Sport Development and Management University of Otago

Overview

The Sport Development and Management programme at the University of Otago offers a comprehensive exploration of how physical activity and organised sport impact global cultures and economies. Students examine the policies and institutions that shape the sporting landscape, from community wellness initiatives to elite professional competitions.

This multidisciplinary course focuses on three primary pillars: improving the quality of sporting organisations, enhancing psychological variables for athlete development, and leveraging sport for social integration. You will investigate how sport serves as a vital tool for public health, education, and economic renewal within various communities.

Why Sport Development and Management at the University of Otago?

The University of Otago is the only institution in New Zealand to offer both a Bachelor of Science and a Bachelor of Arts in this specific field. The programme is highly prestigious, currently ranked first in New Zealand and 11th globally for sport-related subjects, ensuring a world-class education.

Students benefit from the School of Physical Education, Sport and Exercise Sciences, which features unrivalled facilities such as a flume and immersion tank. You will learn from leading experts who use global research to address big-picture questions regarding sport media, policy, and the motivation behind human engagement in physical activity.

The curriculum emphasises practical learning, with third-year students gaining real-world experience through hands-on placements in schools or community organisations. These opportunities allow you to apply theoretical knowledge in professional settings, such as the New Zealand Centre for Sport Policy and Politics, building essential industry connections.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

• International fee: NZD 43995 per year
• National fee: NZD 10891 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

Modules may include:

Year 1

• Sport, Science and Society
• Principles of Exercise for Health and Performance
• Anatomy for Sport and Exercise
• Physiology for Sport and Exercise

Year 2

• Psychology of Sport and Exercise
• Sociology of Sport and Exercise
• Sport Development and Management

Year 3

• Sport Psychology
• Advanced Sociology of Sport
• Sport and Health Policy
• Advanced Sport Management
• Sport Media
• Practicum

Careers with Sport Development and Management

Graduates are highly sought after for their ability to improve individuals and environments through physical activity. Common entry-level roles include sport development officers, who are responsible for fostering volunteers, developing coaches, and managing local events across various sporting codes.

Career paths extend into diverse sectors such as national and regional sports organisations, community trusts, and commercial sports entities. Many alumni find success as sport marketers, school sport co-ordinators, or administrators within government ministries and local councils focused on wellness and recreation.

The programme also prepares students for roles in professional sport management and policy-making. By developing personable skills and a deep understanding of the industry, graduates are equipped for lifelong careers in sport administration, coaching leadership, and social integration projects.