Master of Arts Kinesiology and Physical Education (Thesis)

• Adapted Physical Activity: Focus 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: Explore sport and physical activity in diverse community contexts, delving into how social, cultural, and historical patterns may 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: Study 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).

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

Offered by: Kinesiology and Physical Ed (Faculty of Education)   
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)

Required Courses (9 credits)

Complementary Courses (12 credits)

3 credits from:

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.

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.

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.)

• Adapted Physical Activity Supervisors
• Social Aspects of Sport, Health, & Physical Education
• Sports and Exercise Psychology

• 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 the Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies website to see if you are required to submit proof 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.

All applications are done through McGill's Graduate Applicant Portal. The application steps and instructional video are on the University's Future Graduate Students website. The following documents must be part of your application: (Note that all uploaded documents to the portal must be in PDF format.)

1. A complete application form (accompanied by your application fee payment).
2. Transcripts: Submit a copy of your unofficial transcripts from all previous university-level studies. You will also be required to submit official transcripts after being admitted to the program.
3. CV/Résumé: A formal overview of  your experience and other qualifications, including employment, academic credentials, publications, contributions, and significant achievements.
4. Personal Statement: A letter of intent (one to two pages) describing your motivations for wanting to pursue this academic program and a brief overview of  your intended research topic. If you are in contact with your intended supervisor, tailoring your personal statement to a specific supervisor and their research is advisable.
5. Application fee: An application fee payment will be required to complete your submission.
6. Two (2) Letters of Reference that highlight your accomplishments and potential as a graduate student: 

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. you 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.

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

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

Recommended candidates will receive a "Recommendation of Acceptance" email by April, confirming that their application has been reviewed and is being transmitted to McGill's Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies (GPS). Successful candidates will be contacted via email with an official offer of admission. Candidates are then required to confirm their acceptance via their Graduate Applicant Portal. Kindly note that acceptance deferrals are not typically granted except under extraordinary circumstances.