The MSc in Health and Exercise Sciences (HES) is a research-based program but also includes mandatory coursework. Prior to starting an application, interested students are strongly urged to identify and contact a potential research supervisor.

The PhD in Kinesiology is a research-intensive program that does not have mandatory coursework. However, a student may elect to take courses or the student’s supervisor/supervisory committee may require that some coursework be completed. Prior to starting an application, interested students are strongly urged to identify and contact a potential research supervisor.  Formal milestones for the program include: establishing a supervisory committee; preparing, presenting and defending a dissertation research proposal; passing a written and oral candidacy exam; writing the dissertation; and defending the work.

Master of Science Applicants (MSc)

Applicants to the MSc program are expected to have a four-year bachelor’s degree in a biological, natural, health or social science or another related field of study; i.e., their background training must be sufficient for advanced work in Health and Exercise Sciences. After conversion of grades to the UBC scale, the College of Graduate Studies requires that applicants have either: i) at least a B+ (76%) average across all third- and fourth-year courses; or ii) ≥12 credits in third- and fourth-year classes in their intended field of study, with at least an A- (80%) average. In exceptional cases, applicants who do not meet these grade requirements but have significant relevant research training or professional experience may be granted admission on the recommendation of the School of Health and Exercise Sciences Graduate Committee and with the approval of the Dean of the College of Graduate Studies. No applicant will be admitted to the MSc program until a member of the Health and Exercise Sciences faculty has agreed to supervise the thesis research; thus, again, applicants are strongly urged to identify and contact a potential research supervisor prior to beginning an application.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Applicants to the PhD degree in Kinesiology are normally required to have a thesis-based master’s degree in Health and Exercise Sciences, Kinesiology, or other related field of study, along with appropriate undergraduate and graduate coursework. Applicants with an undergraduate or graduate degree in a non-Kinesiology program may be considered for admission, particularly if they have a strong background in the biological, natural, behavioural or health sciences.  In exceptional cases, applicants who do not meet these grade requirements but have significant relevant research training or professional experience may be granted admission on the recommendation of the School of Health and Exercise Sciences Graduate Committee and with the approval of the Dean of the College of Graduate Studies. No applicant will be admitted to the PhD program until a member of the Health and Exercise Sciences faculty has agreed to supervise the dissertation research; thus, again, applicants are strongly urged to identify and contact a potential research supervisor prior to beginning an application.

MORE INFORMATION

Visit the UBC Okanagan Academic Calendar* for full information of admission and program requirements; the Calendar is a comprehensive guide to all programs, courses, services and academic policies at the University of British Columbia. * In case of a discrepancy between this webpage and the UBC Calendar, the UBC Calendar entry will be held to be correct.

Master of Science Applicants (MSc)

Applicants to the MSc program are expected to have a four-year bachelor’s degree in a biological, natural, health or social science or another related field of study; i.e., their background training must be sufficient for advanced work in Health and Exercise Sciences. After conversion of grades to the UBC scale, the College of Graduate Studies requires that applicants have either: i) at least a B+ (76%) average across all third- and fourth-year courses; or ii) ≥12 credits in third- and fourth-year classes in their intended field of study, with at least an A- (80%) average. In exceptional cases, applicants who do not meet these grade requirements but have significant relevant research training or professional experience may be granted admission on the recommendation of the School of Health and Exercise Sciences Graduate Committee and with the approval of the Dean of the College of Graduate Studies.

Applicants from universities outside Canada for which English is not the primary language of instruction must present evidence of competency to pursue studies in the English language prior to being extended an offer of admission. Acceptable English language proficiency tests and minimum required test scores for admission are listed on the College of Graduate Studies website. Test scores must have been taken within the last 24 months. No applicant will be admitted to the program until a member of the Health and Exercise Sciences faculty has agreed to supervise the thesis research; thus, applicants are strongly urged to identify and contact a potential research supervisor prior to beginning an application.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Applicants to the PhD degree in Kinesiology are normally required to have a thesis-based master’s degree in Health and Exercise Sciences, Kinesiology, or other related field of study, along with appropriate undergraduate and graduate coursework. Applicants with an undergraduate or graduate degree in a non-Kinesiology program may be considered for admission, particularly if they have a strong background in the biological, natural, behavioural or health sciences.  In exceptional cases, applicants who do not meet these grade requirements but have significant relevant research training or professional experience may be granted admission on the recommendation of the School of Health and Exercise Sciences Graduate Committee and with the approval of the Dean of the College of Graduate Studies.

