Lincoln University

What you'll study

This degree develops practical and managerial capabilities across sport, recreation, event and facility contexts. Core study areas include sport management principles, recreation programme design, event planning and delivery, facility and asset management, marketing and sponsorship, finance for managers, governance and law, and research methods for applied projects.

Typical modules and topics you can expect include:

• Foundations of Sport and Recreation – history, purpose and social role of sport and recreational activity.
• Sport and Recreation Management – leadership, strategic planning and organisational behaviour in sport contexts.
• Event and Operations Management – event logistics, risk management, health and safety, and operational planning.
• Marketing, Sponsorship and Communication – market research, brand development, digital promotion and sponsor relations.
• Facilities, Assets and Venue Management – maintenance planning, scheduling, booking systems and customer experience.
• Law, Ethics and Governance – governance models, policy development, legal responsibilities and ethical practice.
• Finance and Economics for Managers – budgeting, financial reporting and commercial decision-making.
• Applied Research and Professional Practice – project design, evaluation methods and a capstone or industry-linked project.
• Māori and Indigenous Perspectives – tikanga, Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles and community-centred practice in recreation.
• Work-Integrated Learning and Internship – placements with clubs, councils, events or commercial providers to gain hands-on experience.

Entry requirements

Entry to the Bachelor of Sport and Recreation Management typically requires university entrance from the relevant national qualification framework (for example, New Zealand University Entrance with NCEA Level 3 or an equivalent secondary qualification). Applicants usually need passes in a combination of subjects at senior secondary level; relevant subjects such as physical education, business studies or health are beneficial but not always mandatory.

International applicants must meet academic equivalency and English language proficiency requirements through recognised tests or qualifications. Mature applicants and those with relevant vocational experience may be considered through alternative admission pathways. Specific entry conditions and any additional requirements such as a personal statement or reference should be checked with Lincoln University's admissions office.

Career prospects

Graduates move into a wide range of roles across public, private and community sectors. Common career paths include:

• Sport and recreation programme coordinator or manager for clubs, councils and community organisations.
• Events manager or operations coordinator for sporting fixtures, tournaments and community events.
• Facility or venue manager at leisure centres, stadia or multi-use venues.
• Commercial roles in sponsorship, marketing, ticketing and customer experience.
• Policy, governance or development roles with regional and national sporting bodies, health agencies or non-profit organisations.
• Entrepreneurial roles running private training, coaching businesses or community initiatives.

The programme’s emphasis on placements and applied projects helps graduates develop industry networks and practical experience valued by employers across sport, recreation, tourism and community wellbeing sectors.

Why study at Lincoln University

Lincoln University offers a hands-on, applied approach with small class sizes and close industry connections that support practical learning. The university emphasises work-integrated learning and provides opportunities for internships and capstone projects with local councils, sport clubs and event providers.

Located close to major urban centres and sports networks, Lincoln combines specialist teaching with interdisciplinary links to business, environmental management and community development. The programme integrates contemporary issues such as sustainability, inclusion and indigenous perspectives, preparing graduates to manage contemporary challenges in sport and recreation environments.