Leisure and Events Management

This programme prepares students for a career in a fascinating industry that spans over recreation, tourism, arts, culture, sports and media. Students are challenged to make a difference in the international sustainable leisure industry. The mission and vision of NHL Stenden’s Leisure and Events Management programme are reflected in every stage of the education.

Mission: “Leisure and Events Management offers a challenging education with an international experience that trains entrepreneurial students to become commercial and creative directors for the leisure industry in the framework of a sustainable philosophy”.

The mission is based on the following vision: “Serving to improve the quality of life”.

“Leisure Management offers a challenging education with international experience that trains entrepreneurial students to become commercial and creative directors for the leisure industry in the framework of a sustainable philosophy.”

Academic Dean, Leisure Management programme at NHL Stenden

The programme: what can you expect?

Leisure and Events Management is a management degree that focuses on the organisation and coordination of free-time experiences. Students will receive training in various areas such as socially responsible entrepreneurship, business economics and marketing. Students will also gain valuable practical experience by working in the various sectors of event management, tourism, arts, culture and the media.

In the first year of the programme, students will learn about the various trends and developments that have and continue to shape the leisure economy. During this year students will work together to create their own business (Young Entrepreneurship). The second year will cover topics such as project management, Imagineering and research. Furthermore, students will gain practical experience by taking part in an internship at a company one day a week for half a year. Students will also have the opportunity to participate in field trips to Disneyland Paris and De Efteling, a Dutch theme park.

The third year will allow students to choose which minor they would like to follow, students can study the minors in the Netherlands or at one of the NHL Stenden campus located in Thailand, Bail, South Africa and Qatar (this is also known as the Grand Tour). Students can choose from a variety of minors such as Event Management, Sports Management and Art and Culture Management. The final year will consist of students conducting an 8-month internship within a company of their choice and completing a graduation project. Throughout the course, students will attend business presentations and guest lectures.

“You can learn a lot from books, but you learn the most from practice. And actually, that’s direct preparation for business.”

Barbara Berends, Leisure Management alumnus

What can I become?

Graduates are expected to have developed a sustainable vision on leisure time, be able to think strategically, be multidisciplinary and able to act as the hub in management, decision-making and consultancy positions.

With a degree in Leisure Management students have possibilities in positions such as:

• Event Manager for asportsmarketingcompany developing new concepts for sports events, integrating sustainable initiatives and executing the concept in collaboration with the client.
• Programme Manager for a largemusical venue deciding which bands will play, taking care of the negotiations and coordinating the shows.
• Marketing and CommunicationsManagerfor a theme park working with a team of communication staff to ensure that the park and each of its attractions or uniquely placed in the market.
• Project manager for a museum advising on and developing the set-up of cultural education programmes.

As Leisure and Events Management is a broad management programme, graduates can also work in other service industries or start up their own business. The world of opportunities is available to Leisure and Events Management graduates.

Programme start dates

You can start this programme in either September or February.

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