Why Study / Key Benefits

The Master of Sport and Recreation Management at Lincoln University is designed for students seeking advanced knowledge and practical management skills for the sport and recreation sector. The programme combines coursework with practical projects and engagement with working industry organisations, making it suitable for students who want to progress into management, leadership, policy or research-oriented roles.

Key benefits include:

• Advanced understanding of the sport and recreation sector and the factors influencing it at local, national and international levels.
• Practical exposure through current issues, projects and industry engagement.
• Development of quantitative and qualitative research, analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Opportunities to study sport and physical activity, recreation, tourism and wellbeing.
• Development of professional communication, research and project-management capabilities.
• Exposure to gender, ethnicity, equity, cultural and environmental considerations relevant to professional practice.

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

Students must complete 180 credits from the approved Master of Sport and Recreation Management course schedules over three semesters.

The current programme structure includes:

Compulsory courses:

• RECN 627 – Advanced Sport and Recreation Management, 20 credits
• RECN 699 – Research Placement, 20 credits

Research-methods choice, with at least one:

• SOCI 601 – Social Science Research Methods (Quantitative), 20 credits
• SOCI 602 – Social Science Research Methods (Qualitative), 20 credits
• ECON 615 – Applied Research Methods, 20 credits
• COMM 605 – Research for Managers, 20 credits

Sport, recreation and wellbeing-related choices, with at least three:

• RECN 604 – Sport, Physical Activity and Fitness, 20 credits
• RECN 626 – Natural Resource Recreation and Tourism, 20 credits
• RECN 640 – Events and Festivals: Contexts and Concepts, 20 credits
• PSYC 602 – Advanced Social Psychology of Wellbeing, 20 credits
• RECN 698 – Research Essay, 20 credits

Additional management/business electives:

Students choose a minimum of two courses (40 credits) with a BMGT, COMM, ECON, MGMT or MKTG prefix at 600 level, or may select from:

• TOUR 603 – Tourism Management, 20 credits
• ERST 620 – Advanced Environmental Management Systems, 20 credits.

Disciplines / Specialisations

The programme does not publicly list separate formal specialisations. Instead, students shape their study through the selection of approved courses.

Relevant study areas include:

• Sport and recreation management
• Sport, physical activity and fitness
• Recreation and tourism
• Events and festivals
• Social psychology of wellbeing
• Tourism management
• Environmental management
• Business, management, economics and marketing
• Quantitative and qualitative research.

Programme Highlights

• 180-credit taught Master's qualification.
• 1.5 years full-time under the standard structure.
• Three available study-entry periods: Summer School, Semester 1 and Semester 2.
• Opportunity to complete in around 12 months when commencing in November and studying full-time.
• Strong emphasis on practical projects and contemporary sector issues.
• Development of advanced quantitative and qualitative analytical skills.
• Opportunities to connect sport and recreation with economic, social, cultural, political and environmental contexts.
• Coursework can include sport, physical activity, tourism, events, wellbeing, business and environmental management.
• The programme is intended to develop skills relevant to management and leadership positions in the sector.

Career Outcomes

Lincoln identifies career opportunities including:

• Management of local, regional or national sporting organisations.
• Senior sport and recreation management roles.
• Sport and recreation management positions in local or regional councils.
• Relevant positions within central government.
• Research consultant roles specialising in sport and recreation.

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

The current official programme page lists the following upcoming starts: 9 November 2026, 22 February 2027 and 19 July 2027.

A relevant Level 7 bachelor's degree with the required B average is specifically required. International applicants must additionally satisfy Lincoln's English-language requirements.

There is no separate programme-specific professional licence or work-experience requirement publicly stated on the current programme page.

Lincoln notes that programmes, courses, staffing and entry availability can change, and international students should confirm current policies, fees and procedures with the university before applying.

International Student Visa Requirements

International students who will physically study in New Zealand generally require a Fee Paying Student Visa unless another immigration status permits study.

Immigration New Zealand states that a Fee Paying Student Visa normally allows study for the approved course and may include permission to work up to 25 hours per week during study and full-time during scheduled holidays, subject to the conditions placed on the individual visa.

Key requirements include:

• An offer of place from an approved education provider.
• Evidence of payment of tuition fees, or evidence accepted under the applicable visa process.
• Evidence of sufficient funds for living expenses.
• Evidence of funds or arrangements to leave New Zealand at the end of the stay.
• Evidence of appropriate health and travel insurance where required.
• Meeting health and character requirements.
• Genuine intention to study and comply with visa conditions.