
Bachelor of Science Leisure Studies
3-year academic bachelor’s programme | English-taught
Do you want to know if this Bachelor of Science Leisure Studies in Breda is the right choice for you?
Within five minutes you will find out if this BSc programme is the right fit for you!
This multidisciplinary academic study programme offers you courses on the importance of sports, culture and music events, on innovation, sustainability and well-being, and you will learn how policy and strategy regulate the leisure sector. Together with other students, you will work on assignments for real industry clients, you will learn about research methods and techniques, and you will attend theoretical and practical seminars.
Most of the lecturers of this BSc leisure programme hold, or are working on, a PhD and conduct substantial research. To be more effective, efficient, creative and decisive, Breda University of Applied Sciences, Tilburg University and several other institutes have decided to join forces in leisure research by means of a Centre of Expertise in Leisure, Tourism & Hospitality (CELTH).
During the study Bachelor of Science Leisure Studies you can expect, among others, the following courses.
In this course, you work in groups on a research project that utilises a mix of research methods. This mix includes both qualitative techniques (interviews, participant observation) and quantitative techniques (surveys, statistics). For this research, you will write a short report, create a poster, and undergo an oral examinationa. An example of a research project conducted in this course is studying the social impact of the Dutch Grand Prix in Zandvoort on the local environment.
Experience is one of the key concepts in the realm of leisure. In this course, you will learn not only about the role of experience in the economy and society but also within individuals' lives. You will also learn what constitutes an experience and how to design leisure products to achieve the desired experience. Additionally, you will explore how to measure experiences during leisure activities using some of the latest research techniques, such as heart rate, skin conductance, and brain activity.
Leisure utilises spaces primarily for consumption but also contributes to the creation of places that significantly enhance the quality of the spatial environment. Therefore, leisure is considered an important pillar within placemaking. In this course, you will study placemaking from various theoretical perspectives. You will also visit several placemaking initiatives in the Netherlands and the surrounding area to firsthand experience how theory comes to life.
In the first year, you will get a solid introduction to different sectors of business and social science, as well as research methods, underscoring the varied nature of the leisure field. Some courses will focus on the consumer perspective or social science approaches, whereas in other courses the business side is more prominent. You will learn to apply your knowledge in several practical cases.
Open first year curriculum in a .pdf
In the second year, you will strengthen your knowledge on what kinds of activities people choose in their leisure time, and how companies can organise those activities and profit from them. In addition to theoretical lectures, practical seminars, debates and case studies, you will work on several projects for commissioners from the leisure field. In these projects, you will apply the research techniques and theoretical insights learnt in the various courses.
In the first half of this year (semester 5), you can opt for a work placement or a minor. For the minor, you put together your own set of subjects at another university in the Netherlands. It is also possible for you to attend the minor at one of our partner universities abroad. In the sixth and final semester, you will apply everything you have learned by:
Open second and third year curriculum in a .pdf
Generally, the differences between ‘academic’ and ‘professional’ programmes are as follows:
The average study load for this programme amounts to approximately 40 hours a week, during 42 weeks. How many hours a week you actually spend on studying differs per week and depends greatly on the type of person you are. The last weeks of a term and the exam weeks are relatively busy.
To be admitted to this degree programme, you need a vwo diploma with an appropriate profile, or an equivalent of these Dutch diplomas. Check out the complete admission requirements and the possibilities if you do not meet the requirements
If you meet the admission requirements, you are invited to apply for this programme. Please check out the application procedure
In the academic year 2024-2025 the statutory tuition fee for bachelor's programmes is €2,530. In addition to the tuition fee, you will need to take into account additional costs for participation in the introduction week and the purchase of study materials such as textbooks and excursions. Read more about study costs.
The study programme teaches you about the backgrounds of leisure pursuits. The difference between professional and academic education is that the latter has a distinct research focus, whereas professional degree programmes are more about the practical aspects. I like to research why something happens; I am not so much interested in the organisational aspects of the leisure profession. After my studies I would like to go back to Aruba with the knowledge and experience leisure activities there.
After my studies I want a role in which I can improve the well-being of people, for example of lonely young people or refugees. If there is a place where you really feel at home, then the choice is actually quite easy. Make sure to come to our campus and talk to students! If that all feels right, you will know you are in the right place!
Want to know what orientation options there are? Follow Your Road to BUas
Janneke
Student
Have a virtual look and discover the Ocean building where you’ll be studying and what more the campus has to offer.
Read student stories about study trips, work placements and projects at inspiring organisations in the Leisure & Events industry.
What is the difference between an academic and a professional degree programme?
After graduation you approach the leisure industry from both a social and a business point of view. Career examples are: strategic manager in a theme park, policy officer in the field of culture, consultant or researcher in the field of tourism and events.
Like to more? After your bachelor.
(Left: Linda now works as a data analyst at Transavia)