About the programme
The Master of Applied Science in Parks, Recreation and Tourism (Research) is an NZQF level 9 research programme at Lincoln University in New Zealand devoted to parks, recreation and tourism. The standard route is 240 credits over two years of full-time study.
The Master of Applied Science lets students combine study and application across agriculture, industry, communications, recreation and tourism, and link them with rural development and the management and conservation of the biosphere and natural resources. The Parks, Recreation and Tourism specialisation is one of Lincoln's newer fields, addressing sectors that matter for understanding the economic, social and cultural life of modern societies.
Students examine how the tourism, recreation and parks sectors work and how they are shaped by political systems, policy bodies, local and global economies and environmental change. The programme covers the theory behind parks, recreation and tourism management, current issues and their positive and negative effects, the behaviour of recreationists and the complexity of leisure demand. Cultural and environmental questions are also addressed, including bicultural and multicultural issues relevant to New Zealand and beyond.
Normally 120 credits are coursework and 120 a thesis, with the first year used for research preparation. Students take Advanced Theory in Resource Studies and a social science methods course, at least three courses from a list including tourism management, tourist behaviour, natural resource recreation, events and festivals, and sport and physical activity, plus one 20-credit elective. A thesis-only route of at least 120 credits is also available. Teaching is on the Lincoln University campus.
The programme suits people who want to contribute to recreation and tourism planning at an advanced level and carry out independent research in the field.
Entry requirements
- 240-credit route (thesis plus exams): a relevant New Zealand level 7 bachelor's degree or recognised equivalent, with at least a B average in 300-level and final-year courses
- 120-credit route (thesis only): a relevant postgraduate honours degree at Second Class Honours, Division One or equivalent
- Applicants whose first language is not English must meet the university's English language requirements
What you study
- Advanced Theory in Resource Studies — compulsory, 20 credits
- SOCI 601 — Social Science Research Methods (Quantitative) or SOCI 602 — Social Science Research Methods (Qualitative)
- MAST 603 — Mana Kaitiaki (Māori Resource Management)
- PSYC 602 — Advanced Social Psychology of Wellbeing
- RECN 604 — Sport, Physical Activity and Fitness
- RECN 626 — Natural Resource Recreation and Tourism
- RECN 627 — Advanced Sport and Recreation Management
- RECN 640 — Events and Festivals: Contexts and Concepts
- TOUR 603 — Tourism Management; TOUR 604 — Tourist Behaviour
- Thesis — 120 credits
Careers after graduation
- Advanced recreation planning and development
- Roles across the tourism, recreation and parks sectors
- Research in parks, recreation and tourism
Post-study work visa
Up to 3 years
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