Sport Leadership and Management Major - Bachelor of Sport, Exercise and Health

Help shape the future of sport with study in sport leadership and management, and develop skills that are needed across the sport and recreation industries.

Because the sport sector isn’t like a traditional business, neither are the leadership and management skills needed to succeed in this areas. In this major you’ll develop skills across leadership, management, marketing, facilities and events management, law and finance; all with a focus on how it applies to the sport, health and exercise sector.

You’ll explore how sport can contribute to social change, and the role digital multimedia can play to promote sport activities.


This is part of the Bachelor of Sport, Exercise and Health.

Download programme guides

Year 1

In your first year you’ll develop foundational knowledge for the sport, health and exercise sector as well as skills in academic writing, critical thinking and the presentation of ideas. You’ll also explore key concepts in sport management and marketing, and find out how sport can contribute to social change.

Core courses:

Sport leadership and management courses

You’ll also take the first two courses for your second major, minor(s) or elective courses.

Year 2

You’ll become familiar with sport events and entrepreneurship, sport finance, law and ethics, digital multimedia strategies and more advanced marketing topics. You’ll also explore how mātauranga Māori contributes to the sport, exercise and health sectors. There’s a focus on applying these different ideas in real-world situations to see how they can work in various organisations and businesses.

Core courses:

Sport leadership and management courses

You’ll also continue to take courses for your chosen second major, minor(s) or elective courses.

Year 3

You'll focus on advanced strategies and learn about leadership styles that work well in Aotearoa New Zealand, especially in sports, exercise and health. This includes modern ideas like building relationships, managing change and leading with a greater purpose. These skills will help you make a real difference in the sports, fitness and health industries after you graduate.

Sport leadership and management courses

You’ll also take the final courses for your chosen second major, minor(s) or elective courses.

Workplace experience

Work integrated learning is the final part of your degree. This is your chance to apply what you’ve learnt in a workplace related to your studies, gain experience in the sport, exercise and health industries, and make valuable industry contacts before you graduate.

Your workplace experience is part of this Year 3 course:

Recent placements included:

  • Athletics New Zealand
  • Counties Manukau Sport
  • Halberg Disability Sport Foundation
  • Harbour Sport
  • Hockey New Zealand
  • New Zealand Breakers
  • New Zealand Cricket
  • New Zealand Rugby League
  • New Zealand Rugby Union
  • Nike NZ
  • Northern Arena
  • School sports departments
  • Touch North Harbour
  • Total Sport (event management)
  • Triathlon New Zealand
  • The GEMBA Group

Want more info about work integrated learning at AUT?

Read more about workplace experience in AUT programmes, how it works and why it’s so beneficial when you start your career.

Workplace experience in AUT programmes

  • Community and sport event manager
  • Sales and marketing executive
  • Sponsorships manager
  • Sport development manager
  • Sport and leisure facility manager
  • Digital and social content creator

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Find out more about industry trends, job descriptions and what employers may be looking for.

Sport & Recreation Management Careers

Other majors in the Bachelor of Sport, Exercise and Health

Key features
  • High demand for sport leadership and management skills
  • Covers a broad range of expertise
  • Prepares you to shape the future of sport
  • Workplace experience in major sporting bodies
See yourself as
  • A team player
  • Having leadership ability
  • Self-motivated and focused
  • Having good planning, management and organisation skills
Ella Agnew
Connor Gibbs
Luke Mobberley
Rebecca Valladares
Tita Leaupepe

The information on this page was correct at time of publication. For a comprehensive overview of AUT qualifications, please refer to the Academic Calendar.