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The Diploma in Sport and Recreation Management prepares students for careers in sport and event tourism, parks and recreation programming, facility management, athletic administration, and related fields.

Through coursework in sport and event tourism, sport marketing, health and wellness promotion, sport and exercise psychology, leadership, parks and recreation, and facility management, students develop the skills needed to succeed in sport management, parks and recreation administration, and health promotion. Students also gain valuable hands-on experience through a 150-hour industry internship.

Graduates are equipped to support the planning and delivery of recreation programs and sporting events, oversee scheduling and operations, and work collaboratively with senior sport and recreation management teams.

  • September 2026

    Prince of Wales Campus

    Program Length

    2 Years

    Credential

    Diploma, Sport and Recreation Management

    Canadian Tuition

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    International Tuition

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    Canadian Applicants

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    International Applicants with a Valid Study Permit

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    Other International Applicants

    Waiting list

  • Admissions Requirements

    • Grade 12 or equivalent with credits at or above general level
    • Résumé of work and volunteer experience

     

    Notes:

    • Criminal Record and Vulnerable Sector Check
      Before participating in internship portions of the program, individual internship sites may require a criminal record check and a vulnerable sector check. If the check indicates that a record exists, the student may not be able to complete portions of their program that are required for graduation. Any associated costs are the responsibility of the student.
    • Don’t have the courses you need to get into this program? Upgrade, earn high school credits, or get your high school equivalency credential through Adult Education. It’s free!
    • If your first language is not English, please review our English Language Requirements.
    • This program accepts Mature Student applications.
  • Degree Pathways

    This program has degree pathways, giving you the opportunity to receive credit for your Holland College diploma when you continue your education. For a complete list of agreements, visit the Degree Pathways page.

    Partner Institution Credential Details of Agreement
    Griffith Bachelor of Business (Sport Management) Graduates may complete a Bachelor of Business degree with any major in one and half years.
    University of New Brunswick - Fredericton Bachelor of Recreation and Sport Studies Graduates receive up to 60 credits toward a Bachelor of Recreation and Sport Studies in Kinesiology.
    University of Fredericton Bachelor of Business Administration Holland College Graduates with a minimum 60% average are granted up to 57 credits towards the completion of a Bachelor of Business Administration degree. 
    Acadia University Bachelor of Community Development Holland College graduates with a minimum average of 60% receive up to 60 credits toward a Bachelor of Community Development at Acadia University.
    Mount Saint Vincent University Bachelor of Tourism and Hospitality Graduates receive up to two years of credit toward a Bachelor of Tourism and Hospitality degree.
    University of New Brunswick - Saint John Bachelor of Applied Management Graduates with a 70% average receive two years of credit toward a Bachelor of Applied Management degree.
    University of Prince Edward Island Bachelor of Business in Tourism & Hospitality Graduates with a 70% average receive up to 60 credit hours toward a Bachelor of Business in Tourism & Hospitality.
    University of Prince Edward Island Bachelor of Arts Graduates with a 70% average receive up to 60 credit hours toward a Bachelor of Arts degree.
  • Program courses

    Course Code

    Course Name & Description

    Credit Values


    Course Code:SAFE-1005

    PEI Occupational Health and Safety

    An overview of the Occupational Health and Safety Act of Prince Edward Island. Students examine the legislation, how PEI employees are protected while on the job and the responsibilities of employees and employers.

    Credit Value:0


    Course Code:BUSI-1143

    Managing Human Resources

    Successful completion of this course will equip students with a foundation of basic leadership skills. A special focus is placed on skills which relate to communication, teamwork, management functions, styles of leadership, motivation, staffing, training, delegating, and performance assessments.

    Credit Value:3


    Course Code:CDEV-2260

    Sustainable Community Development

    Community development represents a type of service approach that is highly dependent on citizen participation. Community development aims to empower both individuals and local communities through involvement, education, skill development, and proposed changes in existing conditions. In this course, students develop essential practitioner skills such as research and planning, education, group development, facilitation and advocacy.

    Credit Value:3


    Course Code:COMM-1010

    Written Communications

    Review and practice English grammar. Develop the ability to convey thoughts clearly and concisely, building professional written communications skills for a variety of workplace settings.

