![Times Square in de avond](https://www.buas.nl/sites/default/files/styles/header_slider_wide_desktop/public/MSc-Leisure-Tourism2_hoofdbeeld2300_1600x450.jpg?h=56897dfe&itok=lJlqjtgs) # Master of Science Leisure and Tourism Studies #### 1-year academic master’s programme | English-taught Master 1 year Full-time English Start 1 September 2026 - [Apply to BUas](https://www.buas.nl/en/programmes/master-science-leisure-and-tourism-studies/application-procedure) **People have more and more leisure pursuits to choose from. As our leisure time is becoming increasingly complex, we need graduates who understand what is going on in the leisure and tourism industry. Do you want to explore what is happening in the sector?** In this academic master's programme, you will learn to look at leisure and tourism from different scientific disciplines. It focuses on the research themes of Experience & Storytelling and Placemaking & Events. Do you have a (academic) bachelor's degree or a pre-master's degree? Then the Master of Science Leisure and Tourism Studies might be the perfect programme for you! 1. #### No. 1 in the Netherlands GRAS / Shanghai ranking 2. #### No. 76-100 Worldwide GRAS / Shanghai ranking 3. #### No. 22 Worldwide QS World University Ranking Story: MSc Leisure & Tourism Studies ### BUas Stories Click, swipe and explore this programme. [](https://stories.buas.nl/JHhfYLZ?embed=1) # Come and meet us Walking around on campus is the best way to truly experience BUas. Sign up for one of the upcoming events or activities. [ ## Campus Tour Plan your visit ](https://www.buas.nl/en/international-students/meet-us/campus-tour) [See all events ](https://www.buas.nl/en/international-students/meet-us) ## What will you learn in this programme? ![Mensen lopen door een drukke winkelstraat](https://www.buas.nl/sites/default/files/styles/header_slider_default/public/2024-09/Slider%201%20MSLTS.jpg?h=0915ff39&itok=gtHmdCBu) ### Leisure, Creativity & Space Investigate the diversity of leisure venues and spaces. ![Een vrouw krijgt een muts op haar hoofd voor een hersenscan](https://www.buas.nl/sites/default/files/styles/header_slider_default/public/2024-09/Slider%202%20MSLTS.jpg?h=a92f03cd&itok=6-aj2aTB) ### Experience LAB Learn more about research techniques, together with our lecturers and researchers. ![Terrassen aan het water in Rotterdam](https://www.buas.nl/sites/default/files/styles/header_slider_default/public/2024-09/Slider%203%20MSLTS.jpg?h=0d27ee61&itok=d9I5WvQQ) ### Understanding Leisure and Tourism Attractions and Events Learn more about the industry, including the latest trends and developments. ![Schoolgebouw van Tilburg University](https://www.buas.nl/sites/default/files/styles/header_slider_default/public/2025-06/Tilburg%20University.jpg?h=6289a28f&itok=mUwbkcxH) ### Study in Tilburg During your studies, you will also take courses at Tilburg University. ![Student en docent zijn in gesprek](https://www.buas.nl/sites/default/files/styles/header_slider_default/public/2025-06/Student%20en%20docent%20praten.jpg?h=f04cc2e8&itok=FfkFSUZY) ### Small scale Accessible lecturers ensure personal attention. ![Gekleurde oude pakhuizen aan een gracht](https://www.buas.nl/sites/default/files/styles/header_slider_default/public/2025-06/Huizen%20aan%20een%20gracht.jpg?h=eb3b8e3d&itok=ja6vdFap) ### Industry Gain insights from guest speakers and visit relevant cities or regions. [ ![Screenshot uit quiz](https://www.buas.nl/sites/default/files/styles/max_650x650/public/2026-01/Masters%20Tourism_Quiz%20Interactives_900x1200pixels_DEF_ENG.png?h=309e12e8&itok=9deI1LOh) ](https://stories.buas.nl/KD2dd4e?embed=1) ## Would you like to deepen your knowledge of tourism? Discover if a master in Tourism is right for you with our quiz. - It only takes 3 minutes - Your result in seconds - Learn more about our Tourism master's programmes. [Start the quiz ](https://stories.buas.nl/KD2dd4e?embed=1) ## Study overview - [Course content](#tab-course-content) - [Study load and coaching](#tab-study-load-and-coaching) - [Teaching method](#tab-teaching-method) - [Guest lectures, field trips and company visits ](#tab-guest-lectures-field-trips-and-company-visits-) Our leisure time is a vital resource that can be used for creative and physical activity, building relationships, forging identities and developing skills. The experiences that fill our leisure time are provided by an industry which accounts for 6% of the workforce in the Netherlands. The phenomena of Leisure and Tourism are increasing in complexity and require an integrated and multidisciplinary approach. Courses of this academic master’s programme build on knowledge and expertise from various fields such as sociology, psychology, economics, (leisure) management, and geography. **Research themes** You will work on two important research themes: Experiences & Wellbeing and Placemaking & Events. The programme is divided into two phases. In the first phase you will take courses like Understanding Leisure and Tourism Attractions and Events, Leisure, Creativity and Space, and Experience Marketing