Health Exercise Sciences & Kinesiology
Master of Science (MSc), Health and Exercise Sciences
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Kinesiology
GRADUATE PROGRAM OVERVIEW
| Program | Components | Expected Duration |
| MSc | Research thesis and coursework | 24 months |
| PhD | Research dissertation | 48 months |
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.
RESEARCH & SUPERVISORS
Graduate students and postdoctoral fellows can pursue these and other faculty research and teaching interests:
- Neuromuscular physiology and fatigue
- Health behaviour change
- Cardiorespiratory and cerebrovascular physiology
- Metabolism, nutrition and immunology
Our research faculty investigate a diverse range of topics related to health and exercise. They are happy to share with you their excitement about what they study so, after reading their profiles, we invite you to contact relevant supervisors to discuss your research interests.
- Behaviour Change Lab (Heather Gainforth)
- Brain Injury Lab (Paul Van Donkelaar)
- CardioPulmonary Laboratory for Experimental and Applied Physiology (Glen Foster)
- Centre for Heart, Lung and Vascular Health (Phil Ainslie and Neil Eves)
- Diabetes Prevention Research Group (Mary Jung)
- Exercise Metabolism and Inflammation Lab (Jonathan Little)
- Healthy Exercise and Aging Lab (Jennifer Jakobi)
- Integrative Neuromuscular Physiology Lab (Chris McNeil)
- Pediatric Inactivity Physiology Lab (Alison McManus)
- SCI Action Canada (Kathleen Martin Ginis)
- Sensorimotor Physiology and Integrative Neuromechanics Lab (Brian Dalton)
MEET OUR STUDENTS
Our students are active global citizens who work with local and international communities to optimize human health.
They strive to improve treatments, meet future health care challenges and prevent disease. Innovative faculty members produce cutting-edge research and are committed to providing students with relevant hands-on learning. A passion for health and healing and a desire to create positive change transforms students into leaders who will define the future of quality health care.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Admission to UBC graduate programs is competitive. The admission requirements described on this page are only a summary so visit the College of Graduate Studies website to ensure you are familiar with all requirements.
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.
Tuition & Funding
UBC Okanagan’s tuition and fees compare favourably with universities of the same high calibre.
Tuition
For official tuition and fee information, visit UBC Okanagan Academic Calendar*, a comprehensive guide to all programs, courses, services and academic policies at The University of British Columbia.
Tuition is paid three times a year at the beginning of each term, and on the first day of the term, as per the Academic Calendar: Winter Term 1 (September), Winter Term 2 (January), and Summer Term (May).
In case of a discrepancy between this webpage and the UBC Calendar, the UBC Calendar entry will be held to be correct..
Funding Opportunities
Graduate student stipends are funded through a combination of internal and external awards, Teaching Assistantships (TAs) and Research Assistantships (RAs). Funding and stipend amounts are normally at the Canadian Tri-Council level. Funding beyond the expected completion times (i.e., MSc: 24 months; PhD: 48 months) is not guaranteed. Students are expected, whenever possible, to apply for relevant scholarships and fellowships. These include principally, but are not limited to, Canadian Tri-Council scholarships, University Graduate Fellowships, and Graduate Dean’s Thesis Fellowship.
Teaching Assistantships (TA):
Providing financial support, TAs allow graduate students to develop skills in teaching, supervision and student assessment. TAs may lead seminars, help teach undergraduate courses, or assist in student evaluations and marking. TAs will receive mentorship from their supervisor, the course instructor.
Research Assistantships (RA):
As a paid RA, students assist their supervisor or other researchers in conducting high-level research, which often contributes to the student’s thesis.
awards & scholarships
UBC Awards
The College of Graduate Studies administers merit-based graduate awards at the Okanagan campus. The College manages a number of award competitions each year and administers payment of all internal awards and selected external awards.
External Awards
All prospective graduate students should explore and apply for external awards and fellowships, including, in the case of domestic students, scholarships offered by Canada’s three research councils: CIHR, NSERC and SSHRC.
Graduate scholarships and awards may also be available from foundations, private companies or foreign governments (check with your country’s education authority).
HOW TO APPLY
Find a Supervisor
Please contact at least one potential research supervisor before starting your application. Admission to the program requires the support of a faculty supervisor as well as satisfying program-specific criteria.
A complete application package will contain:
- Statement of intent or purpose
- Online application and application fee
- Official transcripts for all post-secondary institutions attended
- English language test (if required – see the College of Graduate Studies English Language Proficiency Requirements for details)
- CV or resumé
- Three reference forms or letters
Compiling a complete application takes time so we recommend that you start the application two months in advance of the deadlines listed in the following table. To be considered for entrance scholarships, your application materials must be submitted by:
| Intake | Application Deadline |
|---|---|
| Domestic and International applicants | |
| September | January 31 |
| May* | October 1* |
| January | June 1 |
*May admission is only available in the PhD program.
UBC’S OKANAGAN CAMPUS
The University of British Columbia is a global centre for research and teaching, consistently ranked among the 40 best universities in the world. At the School of Engineering on UBC’s Okanagan campus, you gain all the benefits of attending a globally respected university while studying in a close-knit learning community.
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.
OFF-CAMPUS HOUSING
* 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.