Human Kinetics (MHK)

The Master of Human Kinetics offers a wide breadth of topics to study. It can range from the science of sport, to physical exercise, outdoor education, and well-being. Topics usually relate to human health or performance and reflect a physiological, biomechanical, psychological, or social perspective. Despite the diversity of individual research topics students may pursue, the MHK program is designed to achieve specific learning outcomes.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the MHK program, students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate a breadth of knowledge in human kinetics and health-related research.
2. Use established techniques of research and inquiry to create, analyze, and interpret knowledge in the discipline.
3. Demonstrate proficiency in critically appraising research studies in the field of human kinetics and health.
4. Demonstrate academic curiosity for research outside of their field, to expand their creativity and capacities as researchers.
5. Communicate their research in academic settings including, but not limited to, course assignments, peer groups, and conferences.
6. Structure their thesis or major paper in a coherent way to address a gap or need in their field.
7. Assess and address ethical considerations related to their research projects (thesis or major paper).
8. Explain the limitations of their research, and understand their scientific and philosophical stances.
9. Demonstrate professional capacity by independently planning, managing, and meeting deadlines and milestones throughout all stages of their autonomous project (thesis or major paper).
10. Communicate and collaborate effectively with their faculty supervisor and committee.
11. Defend their thesis or major paper, in order to demonstrate a depth of knowledge in their field of study.
12. Engage in professional development opportunities including participation and presentation(s) at research workshops, conferences, and/or symposiums.

The admission requirements are the same for both the Thesis Option and the Major Paper Option.  To be admitted, students should hold an appropriate Bachelor's degree at the honours level, or its equivalent, with at least a B+ (75%).

Students entering the Masters in Human Kinetics (MHK) program will hold a 4-year degree in a Human Kinetics field (e.g., Physical and Health Education; Kinesiology; Sports Psychology) or equivalent. Candidates who have graduated from a three-year degree program in a related discipline may be admitted to a qualifying year. Candidates with an honours degree in a related field such as Life Sciences, Sports Administration, Nursing Science, Rehabilitation Therapy, Sociology, Psychology, Physiology, Mechanical Engineering, Biology and Biochemistry, to name a few, may be admitted to the MHK program. However, such candidates may be required to enroll in undergraduate courses in the School of Human Kinetics to round out their academic preparation if deemed necessary by the admissions committee (students will be informed of this decision before being admitted to the program).

The following competencies are important prerequisites for student success in the MHK program: (1) thinking critically and creatively; (2) reading and comprehending scientific literature; (3) communicating effectively in written and oral contexts; and (4) understanding and applying logical and ethical arguments.  The application process requires students to submit documents that will be used, in part, to assess these competencies. 

Application Process

According to their area of interest, students are required to identify a faculty member who has agreed to supervise them prior to applying to the MHK.  Applicants will require: (1) a completed application, (2) an academic Curriculum Vitae (CV), (3) official academic transcripts for all previous post-secondary studies, (4) three reference forms, (5)  a completed Faculty Supervisor form, (6) a statement of interest, and (7) any other pertinent information, including language scores if applicable. 

The following steps are recommended to apply to the MHK program:

Step 1:

Domestic (Canadian) students should contact the MHK Graduate Coordinator, Dr. Amanda Schweinbenz, at ASchweinbenz@laurentian.ca or an individual faculty member about the possibility of becoming an MHK student. 

Students are encouraged to consult the faculty listed on the main MHK webpage in order to identify a potential Faculty Supervisor (i.e. a faculty member they would like to work with). Alternatively, they are advised to contact the MHK Coordinator who will help them to identify a potential Supervisor. Contacting a faculty member directly is best as the communication leads to discussions on potential thesis or major paper topics and availability of funding.

It is highly recommended that students carefully review potential Faculty Supervisors’ research interests and recent publications to ensure that a student and Faculty member’s research interests are aligned and that students are prepared. It is common for potential Faculty Supervisors to request students to send some application documents (i.e. CV, academic transcripts, and/or statement of interest) for review prior to agreeing to supervise a student.

Most international students are required to provide course by course evaluation of official transcripts (WES) and evidence of English language proficiency by submitting test scores (TOEFL, IELTS, or CAEL MELAB). Potential Faculty Supervisors often also require this information prior to agreeing to supervise an international student. 

