) at Massey University. I thoroughly enjoyed my three years and feel very privileged to have been taught by such fantastic lecturers who have prepared me well for a career in exercise prescription.
Olivia Tilyard
Bachelor of Sport and Exercise
I am interested in discovering a simple way to cure or prevent diseases, especially the chronic diseases we are facing nowadays. Nutrition is one of the possible approaches—it could bring benefits to all people.
Parkpoom Siriarchavatana
Doctor of Philosophy
Massey University ensures you don’t get lost in the crowd, with staff who see you as more than just a number. The area of nutrition and dietetics is constantly evolving, it’s great having a variety of guest lecturers to share their knowledge and experience. Balanced with practical exposure, Massey helps you feel ready for the next step after graduation.
Rebecca Tennent
Master of Science (Nutrition and Dietetics)
I have met so many like-minded people, all of which share a passion for sport like I do. The resources and equipment available to students is of the highest order, and the workload is made to be very manageable. I chose to study at Massey because it offered the best sport and exercise degree in the country. This, along with the beautiful campus and two nearby golf courses is what influenced my decision to study here.
Tim Berry
Bachelor of Sport and Exercise
I totally enjoy my PhD research topic as it is something very relevant to human health and wellness, and I hope I will be able to make some progress in the field of diabetes treatment during the course of my study by implementing nutrition in the diet.
Wen Xin Janice Lim
Doctor of Philosophy
The Centre for Metabolic Health Research facilitates interdisciplinary research in metabolic health, with key aspects being the prevention of metabolic diseases such as obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease, and the maintenance of mobility and functionality throughout the lifecycle.
The Nutrition and Dietetic Centre combines the clinical, nutritional and research expertise of Massey dietitians and nutritionists with the enthusiasm and creativity of our dietetics students. The Centre is based on the Auckland campus.
The Master of Science (Nutrition and Dietetics) programme is accredited by the New Zealand Dietitians Board. Our graduates are eligible to register as a New Zealand Registered Dietitian (NZRD) and to practice as a dietitian in New Zealand.
According to the NZ PBRF Rankings 2018, Massey University achieved research excellence relative to other New Zealand universities in the subject area of sport and exercise science.
The School of Sport, Exercise and Nutrition is ranked in the top 150 Sport Science Schools and Departments worldwide. The ranking is determined by criteria such as research output, research quality and international collaboration.
if you are looking to enrol in a PhD, here are some project topics our academic staff could potentially supervise.
For this project, you will undertake a needs assessment and develop interventions to assess the effectiveness of food based, supplement and dining room interventions against nutritional, health and social (QOL) outcome measures among older adults in aged residential care.
The Human Nutrition and Research Unit has excellent facilities for nutritional assessment and running clinical studies. Our facilities span multiple disciplines in the field, including human studies, animal studies, molecular and cellular biology, microbiology and biochemistry, and rheology.
Our sport and exercise laboratories have the facilities to evaluate performance for a wide range of sports and occupational activities.
Andrew holds various governance roles within sport and exercise, and high performance, including Special Advisor to the board of Sport and Exercise Science New Zealand (SESNZ) and, member of NZ Football’s High Performance and Player Welfare committee. As a keen practitioner, he has worked with multiple high performance athletes across a diverse range of sports and has participated in numerous international tournaments as an applied sport scientist.
The School of Sport, Exercise and Nutrition is one of four interconnected units in the College of Health.
Massey University graduate Dushanka Hettige has been awarded the 2018 Bernice Kelly Award from Dietitians NZ for the most improved full-time dietetic student, from either Massey University, University of Otago or University of Auckland.
Dushanka Hettige
2018
2018 Bernice Kelly Award
Associate Professor Dennis Slade, from the School of Sport, Exercise and Nutrition, received the rare distinction of being made a Fellow of Physical Education New Zealand, at the recent annual conference in Wellington.
Associate Professor Dennis Slade
2019
Associate Professor Dennis Slade made a Fellow of Physical Education New Zealand
The prestigious Dietitians NZ Award of Excellence has been awarded to Professor Carol Wham from Massey University’s School of Sport, Exercise and Nutrition in the category of Outstanding Achievement in Dietetics.
Dr Carol Wham
2017
Dietitians NZ Award of Excellence
Dr Jamie de Seymour has been awarded nearly $100,000 from the Health Research Council of New Zealand and the National Natural Science Foundation of China to investigate the relationship between dietary patterns and exposure to environmental pollutants during pregnancy, and the infant’s brain development at 12 months of age.
Dr Jamie de Seymour
2019
HRC funding for maternal exposures and neurodevelopment research
New research from Massey University’s College of Health shows overwhelming support for sustainability characteristics to be included in the Eating and Activity Guidelines for New Zealand Adults, set out by the Ministry of Health.
Professor Carol Wham
2019
Professor Carol Wham's study is first to assess sustainability characteristics in national dietary guidelines.
Associate Professor David Rowlands from the School of Sport and Exercise was honoured as the winner of the 2017 Gatorade Sport Science Institute (GSSI) - American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) Sport Nutrition Award for his study entitled, Multiple-Transportable Carbohydrate Effect on Long-Distance Triathlon Performance.
Associate Professor David Rowlands
2017
Sport Nutrition Award
Dr Dennis Slade has been given the extremely rare and prestigious endorsement of his research in physical education and sport, through a special supplement publication of his research. This is the first time in the 65-year history of the New Zealand Physical Educator journal that a special supplement has been published, with all the articles written by the same first author.
Dr Dennis Slade
2018
Sport education researcher honoured in special journal
Professor Andy Martin was awarded a Sustained Excellence in Tertiary Teaching Award for 2018. This places him among the country’s top 10 tertiary teachers awarded. Awards are presented to those who demonstrate years of commitment and support for learners that go far beyond good teaching practice.
Professor Andy Martin
2018
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Massey University
Private Bag 102904
North Shore City
Auckland 0745
New Zealand
PN 621
Private Bag 11-222
Massey University
Palmerston North 4442
New Zealand
Massey University
PO Box 756
Wellington 6140
New Zealand
Massey University, Albany
Gate 4, Building 80, Turitea Place
Albany 0632
Auckland
Practical Teaching Complex
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Massey University
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Massey University
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Wellington 6021
