Sport, Recreation and Exercise

The sport, recreation and exercise industry is booming! In Aotearoa alone, over 31,000 organisations employ over 100,000 people (not to mention over 1 million volunteers) in sports-related jobs every year. Our staff also work in the industry in many different and exciting ways, which is why Unitec is best placed to help you turn your passion for sport into real-world job opportunities. 

We offer programmes in three distinct pathways. In each pathway, you can either start with a Diploma, or a shorter Certificate programme. Once you complete the Certificate, you’ll be able to also complete the relevant Diploma pathway by taking an additional 4 courses. 

Exercise

Here, you’ll learn how to create and deliver personalised exercise programmes, how to adapt these for small-groups, and how to turn your passion into a business. 

By completing either the Certificate or the Diploma, you’ll be eligible to apply for a listing on to the NZ Register of Exercise Professionals (REPs).

Community sport and recreation

Here, you’ll learn about how community sport and recreation currently operates in Aotearoa New Zealand, and develop the skills required to engage with people and groups to meet their community sport and recreation goals. 

Sport coaching

Here, you’ll learn about best practice coaching techniques and strategies, and how to put them into practice by coaching individuals and teams within specific sport codes.

Delivery and campus facilities

At Unitec, learning doesn’t just happen in the classroom. Whichever pathway you choose, you’ll get plenty of hands-on experience during tutorials, laboratory sessions, and industry placements, and you’ll have access to campus facilities such as:

• Sports field: Unitec has two sand-based sports fields which are used all year round. It’s an outdoor teaching space where students can teach local school children a range of sports. You might even see some well-known New Zealand rugby players from time to time.
• The Exercise Lab: You’ll use Unitec’s Exercise Lab for practical sessions on exercise prescription, biomechanics, and exercise physiology.