International Leisure Studies (Academic)

The International Leisure Studies (Academic) program at Breda University of Applied Sciences offers students a comprehensive understanding of the dynamic and diverse leisure industry on a global scale. This program is designed to equip students with the theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and cultural insights necessary to excel in various sectors of the leisure and recreation fields, including tourism, events, entertainment, sports, and wellness. Throughout the course, students explore key concepts such as consumer behavior, leisure management, sustainable development, and innovative practices within the leisure industry.

The curriculum emphasizes international perspectives and multicultural understanding, preparing students to work effectively in diverse environments and with international clients. Students engage in a combination of classroom learning, case studies, internships, and project-based assignments to develop hands-on experience and a problem-solving mindset. The program encourages critical thinking about current trends and future challenges in the leisure industry, such as digital transformation, health and wellness, and sustainable tourism.

Faculty members are experienced industry professionals and academics who provide personalized guidance and mentorship. The program also offers numerous opportunities for networking and collaboration through partnerships with global leisure organizations, industry events, and student exchange programs. By the end of their studies, graduates will possess a strong foundation to pursue careers in leisure management, event organization, tourism development, and other related fields, or to further specialize through postgraduate studies. The International Leisure Studies program at Breda University of Applied Sciences aims to inspire innovative leaders who can positively impact the leisure industry worldwide while contributing to sustainable and enjoyable experiences for diverse populations.

Detailed Course Facts

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

• English

Course Content

Course Characteristics

The academic bachelor in International Leisure Studies is 'competency-oriented'. During your studies you develop a number of academic and management competencies. To do this, you will often work independently and sometimes in small groups on cases and assignments.

This programme is completely English taught. Academic literature is often only available in English and each university graduate has to be capable of writing an article in English. As study (and future work) will take place within an international setting, you have to be prepared to communicate in English.

The Academy for Leisure also offers two professional bachelor programmes in the field of leisure: International Leisure Management, which is also taught in English, and Vrijetijdsmanagement, which is taught in Dutch.

Course planning

The programme runs over three years. Each year is organized into two semesters and/or four terms (for the first year)

Year 1

In the first year, you will get a solid introduction to different branches of business and social science, as well as research methods, underscoring the varied nature of the leisure field. In semester 1, the courses will focus on the consumer perspective, whereas in semester 2, the business side is more prominent. You will learn to apply your knowledge in several practical cases.

Year 2

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 insight learnt in the various courses.

Year 3

In the 5th semester, you will choose a minor at another university in the Netherlands or abroad. In the 6th and final semester, you will apply everything you have learnt by:

• considering leisure activities across different cultures;
• studying fundamental philosophical questions aboutthe relevance of leisure and the ethical questions it raises;
• investigating the contribution leisure can make to the development of urban space and city culture.

The third year also includes a practical assignment and the completion of your Bachelor (graduation) thesis.

Projects and Minors

In addition to lectures, seminars, debates and case studies in the first two academic years, you work on a number of projects in each semester. In these projects, you apply the methodological knowledge and skills gained to a subject related to that semester’s theme. Projects will become increasingly international as your studies progress.

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 Dutch students

For this programme, the admission requirements are:

havo

not admissible

vwo

N+T > admissible
N+G > admissible
E+M > admissible
C+M > admissible

mbo

not admissible

You can be admitted to the programme with:

• a vwo diploma (all profiles)
• a degree from a higher professional (hbo) or university (wo) programme
• a propeadeutic certificate from a higher professional (hbo) or university (wo) programme
• a diploma / degree issued outside the Netherlands which is equivalent to the diplomas / degrees mentioned above

If you do not fulfil these minimum requirements and you are you are older than 21, you may request an exemption based on a Colloquium Doctum entrance examination.

Admission requirements for foreign students

You can be admitted to the programme with:

• An International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma
• A European Baccalaureate (EB) diploma
• Another secondary or high school diploma that equals the Dutch vwo diploma (such as Abitur in Germany)
• Hbo diploma or propaedeutic certificate

Test Of English as a Foreign Language

As a non-native speaker of English, you must also show sufficient results of one of these tests:

• TOEFL test (minimum score 80 internet-based and minimum sub score for Speaking 20)
• IELTS test (minimum overall band score 6.0 and a minimum sub score for Speaking 6.0)
• Cambridge Advanced Certificate

Work Experience

No work experience is required.

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

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 Studies (Academic) at Breda University of Applied Sciences is a comprehensive program designed for students who are passionate about the leisure industry and wish to develop their expertise in managing leisure activities on an international level. This program offers a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical skills, preparing students to work in diverse leisure-related sectors worldwide, including tourism, hospitality, event management, and recreation.

Students enrolled in this program will explore various topics such as leisure industry trends, sustainable hospitality practices, customer relationship management, marketing, and entrepreneurship within the leisure sector. The curriculum emphasizes international perspectives, intercultural communication, and innovative approaches to service delivery, ensuring graduates are equipped to adapt to the dynamic global leisure market.

The program emphasizes experiential learning, often involving internships, project work, and collaborations with industry partners. This hands-on approach allows students to gain real-world experience and develop a professional network while studying. Breda University of Applied Sciences fosters an international environment, facilitating interactions with students from different countries, which enhances intercultural competencies vital for a successful career in the global leisure industry.

Graduates of the International Leisure Studies program will be prepared for varied roles such as leisure center managers, tourism development specialists, event coordinators, or hospitality executives. The program aims to create industry-ready professionals capable of designing, organizing, and managing leisure activities that meet international standards of quality and sustainability.

Given the university's strong ties with industry and emphasis on practical application, students benefit from extensive support ranging from career services to industry visits and guest lectures by professionals. The program's structure is aligned with current industry needs and innovations, ensuring students are well-prepared to contribute meaningfully to the leisure sector worldwide. The overall objective is to develop knowledgeable, creative, and adaptable professionals who can drive the growth and development of the international leisure industry.