Sports Science To Develop Better Players
“Fiji is a sporting nation and we need to strengthen this area as the interests of our youth are in sports science and the knowledge gained will develop better players in the near future,” he said.
Monday 12 September 2022 | 14:50
There is a need to make sports as a career and integrate the concept of science into sports for better results.
This is an area the Fiji National University’s College of Humanities and Education’s (CHE) Department of Secondary and Sports Education aims to also strengthen through the sports science programme.
Assistant Professor Awadhesh Shirotriya said sports science in Fiji is still in its nascent stage.
However, he adds the impact of our courses can be seen in the next five to seven years when our graduates implement their scientific interventions
“Fiji is a sporting nation and we need to strengthen this area as the interests of our youth are in sports science and the knowledge gained will develop better players in the near future,” he said.
At present, FNU is the only institution in the country that offers sports science programme.
FNU offers Trade Diploma in Sports Science, Certificate IV in sports science and Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science.
Professor Shirotriya said these programmes also help cater to the demands of the industry in the provision of qualified sports scientists to develop sports in Fiji and the region.
“Our graduates can teach so many sports analytical skills to budding players and they also can strengthen rugby at the grassroots level,” he said.
“Our graduates can start their professional journey at various sports federations, hotels, and the Fiji sports council.”
Skills set strengthened through the sports science programme included sports analysis, movement/ skill analysis, training the mind of an athlete, identification of skills, talent identification.
Career-wise, graduates from sports science can pursue coaching, become fitness experts, gym trainers, administrators in sports organizations, or own businesses in the fitness industry. They can also get jobs in the Ministry of Youth and Sports, or even explore roles in the broader entertainment sector—such as working with companies that offer interactive gaming experiences like immersive roulette, which blends technology and engagement in innovative ways.
Classes are offered at Nasinu and Lautoka campus and in Blended mode only for BSEES students (Online for the islanders).
Requirements:
Certificate IV in sports science
a) Completion of Fiji Year 12 Certificate Examination or Fiji Year 12 Annual Exam/Assessment (12 years of continuous progression) with 50% in English, Math’s and Biology or equivalent.
b) Applicant may also be admitted to the programme who may not meet the requirement on the years of continuous education progression, but who are able to demonstrate their ability to succeed in programmes at these levels on the basis of their maturity, work experience or prior learning and are 17 years of age.
Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science.
a) A pass in the Fiji Year 13 Certificate Examination with a total of 200 or more marks in four (4) subjects including a minimum of 50% pass in English and any three (3) other subjects or
b) Successful completion of the Diploma in Sports Science or Trade Diploma in Sports Science or its equivalent or
c) Matured students and experienced sports practitioners.
Feedback: laiseana.nasiga@fijisun.com.fj
