Master of Sport and Recreation Management
Master of Sport and Recreation Management
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Upcoming start dates
Semester 2 - 14 Jul 2025
November Summer School - 10 Nov 2025
Semester 1 - 23 Feb 2026
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Qualification
Taught Master's
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Duration
1.5 years full-time
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Credits
180
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Location
Lincoln University Campus
Sports and recreation is an exciting, fast-evolving industry. The Master of Sport and Recreation Management postgraduate degree from Lincoln University is renowned for meeting the professional demands of the sector and opening the way for a career in sports and recreation management.
Study for free
If you're a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident, residing in New Zealand at the time of study, you may be eligible for free tuition fees. Part time study options may be available. Terms and conditions apply. Learn more.
About this programme
This programme will grow your deeper understanding of the complexity of the sport and recreation sector.
You’ll expand your knowledge of how governance, the economy, social relations and the environment at local, national and global level can impact activities and business decisions relating to sport and recreation.
Full-time students who start study in November can secure the qualification in just 12 months.
How you’ll grow
- By studying current issues and practical projects that expand your understanding of the sport and recreation sector
- Gain both quantitative and qualitative analytical skills that allow you to evaluate and problem-solve a range of theoretical and practical challenges
- Learning how to evaluate information and communicate effectively over a range of contexts
- Expanding your appreciation of the professional standards, including familiarity with gender, ethnicity, equity and environmental issues.
Career opportunities
This programme prepares you with the advanced knowledge and skills needed for senior management roles in the sports and recreation industry.
Potential roles include managing a local, regional or national sporting organisation, senior sports and recreation management positions within local or regional councils, or central government.
Or work as a research consultant focusing on sport and recreation.
Programme information
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A relevant New Zealand level 7 bachelor’s degree or recognised equivalent with a B average or better in the 300 level and final year (full-time equivalent) courses
- If English isn’t your first language, other entry requirements will apply. Learn more about the English language requirements.
Summary of Regulations
- Students are required to complete 180 credits of courses from the schedules to the regulations for the Master of Sport and Recreation Management degree over three semesters of full-time study.
What's it going to cost?
The Master of Sport and Recreation Management is covered by our fee waiver. If you're a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident, residing in New Zealand at the time of study, you may be eligible for free tuition fees. Part time study options may be available. Terms and conditions apply. Learn more.
If you are an international student, see our list of International Fees
You can start studying in either:
- Semester 1 (late February – preferred option)
- Semester 2 (mid-July)
- Summer school (early November)
Graduate Attributes refer to the knowledge, skills, and values that you gain from completing your qualification. These high-level qualities will prepare you for career success, further study or research and making a valuable contribution to society in your chosen field.
Knowledge
- Critically describe theoretical concepts underpinning sport and recreation.
- Evaluate and discuss the complex nature, characteristics and behaviour of sport and recreation participants.
- Explain and apply understanding of sport and recreation as a business.
- Evaluate management approaches utilised in the running of sport and recreation.
- Describe and assess the products, structure, operations and interactions within the recreation sector in New Zealand and internationally.
- Theorise connections between sport and recreation and the broader social, cultural, economic, political and environmental context, and at a variety of scales.
- Analyse and critique strategic planning, marketing and sponsorship processes.
Skills
- Select and apply appropriate research skills and techniques to specific sport and recreation issues.
- Plan, implement, manage and critically evaluate sport and recreation projects.
- Use effective organisation and time management skills.
- Approach problems from a multidisciplinary perspective.
- Analyse, synthesise and problem solve.
- Use advanced oral and written communication skills, including the ability to present theoretical concepts to both professional and lay audiences.
- Evaluate and use appropriate methodological and statistical tools for sport and recreation research.
Values
- Appreciate the benefits of commitment to a professional standard of behaviour based on professional ethics and conduct.
- Appreciate the cultural and environmental issues associated with the operation of sport and recreation including bicultural and multicultural issues applicable to New Zealand and the rest of the world.
- Appreciate gender, ethnicity and equity issues.
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Entry requirements
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A relevant New Zealand level 7 bachelor’s degree or recognised equivalent with a B average or better in the 300 level and final year (full-time equivalent) courses
- If English isn’t your first language, other entry requirements will apply. Learn more about the English language requirements.
-
Regulations and fees
Summary of Regulations
- Students are required to complete 180 credits of courses from the schedules to the regulations for the Master of Sport and Recreation Management degree over three semesters of full-time study.
What's it going to cost?
The Master of Sport and Recreation Management is covered by our fee waiver. If you're a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident, residing in New Zealand at the time of study, you may be eligible for free tuition fees. Part time study options may be available. Terms and conditions apply. Learn more.
If you are an international student, see our list of International Fees
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Intake semesters
You can start studying in either:
- Semester 1 (late February – preferred option)
- Semester 2 (mid-July)
- Summer school (early November)
-
Graduate Attributes
Graduate Attributes refer to the knowledge, skills, and values that you gain from completing your qualification. These high-level qualities will prepare you for career success, further study or research and making a valuable contribution to society in your chosen field.
Knowledge
- Critically describe theoretical concepts underpinning sport and recreation.
- Evaluate and discuss the complex nature, characteristics and behaviour of sport and recreation participants.
- Explain and apply understanding of sport and recreation as a business.
- Evaluate management approaches utilised in the running of sport and recreation.
- Describe and assess the products, structure, operations and interactions within the recreation sector in New Zealand and internationally.
- Theorise connections between sport and recreation and the broader social, cultural, economic, political and environmental context, and at a variety of scales.
- Analyse and critique strategic planning, marketing and sponsorship processes.
Skills
- Select and apply appropriate research skills and techniques to specific sport and recreation issues.
- Plan, implement, manage and critically evaluate sport and recreation projects.
- Use effective organisation and time management skills.
- Approach problems from a multidisciplinary perspective.
- Analyse, synthesise and problem solve.
- Use advanced oral and written communication skills, including the ability to present theoretical concepts to both professional and lay audiences.
- Evaluate and use appropriate methodological and statistical tools for sport and recreation research.
Values
- Appreciate the benefits of commitment to a professional standard of behaviour based on professional ethics and conduct.
- Appreciate the cultural and environmental issues associated with the operation of sport and recreation including bicultural and multicultural issues applicable to New Zealand and the rest of the world.
- Appreciate gender, ethnicity and equity issues.
Programme Structure
You'll complete one compulsory course and choose courses (120 credits) from the lists below. You'll also choose two elective courses from the Master's Degree courses offered across the university.
A course advisor can assist you to select your courses and plan your degree.
Compulsory courses
Choose a minimum of three of the following courses:
Choose a minimum of two courses (40 credits) comprising courses with a BMGT, COMM, ECON, MGMT, or MKTG prefix at the 600-level, or select from the following courses:
- Compulsory courses
- Elective courses
These courses, COMM 601, 602, 603 and 604, are prerequisite to BMGT 618, BMGT 686 and MKTG 672.
Programme contacts

Need more info?
Email us on grow@lincoln.ac.nz
Or call us on 0800 10 60 10
If you're overseas, please call +64 3 423 0000
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