Leisure Studies BSc (BUas/Tilburg University)

Program content

In the Bachelor's program Leisure Studies, you will be trained to become an impactful leisure professional and academic. You will learn how to examine the leisure industry from both a societal and business perspective. Through literature research and research reports, you will develop the analytical skills needed to explore leisure-related issues. Additionally, you will gain insight into how you can contribute to the development of urban spaces and city culture as a leisure professional. This program is offered at Breda University of Applied Sciences (BUas). You will study at the BUas campus in Breda, but you will also have lectures at Tilburg University.

• In the first year, you will learn how to do academic research and you will be introduced to the theme of Leisure. You will also take economics, psychology, sociology, marketing, and anthropology courses.
• In the second year, you will conduct qualitative field research, work on statistics and data science and learn more about topics such as leisure & placemaking, storytelling, and ethics.
• In the third year, you have the opportunity to do a minor abroad or at another Dutch university. You can also do an internship. To conclude your Bachelor you will write a thesis.

Typical courses are:

• Project mixed methods 
  Work together in groups on a research project using a mix of research methods. This mix consists of both qualitative (interview, participant observation) and quantitative (questionnaires, statistics) techniques. Research, for example, the social impact of the Dutch Grand Prix in Zandvoort on the local environment.
• Experience measurement & design
  Experience is one of the most important aspects of leisure. In this course, you will learn about the role of experience in the economy and society, and within the lives of individuals. You will also learn how to design leisure products, such as a soccer game, that lead to the desired experience and how to measure those experiences with the latest research techniques.
• Leisure and making places
  As people often spend their leisure time in public spaces, leisure is considered a key aspect of placemaking. Placemaking refers to improving the quality of public spaces and the lives of the people who utilize these spaces. Study placemaking from various perspectives and visit several placemaking initiatives to experience how theory comes to life.

Learn more about the program

Beyond your Bachelor's: Extracurricular Activities

• Join the study association Otium.
• BUas has several clubs and associations where you can participate in sports and games, parties, esports, excursions, and other activities.
• Or join one of the student associations in Breda.

Careers and subsequent Master’s programs

After obtaining your Bachelor’s degree in Leisure Studies, you can choose to do a Master’s program. For example, the Master Leisure & Tourism Studies at BUas or the Master Sociology at Tilburg University. As an expert in the leisure industry, you have many options. You can work as a strategic manager in a theme park, a policy or project manager in the field of culture, a consultant or researcher in the field of tourism and events, or as a consultant in an engineering firm.

Graduates found work at NOC*NSF, the municipality of Breda, and consultancy firm Berenschot.

Admission requirements

The Bachelor's program Leisure Studies is a program of Breda University of Applied Sciences and Tilburg University.

You are eligible for admission with:

• An International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma
• A European Baccalaureate (EB) diploma
• A high school diploma that equals the Dutch vwo diploma (such as Abitur in Germany)
• Hbo diploma or propaedeutic certificate

Next to this, you will be required to demonstrate your knowledge of the English language. The application and admission process goes via Breda University of Applied Science. Visit their website for more information about the admission requirements.

Go to the application procedure