Overview
*Subject to NZQA approval.
This programme provide Northland students with access to a degree qualification in sport and recreation.
After successfully completing the NorthTec Level 6 diploma, you can move to the degree for your third year. You’ll develop advanced skills in coaching, lifestyle nutrition and health and wellbeing. Students get the opportunity to work in the industry two days a week to put your skills into practice and develop networks to assist you into employment. By learning advanced skills, you’ll be able to reflect critically on your own practice and process complex information related to your field.
About this programme
This programme provides students with an academic pathway into the sport science industry. More than 1700 Northlanders are employed in the sport and recreation sector, making it Northland’s 7th biggest industry by employment.
NorthTec offers qualifications up to degree level in Sport and Recreation:
- Year 1 - New Zealand Diploma in Sport, Recreation and Exercise (Level 5) (NorthTec qualification)
- Year 2 - New Zealand Diploma in Sport, Recreation and Exercise (Level 6) (NorthTec qualification)
- Year 3 - Bachelor of Sport and Recreation (AUT qualification)
Courses
Courses may include cooperative education, pedagogy, leadership, life style community nutrition and sport and sport health and wellbeing. There is also the opportunity to complete a special topics course. This is an AUT degree able to be completed at NorthTec in Whangārei.
Our Tutors
Our tutors love their work and what it means for community and individual health and wellness. From nutrition and skill acquisition to coaching and leadership, they all enjoy working in education and lifelong learning with a strong sense of “working all together”. NorthTec’s Sport and Recreation tutors hold qualifications in their fields at a Bachelor and Masters’ degree with some staff working on completing a Masters’ degree or PhD. With an emphasis on fun and fitness, the tutors feel the area of study has grown further into overall wellbeing rather than limiting learner activities to sport and exercise and they are passionate about sharing this with Northland.
Entry Requirements
All applicants must:
- be at least 16 years old at the time the programme commences.
- be able to understand follow, and respond to instructions given in English.
- be physically able to complete the programme specific outcomes
All applicants must:
- be at least 16 years old at the time the programme commences.
- be able to read, write, and communicate in English at a basic level.
- be physically able to complete the programme-specific outcomes.
All applicants must:
- be at least 16 years old at the time the programme commences.
- be able to read, write, and communicate in English at a basic level.
- be physically able to complete the programme-specific outcomes.
Applicants for whom English is not a first language must have an IELTS score of 5 with no band score lower than 5; or an accepted international equivalence.
All applicants must:
- be at least 16 years old at the time the programme commences.
- be able to read, write, and communicate in English at a basic level.
- be physically able to complete the programme-specific outcomes.
Applicants for whom English is not a first language must have an IELTS score of 5.5 with no band score lower than 5; or an accepted international equivalence.
Students who have successfully completed the New Zealand Diploma in Sport, Recreation and Exercise (Level 6) at NorthTec will have automatic right of entry into the third year of this programme.
Students will be enrolled as AUT students and have full access to the AUT library and on-line support learning materials.
A police check or declaration about criminal convictions will be required.
Applicants for whom English or Māori is not their first language are required to provide proof of an acceptable pass/grade gained in an accepted English language test. For more details, please refer to English Language Requirements in AUT’s Academic Calendar.
Workforce Restrictions for Children's Workforce
If you have a criminal conviction, and you are studying (or considering studying) towards a qualification that will lead to a job in the state funded sector working directly with children, you need to check whether your conviction could prevent you from working in some roles in your chosen field.
Intakes & Applications
Dates & Bookings
Youth Guarantee Fund*
If you are aged 16 to 24, you could study for FREE as part of the government's Youth Guarantee fund. To qualify for the Youth Guarantee fund, you must meet the following criteria:
- Complete an application for a course that is covered by the Youth Guarantee fund.
- Be a NZ citizen or permanent resident.
- Be 16 to 24 years old at the time the course starts. Learners who are 15 years old and hold Ministry approved early leaving exemption from their school may also be eligible. This exemption must be in place before the course starts.
Priority places will be given to students who:
- have not yet achieved NCEA Level 1 or NCEA Level 2; or
- have completed a Level 1 or Level 2 qualification through a Youth Guarantee provision programme.
All free study is subject to funding confirmation. Proof of residency status is required. Programme entry criteria may apply. Eligibility for student allowances or student loans may vary. Contact Studylink for more information.
* All fees and study costs found on this website are indicative course fees only and exclude the Compulsory Student Services Fee (CSSF) levy.
The 2025 CSSF levy is $300 per full-time equivalent student (120 credits) and funds key services for students.
Prices are in New Zealand Dollars including GST, and are for domestic students only, unless otherwise stated. For programmes longer than one academic year in duration, the fees quoted are for the first year. Final study costs depends on a number of factors including the courses you select to study. All fees and study costs are subject to confirmation, including zero fees courses.
Courses and programmes may be cancelled, postponed or have their content or configuration changed from time to time (including during the academic year) at the discretion of NorthTec. See our full Terms and conditions.
Additional Information
Careers
- Sport marketing analyst
- Sport sponsorship company
- Active schools coordinator
- Regional event manager
- Sport research scientist
- High performance coach/trainer
Employment Pathways
About Te Pūkenga
Following the Government’s announcement of its intention to disestablish Te Pūkenga | New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology, please be assured that your programme of study or training will continue as planned while we work through the details of how this change will be implemented.
We are committed to ensuring that organisational changes that need to be made to meet the Government’s expectations do not impact the delivery of our programmes and training for our learners and employers.
If you need access to learner support services or have any concerns, please contact us.
