Type of qualification
Level of study
An undergraduate qualification is usually the first one you study.
Our courses follow the New Zealand Qualification Framework (NZQF) levels.
Time to complete
Where you can study
International students
International students are not New Zealand citizens or residents.
Study a Bachelor of Sport Management – BSptMgt
If you want to be the sport manager of tomorrow, you will need a strong background in both sport and business management.
Massey University’s Bachelor of Sport Management teaches you the business and management skills you’ll need to meet the demands of the growing sport industry including:
- facilitating participation in sport
- controlling the production of sport-associated goods and services
- overseeing sport venues and facilities
- the strategic development of local, regional and national sport organisations
- managing sporting events
- sport sponsorship and marketing.
Gain a wide range of skills
You’ll develop both your theoretical knowledge and applied management skills. The wide range of courses on offer gives you an understanding of sport in its social, cultural and organisational contexts. You’ll also strengthen your communication, interpersonal and negotiation skills.
Our sport management qualification will give you a solid grounding in:
- social, cultural and international foundations of sport
- strategic sport management, leadership, operations, venue and event management and governance
- ethics, diversity and inclusion
- marketing, media and communication
- finance, accounting and economics of sport
- legislation and policies impacting sport
- business aspects of sport.
Real world experience
You’ll gain real-world experience through work placements – giving you over 240 hours of practical experience. These experiences will help you develop industry contacts and gives you an advantage with potential employers.
Lecturer expertise
You'll learn from passionate lecturers who have in-depth academic knowledge of sport management and extensive practical experience. We offer first-hand knowledge and experience of applying sport management principles and concepts in the sport industry.
Insights
- Between 2018 and 2021 the average number of students enrolled in the qualification was 121 (headcount). In the 2020 academic year, 72% of students in the first year of this qualification continued within the qualification and across the whole qualification 89% of courses were successfully completed.
Further study
New Zealand is a great place to study. Massey University’s reputation is supported by our international rankings, accreditations and associations. We are rated five star plus by the QS World University Rankings.
Massey University has small class sizes, and our lecturers and staff are friendly and approachable.
As an international student, there are entry requirements that will apply to you. We recommend that you apply at least three months before your anticipated start date so your application can be processed in time. There are additional steps you will need to take. These include obtaining a visa and travel bookings if your study is to be in New Zealand.
A BSptMgt is a good fit if you:
- are passionate about sport and would like to share that with others
- have great organisational skills
- would like to combine business management skills with your interest in sport.
Entry requirements
Admission to Massey
All students must meet university entrance requirements to be admitted to the University.
Specific requirements
There are no specific entry requirements for this qualification, outside of university admission regulations.
English language requirements
To study this qualification you must meet Massey University's English language standards.
Prior learning, credit and exemptions
For information on prior learning, exemptions and transfer of credit or other questions:
- review the Recognition of Prior Learning regulations
- contact us through the Get advice button on this page.
English language skills
If you need help with your English language skills before you start university, see our English for Academic Purposes (EAP) courses.
Recommended prior learning
English and mathematics are desirable school subjects.
Official regulations
To understand what you need to study and must complete to graduate read the official rules and regulations for this qualification.
You should read these together with all other relevant Statutes and Regulations of the University including the General Regulations for Undergraduate Degrees, Undergraduate Diplomas, Undergraduate Certificates, Graduate Diplomas and Graduate Certificates.
Returning students
For returning students, there may be changes to the majors and minors available and the courses you need to take. Go to the section called ‘Transitional Provisions’ in the Regulations to find out more.
In some cases the qualification or specialisation you enrolled in may no longer be taking new enrolments, so may not appear on these web pages. To find information on the regulations for these qualifications go to the Massey University Calendar.
Please contact us through the Get advice button on this page if you have any questions.
Structure of the Bachelor of Sport Management
If you study full-time, in your first year, you’ll take eight 15-credit courses, making a total of 120 credits.
If you wish to study over two semesters, you should aim for 60 credits per semester. You may be able to take some courses at summer school. Make sure you include courses that are prerequisites for the next level of courses you wish to study.
