New Zealand Diploma in Sport, Recreation and Exercise (Level 5)

Learn about both the theory and practical aspects of coaching, discover how to prescribe and deliver exercise programmes and gain outdoor recreation and leadership skills. You’ll learn about human anatomy and physiology, event planning, skill development, introduction to sport and exercise science, sociology and leadership. It’s the start of your pathway into the sport science industry.

We have great facilities, including a high performance lab at McKay Stadium, which gives the opportunity to learn advanced physical testing techniques using the latest technology. We also have a well-equipped gym on our Raumanga campus.

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 - offered by NorthTec)

All credits gained in this programme can be used towards the Bachelor of Sport and Recreation.

What will you learn?

Gain the knowledge and skills needed to operate independently across the sport, recreation and exercise sector. Apply concepts and theories of exercise science to develop health and wellness solutions to meet the needs of individuals, groups and/or communities. Graduates will contribute to the cultural, social and economic wellbeing of Aotearoa New Zealand.

Graduates of this qualification will be able to:

• Integrate knowledge, concepts and trends from across the sport, recreation and exercise industries to inform professional practice.
• Plan, monitor and role model safe, ethical and professional practices and procedures for self, others and organisation while operating within sport, recreation and/or exercise environments.
• Lead and manage a range of tasks and activities within own scope of practice to achieve sport, recreation and exercise outcomes for individuals, groups and/or communities.
• Supervise others to ensure safe, ethical and professional practice and procedures in sport, recreation and/or exercise settings.
• Apply concepts and theories of exercise science to develop health and wellness solutions to meet the needs of individuals, groups and/or communities.
• Develop, coordinate and evaluate the delivery of a range of sport, recreation and/or exercise activities, programmes and/or events to meet the needs of individuals, groups and/or communities.

Applicants under 20 years of age: 

• 48 credits NCEA level 2 across 4 subjects or equivalent.

Applicants aged 20 years or above: 

• No academic qualifications are required. Evidence to support an applicant’s ability to undertake the Programme with a reasonable likelihood of success may be requested.

English Language Requirements: 

• 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 must have an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) overall academic score of at least 6.0 with no band score lower than 5.5; accepted international equivalence issued within the last two years, or a qualification considered to be equivalent to the above.

Special Entry: 

• In exceptional circumstances, an applicant who does not meet the entry requirements may be granted entry to the Programme where they supply evidence to satisfy the programme’s Academic Leader or delegate of their ability to succeed on the Programme.

Police check: 

• All applicants are required to authorise a Police Check for criminal convictions and disclose any pending charges.