International Leisure Management

International Leisure Management at Breda University of Applied Sciences is a comprehensive Bachelor's program designed to prepare students for a dynamic career in the global leisure industry. This program offers a unique blend of theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and international perspective, enabling graduates to develop innovative leisure experiences and manage complex projects across various sectors such as hospitality, tourism, entertainment, and wellness. The curriculum emphasizes entrepreneurship, customer experience, sustainability, and digital transformation, ensuring students are equipped with the latest industry insights and tools. Through a combination of lectures, workshops, internships, and international exchanges, students gain valuable hands-on experience and intercultural competence. The program encourages critical thinking, creativity, and leadership skills, fostering graduates capable of responding to evolving leisure trends and challenges. With a strong focus on internationalization, students study in a multicultural environment and collaborate with industry partners worldwide. Upon graduation, students are prepared for roles such as Leisure Manager, Event Coordinator, Tourism Developer, or Wellness Program Director, working in organizations that prioritize innovative and sustainable leisure solutions. The program also provides pathways for further specialization or postgraduate studies, supporting continuous professional development in the leisure management field. Opportunities for internships and exchange programs abroad are integrated into the curriculum, providing students with an extensive global network and practical experience in diverse leisure markets. The program’s innovative approach and industry-oriented curriculum make it an excellent choice for students passionate about creating memorable leisure experiences and making a positive impact on society through sustainable and inclusive leisure initiatives.

Detailed Course Facts

• EUR 1906 Year (EEA)
• EUR 8369 Year (Non-EEA)

• English

Course Content

The International Leisure Management programme is delivered thematically. This means that subjects such as economics, psychology, management, communication and market research are dealt with in content-related projects, rather than in separate topics. Examples of modules are: Project management, Leisure basics, Leisure direction, Event Organisation, Imagineering and Marketing and Communication.

The regular track of this programme takes four years, but Dutch students with a vwo diploma can be fast tracked. This may also be available to foreign students, depending on their previous education.

The International Leisure Management programme is also offered in Dutch. The Dutch name is Vrijetijdsmanagement. NHTV also offers a three year academic programme in Leisure, International Leisure Studies (BSc).

Course planning

Year 1, combined with International Tourism Management

Together with your fellow students from International Tourism Management, you start with a combined introduction year into the leisure & tourism industry. You work on several projects, together with a team of students. In a project several aspects play an important role, such as planning, creativity, budgeting and theoretical knowledge. After the first year you make a final choice for tourism or leisure.

Year 2

Leisure is a very broad term. In the second year you have the opportunity to focus on:

• Attractions & Theme Park Management
• Social Innovation
• International Leisure Management (broad-based)

Year 3

You work on the course Leisure Direction. Most of the third year, however, is occupied by a placement (about seven months). You may perform your placement either for a company in the Netherlands or, preferably, abroad.

Year 4

In the first half of the fourth year, students work on a large-scale project, commissioned by the leisure industry. You may, for instance, organise a festival, write policy plans or investigate the marketing activities of a sports club. The second half of the fourth year is reserved for your individual graduation project. At the request of an organisation from the industry, you will carry out a project or conduct research in your specialist area.

Fast track

If you already have a vwo diploma, a ‘Hochschulreifezeugnis’ (Abitur) or a comparable pre-education, International Leisure Management may be able to offer you the opportunity of completing the programme in just three years.

Three-year track: how does it work?

Year 1

If you choose to enroll in Year 2 than you will follow the regular programme of the second year students. Subjects such as Imagineering, Project management, Operational management, Marketing, Leisure Direction and Research will be offered by means of projects and more theoretical courses. Besides you will have a Creative Leadership programme, which is more focused on your personal skills and development. For this you will be supported by a study career coach, who will also help you to prepare for your placement.

Year 2

You work on the project Leisure Direction. Most of the second year, however, is occupied by a placement (about seven months). You may perform your placement either for a company in the Netherlands or, preferably, abroad. In this year there is also the opportunity to follow a half-year exchange programme at one of our partner universities, followed or preceded by a shorter placement of five months.

Year 3

Your final year revolves around specialisation and graduation. In the first half of the year you explore a subject of your choice via a minor. From January onwards, you will work on your individual graduation, by writing a thesis.

English Language Requirements

IELTS band : 6 CAE score : 60(Grade C) TOEFL paper-based test score : 550 TOEFL iBT® test : 80

To study at this university, you have to speak English. We advice you to

Requirements

Admission Requirements for Foreign Students

You can apply for this programme if you have completed secondary school, Abitur, Artium, Avgångsbetyg från Gymnasieskolan, COU, Senior High School - A levels or secondary vocational education.

