About the programme
The Master of Sport and Recreation Management is an NZQF level 9 programme at Lincoln University that prepares graduates for leadership roles in the sport and recreation industry. It carries 180 credits and takes 1.5 years of full-time study across three semesters. It is designed as a work-ready qualification.
The degree is built around what the industry actually needs: students gain in-depth knowledge and hands-on skills both in class and by working closely with active industry organisations. They examine how governance, economic conditions, social ties and environmental factors at local, national and global levels shape activity and business decisions in the sector, and study sport and recreation as a business, including strategic planning, marketing and sponsorship.
The study plan includes one compulsory course in advanced sport and recreation management, research methods options (quantitative, qualitative or applied), at least three subject courses covering physical activity, recreation in natural settings, events and festivals and the psychology of wellbeing, and two electives from master's courses across the university. A research placement is recommended for the final semester. Students develop quantitative and qualitative analysis skills, learn to plan and evaluate projects, and practise presenting ideas to professional and general audiences.
The programme also addresses professional ethics and issues of gender, ethnicity, equity and the environment, including New Zealand's bicultural context. It is taught on the Lincoln University campus and suits both career changers and those building on existing experience in sport management.
Entry requirements
- 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
- Additional English language requirements for applicants whose first language is not English
What you study
- Advanced Sport and Recreation Management (compulsory)
- RECN 699 Research Placement (recommended for the final semester)
- Research methods option: SOCI 601, SOCI 602, ECON 615 Applied Research Methods or COMM 605 Research for Managers
- RECN 604 Sport, Physical Activity and Fitness
- RECN 626 Natural Resource Recreation and Tourism
- RECN 640 Events and Festivals: Contexts and Concepts
- PSYC 602 Advanced Social Psychology of Wellbeing
- RECN 698 Research Essay
- Electives: TOUR 603 Tourism Management, ERST 620 Advanced Environmental Management Systems, or 600-level BMGT, COMM, ECON, MGMT or MKTG courses
Careers after graduation
- Managing a local, regional or national sporting organisation
- Senior sport and recreation roles in local or regional councils
- Positions in central government
- Research consultancy in sport and recreation
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