Program Location
Education Building & Currie Gymnasium
Start Term
Fall Semester
Program Type
Coursework & Field Experience
Schedule
Full-Time
Credits
120 Credits
Average Duration
4 Years
Inspire children and teens to infuse physical activity into their daily lives and share your love of fitness and health! Students in the B.Ed. Physical and Health Education program benefit from acquired theory through coursework as well as observational and hands-on learning. Students have the opportunity to put theory into practice through practical field experience opportunities in each year of study. This program leads to Quebec teacher certification for elementary and secondary school settings. B.Ed. Physical and Health Education graduates typically pursue careers in education or youth leadership, sports administration, leadership roles in fitness and wellness centers, management of sports and exercise-governing bodies, as well as sports, physical conditioning, and physical rehabilitation equipment industries.
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Full Program Details from the Course Catalogue
Physical and Health Education (B.Ed.) (120 credits)
Offered by: Kinesiology and Physical Ed (Faculty of Education)
Degree: Bachelor of Education
Program credit weight: 120 credits
Program Description
The Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) - Physical and Health Education is a 120-credit program leading to teacher certification. Students who have not completed Quebec CEGEP, French Baccalaureate, International Baccalaureate, or at least one year of university studies prior to commencing the B.Ed. must also complete a minimum of 30 credits of Freshman courses (in addition to the 120 credit program) for a total of 150 credits.
The Physical and Health Education program prepares students to teach physical and health education at the elementary and secondary levels. In a unique structure interweaving academic studies, professional course work, and teaching practices over the course of study, students are rapidly given the opportunity to assume a teaching role; the extent of teaching involvement and expectations progressively building on additional academic and professional courses.
Please note that graduates of teacher education programs are recommended by the University for Quebec certification to the Ministère de l'Éducation, et L'Enseignment supérieur (MEES). For more information about teacher certification in Quebec, please refer to the Faculty of Education section under "Overview of Faculty Programs", "Undergraduate Education Programs", and "Quebec Teacher Certification".
Freshman Program
Freshman students are required to complete 30 credits of introductory (100- or 200-level) courses. Students will not be granted permission to take first-year (U1) courses if the credits from the Freshman year have not been obtained. For students considering a second teachable subject, the following areas are recommended: history, geography, English, or mathematics.
From the "Required Courses" list, Freshman students take the 0-credit course EDEC 215 English Exam for Teacher Certification. English Language Requirement. In addition, in consultation with the Program Adviser, students may select courses from the recommended course list below or other courses.
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| EDEC 202 | Effective Communication. | 3 |
Effective Communication. Terms offered: Fall 2025 Effective writing, speaking, and non-verbal communication skills for a variety of academic and professional situations. Feedback approaches, influential rhetoric, and how to make effective requests to build productive teams through communication. Communication norms in multiple contexts and cultures, identification and correction of common errors in grammar, mechanics and usage. | ||
| EDEM 220 | Contemporary Issues in Education. | 3 |
Contemporary Issues in Education. Terms offered: Fall 2025 An introduction to contemporary issues in education in local, national and international contexts, including a critical perspective on educational issues by drawing on a variety of analytical frameworks. | ||
| WCOM 250 | Research Essay and Rhetoric. | 3 |
Research Essay and Rhetoric. Terms offered: Fall 2025, Winter 2026 Academic research-based writing across the disciplines. Article summary, critical analysis, rhetorical strategies, citation and paraphrase of academic sources, and editing for cohesion and clarity. | ||
Required Courses (102 credits)
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| EDEC 215 | English Exam for Teacher Certification. | 0 |
English Exam for Teacher Certification. Terms offered: Summer 2025 The English Exam for Teacher Certification (EETC) is a Quebec Ministry of Education-required component of the B.Ed. degree. The exam is coordinated by an independent organization, the Centre for the English Exam for Teacher Certification (CEETC). Consists of a 2-hour exam designed to assess teacher candidates' competency in the language of instruction. Must be completed before the 3rd Field Experience. Students must register for EDEC 215 and register for the EETC on the CEETC website. Students who do not pass after four attempts require permission from the Internships Student Affairs Office to re-take the exam. | ||
