New Zealand Diploma in Sport Recreation and Exercise (Multi-sector)

Summary

Start your career in fitness or use this diploma as a stepping stone for future study.

Learn about fitness techniques, health and nutrition, anatomy and physiology and develop the skills necessary to motivate, train and coach people.

This Level 5 programme is the first of the diploma qualifications. You will have a diploma at the end of the year, which allows you to progress to the Level 6 programme or provides an entry level qualification for employment in the industry.

It's More Than Just Playing Sport

The focus of the programme is on fitness techniques, health, nutrition, anatomy and physiology, training, coaching and motivating people. It is not just about playing sports, there is a strong scientific element to the programme where you are expected to learn theory before applying it in a practical setting. 

There are a range of opportunities available to help you into employment and future study. 

Great Facilities

The exercise science and physiology lab feature the most up-to-date equipment in Te Tauihu. As a fitness student, you have your own gym onsite as well. 

Offsite facilities available include the Saxton running track, TRU High Performance Gym, local pools and squash courts.

During the programme, you will also make the most of our region’s excellent outdoor activities, including paddle boarding, kayaking, mountain biking, white water rafting and adventure racing. 

Loads of career opportunities

This one year Level 5 programme leads into the one year Level 6 programme. Following these two diplomas it is also possible with another year of study to complete the AUT Bachelor of Sport and Recreation on the Nelson campus or go onto teacher training.

Job opportunities in sport, recreation, exercise, health and fitness include:

• Community sports manager
• Community health manager
• Sport Kaiako
• Outdoor educator
• Event manager
• Parks manager
• Recreation planner or supervisor
• Exercise consultant
• Personal trainer
• Sports director
• Health educator
• Sports marketer
• Strength and conditioning coach
• Motivator - lifestyle educator
• Video analyst
• Sports coordinator
• Sports trust worker
• Athletic trainer
• Gym instructor
• Sports science technician

Entry Requirements Academic requirementsApplicants under 20 years of age

• 48 credits NCEA level 2 across 4 subjects

OR

• Equivalent

Applicants 20 years and over

• No academic qualifications needed. Evidence to support an applicant's ability to successfully 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 will have:

• An International English Language Testing System (IELTS) overall Academic score of at least 6 issued within the last two years

OR

An equivalent qualification

If you do not have an IELTS test score, you may send us other evidence of your English language level. Please see NZQA English Language Entry Requirements for more details.(external link)

Other requirements

All applicants must sign a Risk Management Contract, relating to risk and their health, prior to commencing study on the programme

Applicants must also complete an NMIT Application/Enrolment form and submit the following documents:

• Police Vetting Request and Consent Form
• External Referee Check

Download forms

Applicants are required to sign a declaration as to whether they have any convictions against the law (apart from minor traffic convictions). In order to support applicants and answer questions applicants are required to attend a selection interview.

In order to comply with the provisions of the Vulnerable Children’s Act, 2014 and Child Protection Policies for all ‘specified organisations’ providing a ‘regulated service’, all candidates/students will be subjecte...