Course details

NZ Diploma in Sport, Recreation and Exercise (Level 5)
NZQF Level 5

About the course

Get involved in sport and exercise. Do you like being involved in sport and exercise? Do you want to help people improve their physical wellbeing and sporting ability? Then this diploma is for you. Get a foot in the door to the vibrant and people-oriented sport, health and fitness industries. You will learn about exercise science, anatomy and physiology, coaching and leading, and writing exercise programmes for a wide range of people. Graduates are recognised as personal trainers by the Register of Exercise Professionals.

Programme Outline

The NZ Diploma in Sport, Recreation and Exercise (NZDipSR&E) is a one year full-time, or equivalent part-time, programme which offers you stimulating studies and provides a pathway to a career in the wide field of recreation, sport and health. This programme has close links with the Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science.

In particular, the programme is designed to enable you to:

  • Understand human body structure and function with emphasis on the musculo-skeletal system.
  • Develop knowledge and skills related to professional practice in the recreation and sport industry.
  • Understand the relationship between nutrition, physical activity and other personal health behaviours and health.
  • Develop knowledge of a range of sporting and recreational activities through practical experience and active participation.
  • Understand the sport and recreation industry in Aotearoa New Zealand.
  • Design and apply group exercise programmes.
  • Assess physical performance, apply exercise techniques and design exercise for people with special needs.

Subject areas covered are: anatomy and physiology, nutrition and health, coaching and leading, sport management and exercise science.

You are welcome to make an appointment to discuss your study options with our staff and to view our facilities.

Entry requirements

Entry Requirements


Academic Requirements

  • NZ Certificate in Exercise [Level 4]; or
  • NCEA Level 2
  • Applicants who are 20 years of age or more and do not meet the academic entry requirements may be granted entry to the programme on the basis of a portfolio of evidence of their ability to succeed on the programme and subject to an interview.

Health and Professional Criteria

All applicants are required to sign:

  • A Police Vetting Service Request and Consent form; and
  • A declaration that they are in good health (having no medical, physical or psychological conditions that would preclude working with vulnerable clients).

This request is consistent with industry expectations and the type of work undertaken whilst on the programme or as a graduate of the programme.

If the declaration identifies any issue that may impact on the applicant’s ability to complete the programme, the applicant can discuss these with the Programme Coordinator at an information session. EIT reserves the right to decline entry to the programme should an applicant’s Police record or health difficulties be such that they would be considered unsuitable for the type of work undertaken whilst on this programme or by graduates of this programme. The guidelines on which this decision will be based are the relevant professional association or industry requirements.

English Language Entry Requirements

All applicants must demonstrate an acceptable level of English language fluency prior to acceptance in the programme. For international applicants, ways in which English language fluency may be demonstrated include the following:

  • Successful study of a programme in which English was the language of instruction (subject to NZQA conditions)
  • Completion of a New Zealand Certificate in English Language (Level 4 with any endorsement)
  • IELTS Academic score of 5.5, with no band score lower than 5, achieved in a single test within the two years preceding enrolment
  • Accepted international equivalents to the above IELTS scores

Entry with Credit

You may already have some knowledge or skills that can be recognised as part of your intended study. This may take a number of different forms including study while at high school, study at a private training establishment, workplace training, other tertiary study, life experiences or voluntary work. If you think you may qualify, you may want to apply for Cross Credit (CC) or Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).

  • CC is based on the equivalency of courses or qualifications. You would apply for CC if you have passed a very similar course at the same level.
  • RPL is based on the assessment of your current knowledge and skills. You would apply for RPL if you had gained the relevant knowledge and skills through life experiences and informal learning situations.

You will be asked to provide details of anything that you would like considered as credit toward your intended programme of study, as part of your application.

CC and RPL cannot be awarded for a course if you are enrolled in that course. Please contact the Programme Coordinator to discuss this option BEFORE you enrol.

Please note recognising prior learning may reduce your study load in this programme and impact on your ability to receive funding.

For further information and enquiries about CC and RPL please contact Sue Jackson, the Programme Administrator, on 06 830 1521 or email [email protected].

Transfers/Cross Credits

This programme leads to the award of a nationally approved qualification. Similar qualifications are delivered at a number of other tertiary institutes around New Zealand. If you were to transfer to one of those other institutes you may be granted academic credit for some of the papers completed successfully while studying at EIT Hawke’s Bay, but this is at the discretion of the other institute.

Please note: Fees are not transferable between institutes.

About the provider

The Eastern Institute of Technology (EIT) offers you over 160 qualifications from certificate and diploma, to degree and postgraduate level at campuses in Hawke's Bay, Tairāwhiti (Gisborne) and Auckland. Or learn at one of our Regional Learning Centres situated in Hastings, Maraenui, Ruatoria, Waipukurau and Wairoa. EIT Hawke's Bay is one of New Zealand's most attractive campuses with superb architecture and shaded outdoor areas for study on warm days. EIT Tairāwhiti two campuses are located in the heart of Gisborne, near the Taruheru River, and you can get more central than EIT Auckland location on Queen Street! When you choose to study at EIT you'll get the kind of experiences that will help you gain the knowledge and skills to get ahead, whether you want to break into your chosen career or change direction in life.

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