| EDEC 247 | Policy Issues in Quebec and Indigenous Education. | 3 |
Policy Issues in Quebec and Indigenous Education. Terms offered: Summer 2025, Fall 2025 The organization of Quebec education, including Indigenous education, from historical, political, social, cultural and legal perspectives. The implications and contributions of policy decisions to schools, students, and families. | ||
| EDEC 260 | Philosophical Foundations. | 3 |
Philosophical Foundations. Terms offered: Fall 2025, Winter 2026 Ideas essential for the development of a coherent educational theory and sound professional practice. Reflections on: the nature of the person, of reality, of knowledge, and of value; the aims of education, the nature of the school and the curriculum, the roles and responsibilities of professional educators. | ||
| EDFE 246 | First Field Experience (Physical Education). | 3 |
First Field Experience (Physical Education). Terms offered: Summer 2025 Supervised student teaching in Physical Education in an elementary school. Students are expected to apprise themselves of Field Experience dates, duration and responsibilities as outlined on the Internships and Student Affairs website at http://www.mcgill.ca/isa | ||
| EDFE 373 | Second Field Experience (Physical Education). | 3 |
Second Field Experience (Physical Education). Terms offered: Summer 2025 Supervised student teaching in physical education in a secondary school. Students are expected to apprise themselves of Field Experience dates, duration and responsibilities as outlined on the Internships and Student Affairs website at www.mcgill.ca/isa. | ||
| EDFE 380 | Third Field Experience (Physical Education). | 7 |
Third Field Experience (Physical Education). Terms offered: Fall 2025 Supervised student teaching physical education in a school. Students are expected to apprise themselves of Field Experience dates, duration and responsibilities as outlined on the Internships and Student Affairs website at www.mcgill.ca/isa. | ||
| EDFE 480 | Fourth Field Experience (Physical Education). | 7 |
Fourth Field Experience (Physical Education). Terms offered: Fall 2025, Winter 2026 A minimum of 35 days of supervised teaching Physical Education in a school. | ||
| EDKP 100 | Introduction to Physical and Health Education in Quebec. | 3 |
Introduction to Physical and Health Education in Quebec. Terms offered: Fall 2025 This course will place physical and health education into the Quebec context. Relationships between academic course work and physical activity course offerings will be made to clearly link research and teaching practice. | ||
| EDKP 204 | Health Education. | 3 |
Health Education. Terms offered: Fall 2025 A study of the teacher's role in the total school health program at both elementary and high school levels; current issues in contemporary health education. | ||
| EDKP 208 | Biomechanics and Motor Learning. | 3 |
Biomechanics and Motor Learning. Terms offered: Winter 2026 Nature and mechanical function of human movement in sport, dance, physical recreation and adapted movement activities. | ||
| EDKP 217 | Track and Field. | 3 |
Track and Field. Terms offered: Fall 2025 Using track and field to address a variety of progressions of learning that are included at all levels of, and in relation to, the Quebec Physical Education Curriculum. The Sport Education model will be utilized to stress the transferability of the sport-specific skills needed to engage in track and field. | ||
| EDKP 303 | Seminars in Physical and Health Education | 1 |
Seminars in Physical and Health Education Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Exploration of topics that are important for student teachers and their transition into the professional realm. | ||
| EDKP 223 | Games 1: Elementary Physical Education . | 3 |
Games 1: Elementary Physical Education . Terms offered: Fall 2025 Focus on Teaching Games For Understanding, in relation to the Quebec Physical Education Curriculum, which includes invasion games, target games, net and wall games, and striking and fielding games. Emphasis will be placed on fundamental movement through a variety of games and physical activities. | ||
| EDKP 225 | Games 2: Secondary Physical Education. | 3 |
Games 2: Secondary Physical Education. Terms offered: Fall 2025 Focus on Teaching Games For Understanding, in relation to the Quebec Physical Education Curriculum, to explore sport-specific skills, tactics, and strategies that are included across traditional sports and settings. The conceptual teaching of physical education will be emphasized. | ||
| EDKP 232 | Health-Related Fitness. | 3 |
Health-Related Fitness. Terms offered: Winter 2026 Participation in activities surrounding the components of cardiovascular fitness, strength, and flexibility. Exposure to a variety of fitness assessments as well as how these assessments can be used to connect to the Quebec Physical Education Curriculum’s student plans of action in regards to overall health and well-being. | ||
| EDKP 235 | Non-Traditional Physical Activities . | 3 |
Non-Traditional Physical Activities . Terms offered: Winter 2026 Martial arts, meditation,stress releasing and other related activities will be introduced to incorporate these activities into future physical education and health programs. The Quebec Physical Education Curriculum will be utilized. | ||
