Sports Business

Entry requirements

Admission to the programme shall be subject to the approval of the Senate.

Every applicant shall

• be a graduate; and
• have attained a satisfactory standard of academic performance; or
• have submitted evidence satisfactory to the Senate of previous training and experience appropriate to the planned programme of study.

If your first language is not English you need to meet our English language requirements as follows: IELTS score of 6.5 in the academic module (with no individual band below 6.0); we also accept a number of other English language tests. Due to COVID-19, we currently accept Duolingo English Test (DET), IELTS Indicator Test, and TOEFL iBT Special home Edition.

Don’t meet the English language requirements? The University of Otago Language Centre English for Otago programme offers a pathway for Undergraduate and Postgraduate students to meet the English language requirements for undergraduate and postgraduate study.

Months of entry

February, July

Course content

The Diploma for Graduates (DipGrad) can be used for many purposes, and in some cases, effectively provides an additional major. It requires you to do at least seven papers, of which at least four are at 300-level or above. The programme is designed for graduates and may be completed by full-time candidates in one year or by part-time candidates over more than one year.

A DipGrad is a great way to retrain or to update existing qualifications. Many students also find it a convenient way to continue learning and that it is a useful bridge to postgraduate study.

In recent years the sports industry in New Zealand and elsewhere, has grown exponentially and become increasingly business-orientated. Its development extends across many sectors of the economy from sports-oriented marketing, law and tourism, and event management to the personal fitness industry and athlete/sport management. There is a growing need for qualified managers for sport, recreation and leisure organisations and businesses - careers available to students who are enthusiastic about sport, and academically qualified in both business and sport-related subjects.

The University of Otago offers courses in the Schools of Business and Physical Education that provide strong business skills, business acumen, and a scholarly and practical understanding of sport, recreation and leisure, for graduates seeking careers in sports-related fields of business.

Papers required

MANT 101 Managing for Performance

Two of:

• MART 207 Sports Marketing
• SPEX 208 Sociology of Sport and Exercise
• SPEX 209 Sport Development and Management
• TOUR 216 Sport Tourism

Four of:

• MANT 452 Negotiation and Conflict Resolution
• MANT 461 Employment Relations
• SPEX 313 Sport and Health Policy
• SPEX 314 Advanced Sport Management
• SPEX 315 Sport Media
• TOUR 304 Event and Conventions Management
• TOUR 305 Tourism Product Development
• TOUR 310 Leisure Dimensions

Note: With permission of the Director, LAWS 442 may be substituted for one of the elective papers.

Information for international students

Otago offers students an unrivalled campus experience and a vibrant, social student culture. The majority of Otago’s 21,000 students live, work and play in Dunedin - New Zealand’s only true university city. Otago is home to over 3,000 students, from over 100 countries.

Fees and funding