Courses and specialisations
Key terms
- Courses
- Each qualification has its own specific set of courses. Some universities call these papers. You enrol in courses after you get accepted into Massey.
- Course code
- Each course is numbered using 6 digits. The fourth number shows the level of the course. For example, in course 219206, the fourth number is a 2, so it is a 200-level course (usually studied in the second year of full-time study).
- Credits
- Each course is worth a number of credits. You combine courses (credits) to meet the total number of credits needed for your qualification.
- Specialisations
- Some qualifications let you choose what subject you'd like to specialise in. Your major or endorsement is what you will take the majority of your courses in.
Credit summary
360 credits
- Compulsory core courses – 300 credits
- Electives – 60 credits
- 200 hours of approved field experience, practical work and associated reports
Ensure that overall, you have:
- Not more than 150 credits at 100 level, including no more than 45 credits of 100-level electives
- At least 15 credits of electives at 200 level or above
- At least 90 credits at 300 level
You could replace electives with a recognised minor
Course planning key
- Prerequisites
- Courses that need to be completed before moving onto a course at the next level. For example, a lot of 200-level courses have 100-level prerequisite courses.
- Corequisites
- Courses that must be completed at the same time as another course are known as corequisite courses.
- Restrictions
- Some courses are restricted against each other because their content is similar. This means you can only choose one of the offered courses to study and credit to your qualification.
Core courses (Choose 300 credits from)
Course code: 114330 Equity and Diversity in the Workplace 15 credits
A study of the historical, legal and social issues of diversity and equality in the workplace in Aotearoa/New Zealand and overseas.
View full course detailsCourse code: 115111 Communication Theory and Practice 15 credits
This course identifies key theories and strategies to enhance written, oral, visual, and interpersonal communication for different purposes and audiences. Students explore, discuss, critique, and practise communication for a business and global environment and recognise how world views, culture, and contexts shape communication.
View full course detailsCourse code: 115114 Finance Fundamentals 15 credits
This course introduces analytical techniques for evaluating personal and business investment and financing decisions, including coverage of the context and environment in which these decisions are made.
View full course detailsCourse code: 115116 Introduction to Marketing 15 credits
The course provides an understanding of the core concepts and practices of marketing.
View full course detailsCourse code: 152133 Sport Facility Management 15 credits
An introduction to the management and administrative aspects of sport facilities.
View full course detailsCourse code: 152236 Sport Business 15 credits
This course explores the theories, concepts and practices relating to strategic management, governance, organisational behaviour, and human resource management in sport organisations.
View full course detailsCourse code: 152237 Sport Event Management 15 credits
This course examines specific management aspects of sport events.
View full course detailsCourse code: 152238 Professional Development for the Sport Industry 15 credits
A preparation for the Sport Practicum through field experience and critical reflection.
View full course detailsCourse code: 152252 Project Management 15 credits
An introduction to the theory and methods employed in project management.
View full course detailsCourse code: 152271 Sport Entertainment Management 15 credits
An examination of contemporary innovations and technologies shaping and impacting upon the management of global sport entertainment industries.
View full course detailsCourse code: 152336 Leadership Practice 15 credits
A critical analysis of the theory and practice of leadership relevant to public and private organisations and the development of ethical leadership and citizenship in a variety of socio-cultural contexts.
View full course detailsCourse code: 152350 Strategic Management and Governance 15 credits
An examination of strategic management concepts, the tools and techniques of strategic analysis, and issues associated with governance including business ethics.
View full course detailsCourse code: 178239 Sport Economics 15 credits
An introduction to fundamental economic principles and concepts and their application to sports.
View full course detailsCourse code: 219101 Media Skills 15 credits
Understanding and working with the news media combining practical skills with critical and ethical perspectives on media use. Skills include media strategy, writing media releases, broadcast interviewing and running a media conference.
View full course detailsCourse code: 219230 Sport Communication 15 credits
An examination of the theoretical background of sport communication, which includes an application of skills and principles within the topic.
