Help people live healthier lives
Explore how physical activity supports hauora, and the relationships between physical activity, exercise, fitness, and sport.
Study the social, cultural, and other factors that affect participation in physical activity, and how mātauranga Māori (Māori knowledge) and Western approaches can blend to improve hauora at all levels of society.
Build the analytical and professional skills to plan and implement initiatives to help everyone take part in physical activity fairly and equally. You’ll graduate ready for a range of public and private sector roles, or to deepen your expertise with postgraduate study.
Choose your study path
You can study Physical Activity and Hauora as a major in the Bachelor of Health (BHlth).
In your first year, alongside foundational courses in Health concepts, you take two introductory courses for the Physical Activity and Hauora major. These explore key concepts and introduce you to Māori society and culture.
In your second and third years, you learn more about what affects people’s participation in physical activity. You look at how people’s environment influences their activity, and learn about the policies and practices that support physical activity.
You also:
- take three further core courses to advance your understanding of health and wellbeing
- choose between a research project or an internship relevant to your major.
Degree support and advice
We can help you match your interests and career goals with the right course of study.
If you’re a new student, talk to a Future Student Adviser.
If you’re already studying with us, talk to Tītoko—Student Success.
Study options
Find out how you can study Physical Activity and Hauora at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
Future careers
A BHlth with a major in Physical Activity and Hauora prepares you for roles within government and community organisations like:
- community or play development officer
- health promoter or recreation coordinator
- policy analyst or workplace wellbeing adviser.
More career information
Find out more about careers in Health.
The government careers website, Tahatū, offers more information about jobs, salaries, and current opportunities.
Scholarships
You may be able to get a scholarship to help fund your studies.
We have first year and school-leaver scholarships available, as well as specialised scholarships for different groups and subject areas. If nothing fits right now, something may suit you later.
We encourage you to apply. It’s a straightforward process, and it could make a real difference.
Scholarships for Health
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This scholarship is for students undertaking or intending to undertake an Honours or Masters degree at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington in areas related to Peace Building or Peace Studies, Trust Building, Conflict Resolution, addressing Historical Injustice, Restorative Justice, Social Cohesion, Community building and promoting cross-cultural understanding, Change Making or Ethical Leadership.
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This scholarship has been established by the Faculty of Health— Te Pukenga Wai to support first-year Bachelor of Midwifery students to meet the initial financial costs associated with enrolment into the programme.
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This scholarship is to assist students in the last year of their first Bachelors degree at Victoria University of Wellington. The scholarship fund will be awarded equally between male and female students.
Scholarships for international students
We are currently offering a NZ$15,000 VUW Undergraduate International Scholarship to all eligible international students enrolling in a Bachelor’s degree.
Your scholarship will be processed automatically when your programme application is accepted, and the amount will be deducted from your tuition fees.
We also offer specialised scholarships for different groups and subject areas. If nothing fits right now, something may suit you later.
We encourage you to apply. It’s a straightforward process, and it could make a real difference.
Scholarships for Health
-
This scholarship has been established by the Faculty of Health— Te Pukenga Wai to support first-year Bachelor of Midwifery students to meet the initial financial costs associated with enrolment into the programme.
-
This scholarship is to assist students in the last year of their first Bachelors degree at Victoria University of Wellington. The scholarship fund will be awarded equally between male and female students.
Postgraduate study
If you do well in your Bachelor’s degree, you could go on to postgraduate study in Physical Activity and Hauora.
Postgraduate Physical Activity and Hauora
If you’re interested in a career in research or academia, think about studying for a Master of Health or Master of Health Research.
Get help to manage your finances
We can help you:
- budget your money
- manage your student loan or allowance
- work out your accommodation payment schedule.
If you're facing financial difficulties, we can help you apply for the Hardship Fund.
You may be eligible for government or community support, too.
Wellington Global Exchange
If you're a current student at Victoria University of Wellington, you can complete part of your degree overseas. Choose from our 140 partner universities worldwide.
Study Abroad and Exchange Programme
If you're an overseas student, you can spend a trimester or a year at Victoria University of Wellington. You'll earn credits at your home university while you study here.