Bachelor of Science Leisure Studies

During the study Bachelor of Science Leisure Studies you can expect, among others, the following courses.

Project Mixed Methods

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 Measurement & Design

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 and Making Places

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.

Overview per year

Year 1- Introduction to the core disciplines of the leisure field

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

Year 2 - Deepening your knowledge & training your analytical skills

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.

Year 3 - Expanding and integrating your knowledge

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:

• considering leisure preferences, activities, networks and impacts from all angles. These leisure practices involve complex collaboration processes, for instance in the development of urban space and city culture;
• considering leisure activities across different cultures; studying fundamental philosophical questions about the relevance of leisure and the ethical questions it raises;
• investigating the contribution leisure can make to the development of urban space and city culture;
• In the last semester, you will write a thesis, in which you will investigate a complex leisure issue. Topics for the bachelor's thesis can be connected to current research being conducted by members of staff.

Open second and third year curriculum in a .pdf

Generally, the differences between ‘academic’ and ‘professional’ programmes are as follows: 

• Content (the academic programme has more research and uses more advanced theories/models, teaching you to see leisure in a broader, societal perspective);
• Analytical perspective (the academic programme trains for roles at a more strategic level, professional programmes are focused more on operational roles);
• Assignment and work styles (the academic programme features a large variety of assignment styles - writing papers and research reports, presentations, discussions, etc. - and more individual work than the mostly project-group-based professional programme);
• Graduation perspectives (the professional programmes educate you for work in a specific sector, whereas an academic diploma affords more flexibility, training you in skills that you can also apply in other sectors and roles);
• They are similar in atmosphere and attitude

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.