        ![Dansende mensen tijdens een concert](https://www.buas.nl/sites/default/files/styles/header_slider_wide_desktop/public/Pre-MSc-Leisure-Tourism_hoofdbeeld2300_1600x450.jpg?h=56897dfe&itok=vCu1VZmy) # Pre-master Leisure and Tourism Studies

Pre-master

1 year

Full-time

English

Start 1 September 2026

 

 

 

 

 - [Apply to BUas](https://www.buas.nl/en/programmes/pre-master-leisure-and-tourism-studies/application-procedure)
 
 

 

 




 

 

 

 **Would you like to do an academic master’s programme, gaining knowledge of leisure and tourism? After your professional bachelor’s degree in Leisure &amp; Events, Tourism or Hotel, this one-year pre-master’s degree allows you to progress directly to the Master of Science Leisure and Tourism Studies.**

In this pre-master’s, you will not only develop a good theoretical foundation, but also – and above all – work on your research skills. The programme consists of two semesters. In the first semester you will attend subject-specific lectures, learn how to conduct research, and work on a real-life project. In the second semester, you will work on data analysis and conduct research for your thesis.

 

 

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
 





 

 

   

 

 # 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?

 

        ![Een achtbaan](https://www.buas.nl/sites/default/files/styles/header_slider_default/public/2024-08/Slider%201%20bsc%20Leisure.jpg?h=2050bde3&itok=ARYfEd1H) ### Measuring is knowing

Leisure is all about experiences. Discover how these experiences come to be.



 

 



 

        ![Een vrouw loopt langs een muur met graffiti](https://www.buas.nl/sites/default/files/styles/header_slider_default/public/2024-08/Slider%202%20bsc%20Leisure.jpg?h=790be497&itok=dQKcziLO) ### Vibrant places

Contribute ideas on how to make cities attractive to both locals and tourists



 

 



 

        ![Mensen bekijken een dinosaurus-skelet in een museum](https://www.buas.nl/sites/default/files/styles/header_slider_default/public/2024-08/Slider%204%20bsc%20Leisure.jpg?h=84ce2e78&itok=YFseAZw4) ### Constantly seeking innovation 

Brainstorm with us about innovating businesses, products and services in the leisure sector



 

 



 

        ![Student in gesprek met docent](https://www.buas.nl/sites/default/files/styles/header_slider_default/public/2025-06/Slider_item_premaster%20leisure1.jpg?h=31803d42&itok=SNceZXBr) ### Small scale

Lectures are approachable, allowing room for personal attention.



 

 



 

        ![Amsterdamse gracht ](https://www.buas.nl/sites/default/files/styles/header_slider_default/public/2025-06/Slider_item_premaster%20leisure2.jpg?h=3ec75680&itok=U3DKbe8v) ### Discover the world

Go on field trips and excursions at home and abroad.



 

 



 

        ![Studenten aan het brainstormen](https://www.buas.nl/sites/default/files/styles/header_slider_default/public/2025-06/Slider_item_premaster%20leisure3.jpg?h=fab29234&itok=XBqY7HgR) ### Variety in classes 

In addition to lectures, you will also have projects, guest lectures and workshops.



 

 



 

 

 

 



 

### Why this study programme at BUas?

- Work on a solid theoretical foundation and on your research skills
- After completing you will have direct access to the academic master’s programme Master of Science Leisure and Tourism Studies
- After a fast-track bachelor’s programme you could obtain your academic master’s degree in just five years!

 

 

 

 ## Zoom in on the pre-master Leisure and Tourism

 

 

### Why BUas?

 





 

 

 

 [### Follow us on Instagram

To Insta →

 

 

 ](https://www.instagram.com/leisureandevents/) 

### Experiences

 





 

 

 

### Bachelor vs. Master

 





 

 

 

### Projects

 





 

 

 

### Thesis

 





 

 

 

 

 

 ##  Study overview 



- [Course content](#tab-course-content)
- [Teaching method](#tab-teaching-method)
- [Study load and coaching](#tab-study-load-and-coaching)
- [Field trips and excursions](#tab-field-trips-and-excursions)
 
 

In the academic pre-master Leisure and Tourism Studies you will mostly work on a solid theoretical foundation and on your research skills so that you have the best preparation possible for the Master of Science Leisure and Tourism Studies at Breda University of Applied Sciences.

**Course content**  
The programme consists of two semesters. In the first semester you will take several theoretical courses, you will learn how to conduct research and you will work on a real-life project. In the second semester you will again take a number of courses, start with qualitative and quantitative data analysis and conduct research for your final project. A complete overview of the curriculum, course content and learning objectives can be found in the [study guide](	/documents/study_guide_pre-master_leisure_tourism_studies).

Semester 1**Leisure Ethics: Theories, Cases and Tools**   
In this course, we will discuss ethical behaviour in the four key roles the Leisure Studies programme educates for (i.e. researcher, policy developer, strategic planner, designer). We will explore different ethical dilemmas in leisure, e.g. in sports, online leisure, dark leisure and idealistic leisure and events.

**Sociology of Leisure**   
This course focuses on the basic principles of sociology in order to understand the role of leisure in our society, for instance how we learn to become part of our society through sports or volunteering.

**Advanced Qualitative Research Methods**   
In a series of lectures and seminars, students will master more advanced knowledge and skills in qualitative research. Students will learn about different purposes for using qualitative research, such as using qualitative research for developing knowledge, for design purposes, and for social purposes.

