The Diploma in Sport and Fitness aims to advance your knowledge, experience and skills in sport and exercise science. Turn your passion and talents in sport and fitness into a qualification that prepares you for career opportunities in the sport and fitness industries. This programme builds your sports and exercise science knowledge, experience and skills in preparation for work in coaching, fitness training or sports administration.

Our Christchurch programme is based at Christchurch Park, a firstclass sporting and recreation facility - your opportunity to train and study in this specialist venue.

Our Timaru programme is based in a vibrant regional centre with a reputation for excelling in many sporting arenas. The campuses have a purpose built fitness suite, a student space run by you.

What will this programme cover?

Sport and Fitness study, professional coaching and physical training are combined to develop skills applicable to a wide range of sport and exercise related employment.

The course combines a base of theoretical knowledge with practical application.

Year One subjects include:

• Functional anatomy
• Exercise science
• Coaching
• Biomechanics
• Sport and Fitness training
• Sport Injuries and First aid
• Psychology and Nutrition
• Sport marketing, media and communication

Year Two subjects include:

• Exercise physiology and prescription
• Management and Business Skills
• Sport or Personal Coaching
• Introduction to research methods
• Sport and Fitness placements
• Coaching disabled athletes
• Sport and Fitness training.
• Massage and Medicine
• Teaching skills in physical fitness
• Psychology and Nutrition

Related Careers

• School sports coordinator
• Health and fitness instructor
• Community sport and recreation officer
• Sport coach
• Professional athlete
• Personal trainer
• Sports administrator
• Sport development officer
• Physiotherapist

What do you need to apply?

For entry it is desirable that you have a minimum of 80 NCEA credits with 60 credits at NCEA Level 2 or above including 12 credits in English, 12 credits in Maths and a further 20 credits from any other level.

It would also be of benefit to have previous and ongoing involvement in sport or have relevant and current work experience (of at least two years); the tasks undertaken must provide evidence of competence in English and Maths.

Year 2

For entry applicants require successful completion of our Diploma in Sport and Fitness (Year 1) or an equivalent qualification or have relevant recreational and industry experience of at least two years.

If you don't have the stated entry criteria, talk to us about whether you have the equivalent skills and knowledge or to determine if this is the right programme for you.

Programme Recognition

This programme is accredited by NZQA.

Employment Options

This qualification helps you prepare for employment as a sports co-ordinator, health and fitness instructor, community activities coordinator, sports coach, personal trainer, sport development officer or facilities and recreation administrator.

Further Study Options

Higher-level programmes in Exercise Science, Sport Coaching, Physical Education or Bachelor of Physiotherapy
(Canterbury University, Otago University, Lincoln University, Auckland University of Technology, Waikato Instiitute of Technology or Southern Institute of Technology)

Pathway to Bachelor of Exercise Science, Bachelor of Physiotherapy or Bachelor of Sport Coaching.