
THE MASTER
Master International Leisure, Tourism, and Events Management
The Master’s in International Leisure, Tourism, and Events Management examines challenges in both the public and private sectors, with a focus on management approaches aligned with Broad Prosperity and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Broad Prosperity refers to a holistic concept of well-being that goes beyond economic growth, considering factors such as social cohesion, environmental sustainability, health, education, and quality of life.
In the first semester, students explore tourism through various academic perspectives, including sociology, geography, and anthropology. This interdisciplinary approach encourages critical analysis of industry issues and the development of evidence-based solutions. Through seminars, students discuss these perspectives and how tourism can contribute to broad prosperity.
A distinctive aspect of this master’s is its focus on the future. Students learn about transition and risk management, and the role of public management in tourism development. Students explore key drivers of change, potential future scenarios, and strategies for the sector to anticipate and adapt to these changes.
In the second semester, students work on their Master thesis or design project. They also follow an elective, either in the Netherlands or abroad. In semester 2, students have a lot of freedom to follow their individual learning journey and prepare themselves for the career that they envision.
Curriculum and Learning Approach
The programme provides an in-depth exploration of contemporary industry challenges and responsible management strategies. Collaboration is a key component, with opportunities to exchange ideas with peers, lecturers, and industry stakeholders.
A Design-Based Education approach is used, allowing students to work on real-world assignments in collaboration with entrepreneurs, museums, event, sport and destination management organisations, the cultural sector, and others. Guidance is provided by experienced lecturers and industry professionals, helping students refine their ideas and develop teamwork and leadership skills.
Research and Industry Collaboration
The programme is closely linked to the European Tourism Futures Institute (ETFI), where many lecturers are also active researchers. This collaboration ensures access to the latest insights and up-to-date management tools.
Graduate Outcomes
Upon completion, students gain both academic knowledge and practical skills relevant to careers in leisure, tourism, and events management. The programme prepares graduates to navigate the evolving industry landscape and contribute to its sustainable development.
THE STUDY PROGRAMME
The 1-year master’s programme in International Leisure, Tourism & Events Management focuses on sustainability, broad prosperity, and resilience of the industry within the context of global challenges (United Nations Sustainable Development Goals). You will explore relevant theories and key concepts related to leisure and tourism, discuss contemporary challenges and current issues, and use various management techniques for identifying trends, main drivers of change and possible future developments. During the electives you can specialise and work on real-life projects from the work field. Some of these projects take place abroad (such as in Portugal, Italy and Asia).
Areas our graduates typically find jobs in:
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Policy and planning; public management
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Research and consultancy
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Education
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Event Management
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Tourism Management
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Tourism Marketing
THE UNIVERSITY
NHL Stenden University
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TNHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences challenges its students, staff and partners to reach beyond existing solutions and possibilities, to discover and develop their talents so as to contribute to social progress. Design Based Education is the educational philosophy; learning by doing together with the work field, lecturers and fellow students. NHL Stenden forms an international community where students share and develop their individual views and talents to connect and explore. NHL Stenden’s main campus is located in Leeuwarden.
SUMMARY
DURATION
1 year
LOCATION
Leeuwarden, Netherlands
DEGREE
Master's Degree
KEY WORDS
International, Tourism, Leisure, Events, Sustainable development goals, Future-oriented, Society, Sociology, Geography, Anthropology
KEY SUBJECTS
Performance Management
Impact Management
Experience Design
Transition Management
Risk Management
Public Management
​Event Management
Cultural Heritage
Destination Management
Design Based Research
Research