The Bachelor of Sport and Recreation (Honours) is a postgraduate honours qualification designed for high-achieving sport and recreation graduates who want to advance their research, analytical, and leadership capabilities in the sport sector. The programme enables students to specialise in an area of interest while completing advanced coursework and independent research.

Why Study Bachelor of Sport and Recreation (Honours) at AUT?

Key Reasons to Choose This Programme

• Advanced honours-level qualification with research focus
• Strong pathway into PhD and higher research study
• Study at one of the world’s top-ranked sport universities
• Access to AUT Millennium high-performance sport facilities
• Learn from internationally recognised sport researchers
• Opportunity to research an area of personal interest
• Strong industry and professional sport connections
• Develop advanced analytical and leadership skills
• Enhance employability in sport, recreation, coaching, and performance sectors

Programme Structure

The honours programme generally combines:

• Advanced postgraduate-level coursework
• Independent supervised research project
• Research methodology and analytical training
• Specialist sport and recreation study

Students normally undertake:

• Research preparation
• Literature review
• Data collection and analysis
• Dissertation or thesis-style research project

Subjects / Topics Offered

Potential subject areas may include:

• Sport Leadership
• Sport Management
• Coaching Science
• Exercise Science
• Sport Psychology
• Human Performance
• Sport Sociology
• Physical Education
• Recreation Studies
• Sport Research Methods
• Athlete Development
• Performance Analysis
• Sport Nutrition
• Community Recreation

Course selections may depend on:

• Research interests
• Supervisor expertise
• Previous academic background

Disciplines / Specialisations

Students may specialise in areas such as:

• Sport and Exercise Science
• Sport Coaching
• Sport Leadership and Management
• Health and Physical Education
• Recreation Studies
• Outdoor Education
• Human Performance
• Athlete Development

Career Outcomes

Graduates may pursue careers in:

• Sport Research
• High-Performance Sport Support
• Sport Development
• Coaching and Athlete Development
• Sport Leadership
• Recreation Management
• Community Sport
• Sport Policy
• Health Promotion
• Academic Research
• Performance Analysis

The honours qualification is also a strong pathway into:

• Master’s research
• PhD study
• Academic careers

Highlights of the Programme

Major Strengths

• One-year advanced honours qualification
• Strong research and analytical focus
• Direct pathway into doctoral study
• Industry-connected sport education
• Access to world-class sport facilities
• Highly ranked sport and recreation school
• Advanced academic supervision
• Practical and applied sport learning

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

Important Notes

• Supervisor approval may be required for research topics.
• Entry is competitive and usually limited to high-achieving graduates.
• Some listings currently state the programme may not be available to international students.
• Research-based study requires strong academic writing and analytical capability.

Student Insights & Learning Experience

Student discussions about AUT sport programmes often highlight:

• Strong lecturer support
• Industry exposure
• Workplace learning opportunities
• Networking value
• Practical sport experience

Visa Requirements for International Students

If international enrolment is permitted, students would generally require:

• Valid passport
• AUT offer letter
• Proof of tuition fee payment
• Evidence of sufficient living funds
• English language proficiency proof
• Health insurance
• Medical and character document