Business & Management Programs

Master of Arts in Sustainable Leisure Management

• Program Length: 16 to 20 months
• Program Fees
• Apply for Admission: Application Information

The Program

This program places graduates at the intersection of two growing, exciting, and globally significant areas of theory and practice: leisure and sustainability. The program prepares emerging leaders to examine and create solutions which ensure that residents and travelers alike can enjoy recreational experiences, natural and cultural amenities, heritage resources, and adventure as part of their life experiences on a sustainable basis. Students will engage in coursework delivered in a non–traditional, international educational setting where the instructional approach draws upon field experience, classroom instruction, and experiential styles of learning. Two integrated instructional streams are central to the program focus: 1) a set of principles and practices underlying leisure and sustainability; and, 2) an integrated set of research capabilities, innovation, and knowledge mobilization skills necessary to ensure that new knowledge can be effectively transformed into impact. There is also a required thesis component wherein students will demonstrate a mastery of knowledge mobilization approaches (including, but not limited to, research skills).

During completion of the program, students will:

• acquire a broad interdisciplinary knowledge of concepts, models and issues relating to the field of leisure services;
• analyze sustainability issues by integrating social, environmental and economic perspectives;
• develop and critique policies and practices that advance sustainability goals;
• apply strategies to influence change and innovation at the community, regional, national and international levels;
• conduct applied research on specific leisure, innovation, and sustainability topics;
• develop the capacity to actively engage in a variety of knowledge creation and mobilization approaches and strategies;
• engage with diverse stakeholders on complex leisure and sustainability issues; and,
• formulate a personal and professional commitment to strategic and innovative leadership practices in sustainable leisure services.

Career Opportunities

Graduates can pursue careers in government, private sector, non–governmental organizations, non–profit organizations, regulatory agencies, higher education, and consultancies. The position titles for the careers in this field include sustainability officers, analysts, managers, coordinators, and directors. Graduates will have strong communication skills, analytical ability, critical thinking and problem–solving ability, along with a customer orientation. The curriculum strongly supports individuals involved in planning, policy development, research, administration, and the teaching of those subjects in post–secondary institutions.

Admission Requirements

• An undergraduate degree from an appropriately accredited university.
• A minimum average of "B" calculated in the last two years of the undergraduate degree, with a review of the entire degree.
• International students from countries where English is not the predominant language must present a TOEFL or IELTS score of 86 iBT with no section less than 21 or IELTs 6.5 no band less than 6. An alternative option is successful completion of VIU's English–as–a–Second–Language program or equivalent.
• Acceptance and satisfactory review of the following items by the Faculty Admissions Committee:
• resume and three letters of reference (two academic referees and one professional) as well as a comprehensive statement addressing each of the following areas:
• areas of research interest (i.e. parks, festivals, resorts, tourism, etc.);
• statement of career interest;
• summary of relevant preparation (i.e. career and academic).

Start Date and Application Deadline

The program starts in late August 2011. Applications are accepted until March 31 for international students and May 15 for domestic students. For further information regarding late applications and program contacts check the Program Availability List.

Program Outline

* Year long course – actual field work takes place in the summer.

* The thesis research may be completed over 4–6 months in the second year. An INP (In Progress) grade will be awarded in the Fall semester for students continuing their thesis into the Spring semester.

Application Process

• Canadian Students - Online Application (links to ApplyBC portal)
• Canadian Students
• International Students – Online Application
• International Students

For More Information

Director, International Admissions
Vancouver Island University
900 Fifth Street, Nanaimo, B.C. Canada V9R 5S5
email: masl@viu.ca

Updated: December 20, 2012