| EDKP 237 | Outdoor Education. | 3 |
Outdoor Education. Terms offered: Winter 2026 Utilization of the outdoors in interdisciplinary lesson planning to engage students in alternative environments, using the Teaching Personal Social Responsibility Through Physical Activity model. Urban outdoor activities will also be included to meet the realities of teaching in large urban centres. | ||
| EDKP 253 | Movement Education. | 3 |
Movement Education. Terms offered: Winter 2026 A Laban theme-based approach will be incorporated through dance, gymnastics, circus and parkour. Basic movement patterns of balance, landings, rotations, and locomotion will be taught. Developmental lesson planning and safety will be incorporated throughout the course. | ||
| EDKP 261 | Motor Development. | 3 |
Motor Development. Terms offered: Fall 2025 Changes apparent in motor behaviour from conception to old age. Two perspectives are emphasized: 1) contemporary and historical theories of human development, 2) development of motor behaviour and influences of physical growth, sensori-perceptual development, information processing and socio-cultural factors. | ||
| EDKP 292 | Nutrition and Wellness. | 3 |
Nutrition and Wellness. Terms offered: Fall 2025 This course will examine the role of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, minerals and water in a balanced diet. Students will be introduced to the affects of nutrition on exercise, sport performance and wellness. The validity of claims concerning nutrient supplements will be studied. | ||
| EDKP 293 | Anatomy and Physiology. | 3 |
Anatomy and Physiology. Terms offered: Fall 2025 Basic foundations of structural, neuromuscular and visceral anatomy extending to the basic elements of the neuromuscular, circulatory and respiratory systems with emphasis on applications in instructional and coaching settings. | ||
| EDKP 307 | Evaluation in Physical Education. | 3 |
Evaluation in Physical Education. Terms offered: Fall 2025 Measurement and evaluation techniques designed to assess progress in physical education settings. | ||
| EDKP 330 | Physical Activity and Public Health. | 3 |
Physical Activity and Public Health. Terms offered: Fall 2025 Introduction to literature on the role of physical activity and general health and well-being. Examination of exercise adherence issues, exercise prescription, and the economic impact of physical fitness programs in the workplace. Epidemiologic literature. Concepts of health promotion and public health. | ||
| EDKP 342 | Physical Education Methods. | 3 |
Physical Education Methods. Terms offered: Winter 2026 This course is a prerequisite for all field experience and practice.) Designed to prepare students for a teaching/leadership role in physical education. They will examine teaching/leadership effectiveness as it relates to organization and observation techniques, planning, instruction and evaluation of physical activity. | ||
| EDKP 391 | Physiology in Sport and Exercise. | 3 |
Physiology in Sport and Exercise. Terms offered: Winter 2026 Examination of the responses of the human body during and following acute and chronic exercise with practical applications for a school setting. | ||
| EDKP 394 | Historical Perspectives. | 3 |
Historical Perspectives. Terms offered: Winter 2026 A historical survey of the form and function of organized sport and physical activity. | ||
| EDKP 396 | Adapted Physical Activity. | 3 |
Adapted Physical Activity. Terms offered: Fall 2025 Assessment, instruction and evaluation in physical activity for special populations. Emphasis on inclusion of people labelled intellectually disabled, learning disabled, physically awkward, autistic, visually or hearing impaired and physically disabled. Weekly lectures plus practical teaching lab. | ||
| EDKP 442 | Physical Education Pedagogy. | 3 |
Physical Education Pedagogy. Terms offered: Winter 2026 This pedagogy course builds on physical education methods and field experiences. It focuses on the developing teacher, the establishment of the learning environment, and the implementation of the varied teaching strategies. Principles of research on teaching in physical education are translated into practical techniques for application in the field. | ||
| EDKP 443 | Research Methods. | 3 |
Research Methods. Terms offered: Fall 2025 How to conduct and understand research in physical activity, including a complete overview of the research process, statistical and measurement concepts in research, the various types of research including both quantitative and qualitative aspects, as well as ways of presenting research. | ||
| EDKP 448 | Exercise and Health Psychology. | 3 |
Exercise and Health Psychology. Terms offered: Winter 2026 The psychological aspects of health and participation in exercise and physical activity. The application of psychological knowledge and methodology within exercise and health. Theory and evidence on selected topics in this area of study. | ||
| EDKP 494 | Physical Education Curriculum Development. | 3 |
