Program type
Major, Specialization
Recreation and Leisure Studies (BA)
Primary campus
Loyola (LOY)
Duration
3 to 4 years
Start term
Fall, Winter
Experiential learning
Internship
Why study Recreation and Leisure Studies?
Design community programs and activities that help people improve their quality of life and health and have more fun. In a culture that values productivity and work, recreation plays a key role in maintaining a healthy work–life balance. When you study Recreation and Leisure Studies, you learn administrative and programming skills that help you develop leisure programs for all ages.
The curriculum straddles the classroom and the community; real-life experiences give you the opportunity to hone your leadership and teamwork skills. You’ll also:
- Apply social psychological theories to the practice of leisure programming and administration
- Assess community leisure needs and find creative solutions for meeting them
- Learn to coordinate and execute special events, recreation and leisure programs for the community-at-large
- Engage in fieldwork with community organizations to evaluate the success of recreation and leisure programs
Concordia’s hands-on approach provides a solid foundation for future graduate studies in such fields as recreation and leisure studies, community or organization development, and public or business administration. Students graduate with transferable skills that bring about empowerment, self-management and effective teamwork in rapidly changing workplaces.
Program highlights
- Gain a credential to lead community groups and have a positive impact on peoples’ lives
- Unique hands-on approach mixes theory and practice
Special funding for out-of-province students
Up to $4000 for undergraduate programs.
Program structure
A Bachelor of Arts degree takes a minimum of three or four years (90 – 120 credits) of full-time study, depending on your academic background.
Program options
- Specialization in Recreation and Leisure Studies (60 credits)
The Specialization deals with the social and cultural integration of the individual at leisure, giving students skills in an in-depth look at recreation administration and/or recreation programming. - Major in Recreation and Leisure Studies (42 credits)
The Major is intended for students who want to develop an understanding of leisure in modern society and skills in recreation leadership and programming.
Courses
United States students: A U.S. Federal Student Aid-eligible version of this program is offered. This version meets all U.S. regulations (such as no co-operative education or e-courses) for eligible programs.
Admission criteria
Minimum cut-off averages and course requirements
- Quebec CEGEP: 20
- High School: C+
- ACT or SAT is NOT required
- Canadian curricula course requirements
- Accepted international qualifications
- International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma: 26
- International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme (CP): 26
- Baccalauréat français: 11
- British system of education (GCE):
- A-levels: At least two A-level exams CD or
- AS-levels: At least 4 AS-level exams with equivalent results or
- BTEC: Level 3 Diploma or Extended Diploma in a related subject area with equivalent results
- Additional information for British System of Education (GCE) applicants
- University Transfers (internal/external): C
Minimum cut-off averages should be used as indicators. The cut-off data may change depending on the applicant pool. Applicants who meet the stated minimum requirements are not guaranteed admission to these programs.
Application deadlines
FALL ENTRY (September)
Deadline: March 1
International applicants: Apply no later than February 1 to allow time for immigration document processing. However, applying earlier is strongly recommended. Immigration processing times vary by country, and delays could prevent you from starting your studies on time.
WINTER ENTRY (January)
Deadline: November 1
International applicants: Apply no later than August 1 to allow time for immigration document processing. However, applying earlier is strongly recommended. Immigration processing times vary by country, and delays could prevent you from starting your studies on time.
We reserve the right to close admission to a program at any time after the official deadline without prior notice.
Student story
Meagan Wheeler
Specialization in Leisure Sciences
A passion for community service led Meghan Wheeler to start a nonprofit, and Concordia helped boost her vision to a new level.
Other programs of interest
Expertise in human relationships in the community and the workplace sets you on a path towards the helping professions.
Department
Department of Applied Human Sciences
Faculty
When you study therapeutic recreation, your passion for people shapes you into an agent for change. As a therapeutic recreation specialist, you assess individual leisure needs in order to design specialized programs for individuals with physical, social, intellectual, or emotional disabilities.
Department
Department of Applied Human Sciences
Faculty
