The New Zealand Diploma in Sport Recreation and Exercise (Multi-sector) (Level 6) is a 120-credit, second-year diploma qualification designed for students who already have Level 5 knowledge in sport, recreation and exercise.

NMIT describes it as a programme that develops knowledge and understanding of the health and fitness industry through areas including:

• Sports psychology
• Exercise science
• Anatomy
• Nutrition
• Rehabilitation
• Sports law
• Professional practice
• Community-based learning

Why Study Sport, Recreation and Exercise at NMIT?
Practical rather than purely classroom-based

One of the strongest features of this programme is its emphasis on applying knowledge in real situations.

Students aren't simply studying sport theory. NMIT combines:

Theory + practical learning + community projects + professional experience.

The programme includes 50 hours of work experience, giving students exposure to professional environments and different populations.

Examples can include involvement in sporting events, community activities and fitness environments.

Strong exercise-science component

Students study areas such as:

• Human anatomy
• Exercise physiology
• Exercise assessment
• Exercise prescription
• Nutrition
• Rehabilitation
• Performance psychology

This gives students a broad foundation for careers across the sport, exercise, health and fitness sectors.

Real industry environments

NMIT says students can work with local populations and assist with training at local gyms. The programme also provides opportunities to participate in community events and expos.

Excellent facilities

NMIT states that its exercise science and physiology laboratory features up-to-date equipment for the region and that fitness students have access to an onsite gym.

Students can also use off-campus facilities including:

• Saxton running track
• TRU High Performance Gym
• Local swimming pools
• Squash courts

The programme can also make use of outdoor activities such as:

• Paddleboarding
• Kayaking
• Mountain biking
• White-water rafting
• Adventure racing.

Key Academic Areas

The overall programme can therefore be grouped into several major disciplines:

Exercise Science

• Exercise physiology
• Exercise assessment
• Exercise prescription

Human Movement & Anatomy

• Applied anatomy
• Human physical function

Sports Psychology

• Performance psychology
• Skill acquisition
• Motivation and behaviour

Nutrition

• Sport nutrition
• Exercise nutrition
• Health-related nutrition principles

Rehabilitation / Special Populations

• Adapted exercise
• Exercise for different populations
• Health and fitness considerations

Sport & Recreation Management

• Law
• Ethics
• Professional practice
• Community engagement

Evidence-Based Practice

• Research-informed practice
• Evaluation of evidence
• Professional decision-making

Work Experience

A particularly valuable component for international students is:

50 hours of work experience

NMIT expects students to complete 50 hours during the Level 6 programme.

Examples can include:

• Sporting events.
• Community fitness activities.
• Health and fitness expos.
• Local gyms.
• Community programmes.
• Working with different population groups.

Facilities

NMIT highlights several facilities and environments relevant to this qualification.

Exercise Science & Physiology Laboratory

The lab provides specialised equipment for exercise-science learning.

Student Gym

Fitness students have access to an onsite gym.

External Facilities

Students may also use:

• Saxton running track.
• TRU High Performance Gym.
• Local swimming pools.
• Squash courts.

Outdoor environment

The Nelson-Tasman region offers opportunities involving:

• Paddleboarding.
• Kayaking.
• Mountain biking.
• White-water rafting.
• Adventure racing.

Career Outcomes

NMIT lists a wide range of possible employment areas following the qualification.

Potential career roles include:

• Community Sports Manager
• Community Health Manager
• Sport Kaiako
• Outdoor Educator
• Event Manager
• Parks Manager
• Recreation Planner
• Recreation Supervisor
• Exercise Consultant
• Personal Trainer
• Sports Director
• Health Educator
• Sports Marketer
• Strength and Conditioning Coach
• Lifestyle Educator
• Video Analyst
• Sports Coordinator
• Sports Trust Worker
• Athletic Trainer
• Gym Instructor
• Sports Science Technician.

Special Requirements – Quick Summary

For counselling purposes, the most important special requirements are:

Academic

Level 5 Sport, Recreation and Exercise diploma or equivalent knowledge/skills.

English

IELTS Academic 6.0 overall, no band below 5.5.

Interview

Selection interview required.

Health/risk

Risk Management Contract required.

Safety

Police vetting and other safety checks apply.

Work experience

50 hours of work experience during the programme.

Practical learning

Students should expect onsite and community-based practical activities.

Who Is This Programme Best For?

Ideal for students who want to become:

• Exercise professionals
• Fitness professionals
• Personal trainers
• Strength and conditioning coaches
• Sport coordinators
• Recreation professionals
• Community health/sport workers
• Sports event professionals
• Exercise consultants
• Sports science technicians
• Outdoor recreation professionals