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.

Work and earn with Auckland Council while you study Sport, Recreation and Exercise

At Unitec, we are excited to announce our new partnership with Auckland Council which provides an opportunity for students to work while they are studying in Sport, Recreation and Exercise.  This work-connected pathway will give you the opportunity to earn while you learn, similar to a paid internship or an apprenticeship. 

Auckland Council offers a variety of part-time positions that you can apply for. Being employed in the field in which you are studying provides up-to-date knowledge, financial support, and helps to develop your personal skills, your professional skills and your CV right from the start.

Need more information?
All Auckland Council Pathway applicants will be asked to be part of an interview conversation to develop an individual plan for study/work and to begin the application process for employment at Auckland Council.
If you would like a conversation about this programme, please contact: alenton@unitec.ac.nz