The leisure and recreation industry continues to rapidly develop and plays a major role in the economic life in Ireland and internationally. Government initiatives for healthy lifestyles, national and international sports achievements, a booming tourism industry and individual interest have all contributed to the industry’s development.

The effective management of leisure and recreation organisations is receiving much interest and is a vibrant and expanding area. Many of these organisations are operating in diverse and dynamic business environments requiring specific management expertise.

This honours degree programme in Leisure and Recreation Management prepares students to design, manage and deliver tourism, leisure and recreation services to a variety of people in diverse settings. This industry is one of the largest and fastest growing global industries and requires high levels of professionalism.

Year 1

Six mandatory subjects provide foundation knowledge in core business areas and disciplines.

Year 2

Student knowledge in the key business disciplines is further developed and they are introduced to principles of tourism leisure and recreation that will underpin subsequent studies. This provides the student with a superb grounding in key general business practices as well as gaining specific, valuable skills in the recreation and leisure area.

Year 3

At final year, students study Business Strategy alongside a range of specialist leisure and recreation modules including Issues in Leisure and Recreation Management.

Structure and Content

Transfer Students

Students holding a relevant certificate, ordinary degree or other relevant qualifications may qualify for entry to the second or third year of the degree programme.

Career Opportunities

This expanding industry offers many career opportunities to a graduate specialising in leisure and recreation management. This programme prepares students to assume managerial, supervisory and leadership responsibilities in various tourism, leisure and recreation management agencies. Students may also wish to use the degree as a preparation for a career in general management. Alternatively, the degree provides the opportunity for further study at masters or professional levels within this growing sector. This programme is designed to equip graduates to be able to take up positions requiring specific leisure, tourism and recreation knowledge and skills such as:

Teaching and Assessment

The BA (Hons) Business Management (Leisure and Recreation Management) is taught mainly through lectures and tutorials, with students taking responsibility for a significant amount of study outside scheduled class contact times. Assessed work will consist of traditional end-of-year examinations plus a significant element of continuous assessment based on coursework and presentations. Such coursework may involve research-based reports, case studies, essays, or practical assignments.

Programme Content

Learner protection for this programme is provided in accordance with Section 43 of the Qualifications (Education and Training ) Act 1999.