The Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies is a division of the Faculty of Applied Health Sciences
Improving lives through graduate research in recreation and leisure
The Master of Arts degree program in Recreation and Leisure Studies offers the opportunity to study leisure and leisure behaviour from a variety of social science perspectives.
Students learn to conduct independent scholarly research of high calibre through their coursework (usually completed during the first year of study) and a thesis (normally completed during the second year of study under the supervision of a faculty member).
Program overview | Tuition fees
The MA degree program is designed to:
- increase knowledge of the theories and concepts of leisure, and of the contributions by the social sciences, the natural sciences, and the humanities for understanding leisure.
- develop the ability to use research methods and designs in problem solving, hypothesis testing, and theory development.
- increase understanding of the importance of the applications of theories, methods, and models associated with leisure in contemporary society.
The MA program is intended for students who have demonstrated strong academic abilities at the undergraduate level. While there is a blend of applied and scholarly approaches, there is a strong emphasis on the ability to conceptualize and conduct independent research of high calibre.
Layout
Full-time students enrolled in the Master's program normally take 2 years (6 terms) to complete the degree
Part-time students enrolled in the Master's (thesis) program normally take 5 years (15 terms) to complete the degree
Students complete five courses and prepare their MA thesis by:
- defending their proposal idea to their faculty supervisor and minimum one committee member;
- seeking research ethics approval for their planned research;
- preparing and defending their final thesis to their faculty supervisor, committee member, independent reader, and thesis defence chair.
For full details - including course descriptions - see the Graduate Studies Academic Calendar.
Supervisor
When each graduate student enters the Department, a faculty member is assigned as a temporary graduate advisor. The advisor will assist the student in the selection of courses and other matters relating to the program of study.
Normally, a student will choose a thesis supervisor from faculty in the Department. Our faculty members are active scholars recognized for the high quality and quantity of their published work, success at obtaining research funding, involvement in leadership roles in professional organizations, and review board activities for the major journals in the field and for granting agencies.
Tuition
Tuition is based on a four-month term, and is subject to change on an annual basis.
See the Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs study and living costs page for full details
Application deadline for fall enrolment is February 1.
Applications may be accepted after this deadline, however please contact potential supervisor/s.