Studying with the best at the graduate level
The Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies is an internationally renowned leader in the discipline among some 250 North American programs.
With a highly diverse range of expertise, our research spans many disciplines and has far-reaching impacts in academia, industry and society.
By combining theory and practice, we are deepening our understanding of the positive and negative impacts of leisure, and developing new ways to enhance quality of life for individuals, families and communities.
Learn why Lindsay Kalbfleisch, MA Recreation and Leisure Studies alumna, chose the University of Waterloo for her graduate program, what her graduate student experience was like, and a little more about her research.
Graduate programs
Our graduate programs are the first of their kind in Canada and remain the largest.
MA Recreation and Leisure Studies (Coursework option)
- Coursework-based | Online in 2025
- 3 terms | 1 year (full-time)
- 12 terms | (part-time)
- No thesis required
MA Recreation and Leisure Studies (Thesis option)
- Research-based | On campus*
- 6 terms | 2 years (full-time)
- 12 terms | 4 years (part-time)
- Thesis
PhD Recreation and Leisure Studies
- 12 terms | 4 years (full-time from master's level)
- 24 terms | 8 years (part-time from master's level)
- Doctoral thesis
Collaborative PhD Aging, Health and Well-being
- 12 terms | 4 years (full-time from master's level)
- 24 terms | 8 years (part-time from master's level)
- Doctoral thesis
Grad life from a grad perspective: Watch Brandon Pludwinski (MA Recreation and Leisure Studies) as he conducts his research. Brandon investigates our understanding and perception of nature and landscape while canoeing in Algonquin Provincial Park. Watch the series
Your future
While some MA graduates proceed to PhD studies, many assume leadership roles working in a variety of sectors as senior analysts, sport and event managers, recreation directors, accessibility co-ordinators, therapeutic recreationists and more.
Why Waterloo?
Canada's most innovative university for over a quarter of century, the University of Waterloo is a global leader for hands-on, experiential learning and comprehensive research. Our one-of-a-kind entrepreneurship ecosystem is fueled by our creator-owned intellectual property policy and our full spectrum of support.