Master of Arts Kinesiology and Physical Education (Thesis)

Kinesiology and Physical Education Teachers training participants

Red Location IconProgram Location

Red Student IconStart Term
Fall & Winter Semesters

Red Book IconProgram Type
Thesis

Red Calendar IconSchedule
Full-Time

Red Clipboard IconCredits
45 Credits

Red Clock IconAverage Duration
2-3 Years

Are you fascinated by the social science aspects of kinesiology and physical education? The M.A. in Kinesiology and Physical Education is an interdisciplinary program that promotes innovative research and study in sports psychology, health and fitness interventions, physical and health education pedagogy, sport sociology, adapted physical activity, and more. Through a blend of theoretical foundations and practical application research, students have the opportunity to be mentored by 91ºÚÁÏÍø experts as they delve into studies surrounding human movement and physical health in diverse populations including athletes, youth, older adults, and individuals with disabilities or chronic conditions.

Have questions?

studentaffairs.kpe [at] mcgill.ca (subject: Master%20of%20Arts%20Kinesiology%20and%20Physical%20Education%20Inquiry) (Contact a Student Affairs Coordinator)

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Program Options
Students can choose from three program options:
  • Adapted Physical Activity:ÌýFocus on an interdisciplinary understanding and the promotion of physical activity participation among people with disabilities, including developmental, emotional, intellectual, and/or physical. Studies will center on motivation, self-determination, coaching, participation, and/or social inclusion of people with disabilities within sport/physical activity contexts.
  • Social Aspects of Sport, Health, & Physical Education:ÌýExplore sport and physical activity in diverse community contexts, delving into how social, cultural, and historical patternsÌýmay affect how sport, physical activity, and physical education can help to foster (or strain) the health and wellbeing of young people.
  • Sports and Exercise Psychology:ÌýStudy how psychological and social factors influence an individual’s behavioural outcomes in sport and exercise performance and motivation and how participation in sport and exercise influences psychological and social development, health, and well-being. Students may opt for a sport psychology emphasis (e.g. coaching,, anxiety, aggression, gender issues) or an exercise psychology emphasis (e.g. social influences/support, interventions, self-esteem, body image, quality of life, special populations).

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Full Details from the Course Catalogue

Kinesiology and Physical Education (Thesis) (M.A.) (45 credits)

Offered by: Kinesiology and Physical Ed (Faculty of Education)ÌýÌýÌý
Degree: Master of Arts
Program credit weight: 45

Program Description

The M.A. in Kinesiology and Physical Education (Thesis) focuses on research in the social and pedagogical sciences related to kinesiology, physical activity, and physical education. Related areas of research include, but not limited to, physical and health education, sport sociology and cultural studies; adapted physical activity; and sport and exercise psychology.

Thesis Courses (24 credits)

Course Title Credits
EDKP 691Thesis Research 1.6

Thesis Research 1.

Terms offered: this course is not currently offered.

A comprehensive literature review in the general area of the thesis topic. Independent work under the supervision of the thesis advisor(s).

EDKP 692Thesis Research 2.6

Thesis Research 2.

Terms offered: this course is not currently offered.

Independent work under the supervision of the thesis advisor(s) culminating with a written proposal and oral seminar explaining the direction of the thesis research.

EDKP 693Thesis Research 3.6

Thesis Research 3.

Terms offered: this course is not currently offered.

Ongoing research pertaining to the thesis under the direction of the thesis advisor(s).

EDKP 694Thesis Research 4.6

Thesis Research 4.

Terms offered: this course is not currently offered.

Independent work under the supervision of the thesis advisor(s). Final submission and approval of the thesis.

Required Courses (9 credits)

Course Title Credits
EDKP 605Research Methods 1.3

Research Methods 1.

Terms offered: Fall 2025

A critical examination of philosophical issues, current paradigms, and research methodologies related to conducting research in kinesiology and physical education.

EDKP 621Seminar in Kinesiology and Physical Education 1A .1.5

Seminar in Kinesiology and Physical Education 1A .

Terms offered: Fall 2025, Winter 2026

Seminars given by students and invited speakers covering different areas of research related to kinesiology and physical education.

EDKP 622Seminar in Kinesiology and Physical Education 2A .1.5

Seminar in Kinesiology and Physical Education 2A .

Terms offered: Fall 2025, Winter 2026

Seminars given by students and invited speakers covering different areas of research related to kinesiology and physical education.

EDKP 623Seminar in Kinesiology and Physical Education 3A .1.5

Seminar in Kinesiology and Physical Education 3A .

Terms offered: Fall 2025, Winter 2026

Seminars given by students and invited speakers covering different areas of research related to kinesiology and physical education.

EDKP 624Seminar in Kinesiology and Physical Education 4A.1.5

Seminar in Kinesiology and Physical Education 4A.

Terms offered: Fall 2025, Winter 2026

Seminars given by students and invited speakers covering different areas of research related to kinesiology and physical education.

Complementary Courses (12 credits)

3 credits from:

Course Title Credits
EDKP 631Qualitative Methods.3

Qualitative Methods.

Terms offered: this course is not currently offered.

Examination of qualitative research methods and methodologies in sport, physical education and physical activity settings, including issues of epistemology, ontology, research paradigms, methods of data collection, analysis, and forms of representing qualitative research findings.

EDPE 676Intermediate Statistics.3

Intermediate Statistics.

Terms offered: Fall 2025

Concepts and procedures of conducting basic descriptive and inferential statistics, including analysis of variance, correlation, and regression models. Provides experience with data-analysis tools.

9 credits from:

Students must take a minimum of 9 credits of coursework in a classroom setting that is relevant to their area of research selected in consultation with the Graduate Student Advisor.

