Recreation and Leisure Services
Program Overview
Humber’s Recreation and Leisure Services diploma program provides you with the skills needed to start your career in government, not-for-profit and commercial recreation organizations. You will learn about recreation programming, special event management, staff management, facility operations, marketing and other services within the industry.
The curriculum is designed with industry collaboration, ensuring it is current and relevant. Within the program, students use ActiveNet software and PerfectMind, the most widely used registration management software in the recreation industry.
Students apply their skills by planning and implementing events for local community and charity organizations. A two-day leadership camp at the Ontario Educational Leadership Centre helps build communication and leadership skills while guest speakers, practical training and field trips provide added benefits in preparing you for the workplace.
Learning from professors, as well as managers and directors of recreation programs, centres and agencies will give you valuable exposure to the industry and training in current issues.
Upon successful completion of the program, a graduate will:
- Develop, implement and evaluate inclusive* recreation*, leisure* and wellness* programs and events for individuals, groups and communities which respond to assessed needs, interests, abilities and that use available resources and incorporate best practices.
- Apply administrative and customer service skills to support the delivery of recreation*, leisure* and wellness* programs, events and services.
- Analyze, develop and implement marketing strategies to reach diverse individuals, groups and communities for programs, events, services and facilities using current communication technologies.
- Contribute to the development of fiscally sustainable and responsible recreation*, leisure and wellness* programs, events and services using current and relevant principles and practices of business, finance and social entrepreneurship*.
- Supervise, lead and support the development of staff and volunteers involved with recreation*, leisure* and wellness* programs, events and services.
- Apply safety and accessibility practices to the efficient operation and administration of recreation* and leisure* facilities and settings*.
- Promote the benefits and values of recreation*, leisure* and healthy active living* and recommend inclusive* programs, events and services to individuals and groups.
- Apply community development* strategies which engage citizens and community partners while advocating for healthy communities*.
- Develop strategies for ongoing personal and professional development as a recreation* and leisure* services professional.
Work Placement
Qualified students will complete a work placement in Semester 4 – three days per week for 15 weeks (total of 250 hours). The faculty works with the student to find a placement with an industry partner. The placement occurs across industry sectors including professional sport associations, community and amateur sport governing bodies, and private sector sport organizations. These placements provide valuable experience and industry contacts.
The Humber Advantage
The Faculty of Business has more than 500 industry partners. Partners provide funding for capital projects, offer internships for students, donate more than $60,000 in awards and scholarships and employ Humber graduates. Industry partners include municipal and commercial recreation facilities, sports organizations, not-for-profit service clubs, health centres, event management companies, seniors centres and long-term care facilities.
The Humber Experience
Study Abroad
Qualified students in this program may apply to participate in a ten day experiential learning trip including one week at IMG Sport Academy, Florida and an experience with the Dunedin Blue Jays.
Qualified students in this program may also apply to a study abroad service learning trip to contribute to a global community. Past service learning trips were to Nunavut and Nicaragua. In addition, eligible students have the opportunity to apply for a study abroad experiential trip to Peru.
Each year, we offer a variety of experiential learning trip opportunities for students to study abroad. Our annual short duration experiential trips in May are approximately two weeks in length.
These trips vary each year and are subject to availability and eligibility requirements. Additional fees apply.
Your Career
People and governments are focused on the benefits of having an active lifestyle. Current estimates place the health-care cost of physical inactivity in Canada at $6.8 billion annually. As a result, the need for dedicated professionals who can help Canadians live healthier, active lives is greater than ever.
Graduates plan, deliver and manage leisure, recreation and wellness operations in a variety of roles and responsibilities for:
- commercial recreation organizations
- leisure centres
- municipal governments
- not-for-profit agencies
- outdoor education centres
- sport organizations
Potential employment opportunities include:
- active living co-ordinator
- aquatics supervisor
- camp supervisor
- program supervisor
- recreation programmer/co-ordinator
- special events co-ordinator
Professional Accreditations & Recognition
Certification Opportunities
Qualified students have the opportunity to earn certification in Parks and Recreation Ontario’s HIGH FIVE Principles of Healthy Child Development program, QUEST Training for supervisory staff as well as a certificate in Inclusive Recreation Programming – Level 1. All full-time students receive a student membership with Parks and Recreation Ontario.
Additional requirements may apply.
Note: The requirements for the additional credential(s) are determined by the granting body, which is independent from the College. Students are encouraged to obtain the specific requirements directly from the granting body before enrolling.