Physical Education Curriculum Development. Terms offered: Winter 2026 Analysis of important philosophies, principles, and personal, educational, and societal issues that influence current physical and health education curricula with particular emphasis on the Québec curriculum for Physical Education and Health. | ||
| EDKP 498 | Sport Psychology. | 3 |
Sport Psychology. Terms offered: Fall 2025 The psychological aspects of participation in sport and physical activity relative to performance enhancement. | ||
| EDPE 300 | Educational Psychology. | 3 |
Educational Psychology. Terms offered: Summer 2025, Fall 2025, Winter 2026 Selected theories, models, and concepts relevant to planning and reflecting upon educational practice and improvement. Overview of development, learning, thinking, motivation, individual difference, etc. In relation to applications in classroom teaching and learning, the complementary role of counsellors and psychologists, educational computing and technology. The Youth Protection Act. | ||
Complementary Courses (6 credits)
6 credits selected as specified below:
Multicultural Education
3 credits from:
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| EDEC 233 | Indigenous Education. | 3 |
Indigenous Education. Terms offered: Fall 2025, Winter 2026 An exploration of Indigenous knowledge and pedagogy, primarily in Canada but also world-wide. Consideration of the diverse social, cultural, linguistic, political, and pedagogical histories of Indigenous communities. Examines how a teacher's professional identity and practice can be influenced by an understanding of Indigenous knowledge and worldviews. | ||
| EDEC 248 | Equity and Education. | 3 |
Equity and Education. Terms offered: Fall 2025, Winter 2026 Introduction to and exploration of contemporary issues and theories about equity in education and society in Quebec/Canada from a range of perspectives, including the historical, political, social, and economic. Provides learning opportunities for future educators to critically reflect upon and engage with equity issues and concerns in relation to schooling, including the exploration of classroom resources and activities that foster anti-racism, anti-oppression and intercultural approaches. | ||
| EDEC 249 | Global Education and Social Justice. | 3 |
Global Education and Social Justice. Terms offered: Fall 2025, Winter 2026 A cross-curricular, interdisciplinary approach to teaching/creating learning experiences for students. It will foster critical thinking and nurture lifelong global understanding, active engagement and participation in relation to questions of social, economic, and environmental justice, by infusing these issues in the classroom. | ||
Media, Technology, Computers and Education
3 credits from:
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| EDEC 262 | Media, Technology and Education. | 3 |
Media, Technology and Education. Terms offered: Summer 2025, Fall 2025, Winter 2026 Orientation to the equipment and systems of educational technology. Examination of theories of educational technology, media education and technology education and the exploration and development of possible applications in school settings. | ||
| EDPT 200 | Integrating Educational Technology in Classrooms. | 3 |
Integrating Educational Technology in Classrooms. Terms offered: Fall 2025 The course is designed to help practicing and future teachers integrate current and emerging technology in their daily teaching practices. It is a practical, hands-on course that is grounded in constructivist learning theory. The participants will learn by engaging in authentic tasks in a project-based learning environment. | ||
| EDPT 204 | Creating and Using Media for Learning. | 3 |
Creating and Using Media for Learning. Terms offered: Winter 2026 Creating and using media for learning. The course reviews audio-visual education (text, visuals, audio, video, and augmented reality), media and information literacy for K-11, higher education, and society, and how data are represented and used in education and research in different disciplines. The rationale and underlying principles for the design, production and effective use of media are emphasized. | ||
Electives (12 credits)
12 credits chosen from any of the University's course offerings to contribute to the student's academic proficiency and professional preparation. Students are encouraged to choose as they wish. However, beware that some courses have restrictions, pre-requisites and/or enrollment limitations.
Program Completion Time Limit
5 years after initial registration and within 150 credits
*Students who enter into a Freshman/Foundation Year become subject to these regulations one year after their initial registration.
Eligibility (Admission Criteria)
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Application Process & Required Documents
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Application Deadlines
Deadlines are based on which category of applicant you are. Click the links below to verify the deadline that's relevant to your personal educational background:
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U.S. high school applicant (in the U.S. and other countries)
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University applicant (transfer, second degree, special & visiting)
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