About the programme
The New Zealand Diploma in Sport, Recreation and Exercise (Multi-Sector) (Level 6) is a second-year NZQF Level 6 programme of 120 credits at Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology (NMIT) that deepens knowledge of the health and fitness industry and combines theory with project work in the community.
Key areas are sports psychology, exercise science, anatomy, nutrition, rehabilitation and sports law. Students learn to assess people and prescribe exercise, work with special populations, apply evidence-based practice, understand skill acquisition and performance psychology, and deal with legal and ethical issues in sport and recreation.
Learning is vocational and project-based: students work with a range of community groups and help with training at local gyms. Over the year they complete 50 hours of work experience, for example at events such as the Weet-Bix Triathlon or at community expos talking to the public about health and fitness.
Students have access to an exercise science and physiology lab with modern equipment, an on-site gym, the Saxton running track, TRU High Performance Gym, local pools and outdoor activities from kayaking to rafting.
After the diploma, graduates can complete the AUT Bachelor of Sport and Recreation on NMIT's Nelson campus with one more year of study, or move into teacher training. The programme is designed for Level 5 graduates and people with equivalent knowledge.
Entry requirements
- The New Zealand Diploma in Sport, Recreation and Exercise (Multi-Sector) (Level 5), or demonstrated equivalent skills and knowledge
- If English is not your first language: IELTS Academic 6.0 overall with at least 5.5 in each band, from the last two years, or equivalent
- A selection interview, police vet, risk assessment, convictions declaration and signed risk management contract
- Special entry may be granted in exceptional cases with evidence of ability to succeed
What you study
- Applied Anatomy 2
- Exercise Physiology 2
- Exercise Assessment and Prescription
- Special Populations and Applied Exercise
- Law and Ethics in Sport, Exercise and Recreation
- Sport and Exercise Nutrition
- Evidence Based Practice
- Skill Acquisition and Performance Psychology
Careers after graduation
- Personal trainer or gym instructor
- Strength and conditioning coach
- Exercise consultant
- Health educator
- Community sport or community health manager
- Video analyst or sports science technician
- Sports director or coordinator
- Further study in the AUT Bachelor of Sport and Recreation or teacher training
Post-study work visa
Short-term work visa (STGWV) up to 6 months, under the rules effective 16 November 2026
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 19/09/2026. Ask an NIU adviser about fees and intake dates — the programme page on the NMIT website