UCAS - Leisure

Leisure

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Leisure degree programmes combine an understanding of leisure with principles of management. Some focus particularly on business or organisational management and others with management in the title are more concerned with the management of leisure resources through concepts of planning and policy. Leisure programmes that have studies or science in the title will focus more on a range of academic disciplines that have informed the development of the subject as a field of study, the philosophical basis of scientific paradigms and competence in the scientific methods of enquiry.Given these distinctions, a graduate in leisure typically will have the ability to:

Knowledge

understand the development of knowledge in their particular subject
understand the need for a multi-disciplinary and inter-disciplinary approach to study, drawing from service, research and professional contexts
understand the subject through academic and professional reflective practice
demonstrate knowledge of major theoretical, methodological and professional themes in contemporary leisure studies
demonstrate awareness of key directions and trends in leisure behaviour and leisure provision
display the professional knowledge, skills and values appropriate for the needs of a rapidly changing leisure sector
display knowledge of the historical, philosophical, economic, political, sociological and psychological dimensions of leisure.

Intellectual skills

acquire, select, interpret, analyse and evaluate information appropriate to their study
research and assess subject specific paradigms, theories, concepts, principles and facts
critically assess and evaluate evidence and interpret data and text
apply knowledge to solve familiar and unfamiliar problems
develop a reasoned argument and challenge assumptions
explain the social, economic, political and legislative factors that influence strategic decisions regarding leisure provision
understand the structure, composition and management of the leisure industries
take responsibility for own learning and continuing professional development and reflect critically on what is required to work in leisure.

Subject specific skills (these may vary depending on whether students are studying leisure management or studies)

critique the contributions of a range of academic disciplines that have informed the development of the subject as a field of study
demonstrate an appropriate degree of progression within specialist fields
display an integrated knowledge of the scope and breadth of the subject domain
construct the leisure experience in a range of managerial contexts comprising products, services and opportunities
synthesise the concepts, activities, functions and meanings of leisure with personal and professional actions
differentiate the various patterns of leisure consumption and use
respond to moral, ethical, environmental and safety issues which directly pertain to the subject domain including relevant legislation and professional codes of conduct
display entrepreneurship, business and people management skills required in the management of a leisure organisation.
understand and apply Quality Service Management concepts
apply operational management skills and techniques
understand the legal environment for the Leisure industry
programme leisure activities and facilities and run special events.

Transferable skills

undertake fieldwork with regard to safety and risk assessment (to subject specific category)
exercise communication and presentation skills, numeracy and ICT skills
work in teams and contribute effectively to group work
plan and manage their own learning
apply motivation and aptitude for intellectual enquiry, critical assessment, creative innovation and a commitment to lifelong learning
work both independently and collaboratively
apply customer service and customer satisfaction concepts and best practice to subject studied.

Degree courses in leisure include: leisure studies; events management; facilities management; international leisure management; countryside leisure management; maritime leisure management; leisure administration; leisure marketing; adventurous activities; leisure economics; outdoor activities; recreation studies; recreation management; outdoor recreation; entertainment management; licensed entertainment.

Leisure degrees aim to address the practical skills, technical knowledge, planning, operational and environmental considerations which professionals working in leisure and the outdoor sector require to be effective.Many courses incorporate, for example, environmental studies, coaching analysis, physiology, research methods and the leadership of outdoor activities.The creation and development of knowledge in these subjects is typically achieved both inductively through the development of theory and deductively through an engagement with practice. All programmes are multi-disciplinary with most having an applied and inter-disciplinary focus. There are active links with professional bodies and associations and with employers. The depth of knowledge, proficiency of skills and the balance of specific knowledge and skills required from a graduate may differ from one particular programme to another.

Programmes where the title contains the word 'management' enable students to demonstrate vocationally relevant managerial skills and knowledge and be able to apply these including the operational and strategic management of financial, physical resources and people.Programmes where the title contains the word 'science' enables students to demonstrate an understanding of the philosophical basis of scientific paradigms, demonstrate evidence of competence in the scientific methods of enquiry, interpretation and analysis of relevant data and appropriate technologies.Programmes where the title contains the word 'studies' enable students to critique the contributions of a range of academic disciplines that have informed the development of the subject as a field of study.Students will also demonstrate an appropriate degree of progression within specialist fields and display an integrated knowledge of the scope and breadth of the subject domain.

The leisure sector is a dynamic and diverse sector and offers a range of careers for graduates.It is extremely heterogeneous, and in some ways it is better thought of as an area of economic activity than a discrete set of occupations (Keep and Mayhew 1999). The commercial leisure industry is generally divided into three sectors; leisure accommodation, leisure catering and leisure activities (The Leisure Industry Report, 2003).Many companies in the industry recruit graduates and some specifically target graduates and have well developed graduate recruitment schemes.

Leisure graduates have many skills and competencies such as communication and organisation as well as the confidence and versatility that will make them attractive to employers both inside and outside the Leisure sector.

The QAA Subject Benchmark Statement upon which the Student Employability Profiles for hospitality, leisure, sport and tourism will be based is under review. The Employability Profile for tourism and updated versions of those for hospitality, leisure and sport will be available on www.heacademy.ac.uk/hlst from 2008.

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