Overview
*Subject to NZQA approval.
This programme provides in-depth knowledge and the skills required to operate in leadership roles across the sport, recreation and exercise industries
Take the next step after the New Zealand Diploma in Sport, Recreation and Exercise (Level 5) and learn additional skills with this diploma. You’ll complete courses on sport and exercise physiology, psychology, nutrition, legal and ethical principles for the industry and the role played by sport and recreation in society. You’ll also learn about advanced sport performance and exercise science.
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, Recreation and Exercise:
- New Zealand Diploma in Sport, Recreation and Exercise (Level 5) (NorthTec qualification)
- New Zealand Diploma in Sport, Recreation and Exercise (Level 6) (NorthTec qualification)
- Bachelor of Sport and Recreation (AUT qualification)
All credits gained in this programme credits can be used towards the Bachelor of Sport and Recreation.
What you will learn
You will gain an indepth knowledge and skills required to operate in leadership roles across the sport, recreation and exercise industry. You’ll get to work in the community through work integrated research. You’ll also learn about applied anatomy, sport and exercise physiology, skill acquisition and sport psychology, law, exercise assessment and prescription as well as sport and exercise nutrition. Graduates will be able to operate within a framework of health and wellness in relation to individual, group and community needs.
Graduates of this qualification will be able to:
- Provide leadership within the sport, recreation and/or exercise industries, based on the critical analysis and application of research, concepts and trends from across the industries.
- Role model, and mentor others in safe, ethical and professional practices and procedures within the sport, recreation and/or exercise industries.
- Provide strategic oversight and management to ensure safe and effective delivery of tasks and activities to achieve sport, recreation and exercise outcomes.
- Design, plan, deliver and evaluate a range of activities, programmes and/or events to meet the needs of a range of users in sport, recreation and/or exercise settings.
- Analyse concepts and theories of exercise science to develop and evaluate health and wellness solutions to meet the needs of individuals, groups and/or communities.
- Manage, monitor and critically evaluate coaching practice in sport, recreation and/or exercise settings to recommend improvements to coaching strategies and practices.
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.
All applicants must:
- have successfully completed New Zealand Diploma in Sport, Recreation and Exercise (Multi-Sector) (Level 5); or
- demonstrate equivalent skills and knowledge
English Language:
- All applicants must have a level of English sufficient to be able to study at this level. Those students whose first language is not English should have an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) overall academic score of at least 6.0 with no band score lower than 5.5; or an accepted international equivalence or a qualification considered equivalent to the above.
Police check:
- All applicants are required to authorise a Police Check for criminal convictions and disclose any pending charges
Intakes & Applications
Dates & Bookings
How you will learn
Lectures, tutorials, practicals, workshops with independent study and flexible learning strategies - Face to Face, Distance (Online), and Blended.
Self-directed learning activities may include, but are not limited to: research, assignment completion, group work, practicals, reflection, and application of techniques.
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
Career opportunities
Graduates may be able to work in leadership roles such as: community sport manager; community health manager; event manager; facility manager; hauora or health exercise educator; outdoor educator; outdoor recreation manager; parks manager; recreation planner; recreation manager; sport director; sport Kairangahau; sport Kaiako; Whānau Ora manager.
Graduates may also be able to work with workplaces such as: community health providers; community sport providers; outdoor education centres; exercise facilities; iwi organisations; local councils; cultural centres; outdoor pursuits centres; primary health organisations; regional sports trusts; recreation, sport and leisure centres.
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.
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.
