RECREATION AND LEISURE STUDIES
ENHANCE THE QUALITY OF INDIVIDUAL AND COLLECTIVE LIVES
We have been a world leader for more than two decades among around 250 programs in North America in this discipline. With a highly diverse range of expertise, our research spans many disciplines and has far-reaching impacts in academia, industry and society. Our graduate programs are the first of their kind in Canada and remain the largest.
In a tight-knit community, you’ll have easy access to our outstanding faculty members who are active scholars recognized for the quality of their published work in a variety of areas in the field.
AREAS OF STUDY
At Recreation and Leisure Studies, we’re combining theory and practice and deepening our understanding of both the positive and negative aspects of leisure. We develop new ways to enhance quality of life for individuals, families and communities. Our faculty members are active scholars who work in five broad areas of study. Be inspired by these areas and decide what aligns with your interests.
COMMUNITY
Study a range of factors affecting the relationship between leisure and community. Focus on analyzing and generating solutions to community-based problems. Our researchers apply key concepts and central themes from recreation, sport, tourism, and event studies to support community initiatives and development.
HEALTH AND WELL-BEING
Examine the role that leisure plays in promoting and protecting health and well-being for all. Our researchers critically explore how leisure experiences and services relate to disability and illness, empowerment and inclusion, practices of care and authentic partnerships and social transformations and cultural change.
SPACE AND PLACE
Draw on interdisciplinary perspectives to analyze how leisure experiences, meanings, and organizations are connected to various spaces and places (e.g., natural and built environments, public spaces, recreation facilities, urban and rural communities). Our researchers are actively involved in theoretical and applied work relevant to enhancing the health, inclusivity, and sustainability of diverse spaces and places.
ORGANIZATIONS, SERVICES AND POLICY
Investigate how recreation and sports organizations are addressing contemporary social issues. Our researchers examine how different policies, service delivery models, and organizational theories drive social and cultural change, and what leadership capacities and career directions are necessary for healthy futures for all.
SOCIAL JUSTICE
Explore the contexts, concepts, and theories foundational to understanding contemporary issues of social justice and how these are being taken up in leisure studies. Our researchers critically explore the potential of recreation, sport, tourism and events to perpetuate and/or address issues of social justice and consider opportunities for deepening our capacities as practitioners and researchers to inspire social change.
In the field of Recreation and Leisure Studies, these research areas allow you to focus your area of study to a specialization that matches your passion. Our researchers focus on one or more of these areas to share their knowledge and expertise with you.
PROGRAMS
MA Recreation and Leisure Studies (coursework option)
- Coursework-based, on campus
- 3 terms | 1 year (full-time)
- 8 terms | 2 and two-thirds years (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 required
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
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
Dawn Carr (MA Recreation and Leisure Studies ’02), Executive Director, Canadian Parks Council
YOUR FUTURE
While some master’s 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 coordinators, therapeutic recreationists and more.
Dawn Carr works with the Canadian Parks Council to protect, enhance and promote the multitude of Canada's national parks. As their Executive Director, she oversees the projects that are dedicated to showcasing the beautiful landscapes that our environment has to offer and even brings her office to work remotely in Georgian Bay during the warmer seasons. Dawn completed both her undergraduate degree and MA in Recreation and Leisure Studies at the University of Waterloo, which is where she first discovered her passion for parks and protected areas. Her education has helped to catapult her career in the field and influence change for conservation on both a national and international scale.
“It was in my best interest to do my master’s at Waterloo because of the reputation that the university has, and calibre of the professors that I could learn from. My time there has absolutely been beneficial for my career.”