in Leisure and Tourism. In the second phase you will work on your graduation. You will prepare for this in seminars together with other students, after which you will write your individual master's thesis. **Programme content** The programme consists of two phases. The aim of the first phase is to provide context in the form of master’s courses. In the second phase you will work on providing your own content to the field in the form of your master’s thesis. A complete overview of the curriculum, course content and learning objectives can be found in the [study guide](https://www.buas.nl/documents/study_guide_msc_leisure_tourism). The programme covers 12 months and is made up of two main phases: Phase 1 - Master's courses on leisure in a network societyAll five master’s courses in this first phase will have a dynamic set-up in the sense that they are positioned within the context of leisure in a network society. The master’s courses centre on the two main current research programmes in leisure and tourism: Experiences & Wellbeing and Placemaking & Events. **Leisure, Creativity and Space** This master’s course discusses recent insights into the processes of globalisation, mediafication and commercialisation and their impact on the changing role of leisure in the design of public and private places and spaces. **Understanding Leisure and Tourism Attractions and Events** Recent insights and research in the field of change management, innovation, networks, co-creation, attractions, theme parks, and ‘eventful cities’ are the key ingredients of this master’s course. **Organizing Strategy and Entrepreneurship** (at Tilburg University, with reservations)Central in this course is the idea that our world is evolving in a rapid pace and that we are in direct need of a ‘transformative change’ of our society and the role of organizations. In this course the focus is on organisation strategies by taking a ‘systematic approach’ and ‘serious gaming’ as strategic instrument. **Experience Marketing in Leisure and Tourism** As marketing is a key instrument in the leisure and tourism industry, the master’s course in Experience Marketing will immerse you into the field of marketing and market research, zeroing in on the leisure and tourism industry and the experience economy. The pros and cons of various research techniques is one of the topics addressed in this course. **Analysing Leisure Interactions** You are introduced to the field of practice theories and core concepts of leisure and tourism studies. You will work in groups to study issues related to authenticity, new media or happiness. Phase 2 - Master's thesisTo ensure a smooth progression from the course and content phase (phase 1) to the thesis phase (phase 2) you will first attend the Seminar Leisure Studies to select and elaborate a thesis topic. A structured process leads to the finalisation of your individual thesis proposal. This proposal culminates in a research thesis on a theme which has academic and societal relevance. [To video presentation](https://buas.webinargeek.com/on-demand-webinar-master-of-science-leisure-and-tourism-studies) The Master of Science Leisure and Tourism Studies is a one-year, full-time programme. The total study load is 60 ECTS credits, including the final project. To give you an idea: 1 ECTS credit = approximately 28 hours of study a week. The master's programme consists of two semesters. In the first semester, you will spend a lot of time at BUas. In the second semester, you will work independently on your research proposal and thesis. This can also be done from abroad, in consultation with your graduation supervisor and the coordinator of the programme. Semester 1In the first semester, you will spend about three to four days on the BUas campus and until the autumn break you will also attend lectures at Tilburg University. Example of what a week may look like (the schedule may vary from week to week): **Monday** - 13.00 – 15.00 hrs Lecture: Organizing Strategy and Entrepreneurship (Tilburg University) **Tuesday** - 09.00 – 11.00 hrs Lecture: Experience Marketing in Leisure and Tourism (BUas) - 13.00 – 15.00 hrs Lecture: Understanding Leisure and Tourism Attractions & Events (BUas) **Wednesday** - 10.00 – 12.00 hrs Group project: Organizing Strategy and Entrepreneurship (Tilburg University) - 14.00 – 16.00 hrs Lecture: Leisure, Creativity and Space (Buas) **Thursday** - 09.00 – 11.00 hrs Seminar on the individual assignment for Understanding Leisure and Tourism Attractions & Events (BUas) - 12.00 – 17.00 hrs Independent study **Friday** - 10.00 – 12.00 hrs Presentation on graduation topics (BUas) - 13.00 – 15.00 hrs Group project: Experience Marketing in Leisure and Tourism (BUas) Semester 2In the second semester, you will work on your research proposal and thesis. To this end, you will take part in several meetings of the Placemaking & Events or the Experiences & Storytelling research group. During these meetings, you will discuss the progress of your research proposal and thesis with your graduation supervisor and other