BPhEd Application FAQ
How do I gain entry?
Entry to the degree programme occurs in a variety of ways.
Most applicants come under two criteria
1. Those applying while still at school
Given the changing nature of sixth form qualifications all students are encouraged to apply whether or not they meet the criteria.
Applicants should complete seventh-form (year 13) sitting five subjects in level 3 NCEA. Selections are initially based on year-12 results, where students should aim for; 80 credits at Level 2 (or higher) a minimum of 16 credits in each of their top 4 subjects
Applicants with only unit standards (year 12) will need to obtain a total of 88 credits at Level 2 in four subjects. For students with a mix of qualifications, selection will be based on their best four subjects.
For applicants not gaining entry on the basis of their year 12 results, year 13 results will be taken into consideration. A full level three certificate will be required and offers will be made based on a student’s ranked performance in level 3.
Use the approved list to guide your subject choices for year 13 from the NZQA website:
Alternative academic qualifications from secondary school will also be considered. All interested applicants are encouraged to apply even if they do not appear to meet the selection criteria.
2. Applicants who have already left school
School leavers who are unsuccessful in their first application will frequently gain admission by this means. Many of our students are admitted to Physical Education via first completing a year at University. During this alternative study year you are able to take some of the Physical Education papers if attending Otago University, as well as do other University papers.
Generally you need to pass 108 points (six papers) reasonably well, (around B passes) . Also if you do this option you will still complete your degree in the same time frame (four years) as school leavers, so there is no additional cost or time.There are no specific sixth or seventh form subjects required for admission, although it is expected that sixth form students will take English. Sixth and seventh form Biology and Physical Education is also recommended, but is not a requirement for entry.
How do I apply?
Application for admission closes each year on 15 August. You must obtain a Physical Education Application Form. Copies of these are sent to every secondary school, or you can get one from the School of Physical Education, University of Otago, PO Box 56 Dunedin.
Alternatively you can download the form from our website
What will I study?
In the first two years you will take required papers in subjects including Sociocultural and Biophysical Foundations of Human Movement, gymnastics and dance, Human Body Systems 1 and 2 which include anatomy and physiology. You will also have the opportunity to do optional papers. In the third and fourth years of the degree you can specialise in an area of your choice from four possible majors.
Details of the first year papers are in the Prospectus and papers at a level are in the Guide to Enrolment published with enrolment material each year.
During your study you will be taught via a mix of lectures, seminars, laboratories, tutorials, camps and practical experiences.
What else can I take?
Because of its broad scope, a physical education degree is well complemented by studies in a range of other areas.
There is room within the BPhEd degree to take extra papers in subjects of your choice. This enables you to add depth to your knowledge by studying related topics - such as anthropology, education, law, marketing, nutrition or psychology, for example - as part of your degree.
You also have the option of completing an entire second degree with just one extra year's study. This means a double degree, such as BPhEd/BCom, can be obtained in just five years.
If you are interested in teacher training, you can now graduate with a BPhEd and Bachelor of Teaching(sec) in just five years.
