Bachelor of Sport and Recreation Management
Bachelor of Sport and Recreation Management
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Upcoming start dates
Semester 1 - 16 Feb 2026
Semester 2 - 13 Jul 2026
November Summer School - 09 Nov 2026
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Qualification
Bachelors
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Duration
3 years full-time
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Credits
360
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Location
Lincoln University Campus
Love sport? Get a head start your career with practical experience and the widest range of sport and recreation management courses available at any New Zealand university.
Sport and recreation are vital parts of sustaining our wellbeing. The sector is expanding fast and there is high demand for quality graduates. Lincoln University’s specialised Sport and Recreation Management will grow your knowledge and expertise, and expand your abilities across strategic management, marketing, event planning, sport science and a range of different recreation approaches and disciplines.
How you’ll grow
- From the widest range of sport and recreation courses offered by any New Zealand university.
- Learn practical management, planning, and leadership approaches in sport and recreation.
- Develop an evidence-backed foundation in sport and recreation theory.
- Work with industry experts and experience the growth and change of the industry first-hand.
- Including an 120-hour internship co-ordinated to match your own interests along with employers’ needs, helping you get a foot in the door.
Career opportunities
Our graduates are in-demand across the sport and recreation industry. You’ll prepare yourself for a career as a:
- Sports Development Officer
- Marketing and Communications Officer
- Community Sports or Engagement Advisor
- Sports Facility Manager or Consultants
- Secondary School Head of Sport
- Parks and Recreation Planner
- Park Ranger
- Outdoor Recreation Leader
- Event Manager
- Sport Club Manager or Gym Manager.
Sport and Recreation is growing fast globally, diversifying into new strategies and disciplines that nurture the quality of our lives.
Programme information
University Entrance through NCEA or an approved, equivalent qualification.
If you have an overseas qualification, you can find out more about entry requirements here.
*If English isn’t your first language, other entry requirements will apply. Learn more about English language requirements.
Recommended preparation
- Commerce / Business
- Computing
- English (highly recommended)
- Geography / Social Studies
- History / Classics
- Māori Studies
- PE / Outdoor Education
- Tourism
Summary of Regulations
All of the following:
- Pass at least 360 credits (24 courses)
- Pass all compulsory courses
- Complete no more than 165 credits (11 courses ) at the 100 level
- Complete at least 75 credits (5 courses) at the 300 level
- Practicum
What's it going to cost?
Learn more by using the Domestic Fees Calculator or viewing the International Fees.
You can start studying in either:
- Semester 1 (late February)
- Semester 2 (mid-July)*
There are also options for starting in summer semesters. But the range of courses available would be limited.
*Please obtain course advice if you’re considering this option.
There may be an opportunity to add an additional major or minor to your study programme. Please refer to the programme course advisor for further information.
Graduate Attributes refer to the knowledge, skills, and values that you gain from completing your qualification. These high-level qualities will prepare you for career success, further study or research and making a valuable contribution to society in your chosen field.
Knowledge
- Describe the structure of the sport and recreation sector and various career opportunities and pathways.
- Discuss the key theoretical principles underlying the practice of sport and recreation management.
- Describe the professional skills and attributes required of those practicing within the sport and recreation industry, including the key requirements of self-reflection and direction.
- Critically discuss contemporary issues in sport and recreation provision and management, and the theoretical concepts needed to address and resolve such issues.
Skills
- Be creative, synthesise knowledge, and think creatively through problem solving and research.
- Exercise personal and time management.
- Evaluate key social scientific concepts which underpin sport and recreation policy and provision in New Zealand, including the institutional and legislative framework within which they are embedded.
- Exercise independent judgement.
- Communicate effectively.
- Relate to people from a wide range of backgrounds and communities.
- Select and apply techniques for sport and recreation planning and programming in different settings.
- Select and apply appropriate management, planning, communication, educational or research skills and techniques to specific sport and recreational needs and settings.
Values
- Appreciate the benefits of continued learning through life.
- Commit to a professional standard of behaviour based on professional ethics and conduct.
- Appreciate the requirements for working as an interdisciplinary team.
- Appreciate the significance of gender, ethnicity and equity issues.
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Entry requirements
University Entrance through NCEA or an approved, equivalent qualification.
If you have an overseas qualification, you can find out more about entry requirements here.
*If English isn’t your first language, other entry requirements will apply. Learn more about English language requirements.
Recommended preparation
- Commerce / Business
- Computing
- English (highly recommended)
- Geography / Social Studies
- History / Classics
- Māori Studies
- PE / Outdoor Education
- Tourism
-
Regulations and fees
Summary of Regulations
All of the following:
- Pass at least 360 credits (24 courses)
- Pass all compulsory courses
- Complete no more than 165 credits (11 courses ) at the 100 level
- Complete at least 75 credits (5 courses) at the 300 level
- Practicum
What's it going to cost?
Learn more by using the Domestic Fees Calculator or viewing the International Fees.