lecturers/researchers. In addition, you will receive individual supervision. **Study coaching** You are expected to take charge of your own development during your studies – and the programme is designed to support this. For example, you will have the opportunity to choose elective courses. In this process, you will be guided by a study coach. Moreover, in project work, you will always receive a clear briefing and expert supervision to help you achieve the desired results. **Student well-being** BUas encourages and helps you to make the most of yourself, whatever your circumstances. Maybe you have a chronic illness, are a family carer, a competitive athlete, or juggle your studies with running your own business? Our study coaches, student counsellors and student psychologists are here to help. Do you need extra support or advice? Or extra facilities? Then take a look [at the options here](https://www.buas.nl/en/international-students/study-at-buas). In the Master of Science Leisure & Tourism Studies, you will attend lectures on experiences, placemaking, events, destinations, leisure behaviour and many other interesting topics. You will also work on individual assignments in the form of papers or presentations focusing on a specific theme. Group projects involve conducting research for real clients. There are some written, oral and open-book examinations. You will graduate individually by writing a research proposal and developing it into a scientific thesis. The programme is small-scale, with plenty of room for personal attention. During the master's programme, you will attend several guest lectures. You will also visit a city or other location related to the Leisure, Creativity and Space course. Think, for example, of the Spoorzone in Tilburg or the Westergasfabriek in Amsterdam. The location is different every year. In addition, you can join the field trip, which is organised every year by the Leisure Studies study society. ## What makes this study programme unique? ![Een vrouw krijgt een muts op voor hersenonderzoek](https://www.buas.nl/sites/default/files/styles/19_7_card_xl/public/2024-08/2021-%20RESEARCH%20-%20Experience%20lab%201%20-%20JM_0.jpg?h=32f1f66d&itok=eh2FzzKb) ### Research During the master's programme, you will join a research group of talented scientists and researchers (Experiences & Storytelling or Placemaking & Events). There are many contacts with industry and research agencies. These contacts can help you collect data and conduct research. ![Het gebouw en de vlag van Tilburg University ](https://www.buas.nl/sites/default/files/styles/19_7_card_xl/public/2024-08/highlight%202%20MSc%20Leisure%20Studies%20Tilburg%20University%20%281%29_0.jpg?h=6e344063&itok=nZOzNFzf) ### Study in Tilburg Besides studying at the Breda campus, during the first semester you will also regularly visit Tilburg University's beautiful campus. So, in addition to the small-scale location in Breda, you will also get a taste of studying at a research university. ![Een vrouw werkt op een laptop op een terras](https://www.buas.nl/sites/default/files/styles/19_7_card_xl/public/2024-08/Highlight%203%20MSc%20Leisure%20%26%20Tourism%20Studies_0.jpg?h=3cd06fc8&itok=DPaf6cTz) ### International There are no lectures in the second semester. This gives you the opportunity to conduct research for your thesis abroad and write it there. You can attend the research group meetings online and you will be in close (online) contact with your thesis supervisor. In short, you have the flexibility to choose the location where you work on your thesis. ## Admission & application [What are the admission requirements? ](#accordion-what-are-the-admission-requirements-) If you have successfully completed one of the **academic bachelor programmes or pre-master programmes at BUas**, you have direct access to this master programme. If you have successfully completed an academic bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in any of the **social sciences**, your eligibility for admission will be assessed on an individual basis. [Information about admission requirements](https://www.buas.nl/en/programmes/master-science-leisure-and-tourism-studies/admission-requirements) [What does this study programme cost?](#accordion-what-does-this-study-programme-cost) In the academic year 2026-2027 the tuition fee for master's programmes is €2,694.In addition, you should take extra costs for software, excursions, etc. into account. [Information about study costs](https://www.buas.nl/en/programmes/master-science-leisure-and-tourism-studies/study-costs) [How can I apply? ](#accordion-how-can-i-apply-) If you meet the [admission requirements](https://www.buas.nl/en/programmes/master-science-leisure-and-tourism-studies/admission-requirements), you can apply for this study programme. Application is open until 15 August, but we strongly recommend applying before 1 July to avoid delays due to the summer holidays. [More information about applying](https://www.buas.nl/en/programmes/master-science-leisure-and-tourism-studies/application-procedure) ## What others say about Leisure & Tourism Studies [leisure-events.buas.nl ](https://leisure-events.buas.nl/) ![](https://www.buas.nl/sites/default/files/styles/card_testimonial_avatar/public/Colin.jpg?h=d2488755&itok=ItMfGtPf) ### A unique insight into visitor experience I have completed both the pre-master and the master Leisure and Tourism Studies. The first one is a very intensive year, in which your knowledge and skills are raised to a higher level.