Related Programs
Program Availability
| START DATE | LOCATION | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
| September 2022 | North | Open |
| START DATE | LOCATION | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
| September 2022 | North | Open |
Hospitality & Tourism Success Stories
Culinary Management Student Elisha Fernandes Takes Sustainability Course
Fri, October 01, 2021
Student Elisha Fernandes took a sustainability course during his fourth semester of Culinary Management and was amazed by his learnings.
Tourism/Travel Student Overcomes Obstacles and Gains Confidence Through Internship
Tue, June 08, 2021
My placement helped me a lot to learn and gain knowledge about the travel industry.
Tourism/Travel Student Rises to Challenge and Learns a Little Spanish in Internship
Tue, June 08, 2021
This placement helped me better understand my field by always looking at the positive side of things.
Tourism/Travel Student Enjoys Cultural Experience In International Internship
Tue, June 08, 2021
As an intern, I have been able to get exposure to travel company management operations and the decision-making process.
No news at this time.
Faculty of Business Events
Global Learning Collective Virtual WIL Information Session
Humber
Thu, July 22, 2021
Online
Join us to learn about the exciting virtual Work Integrated Learning opportunities available with the Global Learning Collective!
Fall 2021 Virtual Open House
Humber
Sat, November 20, 2021 | 10:00 AM - 02:00 PM
Register now for virtual information sessions to help you decide what program is right for you.
Faculty of Business News
Humber Professor Greets Students in 8 Different Languages
Fri, October 01, 2021
Humber Faculty of Business professor Mike Dover started the semester by greeting his students in 8 different languages.
Work Integrated Learning Centre Hosted Goodmans LLP
Fri, October 01, 2021
Two representatives from Goodmans LLP delivered a virtual presentation titled, “A Day in the Life at Goodmans”.
Fall 2021 Virtual Career Fair
Fri, October 01, 2021
The Faculty of Business Work Integrated Learning Centre is hosting a Virtual Career Fair for industry professionals and students.
The Humber Room and Gourmet Express Relaunch
Fri, October 01, 2021
We hosted a graduation for the students in the Christian Horizons/Humber College Culinary Certificate in the Humber Room.
No news at this time.
Program News
Virtual Assignment Helps Students Gain Critical Skills
Mon, May 10, 2021
Second-year Recreation and Leisure Services students in Professor Sherri Branscombe's Special Event Management course planned and hosted two successful virtual events.
Recreation and Leisure Services Students Collaborate with Professionals to Solve Industry Challenges
Fri, May 07, 2021
Customer Service Excellence and Quality Management students from the Recreation and Leisure Services program collaborated with industry experts to tackle current recreation sector challenges.
No news at this time.
Every attempt is made to ensure that information contained on this website is current and accurate. Humber reserves the right to correct any error or omission, modify or cancel any course, program, fee, timetable or campus location at any time without prior notice or liability to users or any other Person.
On October 21, 2019, the Provincial Government of Ontario announced the renaming of the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities (MTCU) to the Ministry of Colleges and Universities (MCU). Both names may appear on this website.
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HOW TO APPLY
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
POST-ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
FEES & SCHOLARSHIPS
PATHWAYS
CONTACT US
Post-Admission Requirements
Once you have been accepted, and have confirmed your offer, you may need to complete a further set of requirements related to your program (Post-Admission Requirements).
Applicants are strongly recommended to develop the following skillsets: computer knowledge/word processing, communication/interpersonal skills, related volunteer work and introductory background in recreation/leisure. First aid/CPR training is an asset.
Fees
The 2021-2022 fee for two semesters was:
- domestic: $3,705.14
- international: $16,414.00
Fees are subject to change.
Fees by Semester
Domestic Fees International FeesAdditional Costs
$450 – textbooks; $240 – leadership camp experience (first semester); fees for specific industry certifications.
Scholarships
Humber Scholarships
Find out more about scholarships and bursaries that you may be eligible for, visit Student Scholarships. International students can visit International Student Scholarships.
Humber Bursaries
Bursaries are available for Certificate, Diploma and Degree programs primarily based on financial need, visit Humber Bursaries.
External Awards, Bursaries & Scholarships
Find out more information about external scholarships and bursaries, visit External Awards.
Indigenous Student Awards, Bursaries & Scholarships
Humber offers a variety of bursaries and scholarships for Indigenous students, visit Indigenous Student Awards.
Pathways
Pathways are academic routes that students can take to move from one credential to another.
