Recreation and Leisure Services
| Study location | Canada, Ontario, Kitchener |
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| Type | Diploma, College |
| Nominal duration | 2 years, includes 4 field placements |
| Study language | English |
| Course code | 0008 |
| Tuition fee | CA$16,682 per year The fee is for the 2022–2023 academic year and includes tuition (CA$13,750), health insurance and ancillary charges. The fees displayed are estimates for two semesters and are subject to change. |
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| Registration fee | CA$400 one-time The registration fee includes the non-refundable application fee (CA$100) and the refundable deposit fee (CA$300). Please REVIEW the EdviseCanada`s fee policy. |
| Entry qualification | High School / Secondary Education (or higher) To be eligible for admission, you must possess a high school diploma including these required courses (or equivalents):
The entry qualification documents are accepted in the following languages: English. |
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| Language requirements | English For direct admission, you must be from an English-speaking country or, you must provide one of the English language proficiency tests below:
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| More information |
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Overview
This two-year diploma program will prepare graduates for a number of progressive careers in the diverse field of recreation and leisure services. Throughout the program, students will experience active learning opportunities that connect theory and practice through in-class projects, community connections, and work-integrated learning (WIL) experiences, making learning engaging and meaningful. As champions of recreation and leisure services, students will provide leadership in designing, implementing, and evaluating inclusive programs for diverse populations (children, youth, adults and seniors). Through social entrepreneurship, students will enhance community wellness, research-informed practices, professional leadership, and interprofessional collaboration.
Program structure
Applicants should display integrity, reliability, maturity, determination, excellent communication and interpersonal skills, poise, and attributes of leadership.
Mandatory work-integrated learning (WIL) health and safety requirements must be completed by students prior to student WIL experiences. Successful WIL is required for students to progress to program completion. To qualify for WIL experiences, students must present the following at the start of the program in accordance with pre-admission information provided by the College:
- A complete immunization record including MMR, Tdap, Varicella, and Hepatitis B. Seasonal flu vaccination is required during flu season (October – March).
- TB Testing: Evidence of current 2-step or previous 2-step + current 1-step if more than one year has passed since 2-step testing.
- Standard First Aid and CPR – Level C
- A Police Check for Vulnerable Sector Screening (VSS). Police Checks must be clear of any unpardoned criminal offences. An unclear criminal record may result in the inability to participate in WIL experiences which will jeopardize progress in the program. Acceptance for WIL is at the discretion of the agency; some agencies may request students to provide a VSS completed within six months of WIL start date. Students with criminal records are advised to meet with the program chair for academic counselling to determine program suitability.
Career opportunities
Graduates find employment in the public sector (i.e. municipal community service departments, school boards, continuum of care facilities for seniors and special populations), commercial sector (i.e. outdoor education and recreation facilities, entertainment venues, travel and tourism agencies), and the not-for-profit sector (i.e. YMCA, YWCA, United Way, Big Brothers, Big Sisters).
In addition, graduates have advanced standing opportunities toward degree completion in the Bachelor of Early Learning Program Development at Conestoga College.
Graduates of the program will be considered for admission in the Bachelor of Arts in Recreation and Leisure Studies at the University of Waterloo and the Bachelor of Recreation and Leisure Studies at Brock University.