&… Read more nbsp; In my master I learned a lot about the meaning of leisure to the individual person, businesses and society as a whole. It offers you many opportunities to pursue your passions and to take control of your own development. I, for instance, had the opportunity to work with state-of-the-art technology to give a museum a unique insight into its visitor experience. Colin Graduate | Consultant at PW Consulting ![Portretfoto van Sumintra](https://www.buas.nl/sites/default/files/styles/card_testimonial_avatar/public/Sumintra.jpg?h=868de7f6&itok=MuyIOxR8) ### My knowledge and experience are very diverse After having studied Leisure & Events Management and following the pre-master, I completed the Master of Science Leisure and Tourism Studies. I learned about the different meanings of leisure in a changing society,… Read more and about the relationship between leisure and policy making. Thanks to BUas, my knowledge and experience are very diverse and broad. This really helps me in my professional career at the municipality of Eindhoven. I found out that municipalities in particular have a need for graduates with a multidisciplinary background. Sumintra Graduate | Account manager at the municipality of Eindhoven ![Portretfoto van Bertine Bargeman](https://www.buas.nl/sites/default/files/styles/card_testimonial_avatar/public/2023-11/Bertine-Bargeman_MScLTS.jpg?h=038a9462&itok=Yp0KFvbD) ### Making students enthusiastic The best thing about teaching is that I can make students enthusiastic about topics such as leisure behaviours and holiday choices. One of the subjects I teach is Analysing Leisure Interactions. It is a fairly theoretical module, … Read more and I think it's great to see how students get to work with the theory and use it to better understand interesting and funny leisure or tourism activities. Bertine Bargeman Lecturer Master of Science Leisure and Tourism Studies [Read more about experiences from students and alumni](https://leisure-events.buas.nl/ "More experiences from students and alumni") ![](https://www.buas.nl/sites/default/files/styles/max_650x650/public/Singapore.jpg?itok=WDUXCRC8) ### What can you do after your studies? Completion of the Master of Science Leisure and Tourism Studies will offer you a range of career opportunities in leisure and tourism management, policy, research and education. After your graduation you are entitled to the degree of Master of Science. [More information about options after your studies](https://www.buas.nl/en/programmes/master-science-leisure-and-tourism-studies/after-your-master "After your studies") ### Discover the campus Would you like to see our campus? Have a virtual look and discover the building where you’ll be studying and what more the campus has to offer. [ Have a look at the video ](https://stories.buas.nl/jEr1K9U) ![](https://www.buas.nl/sites/default/files/styles/19_7_card_xl/public/Opleidingen%20-%20Academic%20Bachelor%20of%20Leisure%20Studies%20-%20louvre.jpg?itok=1T9J6daT) ## Get inspired! Read more about projects, research and insights in the leisure industry. [ To leisure-events.buas.nl ](https://leisure-events.buas.nl?utm_source=buas&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=outbound_link_buas) ![Twee studenten kijken samen op een laptop](https://www.buas.nl/sites/default/files/styles/19_7_card_xl/public/2024-07/2022%20-%20Cover%20Masters%20-%20PVR%20-website.jpg?h=671a8648&itok=xkF2v8a2) ### Help with choosing your study programme Do you want to continue after your bachelor's or further develop your professional skills and are you looking for a master's? Discover, compare and choose your master's programme at BUas. [ Discover our master's programmes ](https://www.buas.nl/en/study-in-the-netherlands/masters) ## Also see - [Year schedule](https://www.buas.nl/en/year-schedule) - [Why study at BUas? ](https://www.buas.nl/en/international-students/study-at-buas) - [Educational vision](https://www.buas.nl/en/why-buas/educational-vision) - [Location](https://www.buas.nl/en/about-us/campus/frontier-building) - [National and international rankings](https://www.buas.nl/en/why-buas/ranking) - [Download our brochure](https://www.buas.nl/en/international-students/meet-us/download-or-order-brochure) [More info? Assistance in choosing a study programme ](https://www.buas.nl/en/international-students) window.unibuddySettings = { uni_id: 'breda-university-of-applied-sciences', colour: '00406B', filterKey: 'degreeId', filterValue: '5fa9332bb85072054da8ca90', domain: 'https://popcard.unibuddy.co/', title: 'Unibuddy Popcard', align: 'right', ubLang: 'en-GB', ubCookieConsent: 'necessary', };