PATHWAYS OUT TO ANOTHER PROGRAM:
TO A PARTNER INSTITUTION
Bachelor of Applied Management
Graduates of any two-year diploma program at Humber Institute of Technology & Advanced Learning, who have attained a cumulative grade point average of 70% or greater will be eligible to enter year three of the four-year Bachelor of Applied Management (BAM) at the University of New Brunswick, Saint John.
Depending on the diploma program, students may be exempted from study in certain courses and therefore, requested to take alternate courses offered by the Faculty of Business.
Please note: Admission to the academic programs listed is at the sole discretion of the partner post-secondary institution. Please contact the institution for detailed admission requirements.
For more information please contact: admissions@unb.ca.
BBA Sport Management
Students who complete a 2 year diploma at Humber will be granted 60 credit hours toward the completion of a bachelor degree program at Davenport University. You will need to complete a minimum of 60 credit hours (approximately two years of full-time attendance) to meet residency and program requirements and to complete your bachelor degree program. Students must complete a minimum total of 120 semester credit hours to earn a bachelor degree. The total credit hours will include the completed 2 year diploma classes plus any courses completed through Davenport University.
Admission to the academic programs listed is at the sole discretion of the partner post-secondary institution.
If you still have questions, reach out to the transfer admissions team at info@davenport.edu or 1.800.686.1600.
Honours Bachelor of Therapeutic Recreation
Humber and Seneca Colleges have entered into an agreement that increases student opportunities for degree completion at both institutions. Humber graduates may transfer into Seneca’s Honours Bachelor of Therapeutic Recreation with entry into Semester 3, Year 2 of the program.
Admissions:
All applicants to Seneca degree programs are required to have successfully completed the related Humber program with a minimum overall Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.5.
All applicants may apply through the Ontario College Application Service and must submit an official academic transcript for all course work completed at the postsecondary level. The application must be received no later than the stated deadline for the given term being applied for in order to qualify for admission.
For further information, please contact: academic.pathways@senecacollege.ca
Admission to the academic programs listed is at the sole discretion of the partner post-secondary institution. Please contact the institution for detailed admission requirements.
Honours Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies
Humber and Seneca Colleges have entered into an agreement that increases student opportunities for degree completion at both institutions. Humber graduates may transfer into Seneca’s Honours Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies with entry into Semester 4, Year 2 of the program.
Admissions:
All applicants to Seneca degree programs are required to have successfully completed the related Humber program with a minimum overall Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.0 (70%).
All applicants may apply through the Ontario College Application Service and must submit an official academic transcript for all course work completed at the postsecondary level. The application must be received no later than the stated deadline for the given term being applied for in order to qualify for admission.
For further information, please contact: academic.pathways@senecacollege.ca
Admission to the academic programs listed is at the sole discretion of the partner post-secondary institution. Please contact the institution for detailed admission requirements.
Law LLB
Humber students who have successfully completed a Diploma or Advanced Diploma in any field at Humber College and meet the requirements, will be considered for admission into the University of Gloucestershire's Bachelor of Law LLB program.
International students should demonstrate and must provide evidence that they have attained a level of English equivalent to IELTS 6.5 overall with a minimum of 6.0 in writing. Alternative acceptable English Language qualifications can be found at: https://www.glos.ac.uk/international/
Students will be expected to attend an Academic Induction preceding entry to the program. Students admitted to the UoG program will pay the appropriate annual tuition fee rate. The definitive fees will be those published here: https://www.glos.ac.uk/international/
Students admitted to UoG from Humber will be eligible to receive the international bursary. This award, and its ruling terms and conditions, is subject to change on an annual basis. For September 2020/January 2021 entry, the applicable bursary is £3,000, and will be automatically applied against tuition for successful applicants from Humber. Please note that the bursary is only available to students who are studying full-time at the UoG on campus in the UK, and completing a full degree (not available for distance learning or master's stage students).
Admission to the academic programs listed is at the sole discretion of the partner post-secondary institution. Please contact the institution for detailed admission requirements.
Contact us for more information:
Shandin Rickard-Hughes
International Marketing & Student Recruitment Manager, Americas
srickardhughes@glos.ac.uk
How to Apply
Applications to Humber are made through ontariocolleges.ca. Be sure to submit your application by the equal consideration deadline of February 1. You may apply after February 1, however, post-February 1 applications will be considered on a first-come, first-served basis depending on the availability of the space in the program. To check program availability refer to the Campus/Availability listing on Humber's program pages or ontariocolleges.ca.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
If you’re an international student, you can apply directly to Humber via our International Centre.