    Credit Value:3


    Course Code:COMP-1000

    Computer Essentials

    Students learn productivity software and explore digital environments with practical applications for various workplaces and educational institutions. The main areas of focus include word processing, spreadsheets, presentation software, email and other electronic communication tools, various digital environments, and industry-specific applications.

    Credit Value:3


    Course Code:KINE-1118

    Introduction to Sport and Exercise Psychology

    Developing a greater understanding of human behavior within the sport and exercise setting is an important asset for professionals working in related fields such as fitness instructing, athletic training, sport administration, coaching and recreation planning. The study of psychology examines influences on human behavior in relation to personality and social environments. In particular to sport and exercise, this course covers theories of motivation, the impact of stress on performance, the psychological benefits of exercise, strategies for promoting exercise adherence, and the role of mental skills for performance and well-being.

    Credit Value:3


    Course Code:MKTG-1000

    Marketing

    Learn the fundamentals of marketing and the major environmental factors influencing today's marketing environment. Discover how individual consumers, industrial and organizational buyers reach their purchase decisions. Develop an understanding of target marketing and examine the elements of the marketing mix.

    Credit Value:3


    Course Code:MKTG-2241

    Public and Media Relations

    Students explore public relations theory and practice including how public relations operate in organizations, its impact on the public, and its function in society. Professional development of the field; concepts, issues, and principles in the practice; and models and theories guiding the practice are also explored. Students apply course materials to public relations program planning and management by working on a variety of public relations projects.

    Credit Value:3


    Course Code:MKTG-2244

    Marketing for Sport and Recreation

    Recreation and leisure services compete with limited resources. The more creative a recreation marketer is, the more successful their services may be. This course places focus on the promotion of sport and recreation products, services, and events. Students can expect to develop a marketing plan while examining topics such as marketing intelligence, the target market, and issues related to the development of a marketing mix.

    Credit Value:3


    Course Code:NCPR-1001

    Standard First Aid and CPR/AED Level C

    A comprehensive two-day course offering standard first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) skills from a certified trainer. As required by regulation, this course covers CPR and the management of other breathing, airway and circulation emergencies, as well as, the control of bleeding, treating shock, stabilizing fractures and dislocations, head and spine injuries, and more. Also, includes automated external defibrilators (AED). This certification expires in 3 years.

    Credit Value:0


    Course Code:NCPR-1015

    Professional Internship Preparation

    Internship is the cooperative educational component of the program in which students are required to complete a work term in the industry. Prior to beginning an internship placement, there are a number of activites and requirements that should be addressed in order to prepare both students and host sites. This course is intended to explore those activities, ensuring a smooth and positive experience for all parties involved in this mutually beneficial activity.

    Credit Value:0


    Course Code:NCPR-1120

    Aboriginal Coaching Certificate

    This NCCP coaching certification contains a national curriculum with content that reflects the uniqueness of Aboriginal culture, values, and lifestyles. The training includes three modules 1. a holistic approach to coaching 2. dealing with racism in sport and 3. individual and community health and wellness.

    Credit Value:0


    Course Code:NCPR-2020

    Professional Internship

    Internship is the cooperative educational component of the program in which students are required to complete a work term in the industry. This internship placement provides students with the opportunity to put into practice what they have learned, to acquire new skills, and to gain first hand experiences in the industry. Internship is a cooperative relationship between the industry placement, the student, and the program where all parties derive benefits.

    Credit Value:0


    Course Code:RECR-1052

    Sport, Recreation, and the Law

    Examine legal concepts and principles that exist within the sport and recreation industry. Students will examine aspects of negligence, liability, risk management, as well an introduction to criminal law, civil litigation, contracts, and policies. Discover contemporary and emerging issues within the fields of recreation and sport.

    Credit Value:3


    Course Code:RECR-1110

    Foundations of Recreation, Physical Activity and Outdoor Leadership

    As future professionals in this dynamic field, familiarity with the concepts, philosophical underpinnings, history, and the societal context of leisure, recreation and sport is key. In this course, students examine the role of public, private, and volunteer sectors in the delivery of leisure services. An understanding of the benefits of physical activity and sport are important aspects of this course.

    Credit Value:3


    Course Code:RECR-1114

    Sport and Recreation Program Design

    A key component within the leisure industry is the design and implementation of relevant programs in various settings. In this course, students examine the program development cycle and illustrate its application Further, students explore the phenomena of leisure, how humans engage and experience leisure, and how to facilitate an individual's experience of leisure.

