The Bachelor of Science Leisure Studies is an English-taught academic programme. In three years’ time, you will become an expert at finding and understanding answers to complex issues in the leisure sector.

The academic Bachelor of Science Leisure Studies is 'knowledge-oriented'. During your studies you develop a number of academic and management competencies by analysing academic knowledge. To do this, you will often work independently and sometimes in small groups on cases and assignments. In the field of leisure, the various lines of approach offered by, for example, psychology, sociology and anthropology, only offer partial explanations of what people want – and are able to do – in their leisure time. This means that if you want to understand leisure, you will need to adapt to new and unexpected situations, by using old ideas, theories and methods in new ways, or by developing fresh new ideas – which can then be assessed and researched. This is how we push the boundaries and make crucial new contributions to existing knowledge in the industry.

The programme is completely English-taught and runs over three years. The first year exists out of four terms, the second and third years is organized into two semesters. Breda University of Applied Sciences also offers two professional bachelor programmes in the field of leisure: Leisure & Events Management, which is also taught in English, and Leisure & Events Management (NL), which is taught in Dutch.

In general, the difference between ‘academic’ and ‘professional’ programmes lies in the content, working methods, independence, freedom of choice, course transferability and graduation perspectives. They are similar in atmosphere and attitude.

The key points that will be found in an academic education but not in higher professional education are that you:

• become acquainted with the latest theories and academic knowledge;
• learn to place issues in a broader socio-economic and political perspective;
• explore problems and solutions in the field of leisure through your own research;
• develop a critical attitude towards current developments;
• can think strategically about the future of leisure, the leisure industry and policy.

After your bachelor

After your graduation in Bachelor of Science Leisure Studies you can decide whether to find a job or carry on studying - at Master's level. As a leisure expert, you may take up a career in large enterprises in the cultural and leisure sectors, consultancy and engineering agencies, property developers, sports associations, event organisations or state, provincial and local authorities.

Examples of possible professions and employers are:

• Leisure policy developer at for example local and regional authorities (Breda, Noord-Brabant)
• Consultant at for example engineering and consultancy offices (Grontmij, DHV, Berenschot)
• Academic and applied researcher at for example universities, SCP or W.J.H. Mulier institute
• Lecturer at for example Breda University of Applied Sciences,
• ROC’s Project manager at for example large events, exhibitions, leisure project developers, banks
• Staff member (sport) federations at for example NOC*NSF, cultural foundations, exhibitions.

Once you have your Bachelor of Science degree, you can continue your study at Breda University of Applied Sciences with a master’s programme. Graduates from the Bachelor of Science Leisure Studies programme have direct access to the Master of Science Leisure and Tourism Studies. Breda University of Applied Sciences also offers professional master’s programmes, for example the Master Imagineering.