View full course detailsCourse code: 234131 Introduction to Sport Organisations and Development 15 credits
An introduction to the provision of sport, fitness, and physical activity, including the roles of, and relationships between, key organisations and agencies
View full course detailsCourse code: 234135 Sociology of Sport and Exercise 15 credits
An introduction to sociological concepts, principles and theories as applied to sport and exercise.
View full course detailsCourse code: 234331 Sport and Physical Activity in the Social Context 15 credits
An examination of the social, cultural, political, economic and educational contexts of sport and physical activity.
View full course detailsCourse code: 234338 Sport and Exercise Practicum 30 credits
The practicum is designed to provide practical experience in sport and exercise areas according to individual interests and experience. Students may choose to undertake a practicum in areas including, but not limited to, sport event management, sport coaching, sport coordination, sport performance, exercise prescription and athlete conditioning.
View full course detailsFees and scholarships
Fees, student loans and free fees scheme
Your tuition fees may be different depending on the courses you choose. Your exact fees will show once you have chosen your courses.
There will also be some compulsory non-tuition fees and for some courses, there may also be charges for things such as study resources, software, trips and contact workshops.
- Get an estimate of the tuition fees for your qualification
- View a list of non-tuition fees that may be payable
Already know which courses you're going to choose?
You can view fees for the courses that make up your qualification on the course details pages.
Student loans (StudyLink) and Fees Free scheme
You may be eligible for a student loan to help towards paying your fees.
The New Zealand Government offers fees-free tertiary study for eligible domestic students. Find out more about the scheme and your eligibility on the Fees Free website. To use the site's eligibility checking tool, you will need your National Student Number.
Current and returning Massey students can find their National Student Number in the student portal.
- Student loans (StudyLink)
- Fees Free
- Student portal
Scholarship and award opportunities
- Massey University Undergraduate Excellence Scholarship
- Massey University Undergraduate First Year Scholarship – School Leavers
Fees disclaimer
This information is for estimation purposes only. Actual fees payable will be finalised on confirmation of enrolment. Unless otherwise stated, all fees shown are quoted in New Zealand dollars and include Goods and Services Tax, if any. Before relying on any information on these pages you should also read the University's Disclaimer Notice.
Careers and job opportunities
Massey University’s Bachelor of Sport Management will equip you for a challenging and rewarding career, both in New Zealand and internationally. You will gain business and management knowledge within the sport context that will be excellent preparation for a career in all areas of the growing sport management industry.
The types of organisations you could work for include:
- regional, national and international sport organisations
- regional sport trusts
- community sport
- private or commercial sport entities
- sport marketing and sponsorship
- sport media, communications and technologies
- local and regional councils
- sport facilities and venues
- sport events, both nationally and internationally.
What our students say
“The Massey University distance learning programme really allows me to further my knowledge of the sport management industry and utilise these skills while in a full-time role in community rugby for the Horowhenua Kapiti Rugby Union.”
“This course also fits into my lifestyle by being fully available online and by doing it via distance, I can make the move to Germany to play, and keep up my studies. By the time my football career is over, I will have my degree.”
Ngā Puhi
Accreditations and rankings
Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
Massey Business School is rated in the top 5% of global business colleges by AACSB International.
QS Ranking - Business Management Studies
Massey University is ranked by QS (Quacquarelli Symonds) as one of the top 350 universities for business and management.
Related study options
Sport and Exercise – Master of Health Science
Advance your knowledge and skills in the health sector with Massey’s Master of Health Science (Sport and Exercise). This is for graduates who have successfully completed an undergraduate degree with an exercise focus such as a Bachelor of Health Science, Bachelor of Sport and Exercise, or any other exercise-related qualification.
Sport and Exercise – Postgraduate Diploma in Health Science
The Postgraduate Diploma in Health Science (Sport and Exercise) will advance your theoretical knowledge of exercise science. You will learn how exercise can be used to enhance athletic performance and improve compromised health and quality of life.
Useful planning information
Key information for students
Compare qualifications and academic information across different New Zealand institutions. Learn more on careers.govt.nz