Course Title Credits
EDKP 548Applied Exercise Psychology.3

Applied Exercise Psychology.

Terms offered: Winter 2026

This course examines common theories and interventions used to understand and promote physical activity by (a) reviewing, discussing, and critically evaluating theories of health behaviour change, and (b) learning and applying physical activity counselling strategies.

EDKP 603Individual Reading Course 1.6

Individual Reading Course 1.

Terms offered: this course is not currently offered.

Supervised readings supervised by a member of staff. Topics will be chosen to suit individual interests.

EDKP 616Individual Reading Course 2.3

Individual Reading Course 2.

Terms offered: this course is not currently offered.

Reading Course.

EDKP 625Sport, Physical Activity and Social Theory .3

Sport, Physical Activity and Social Theory .

Terms offered: this course is not currently offered.

Introduction to various social theories that have helped to advance the study of sport and physical activity. Theories will be applied to current debates about a range of public issues, including gender, race, and identity issues; the body and body image; exercise and technology; and health promotion.

EDKP 631Qualitative Methods.3

Qualitative Methods.

Terms offered: this course is not currently offered.

Examination of qualitative research methods and methodologies in sport, physical education and physical activity settings, including issues of epistemology, ontology, research paradigms, methods of data collection, analysis, and forms of representing qualitative research findings.

EDKP 654Sport Psychology.3

Sport Psychology.

Terms offered: this course is not currently offered.

The psychological factors and personality characteristics that influence diverse aspects of sport and physical activity. Seminars focus on discussions/presentations of theory, psychometrics and application of psychological principles to behaviour in sport.

EDKP 664Motor Learning and Behaviour.3

Motor Learning and Behaviour.

Terms offered: this course is not currently offered.

The analysis of conditions and factors related to human learning and performance or behavioural potential using the information processing model of behaviour. Seminar format is used to discuss experimentation and theory that examine motor skill acquisition.

EDKP 671Experimental Problems.3

Experimental Problems.

Terms offered: this course is not currently offered.

Study in one area of: ergo-physiology or biomechanics or psychology of motor performance or motor performance for exceptional children. To provide an opportunity to conduct a research project and develop an awareness of the problems involved in the area of concentration under departmental supervision.

EDKP 672Advanced Experimental Problems.6

Advanced Experimental Problems.

Terms offered: this course is not currently offered.

Students conduct a research project and focus on advanced and intensive experiemental problems involved in the area of concentration under departmental supervision.

EDPE 676Intermediate Statistics.3

Intermediate Statistics.

Terms offered: Fall 2025

Concepts and procedures of conducting basic descriptive and inferential statistics, including analysis of variance, correlation, and regression models. Provides experience with data-analysis tools.

Students may also take courses (500, 600, or 700 level) outside of the department chosen in consultation with the supervisor or student advisor, up to a maximum of 6 credits.

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Graduate Supervisors

Select the links below to reveal lists of potential supervisors.

(Note that individual supervisors may list further details, such as when they are taking new students and application instructions in the Graduate Supervision section at the bottom of their individual profile pages.)

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Eligibility (Admission Criteria)
  • Minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 3.0 overall in undergraduate studies, or at least 3.2/4.0 over the last two years of full-time study
  • Undergraduate degree in Physical Education, Exercise Science, Kinesiology, or equivalent. Students who seek admission without a degree in Physical Education, Exercise Science, or Kinesiology may be required to complete up to 30 credits of undergraduate work to qualify for admissions (to be determined by the candidate’s supervisor and/or Graduate Program Director).
  • Applicants are advised to contact a potential supervisor in advance of the application deadline. Prospective students must secure at least one supervisor to be eligible for program acceptance.
  • English English Language Proficiency: Please verify theÌýGraduate and Postdoctoral Studies websiteÌýto see if you are required to submitÌýproof of English proficiency or if you are exempt.
  • A series of required supporting documents must accompany your application and should be submitted via the Graduate Applicant Portal. Please see below for further details.

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Application Process & Supporting Documents

The following documents comprise your graduate program application and must be submitted through the Graduate Applicant Portal:

  • Completed Application Form
  • Transcripts: Submit a copy of yourÌýunofficial transcriptsÌýfrom allÌýprevious university-level studies.ÌýYou will also be required to submit official transcripts after being admitted to the program.
  • °ä³Õ/¸éé²õ³Ü³¾Ã©:ÌýA formal overview ofÌý your experience and other qualifications, including employment, academic credentials, publications, contributions, and significant achievements.
  • Personal Statement: A letter of intent (one to two pages) describing your motivations for wanting to pursue this academic program and a brief overview ofÌý your intended research topic. If you are in contact with your intended supervisor,Ìýtailoring your personal statement to a specific supervisor and their research is advisable.
  • Two (2) Letters of Reference thatÌýhighlight your accomplishments and potential as a graduate student:Ìý

Letters must meet the following criteria:

  • Letters must be dated and not be more than 12 months old.

  • Letters should be written by a person of authority in a field that relates to your intended program. This may include professors, instructors, employers, mentors, etc.Ìýyou have studied/worked with.

  • The reference must include their position and full contact information at the institution.

  • The intended program of study must be clearly indicated

  • Letter content should include relevant details that serve to advocate for the candidate’s acceptance and/or aid an admissions committee in making an informed decision.

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Note that your letters of recommendation are also considered when evaluating your dossier for internal funding opportunities.

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Application Deadlines

Complete applications must be received by the dates indicated below. Kindly note that no applications are accepted for Summer Semester admission.

Canadian Applicants:
Fall Admission: February 15
Winter Admission: October 1

Special/Exchange/Visiting Applicants:
Fall Admission: February 15
Winter Admission: July 15

Special/Exchange/Visiting Applicants:
Fall Admission: June 30
Winter Admission: July 15

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