New Zealand Diploma in Sport Recreation and Exercise (Multi-sector) (Level 6)

Locations and dates

Nelson:

23 February 2026
Length

34 teaching weeks plus 6 weeks of study break
Total credits

120
Fees

2026: $8,329 plus $350 Student Services Fee

A Student Service Fee applies (2025; $2.17 per credit).

Fees listed are for each year of the programme, indicative only and may vary with course selection.

View course details for individual fees.

N.B. The 2026 SSF final fee is currently subject to consultation with learners.
National qualification code

NZ3628

Develop your knowledge and understanding of the health and fitness industry further in this second-year diploma qualification.

Diploma in Sport Recreation and Exercise level 6

Focus on areas such as sports psychology, exercise science, anatomy, nutrition, rehabilitation and sports law. You will also be be out in the community with a range of different populations and helping with training at local gyms.

Vocational, project-based learning in the community is combined with theory and professional practice in this Level 6 diploma programme.

Once you have completed this diploma, you can move into the AUT (Auckland University of Technology) Bachelor of Sport and Recreation(external link) that is available on the NMIT Nelson campus.

Work Experience

Heaps of Career Opportunities

Following the level 6 diploma it is also possible with another year of study to complete the AUT Bachelor of Sport and Recreation on the Nelson campus or go onto teacher training.

Job opportunities in sport, recreation, exercise, health and fitness include:

Community sports manager
Community health manager
Sport Kaiako
Outdoor educator
Event manager
Parks manager
Recreation planner or supervisor
Exercise consultant
Personal trainer
Sports director
Health educator
Sports marketer
Strength and conditioning coach
Motivator - lifestyle educator
Video analyst
Sports coordinator
Sports trust worker
Athletic trainer
Gym instructor
Sports science technician

Great Facilities

The exercise science and physiology lab feature the most up-to-date equipment in Te Tauihu. As a fitness student, you have your own gym onsite as well.

Offsite facilities available include the Saxton running track, TRU High Performance Gym, local pools and squash courts.

During the programme, you will also make the most of our region’s excellent outdoor activities, including paddle boarding, kayaking, mountain biking, white water rafting and adventure racing.

Entry Requirements

Academic requirements

You must have:
• New Zealand Diploma in Sport, Recreation and Exercise (Multi-Sector) (Level 5)
Or
• Demonstrated equivalent skills and knowledge.

English language requirements

You must have a level of English sufficient to be able to study at this level. Those students whose first language is not English should have an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) overall academic score of at least 6.0 (with at least 5.5 in each band) issued within the last two years, or a qualification considered to be equivalent to the above.

Other requirements

You must sign a Risk Management Contract, relating to risk and your health, prior to commencing study on the programme.
You are required to attend a selection interview.
You are also required to sign a declaration as to whether you have any Convictions Against the Law (apart from minor traffic convictions).
In order to support you and answer questions you are required to attend a selection interview.
In order to comply with the provisions of the Vulnerable Children’s Act, 2014 and Child Protection Policies for all ‘specified organisations’ providing a ‘regulated service’, all candidates/students will be subjected to safety checks. These will include but are not limited to;
i) A formal interview
ii) A Police Vet Check
iii) A risk assessment

Download forms

Special entry

In exceptional circumstances if you do not meet the entry requirements you may be granted entry to the programme where you supply evidence to satisfy the Head of Department or delegate of your ability to succeed on the programme.

Application Requirements

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