**Project Qualitative Field Research**   
In this course, students will set out to conduct a qualitative field research project in groups. In the project, students will learn how to actually do qualitative research, to reflect on interpretive and ethical choices, and to understand how fieldwork variables condition data collection and analysis.

**Storytelling &amp; Cultural Narratives**   
In this course you will learn how stories play a role in in leisure and tourism contexts and how leisure and tourism contexts are designed through storytelling.

Semester 2**Leisure networks**   
This course familiarizes students with various types of leisure providers and their way of working. Special attention will be paid to the dynamics of the stakeholder network and the way how public, commercial, and voluntary leisure providers collaborate.

**Leisure &amp; Placemaking**   
In this course we will discuss the role that leisure, events, and tourism play in the making and shaping of places and destinations.

**Statistics**   
This course provides an introduction into quantitative research methods of basic descriptive and inferential statistical analysis. Also, it provides the necessary mathematical background for understanding the logic behind the different types of analysis.

**Experience Measurement and Design**   
In this course, students learn about theoretical insights on the building blocks of experiences. Tools for designing experiences, such as storytelling, virtual/augmented reality (VR/AR), and digital twins are discussed.

**Survey Research Project**   
In this course, students will set out to conduct a survey-based research project in groups. In the project, students will learn how to actually do survey research and present the results. In addition, students will participate in the module Academic Skills &amp; Coaching.



 

 



During the pre-master's programme, you will receive various classes from lecturers and guest lecturers. You will also attend workshops and seminars, and work individually or with classmates on projects and assignments. Throughout the year, you will take examinations. You will also have statistics labs, where you will learn to work with software.



 

 



The academic pre-master Leisure and Tourism Studies is a one-year, full-time programme. The total study load is 60 ECTS credits. To give you an idea: 1 ECTS credit = approximately 28 hours of study a week.

We offer you a small-scale study environment as the number of students involved in the pre-master's track are limited. For questions on the content of the programme, lecturers can be easily reached. In addition, the pre-master's coordinator is available to help with day-to-day issues. If you wish to discuss personal problems that may be affecting your life as a student, you can turn to the student counsellor.

A typical weekBelow, you will find an example of a typical week. Keep in mind that this schedule may vary each week, and this example serves as an indication.

**Monday**

- 09.00 – 11.00 hrs: Lecture on the influence of cultures on leisure
- 11.00 – 13.00 hrs: Seminar on statistics
- 14.00 – 16.00 hrs: Lecture on the organisation of the leisure sector

**Tuesday**

- 10.00 – 12.00 hrs: Seminar on shopping area vacancy in the city centre
- 14.00 – 16.00 hrs: LAB session on measuring emotions

**Thursday**

- 11.00 – 13.00 hrs: Group discussion on the application of psychology in leisure
- 14.00 – 16.00 hrs: Lecture on how to increase sustainability at festivals

**Wednesday and Friday**   
Independent study. Think of reading papers and books, preparing for examinations, and making assignments and reports. The programme often has scheduled classes on three days; which days these are is always different. On the other two days you will have time for independent study.

**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).



 

 



There is a (non-mandatory) field trip. This allows you to discover more about Germany, Spain, Italy or different cities in the Netherlands, for example. You will also go on one-day excursions to different locations in the Netherlands, such as the Spoorzone in Tilburg or the Westergasfabriek in Amsterdam.



 

 



 

 

 

 

               ![Een docent zit aan tafel met twee studenten](https://www.buas.nl/sites/default/files/styles/19_7_card_xl/public/2024-08/Highlight%201%20premaster%20leisure_0.jpg?h=f6011654&itok=bCxBRHc0) ### Small scale

In this pre-master's programme, there is plenty of room for contact with lecturers and fellow students. The lecturers know you well and are always willing to help you.



 

 



 

              ![Een student wijst naar iets op een post-it](https://www.buas.nl/sites/default/files/styles/19_7_card_xl/public/2024-08/Highlight%202%20premaster%20leisure.jpg?h=750aaebb&itok=No61Im2Q) ### Teaching by real scientists 

You will be taught by leading scientists in the field of leisure and tourism, who are actively conducting their own research.



 [ More about our researchers ](https://www.buas.nl/en/programmes/pre-master-leisure-and-tourism-studies/highlights) 

 

 



 

 

 

 ## Admission &amp; application

 

    [What are the admission requirements?](#accordion-what-are-the-admission-requirements)  Students are eligible if they hold a **bachelor's degree,** preferably a Bachelor of Business Administration, in any relevant field.

[Information about admission requirements](https://www.buas.nl/en/programmes/pre-master-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 statutory 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/pre-master-leisure-and-tourism-studies/study-costs)



    [How can I apply?](#accordion-how-can-i-apply)  If you meet the admission requirements, you can apply for this study programme. If you do so **before 1 May**, you can certainly start your studies.

[More information about applying](https://www.buas.nl/en/programmes/pre-master-leisure-and-tourism-studies/application-procedure)



   

 

 

 

 

 ## What others say about Leisure &amp; 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.&amp;… 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 &amp; 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?

This academic pre-master’s programme does not grant you a title but it does give you access to the [Master of Science Leisure and Tourism Studies](https://www.buas.nl/en/programmes/master-of-science-leisure-and-tourism-studies) at Breda University of Applied Sciences.

 

 

 

    

### 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) 

 

  
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