Step 2: 

To apply, click here. Once students have applied, they will receive instructions from the Office of Admissions leading them to the MyLaurentian portal. Students can access the portal at my.laurentian.ca; sign-in credentials will be provided in the correspondence received from the Office of Admissions upon successful completion of an application. The following documents will be required in order to complete an application.

Required Documents:

• Three Reference Forms (to begin the process at my.laurentian.ca click on "Reference Submission" on the left-hand navigation menu)
• Statement of Interest (to be uploaded via MyLaurentian; max 750 words)
• Faculty Thesis Supervisor Form, available by clicking here.
• Curriculum Vitae and/or Resume (to be uploaded via MyLaurentian)
• Official Academic Transcript(s) from all post-secondary studies* (Please note that current or prior Laurentian University students do not need to request transcripts)  

*Please note that official transcripts must come directly to the Office of Admissions from the previous post-secondary institution by requesting at the time of your application or by contacting the institution's Registrar's Office.

Step 3:

Once the Admissions Office receives all information and the application is deemed complete, the application will be forwarded to the MHK Coordinator. The MHK Coordinator will then share the application with the MHK Admissions Committee for review and assessment.

Step 4:

The MHK Admissions Committee will review all applications on file and make a decision regarding the suitability of each applicant.  The MHK Admissions Committee will then make a recommendation to the Dean of the School of Graduate Studies at Laurentian University. The Graduate Studies office will verify the dossier and if satisfactory, the Dean of Graduate Studies will forward the recommendation for admission to the Office of Admissions at Laurentian University.

Step 5: 

If approved for admission, the Office of Admissions will send the student an Offer of Admission via MyLaurentian.  Applicants wishing to accept the offer of admission must indicate their response on MyLaurentian within three weeks of receiving the offer. Once the student has accepted the offer, a transition to the registration process occurs.

Important Admission Dates

Applications are accepted from September to June each year on an on-going basis for a program start in any semester, however, it is recommended that students plan to start in the fall semester (i.e. September) 

• Anytime from September to June each year.

MHK Admissions Committee will review completed application(s) and make admission recommendation(s) to the Dean of Graduate Studies: 

• Within two to three weeks of receiving a completed application(s)

The Dean of Graduate Studies will review recommendation(s) of the MHK Admissions Committee and make a recommendation to the Office of Admissions: 

• Within two weeks of receiving recommendation(s) from the MHK Admissions Committee

The Office of Admissions will send Offers of Admission:

• Within two weeks of receiving recommendation(s) for admission from the Dean of Graduate Studies

The applicant(s) will have until this date to respond to their offer via myLaurentian: 

• Three weeks after Offer of Admission is received

If you have any questions regarding the admissions process, in general, please contact admissions@laurentian.ca. 

Students must follow these regulations while in the Faculty of Graduate Studies.

Approved Fields of Study

• Human Kinetics

Master in Human Kinetics (MHK)  (Thesis Option):

PHED 5000E     Research Thesis  (12 cr)

PHED 5126E     Research Methods in Human Kinetics

PHED 5136E     Qualitative Methodologies in Human Kinetics 

     OR   PHED 5146E     Quantitative Methods in Human Kinetics

6 credits of elective courses; up to a maximum of 3 credits at 4000 level, and remainder at 5000 or 6000 level.

**Full-time Masters students are encouraged to complete their Thesis Proposal prior to the end of the 12th month of study within the program. 

Master in Human Kinetics (MHK)  (Major Paper Stream):

PHED 5006E     Major Paper

PHED 5007E     Major Paper II

PHED 5116E     Seminar in Multi-Cultural Sport

PHED 5126E     Research Methods in Human Kinetics

PHED 5216E     Seminar in Occupational Health, Safety and Wellness

One of the following courses:

     IRNH 6306E     Perspectives on Indigenous Health and Wellness

     MIRE 5006E     Indigenous Relations and Worldviews - Theory and Practice

     MIRE 5046E     The United Nations and International Indigenous Issues

     MIRE 5056E     Natural Resources and the Environment From Indigenous Perspectives

     MIRE 5066E     Indigenous Relations in Community Contexts

SCOM 4006E     Presenting and Communicating Research

3 credits of elective courses from the 4000,  5000 or 6000 level