The Master of International Leisure & Tourism Studies focuses primarily, but not exclusively, on the public and semi-public sector at local and regional level. Our graduates typically find jobs in the field of:

• Policy & Planning (e.g. policitymakers at local, regional and national level);
• Management consultancy in larger Leisure & Tourism companies, such as hotel chains and leisure parks;
• Research & Education (e.g. lecturer in tourism, or to do a PhD);
• Consultancy & Development (e.g. at a consultancy firm or research institute);
• Management & coordination of the interests of different industries and stakeholders (e.g. in NGOs and other intermiary, bi-lateral and multi-lateral organisations).

Curriculum

Theoretical perspectives on leisure & tourism
The module seeks to explore and explain the conceptual contributions that philosophy, psychology, sociology, geography, and economics have made and can make to the field of leisure and tourism. The module will develop conceptual thinking of the student and will stimulate an interdisciplinary approach.

Market Value Creation
This module reflects on the broader societal and economic aspects of the emergence of the service society and the
experience economy and the way organisations create market value. It focuses on different ways of improving service performance and creating market value while avoiding the pitfalls of an exclusive focus on financial indicators.

Sustainable Value Creation
This module addresses issues concerning the service society, quality of life and the role of business in society from the perspective of sustainability. It emphasises the interconnectedness of the personal, organisational and societal levels of sustainability. The aim is to provide insight
in the role of sustainability in service organizations, both private and public.

Quality of Leisure and Tourism
This module examines in a multidisciplinary
and interdisciplinary manner the variety of quality aspects of leisure and tourism, placing them in the broader context of quality perspectives on human life. The complexity of quality
questioning will be the central issue. The module has an integrative function by bringing together a range of issues and themes from the previous modules.

Research
This module focuses on issues related to the research process necessary to write a Master Thesis. Attention is given to techniques of data collection, analysis, academic reading and writing skills. The module aims to equip participants with
a critical understanding of the research process and the outcomes of research studies. A variety of research methods
will be critically examined and applied.

Policy and planning
Given the complex and dynamic nature of leisure and tourism policy making, it is essential to develop a clear understanding
of the theories and approaches from which leisure and tourism policy and planning can be developed and the impact policy has on society and the political system. The module focuses on the understanding and critical analysis of leisure and tourism public policy and planning processes, contexts and settings.

Personal Value Creation
This module explores possible paths for leadership development. This is done by encouraging the development of the participant’s personal qualities and professional management competencies. The focus is on the achievement of a high degree of interpersonal skills (interdependency),
self-confidence, initiative and entrepreneurship, and an appropriate attitude to work related situations
(independency).

Electives
The elective modules provide the opportunity to broaden and deepen the student’s knowledge of specific subjects. Electives will be offered depending on the number of prospective participants.

Master Thesis
A Master Thesis is the most appropriate form for testing the ability of a systematic exploration of a self-elected area of study by the student. Presenting an original piece of research is the clearest expression of the student’s ability to study at Master’s level.

Admission requirements: Bachelor degree, preferably in Economics, Social Sciences, Business Studies or Service Management. Students with other Bachelor's degrees are evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Language requirements

• IELTS overall band 6.5
• TOEFL paper based 575
• TOEFL computer based 223
• TOEFL internet based 90

Other requirements

1. written request

Professional experience required

Minimum 1 year work experience in a leisure & tourism related sector, above operational level.

Netherlands Fellowship Programme (NFP)

Tulip Scholarship

Would you like more information about this study? Please contact the Master Office of Stenden University of Applied Sciences directly:

Programme specific:

Course leader: Hanny Kadijk
Tel.: 06-15319709
Email: hanny.kadijk@stenden.com