Postgraduate Diploma in Sport and Exercise Science

at Waikato Institute of Technology (Wintec) - Rotokauri Campus New Zealand

This programme is for engineering graduates and working engineering professionals wishing to gain further specialist knowledge in an additional discipline area. The programme also offers the opportunity for those candidates with a relevant engineering background and experience who may wish to gain a formal qualification to recognise that experience. The programme has strands in Mechanical, Mechatronics, Power, Water and Water Waste, and Highway Engineering.

Students will learn the principles of anatomy and physiology, health and nutrition, and massage therapy. They will gain hands-on experience in our modern clinic, practising massage techniques on each other, as well as clients. Students will also learn basic business skills.

Massage academic staff are qualified with extensive industry experience, enabling students to learn best practice in preparation for graduating.

Students will graduate with the skills and knowledge to provide wellness and relaxation massage therapy services

This programme is designed for students who wish to pursue further study in the area of sport and exercise science. This programme will help students to pursue a career in the sport and exercise science area, or the programme can be used to complement a student's first degree with specific sports and exercise science knowledge and skills.

Students will be able to specialise in one of the following key pathways:

• Strength and conditioning
• Clinical exercise science (this pathway is REPS accredited)

Work placement and practical classes are a core part of this programme. This programme may lead into postgraduate study including a Master of Science (Sport and Exercise Science). 

Students in this programme will gain the skills and knowledge to become a well-rounded practitioner of sport and exercise science. The programme includes coaching, exercise physiology, sport nutrition and psychology, biomechanics, sport rehabilitation, and personal training.

What you will learn
All third-year students will complete practical experiences in their specific areas of interest. These may be accrued by placements at local gymnasiums, working with clients for injury rehabilitation, nutrition, physical conditioning and performance assessment and improvement. Students will also have the opportunity to undertake research projects with clients and work alongside respected industry professionals.

This programme is for those who would like to extend their undergraduate degree with specialist research skills and knowledge in sport and exercise science.

The programme is research intensive and involves papers including Advanced Research Methods (30 credits), a dissertation (60 credits) and a selected specialist area (30 credits).

Our postgraduate sports programmes focus on applied learning, are strongly industry-focused, and supported by a team of highly-skilled academic staff. Students will get to apply their learning in our purpose-built facilities. 

Mechanical engineering technologists design and advise on the building and repair of machines and tools. They could spend their day determining the requirements of the production manager, carrying out feasibility studies, researching the use of energy sources, machinery and materials, using CAD software to model plans or preparing drawings of machines or machine parts.

This programme is for those who want a career in engineering. Students will learn theory and practical skills using technology in our engineering labs

What you will learn

First year - Students will study mechanical engineering theory and then put learning into practice through project work. Students will study six standard engineering courses plus two courses specific to their major, mechanical engineering, in the first year.
Second year - Students will study mechanical production, manufacturing processes, fluid mechanics, heat transfer, and the strength of different materials and product design in their second year of study.
Third year - The third year involves a major project linked to industry; students will continue with specialist subjects to provide in-depth knowledge of various mechanical infrastructures' operation and design requirements.

As an electrical engineering technologist, a workday could involve being busy specifying, designing, or supervising the construction of systems and equipment that produce, distribute or use electricity, calculating costs and materials needed, bidding for contracts, overseeing electricity system tests and writing reports or even instruction manuals.

Electrical engineering includes the specialist area of mechatronics, which merges the two disciplines of mechanical engineering and power engineering for in-depth knowledge of the fundamental components of power automated systems.

This programme is for those who want a career in engineering. Students will learn theory and hands-on practical skills using modern technology in our engineering labs. If students are in employment, the project module can be tailored to their workplace.

What you will learn
Year 1- In the first year, students will study core engineering modules and an electrical engineering module. There are three pathways to choose from when it comes to the Bachelor of Engineering Technology (Electrical):

• Power engineering - Waikato is a major contributor to the electricity supply grid producing about 50% of New Zealand's energy needs. Millions of dollars are spent annually upgrading the electrical infrastructure in the Waikato. This investment requires a highly qualified and skilled workforce that graduates of the Bachelor can be part of. Power engineering graduates will be competent at analysing, solving, managing and taking responsibility for broadly-defined electrical and power engineering problems and activities. Graduates will have an in-depth knowledge of the operation and protection of power systems; an understanding of the design requirements for power systems; in-depth knowledge of the operation and performance of electrical machines; and knowledge of the fundamental components of power electronic systems.
• Mechatronics - Mechatronics merges the two disciplines of mechanical engineering and electronics. It also includes aspects of computing, robotics and automation. This pathway is much in demand by manufacturers because of its combination of all these different disciplines. 

Year 2 - In the second year, students will study modules entirely specific to the electrical engineering major. This could be in the design, operation and protection of power systems, machinery, or electronics.
Year 3 - In the final year, students will put all the skills and processes they've learned into completing a practical, industry-based project. If already in employment, students can tailor the project to suit their workplace.

Students will learn the core knowledge and practical skills required to meet industry needs in their chosen engineering strand.

At Wintec, it is not just about theory; it is about developing the skills students need to actually do the job, so hands-on laboratory work reinforces theory taught in classrooms. Students will learn how to design products, how components work, the materials they are made from and how to manufacture them. Then, using SolidWorks, students will learn how to draw and present designs for industry, leading to a final semester industry-relevant project.

We are closely involved with the mechanical engineering industry. From our qualified tutors, many of whom are still working in the industry, to our relationship with WECA (Waikato Engineering Careers Association), who assists us in finding work placements and career opportunities for Wintec students.

With this qualification, students will enter the engineering industry with the ability to apply understanding and skills to the standard expected of a practising engineering technician.

This programme is open to candidates who have completed the New Zealand Certificate in Animal Technology (Level 5) Veterinary Nursing Assistant strand and wish to become a veterinary nurse.

Students in this programme will develop advanced skills in the care, management, handling, and nursing of a range of companion animals in a clinical environment. Students will learn to manage patients and clients, and follow protocols in all aspects of clinical veterinary practice.

Students will get daily opportunities to care for and handle companion animals in a purpose-built Wintec facility that houses commonly kept companion animals. They will also gain exposure to the on-site vet clinic while studying.

Students in this programme will learn to plan and produce a broad range of larder dishes, meat, poultry and fish dishes using advanced preparation, cookery and preparation techniques.

This programme will provide students with the knowledge to manage staff, understand operating procedures and compliance requirements and to plan and monitor workflow and supplies in a commercial kitchen.