This programme provides students with an academic pathway into the sports science industry

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 sports 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.

About this programme
This programme provides students with an academic pathway into the sports 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.

This qualification could lead to employment (paid or volunteer) in a variety of roles such as: event supervisor; exercise consultant; hauora or health educator; Kaiarahi; OSCAR leader; recreation supervisor; recreation programme coordinator; sport development officer; sport coordinator; Whānau Ora leader.