Applicants from universities outside Canada for which English is not the primary language of instruction must present evidence of competency to pursue studies in the English language prior to being extended an offer of admission. Acceptable English language proficiency tests and minimum required test scores for admission are listed on the College of Graduate Studies website. Test scores must have been taken within the last 24 months. No applicant will be admitted to the program until a member of the Health and Exercise Sciences faculty has agreed to supervise the thesis research; thus, applicants are strongly urged to identify and contact a potential research supervisor prior to beginning an application.

MORE INFORMATION

Visit the UBC Okanagan Academic Calendar* for full information of admission and program requirements; the Calendar is a comprehensive guide to all programs, courses, services and academic policies at the University of British Columbia. * In case of a discrepancy between this webpage and the UBC Calendar, the UBC Calendar entry will be held to be correct.

Grades and degree credentials required by UBC vary by country and institution. Search the International Student Evaluation Manual — a guide to assist international students in estimating their eligibility.

An international student advisor can answer questions about immigration, medical insurance and the transition to UBC’s Okanagan campus in Kelowna, BC, Canada. Go to the International Programs and Services website to meet the team.

DYNAMIC CITY

UBC’s Okanagan campus borders the dynamic city of Kelowna, a hub of economic development with a population of about 150,000 people—the fourth fastest growing population in Canada. In fact, the Okanagan Valley is rated one of the best communities in Canada to grow your business.

More than 160 buses travel daily from campus to key locations such as Kelowna’s cultural district and thriving downtown waterfront. The campus is two minutes from the Kelowna International Airport, one of the top 10 busiest airports in Canada.

UBC Okanagan is situated within the First Nations territory of the Okanagan Nation, whose spirit of stewardship for the land is reflected in the university’s respect for sustainability.

NATURAL BEAUTY

A diverse natural region with sandy beaches, beautiful farms, vineyards and orchards, and snow-capped mountains, the Okanagan Valley features sweeping stretches of lakeside and endless mountain trails for biking and hiking.

Check out this 360-degree video: Kelowna From Above.*

* Best viewed using desktop Chrome or Firefox (desktop) or YouTube app (mobile).

CAMPUS HOUSING

Full-time UBC Okanagan students can live in residence, which offers modern living with easy access to academic and personal support. Residences are surrounded by hiking and biking trails, plus panoramic views of the campus and valley.

• Student Residence
• Important Housing Dates

OFF-CAMPUS HOUSING

• Living Off Campus Resources
• Kelowna Off Campus Student Housing Facebook group*

* UBC does not verify or endorse information shared on this third-party website, which is offered here as a public resource only.

Clubs: Make friends with similar interests, stay informed, and organize or participate in academic and recreational events in the Graduate Health and Exercise Sciences Society.

Events: Various orientations help graduate students to explore, discover and learn about the School of Engineering, UBC Okanagan, and living in the Okanagan Valley.

Stay active: Take advantage of the many opportunities to get involved and play—from workout space in the new Hangar Fitness and Wellness Centre and our 1,561 square-metre gymnasium, to athletic courts, intramurals, fitness classes and nationally ranked varsity athletics. Have a ball in Sports and Recreation.

Relax: The Graduate Collegium is a gathering place where grad students can hang out, eat lunch, spend time with their fellow students, and attend or host special events. The lounge-style room is open seven days and week and is outfitted with comfortable furniture, kitchen facilities, and individual and group-work spaces.

College of Graduate Studies: Your hub for administrative support and such things as graduate workshops for professional development and for assisting you from the admissions process through to your graduation.

Centre for Scholarly Communication: Supports graduate students, post-doctoral fellows, staff, and faculty in disseminating their research. The Library’s CSC provides one-on-one consultations and workshops, including writing support for theses, dissertations, journal articles, and grant proposals.

Centre for Teaching and Learning: Provides support related to teaching, TA training, and use of technology in educational programming.

Learn more about graduate student resources and support.

Career Services

Map out your future and prepare to hit the ground running with resources and services provided by the Advising & Involvement Centre.

Tell your story with resumé and cover-letter strategies, and search Work Study jobs for experience relevant to your degree and career goals. You can also book an appointment to meet one-on-one with our career advisor.

alumni UBC

alumni UBC is a member-driven association that offers a variety of lifetime programming and communications to enrich the lives of UBC graduates.

The ‘Your Next Step’ program offers webinars, speaker series and professional development sessions. It is designed to provide advice, tips and resources in areas of career development to graduates for life after university.

Realize the promise of a global community with shared ambition for a better world and an exceptional UBC.