-
Intake semesters
You can start studying in either:
- Semester 1 (late February)
- Semester 2 (mid-July)*
There are also options for starting in summer semesters. But the range of courses available would be limited.
*Please obtain course advice if you’re considering this option.
-
Additional major
There may be an opportunity to add an additional major or minor to your study programme. Please refer to the programme course advisor for further information.
-
Graduate Attributes
Graduate Attributes refer to the knowledge, skills, and values that you gain from completing your qualification. These high-level qualities will prepare you for career success, further study or research and making a valuable contribution to society in your chosen field.
Knowledge
- Describe the structure of the sport and recreation sector and various career opportunities and pathways.
- Discuss the key theoretical principles underlying the practice of sport and recreation management.
- Describe the professional skills and attributes required of those practicing within the sport and recreation industry, including the key requirements of self-reflection and direction.
- Critically discuss contemporary issues in sport and recreation provision and management, and the theoretical concepts needed to address and resolve such issues.
Skills
- Be creative, synthesise knowledge, and think creatively through problem solving and research.
- Exercise personal and time management.
- Evaluate key social scientific concepts which underpin sport and recreation policy and provision in New Zealand, including the institutional and legislative framework within which they are embedded.
- Exercise independent judgement.
- Communicate effectively.
- Relate to people from a wide range of backgrounds and communities.
- Select and apply techniques for sport and recreation planning and programming in different settings.
- Select and apply appropriate management, planning, communication, educational or research skills and techniques to specific sport and recreational needs and settings.
Values
- Appreciate the benefits of continued learning through life.
- Commit to a professional standard of behaviour based on professional ethics and conduct.
- Appreciate the requirements for working as an interdisciplinary team.
- Appreciate the significance of gender, ethnicity and equity issues.
Programme Structure
Year 1
Semester 1 courses
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Semester 1 courses
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{{ 'RECN 110' | except-last-word }} {{ 'RECN 110' | last-word }}
Concepts in Sport and Recreation
15 credits
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{{ 'SOCI 116' | except-last-word }} {{ 'SOCI 116' | last-word }}
Society, Culture and Environment
15 credits
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Bachelor of Sport and Rec List A*
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Bachelor of Sport and Rec Suggested Electives*
Semester 2 courses
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Semester 2 courses
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{{ 'SOCI 117' | except-last-word }} {{ 'SOCI 117' | last-word }}
Introduction to New Zealand Government and Public Policy
15 credits
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{{ 'RECN 111' | except-last-word }} {{ 'RECN 111' | last-word }}
Leisure Industry Leadership
15 credits
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Bachelor of Sport and Rec List A*
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Bachelor of Sport and Rec Suggested Electives*
Year 2
Semester 1 courses
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Semester 1 courses
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{{ 'RECN 213' | except-last-word }} {{ 'RECN 213' | last-word }}
Event Planning
15 credits
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{{ 'SOCI 204' | except-last-word }} {{ 'SOCI 204' | last-word }}
Research Methods
15 credits
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{{ 'RECN 216' | except-last-word }} {{ 'RECN 216' | last-word }}
Principles of Physical Activity, Exercise and Health
15 credits
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Elective
Semester 2 courses
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Semester 2 courses
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{{ 'RECN 217' | except-last-word }} {{ 'RECN 217' | last-word }}
Sport and Society
15 credits
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{{ 'PSYC 202' | except-last-word }} {{ 'PSYC 202' | last-word }}
Motivation and Participation
15 credits
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{{ 'RECN 215' | except-last-word }} {{ 'RECN 215' | last-word }}
Adventure Tourism and Outdoor Recreation
15 credits
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Elective
Year 3
Semester 1 courses
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Semester 1 courses
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{{ 'RECN 343' | except-last-word }} {{ 'RECN 343' | last-word }}
Sport and Recreation Management
15 credits
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Bachelor of Sport and Rec List C*
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Elective
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Elective
Semester 2 courses
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Semester 2 courses
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{{ 'SOCI 315' | except-last-word }} {{ 'SOCI 315' | last-word }}
Policy and Practice
15 credits
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{{ 'RECN 393' | except-last-word }} {{ 'RECN 393' | last-word }}
Practicum: Practical Experience in Sport and Recreation and Tourism Management
15 credits
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Bachelor of Sport and Rec List C*
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Elective
- Compulsory courses
- Elective courses
- Refer to the lists below
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*Bachelor of Sport and Rec List A
Choose a minimum of one of the following courses:
Semester 1
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*Bachelor of Sport and Rec Suggested Electives
The following courses are suggested for first years:
Semester 1
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*Bachelor of Sport and Rec List C
Choose a minimum of one of the following courses:
This degree structure is indicative only. A course advisor will help you to select your electives and plan your degree. You can check out our courses to see what electives might interest you.
Programme contacts
Key information for students
Compare qualification and academic information across different New Zealand institutions.
Need more info?
Email us on grow@lincoln.ac.nz
Or call us on 0800 10 60 10
If you're overseas, please call +64 3 423 0000
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