Overview
School of Sport, Exercise and Nutrition is an innovative and research-led academic grouping with expertise in:
- human nutrition and dietetics
- sport development
- exercise science
- exercise prescription
- physical education.
The school delivers excellence in research and teaching, taking a multidisciplinary approach to examine how diet, exercise and activity can impact people's health and wellbeing. At Massey we are Tiriti-led, upholding te Tiriti o Waitangi principles through our practice.
Te Tiriti o Waitangi at Massey
We are deeply committed to being a Tiriti-led university, demonstrating authentic leadership in contemporary Aotearoa New Zealand as we uphold te Tiriti o Waitangi, the founding document of our nation, and its principles through our practice. We embrace this not just as an obligation but as a real opportunity for the nation and its people.
Te Tiriti o Waitangi ki Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa – The Treaty of Waitangi at Massey
Study with us
Choose from a range of qualifications, including a Bachelor of Sport and Exercise, science majors such as human nutrition, and exercise and sport science, and an accredited postgraduate qualification in dietetics.
Explore by area of interest
Explore a selection of qualifications relating to your interests.
Study food & nutrition
Get the most out of food. The most flavour. The best nutrition. Safe and efficient production processes. Learn from world-class lecturers and researchers.
Study sport & exercise
Our qualifications open many doors, including working with sports teams, personal training, and sport administration. Learn more about your options.
Who we are
Our people make us who we are. Meet senior leaders in the School of Sport, Exercise and Nutrition.
Associate Professor Andrew Foskett
Andrew is a keen practitioner who has worked with high-performance athletes across a range of sports as an applied sport scientist. His research and teaching interest is in high-performance sport from physiological, nutritional and strength and conditioning perspectives.
Associate Professor Matthew Barnes
Matthew Barnes's research interests include:
- alcohol and sports performance
- skeletal muscle recovery
- resistance exercise
- sports performance.
Professor Ajmol Ali
Ajmol Ali's research interests include performance and physiology of team sports – especially football (soccer) – ergogenic aids and supplementation, and exercise for children. Ajmol collaborates with exercise and sport scientists, food scientists, nutritionists and biochemists.
Professor Andy Martin
Andy Martin was named a Principal Fellow of the Higher Education Academy in 2021 for his teaching, scholarship and leadership in work-integrated learning. Andy co-authored ‘Legends in Black’ (2014), a best-selling text on why the All Blacks win, and 'Will to Win' (2020) about the Silver Ferns culture.
Professor David Rowlands
David Rowlands researches human health, exercise metabolism and performance nutrition. He is Director of the Exercise Physiology and Metabolism Lab and Microvascular and Metabolic Research Group. David fosters collaborations with public organisations and companies both locally and internationally.
Professor Kathryn Beck
Kathryn Beck is a New Zealand Registered Dietitian. She has a background in physical education and science (human nutrition major). Her research interests include the development of dietary assessment tools, dietary pattern analysis (applied to different health conditions and life stages), iron deficiency, and sports nutrition (particularly utilising sport to promote healthy eating).
Professor Cath Conlon
Cath Conlon is Vice-President of the Nutrition Society of NZ and an Associate Investigator at the Riddet Institute. Her research spans from early life nutrition to older age and encompasses a diverse research portfolio from adherence to dietary guidelines and dietary intake to supplement use and health outcomes across the lifecycle.
Research
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 sports, exercise, human nutrition, dietetics and metabolic health.
Current research studies
We recruit participants from our local communities for many of our studies.
Research teams
Examples of how our academics create and share new knowledge.
Human Nutrition Research Unit
The unit has excellent facilities for nutritional assessment and running clinical studies. Our facilities span multiple disciplines, including:
- human studies
- microbiology and biochemistry
- molecular and cellular biology
- rheology.
Meet our graduates
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
Scholarships and financial support
Massey offers students a range of awards, grants and scholarships to:
- help with fees and living expenses
- support academic and research excellence.
Accreditation and rankings
New Zealand Dietitians Board
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.
Register of Exercise Professionals
Massey's Bachelor of Sport and Exercise (Exercise Prescription) is accredited by the Register of Exercise Professionals (REPS). Graduates can register as exercise professionals with REPS.
ShanghaiRanking - Sport Science Schools
Massey's School of Sport, Exercise and Nutrition is ranked in the top 300 Global Shanghai Ranking of Sport Science Schools and Departments.
New Zealand Performance-Based Research Fund Rankings
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.
Clinics and services
Massey offers services for the public, athletes and sports teams, as well as research or training for staff, students and professionals.
Nutrition and Dietetic Centre
The centre combines the clinical, nutritional and research expertise of Massey dietitians and nutritionists, with the enthusiasm and creativity of our dietetics students.
Location: Auckland campus
Human Performance Laboratory
This laboratory evaluates performance for a wide range of sports and occupational activities, with state-of-the-art research and testing equipment.
Location: Manawatū (Palmerston North) campus
Sport and Exercise Science Research Laboratory
This laboratory offers a physiological and biomechanical analysis for many sports and occupational activities. Laboratory staff have experience with a wide range of sports, athletes and occupations.
Location: Auckland campus
BodPod and other specialist equipment
The BodPod is an advanced piece of equipment used to accurately and easily measure your body composition. It uses an air-displacement method to measure all the fat in your body, which sets it apart from less direct techniques of body composition measurement.
Location: Manawatū (Palmerston North) campus
Contact the School of Sport, Exercise and Nutrition
School of Sport, Exercise and Nutrition – Auckland campus
- Location
Location
Physical address
Sir Neil Waters Extension Building
Massey University – Gate 1
Albany
Auckland 0632Postal address
Massey University
Private Bag 102904
North Shore City
Auckland 0745
New ZealandUse our Auckland campus maps or find us on Google Maps.
School of Sport, Exercise and Nutrition – Manawatū campus
- Location
Physical address
Massey University
Practical Teaching Complex
Corner of University Ave and Albany Drive
Massey University
Palmerston NorthPostal address
PN 621
Private Bag 11-222
Massey University
Palmerston North 4442
New ZealandUse our Manawatū campus maps or find us on Google Maps.
Looking for a staff member? Visit our staff directory or use Expertise search.