Master of Arts in Sustainable Leisure Management

For Laddering Option applicants:

Continuing Requirements/Minimum Grade Point Average

Students must achieve an average GPA of 3.0 (B) with a minimum "C" grade in any individual course in order to qualify for SLM 607.

Students who fail to maintain these standards but who have an overall GPA of 2.0 (C) will be provided one opportunity to write a qualifying exam to be eligible for SLM 607. Students who do not meet the academic standard may also have one opportunity to repeat SLM course at an additional cost.

Students with an overall GPA less than 2.0 will be asked to leave the program.

Completion Requirements

The expected, normal time required to complete the degree program will be two years for full-time students. The maximum time allowed to complete the degree will be three years.

Failure to complete the program in this timeline will result in removal from the program.

Note: Students requiring extra time must maintain continuous enrolment in EXTN 500 at additional cost.

• An undergraduate degree from an appropriately accredited university. Required degree in leisure, travel and tourism, hospitality or a related field (or equivalent in professional experience).
• A minimum average of "B" calculated in the last two years of the undergraduate degree, with a review of the entire degree.
• Applicants whose previous degree was obtained in a country where English is not the primary/official language and from a university where English was not the language of instruction must meet one of VIU’s English Language requirements for Graduate Programs.
• Acceptance and satisfactory review of the following items by the Faculty Admissions Committee:
  • Resume;
  • Three letters of reference accompanied by three completed referee forms (two academic referees and one professional;  Domestic applicants, International applicants).
  • A comprehensive statement addressing each of the following areas:
    • Areas of research interest (i.e. parks, festivals, resorts, tourism, culture, etc.);
    • Statement of career or further academic studies interest; and
    • Summary of relevant preparation (i.e. career and academic).
  • Interview. 

For Laddering Option applicants:

• Applicants must have completed the Graduate Diploma in Sustainable Leisure Management program with a minimum average of “B” calculated in both semesters. “B” or above required in each of SLM 603 and SLM 605 Knowledge Mobilization and Creation I and II.
• Statement of research interest and intent.
• Letters of support from two program faculty (indicating research readiness).
• Interview.

Notes on Admission

• This is a competitive admission process with limited seats in the program. Applicants who meet or exceed the minimum admission requirements may not necessarily be admitted to the program.
• If it has been more than five years since your last academic studies, one academic and two professional referees (in a leisure related field) are required.
• In your application letter, you must identify at least one department faculty with whom you have interest conducting research. See faculty bios.
• In your application letter, you must clearly articulate readiness to engage in thesis research based on prior coursework in research methods and/or evidence of academic or applied research experience.

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.

Domestic (Canadian)

International