    Credit Value:3


    Course Code:RECR-1121

    Introduction to Sport and Recreation Programming

    Explore how individuals experience leisure and examine the necessary steps to plan and create quality leisure experiences. Review leadership styles, strategies for managing participant behaviour, and explore different types of recreation activities. Learn the key elements of risk management to create safe sport and recreation activities. Examine activity development differences for various stages in the life cylce and plan activities based on various needs.

    Credit Value:3


    Course Code:RECR-1144

    Sport Administration

    Sport administration requires excellent administration and management skills, as well as specific attention to issues that are unique to sport. In this course, students develop familiarity with the structure of the international and national sport community as well as strong comprehension of the provincial sport system. Trends, and the role of sport in modern society, are reviewed, as well as the competitive path to achievement in sport.

    Credit Value:3


    Course Code:RECR-1149

    Leadership

    With focus placed on recreation, sport, and community, this course is designed to help students reflect on leadership theories and skills both personally and when working with others. Personal management skills and perspectives for enhancing communication, proactive thinking, and conflict resolution are explored, with particular attention given to leadership as it relates to group dynamics.

    Credit Value:3


    Course Code:RECR-2240

    Adapted Recreation Programming

    This course introduces the fundamentals of recreation and sport service/provision for persons with a disability. Course activities include topics such as assessment, individualized programming, and coordination of related resources/services to provide optimal experiences for youth and adults with a disability.

    Credit Value:3


    Course Code:RECR-2243

    Sport Facility Management

    Gain an understanding of the requirements for managing a sport and fitness facility. Learn organization structure, staffing, daily operations, facility planning and facility design.

    Credit Value:3


    Course Code:RECR-2253

    Sport and Event Tourism

    Examine the impacts of sport and special event tourism on the economy and on society. Discover the components required for creating an event and learn how to develop an event from conception to delivery.

    Credit Value:3


    Course Code:RECR-2260

    Health and Wellness Promotion

    This course will focus on the role of the fitness and recreation professional in facilitating personal health, health with others, and health in communities. Students will explore the holistic nature of health, thoughts around behaviour change, and stress. Additionally, students will become familiar with planning and organizing a wellness program based on developmental needs.

    Credit Value:3


    Course Code:RECR-2390

    Management of Parks and Recreation Agencies

    Learn the adminstrative tasks associated with public recreation services such as contracting services, finances, budgeting, working with elected officals and committees, legal authority and jurisdiction, fund development, feasability studies, and master planning. Students will learn about growth and change in the park and recreation industry as well as the issues and challenges faced by managers in the public sector.

    Credit Value:3


    Course Code:SOCY-2000

    Sociology of Sport

    Explore sport, physical activity and recreation from a sociological perspective. Develop critical thinking skills while considering the social, cultural, political and economic structures of sport in contemporary society. Explore topics such as sociological theories of sport, social inequalitites, sport deviance, sport in the media, human behaviour, sport for development and future perspectives on sport in society.

    Credit Value:3



Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will be able to:

  • Demonstrate an understanding of the various facets of managing and organizing sports and recreation departments, programs, and events.
  • Contribute to the development of sustainable and responsible sport and recreation programs, events, and services using current and relevant principles and practices of business, finance, and social entrepreneurship.
  • Support the analysis, development, and implementation of strategies to reach diverse individuals, groups, and communities for programs, events, services, and facilities using current communication technologies.
  • Support the application of community development strategies to engage citizens and community partners.
  • Demonstrate the ability to apply knowledge and skills to practical applications.
  • Use critical thinking and problem-solving skills to analyze problems and develop evidence-based solutions.
  • Demonstrate professionalism, communication, teamwork, and leadership skills.
  • Support the development of staff and volunteers involved with programs, events, and services.
  • Identify safety and accessibility practices needed to efficiently operate and administer sport and recreation facilities and settings.
  • Apply administrative and customer service skills to support the delivery of sports and recreation programs, events, and services.

 

  • Event manager
  • Sport Marketing and Communications Coordinator
  • Sport/Fitness Centre Manager
  • Outdoor activities/education manager
  • Sports administrator/coordinator
  • Municipal recreation

Related Programs

Kinesiology

A diploma in Kinesiology prepares you for a variety of career opportunities focused on healthcare, education, physical fitness or sports.