If your qualifications are not mentioned above, please contact Student Office (international.office(at)nhtv.nl).

A levels

If your high school diploma is comparable with A levels:

• you can be admitted to the fast track
• you are exempted from taking the English test if you have English in your curriculum

Brush up course - better results!

NHTV’s OnlineSchool offers an online course to increase your knowledge of financial management.

Admission requirements for Dutch students

For this programme, the admission requirements are:

havo

N+T > admissible
N+G > admissible
E+M > admissible
C+M > ec or m&o

vwo

N+T > admissible
N+G > admissible
E+M > admissible
C+M > ec or m&o

mbo

mbo 4 > admissible,
advice: English

What to do if you do not meet the admission requirements?

• If you miss any of the compulsory subjects, check out your possibilities (information is in Dutch).
• If you are aged 21 or over, you may appeal to the 21+ arrangement. Based on an assignment, you are permitted to start the programme or not.

Brush up course - better results!

NHTV’s Online School offers an online 'brush up' course to increase your knowledge of financial management.

Work Experience

No work experience is required.

Related Scholarships*

• Academic Excellence Scholarship

  "The Academic Excellence Scholarship can provide up to a 50 % reduction in tuition per semester. These scholarships will be renewed if the student maintains superior academic performance during each semester of their 3-year Bachelor programme. The scholarship will be directly applied to the student’s tuition fees."

• Alumni Study Travel Fund

  Scholarships for students who are already attending the University of Reading.

• Amsterdam Merit Scholarships

  The University of Amsterdam aims to attract the world’s brightest students to its international classrooms. Outstanding students from outside the European Economic Area can apply for an Amsterdam Merit Scholarship.

* The scholarships shown on this page are suggestions first and foremost. They could be offered by other organisations than NHTV Breda University of Applied Sciences.

Funding

Scholarships / Grants:

NHTV:
NHTV Bachelor Scholarship supports non-EU/EEA students who will pay the full tuition fee for bachelor programmes at NHTV. This scholarship consists of a €3000 reduction of the tuition fee in the first year studying at NHTV (paying the non-EU/EEA tuition fee).
For additional information: Website

NHTV Breda:
Per year there is a limited number of scholarships available for non-EU/EEA-students to contribute in the costs of the tuition fee.
For additional information: Website

Nuffic:
The Orange Tulip Scholarship is a special programme for excellent Mexican students. Various higher education institutions and companies support outstanding Mexican students financially to be able to study in Holland.
For additional information: Website

Nuffic:
For additional information: Website

:
Voor hbo-bachelorstudenten brazilie
For additional information: Website

:
Voor hbo-bachelorstudenten Indonesie
For additional information: Website

International Leisure Management at Breda University of Applied Sciences is a dynamic and globally-oriented undergraduate programme designed to prepare students for a diverse range of careers within the leisure, tourism, and hospitality industries. This programme combines academic theory with practical application, emphasizing innovative management skills, customer experience enhancement, and sustainable practices in leisure services. Over the duration of the programme, students engage in a comprehensive curriculum that covers areas such as strategic management, marketing, event management, hospitality operations, and digital innovation, all tailored to the dynamic global landscape of leisure and tourism.

Breda University of Applied Sciences emphasizes experiential learning, offering students opportunities to undertake internships, real-world project work, and study trips to various international destinations. This exposure fosters cultural awareness and adaptability, critical in an industry that is continually evolving due to technological advancements and changing consumer preferences. The programme also focuses on developing leadership qualities, teamwork, and entrepreneurial skills, enabling graduates to effectively manage leisure organizations or create their own ventures.

The faculty comprises experienced professionals and researchers actively involved in the leisure, tourism, and hospitality sectors, ensuring the curriculum remains relevant and up-to-date with industry trends. Graduates of International Leisure Management are well-equipped to pursue careers worldwide, including roles in hotel management, event planning, destination marketing, cruise lines, and recreational facilities. The programme’s international orientation aims to nurture globally minded professionals who can operate effectively in diverse cultural settings, contributing to sustainable and innovative leisure experiences that meet the needs of contemporary society.

Career support services are integrated into the programme, offering guidance in career planning, internships, and networking opportunities with industry partners. The programme is recognized for its practical approach, strong industry connections, and commitment to developing responsible, innovative leaders in the leisure industry. Whether students aspire to work in established companies or launch their own initiatives, Breda's International Leisure Management programme provides a solid foundation in the strategic, operational, and cultural aspects necessary for success in this vibrant sector.