About the programme
The Bachelor of Sustainable Tourism is an NZQF Level 7 programme at Lincoln University that prepares graduates to plan and manage tourism with sustainability at its core. It carries 360 credits over 3 years of full-time study.
Global sustainability challenges sit at the centre of the degree. The university's view is that the sector has been reshaped since the pandemic and needs people who can design sustainable tourism systems and manage operations strategically. Graduates apply their knowledge in public, non-profit and commercial organisations.
Students look at tourists as consumers and at how their behaviour drives demand and affects the sustainability of tourism systems, and they examine tourism products, structures and operations both in New Zealand and overseas. The bicultural setting of tourism planning in Aotearoa New Zealand receives particular attention, with courses on the Treaty of Waitangi, Māori culture and Māori planning and resource development.
Teaching is led by active tourism researchers. Industry links come through guest speakers, field trips and creative projects, and a compulsory third-year Practicum provides practical experience in sport, recreation and tourism. Core courses include tourist behaviour, sustainable tourism systems, adventure tourism and outdoor recreation, business and sustainability, sustainable tourism planning and management, and research methods.
It suits students who want a tourism career that also engages with protected natural areas and heritage interpretation, both covered by third-year electives.
Entry requirements
- Domestic applicants: University Entrance through NCEA or an approved equivalent.
- Overseas qualifications are assessed under the university's international entry criteria.
- Separate English language requirements apply if English is not your first language.
- Recommended school subjects: English and tourism (strongly advised), plus geography, Māori Studies and computing.
What you study
- TOUR 101 Introduction to Tourism
- LINC 101 Land, People and Economies
- SOCI 117 Introduction to New Zealand Government and Public Policy
- TOUR 203 Tourist Behaviour
- TOUR 202 Sustainable Tourism Systems
- RECN 215 Adventure Tourism and Outdoor Recreation
- LINC 201 Sustainable Futures
- BMGT 301 Business and Sustainability
- TOUR 303 Sustainable Tourism Planning and Management
- RECN 393 Practicum: Practical Experience in Sport and Recreation and Tourism Management
Careers after graduation
- Commercial tourism operators
- Iwi-owned tourism operators
- Destination management organisations
- Local government
- Government agencies such as the Department of Conservation
Post-study work visa
Equal to the length of the programme, 3 years maximum
Depends on the qualification, the length of study and other Immigration New Zealand requirements.
This description is based on the official programme page, checked on 09/09/2026. Ask an NIU adviser about fees and intake dates — the programme page on the Lincoln University website