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Get ready for degree-level study with our Level 6 Diploma. Specialise in Human performance and learn all about the inner workings of the human body and how athletes are trained to increase performance.
During this programme you will take courses in:
Exercise Physiology – focus on evaluating performance, providing recommendations, implementing functional anatomy programmes, and researching concepts of exercise physiology to sports performance
Coaching and Performance Analysis – Develop and manage skill development and advanced coaching sessions for individuals and groups of athletes
Performance Nutrition – design, implement, and critique nutrition practices with athletes as a sport, recreation, or exercise practitioner
Community Events – critically analyse community development in Aotearoa and manage/role model practices during delivery of a large-scale event
Strength & Conditioning – dive deep into industry practices relating to strength and conditioning, inform practice through research, and deliver training programmes to an athlete
Evidence-based practice and research – drive development of research practices in the sport, recreation, and exercise industry, provide oversight and contribute to exercise science research
Athlete preparation – provide an holistic coaching experience to an athlete including mentorship and skill development, and evaluate your own and others’ coaching practices to improve your own skills
Professional practice – experience work and life as an sport, recreation, or practitioner, and understand the basics of building and running a sport, recreation, or exercise business in industry
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This course develops the skills and knowledge needed to become a leader in human performance in the sport, recreation and exercise industry. You’ll learn about human movement, nutrition and anatomy, training methods and programme design, performance analysis and strategy.
Our learning approach offers course work and practical work placement opportunities with partnered organisations. You’ll gain a well-rounded learning experience working with your own clients and giving back to the community through direct links to needs within the cultural, social and economic health & well-being of New Zealand.
On completion of this course you can pursue degree-level study with study pathways with the University of Canterbury, Manukau Institute of Technology, The University of Waikato or Ara Institute of Canterbury.
You will have gain practical experience and face to face teaching in our vibrant and culturally diverse campuses.
Appropriate level of English proficiency to meet higher study level is required
Hold a related Qualification at NZQCF Level 5 (New Zealand Diploma in Sport, Recreation, and Exercise Level 5, New Zealand Certificate in Exercise Level 5) or equivalent.
If you fail to reach the requirements, you may still be eligible for discretionary approval and may still be considered upon a personal interview.
You may have relevant qualifications from other institutions and be eligible through a Credit Transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning process.
- Course costs for New Zealand domestic students are available here.
- Course costs for international students are available here.
FEES FREE
If you’re planning to start tertiary study or training for the first time you may be eligible for fees-free. Ask one of our course advisors to help or visit the Fees Free website.
STUDENT LOANS
If you meet certain conditions, you may be eligible for a student loan and allowances.
Find out if you meet the conditions by calling StudyLink on Freephone 0800 88 99 00 or visit www.studylink.govt.nz
New Zealand Diploma in Sport, Recreation and Exercise (Multi-Sector) (Level 6)
You will graduate as a trained professional, capable to lead others and manage a team, or you can pursue degree-level study with the University of Canterbury, Manukau Institute of Sport or Victoria University in Melbourne, Australia.
Areas of work include; health providers, outdoor education centres, exercise facilities, iwi organisations, local councils, cultural centres, primary health organisations, regional sports trusts, and recreation, sport and leisure centres.
Human Performance Graduates work in roles such as:
Hauora or health exercise educator
Sport Kairangahau
Sport Kaiako
Whanau Ora manager
Ready to take the next step?
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New Zealand Institute of Sport is one of the trading names for the registered Private Training Establishment New Zealand Management Academies Ltd (NZMA). Your enrolment is with NZMA and your qualification is issued by NZMA. © 2025