College Diploma - Recreation And Leisure Services (RELS) (co-op) at Georgian College - Program overview

Program overview

Admission Requirements

Intakes

Last updated on 2025-05-27

Program overview

Program Overview

The Recreation and Leisure Services program at Georgian College is designed to equip students with the essential skills and knowledge needed to thrive in the recreation and leisure industry. This Ontario College Diploma program emphasizes both practical and theoretical aspects, ensuring that students are well-prepared for various roles within the sector. The curriculum covers a wide range of topics, including community recreation, outdoor adventure, arts, culture, fitness, and event planning. With a focus on experiential learning, students will engage in hands-on projects and gain valuable insights into the business side of recreation.

Program Structure

The Recreation and Leisure Services program is a 2-year full-time diploma program delivered through the GC Flex method, allowing for a blend of in-class and online learning. Key features of the program structure include:

Paid co-op work term providing real-world experience in various sectors.
Field trips to recreation facilities and participation in community events.
Industry certifications that enhance employability.
Hands-on learning opportunities through practical projects.
Courses covering business administration fundamentals, including marketing and human resources.

Students will also have the chance to engage with local community organizations, gaining competencies in leadership and group facilitation while designing and delivering inclusive recreation initiatives.

Featured Experiences

The Recreation and Leisure Services program offers a variety of unique experiences that enhance learning and professional development:

Paid summer co-op positions as recreation programmers or municipal summer staff supervisors.
Outdoor recreation excursions to develop team-building and leadership skills.
Visits to recreation facilities such as Variety Village and Bayview Wildwood Resort.
Participation in community projects with local recreation organizations.
Industry-specific certifications, including HIGH FIVE, to boost credentials.
Parks and Recreation Ontario student membership for networking and resources.

Career Options

Graduates of the Recreation and Leisure Services program can pursue a variety of rewarding career paths in Canada, including:

Activity Director/Life Enrichment Coordinator: Oversee recreational programs in retirement homes and long-term care facilities, enhancing residents' quality of life.
Adaptive/Therapeutic Recreation Specialist: Design and implement programs that cater to individuals with disabilities, promoting inclusion and wellness.
Municipal Recreation Programmer: Plan and manage community recreation programs, events, and activities for local governments.
Facility Operations Manager: Oversee the daily operations of recreational facilities, ensuring safety and quality service delivery.
Event Planner: Organize and coordinate recreational events, from community festivals to corporate retreats, ensuring successful execution.

Potential employers include municipal recreation departments, private and commercial recreation organizations, long-term care facilities, and outdoor recreation centers, providing a diverse range of opportunities for graduates.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.

Visit Georgian College official website

Last updated on 2025-05-27

Program overview

Academic Requirements

To apply for the Recreation and Leisure Services (RELS) program at Georgian College, prospective students must meet the following Academic Requirements:

Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent with Grade 12 English (C or U).
Mature students, non-secondary school applicants (19 years or older), and home school applicants may also be considered for admission. Eligibility may be met by applicants who have taken equivalent courses, upgrading, completed their GED, and equivalency testing.
Criminal Reference/Vulnerable Sector Check: Placement agencies require an up-to-date clear criminal reference check and vulnerable sector check prior to going out on placement. Students should obtain their criminal reference three months prior to placement; checks conducted earlier may not be considered current. It is the student’s responsibility to provide the completed document prior to placement start. A record of criminal offences, for which a pardon has not been granted, may prevent students from completing their placements, thereby affecting their ability to graduate.

Transcripts may be required to be evaluated by WES in some cases.

Students are encouraged to apply as soon as possible to ensure they meet all requirements and deadlines.

Language Requirements

At Georgian College, the language of instruction is English. Therefore, all applicants whose first language is not English, or who come from countries where English is not an official language, must provide proof of English language proficiency.

Applicants must meet ONE of the following criteria to satisfy Georgian’s language proficiency requirements:

Must have completed three full years of study at the secondary school (high school) level in English in a country where English is a primary language.
Must have completed one full year of study in an accredited postsecondary program in English in a country where English is a primary language.
Must have an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (or Canadian provincial equivalent) and English credit (Grade 12 U, M or C) issued by a public or Catholic school board.
Provide proof of graduation from one of the authorized Georgian College partner school pathway programs.
Must have completed three years of study at a secondary private school in Ontario and received an Ontario Secondary School Diploma and English credit (Grade 12 U, M or C).

Acceptable language tests include:

Examinations	Diploma/certificate	HBSN/ HBNA	Pharmacy Technician	Degree studies	Graduate certificate
Duolingo Language Test*	110	140	N/A	120	130
TOEFL internet-based test (IBT)	79	89**	N/A	89**	89**
IELTS Academic only	6.0	7.0	Minimum bands of: 7.0 in Reading, 7.0 in Listening, 7.0 in Speaking, 6.5 in Writing	6.5	6.5
Canadian Academic English Language (CAEL)/CAEL Online	60	N/A	N/A	60***	60***

* Duolingo will forward your test results directly to Georgian College.

** Require minimum bands of 22 in writing and 22 in speaking.

*** Minimum bands of 50.

Please check with our team for more details.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors. The listed minimum requirements are a guideline and do not guarantee admission. Do not worry, we will notify you of any changes during the application process.

Not meeting the minimum language requirements?

You may still be able to apply!

Last updated on 2025-12-06

Program overview