FACULTY OF KINESIOLOGY
Thesis-based degree programs
Master of Science (MSc), Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Graduate Program
Graduate Program
Thesis Based Degree Programs (MSc, PhD)
Thesis-based degree programs result in the completion of a high quality research project with the intention of
publishing the results. Thesis-based degrees can be completed in a number of different disciplines depending on
the interests and training of the student, and the expertise of faculty member(s) who are the designated
supervisors. Areas of study include Biomechanics, Exercise & Health Physiology, Health, Exercise and Sport
Psychology, Innovation in Pedagogy and Sport Performance, Neuro-Motor Psychology & Motor Learning, Nutrition,
Metabolism & Genetics, Rehabilitation, Sport History, Sport Injury Epidemiology and Sport Medicine.
A typical MSc program is completed in two years of full-time study; completion of a PhD requires four to five years
of full-time study.
Basic Admission Requirements (MSc, PhD)
 Prospective students must identify a potential supervisor and may refer to the Kinesiology faculty profiles
http://www.ucalgary.ca/knes/researchinterests. It is the responsibility of the supervisor to evaluate the
student's undergraduate background to determine whether the student is adequately prepared for the program.
 A four-year baccalaureate degree or an equivalent degree from a recognized institution. Applicants must have a
minimum grade point average equivalent to 3.2 on a 4.0 point system over the past two years of full-time study
in Kinesiology or an appropriate academic background for the area of specialization.
 English Language Proficiency. Applicants whose primary language is not English must provide confirmation of
English language proficiency prior to being considered for admission (Minimum TOEFL score of 580 (written) or
92 (Internet-based), or an IELTs score of 7.5, or a MELAB score of 82).
 Two (2) academic reference letters (see attached)
 A MSc or PhD applicant cannot be recommended for admission unless graduate supervision and funding for the
student research project is confirmed in writing.
Additional Admission Requirements (PhD only)
 One (1) academic reference MUST be from the prospective doctoral student’s Master’s supervisor
 A doctoral student cannot be recommended for admission unless stipend funding for the student is confirmed in
writing. The minimum stipend required is $18,000 per annum for a reasonable duration of graduate training, for
up to five years.
FACULTY OF KINESIOLOGY
Thesis-based degree programs
Master of Science (MSc), Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Graduate Program
Graduate Program
Academic Reference Requirements
Two (2) academic references must be submitted in support of an application. The purposes of academic references are to
assess an applicant’s academic performance and capabilities in support of an application for admission to a graduate-level
academic program. Therefore, the references must be completed by former professors who are able to assess these
attributes accordingly. References from teaching assistants, postdoctoral fellows, lab technicians and employment
supervisors are not admissible for this purpose. However, the applicant is encouraged to submit additional reference
letters from professional referees that are appropriate to the field of study.
Applicants must ensure referees have instructions and relevant information (transcripts, resume, curriculum vitae,
information on the program applying to) so that the referee may write an appropriate reference.
1) Instructions for referees. When the applicant submits the online application, referees are automatically emailed with
the reference link and provided instructions to submit their references via an online upload. Referees have the option
to submit their reference documents via online upload OR may email the documents in pdf format to
knesgrad@ucalgary.ca to have the documents uploaded to the student’s electronic admission file by the Kinesiology
Graduate Program. Note – both the reference letter and ranking form must either be uploaded or emailed from an
institutional or business address by March 31st.
The letter and ranking form must both bear the signature of the referee. The letter portion of the reference should be
on University letterhead and signed by the referee. Hints for writing excellent academic letters of reference
https://soci.ucalgary.ca/sites/soci.ucalgary.ca/files/Hints_for_Writing_Excellent_Letters_of_Reference-1.pdf
2) Reference requirements. There are 2 components to the academic reference- reference letter and ranking form.
Reference letter. The referee is required to provide a reference letter which evaluates the applicant on the below
areas.
a)
Academic ability and record – applicant’s general knowledge of the field, or, where appropriate, background
preparation in both course work and previous research
b) Research ability and record – originality and ability to synthesize ideas, analytical thinking, skill at research
design, quality of any research, familiarity with techniques or methodologies of the field, ability to discuss
critically, ability to express ideas clearly
c)
Teaching and language ability – applicant’s teaching ability as revealed in any instructional role such as the
presentation of reports or seminars, and speaking ability. If English is not the applicant’s first language, some
comment on his/her proficiency in English would be appreciated.
d) Professional experience and skill (if relevant) – pertinent strengths and weaknesses
Ranking form. The referee is required to complete and submit a signed ranking form (page 2).
FACULTY OF KINESIOLOGY
Thesis-based degree programs
Master of Science (MSc), Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Graduate Program
Graduate Program
Ranking Form for Admission To be completed by Academic Referee
Student Name:
Program: Master of Kinesiology (MKin)
I have known the applicant in my capacity as
teacher
supervisor
advisor
employer
undergraduate
Master’s
other: please explain
I have known the applicant for
The applicant ranks in the top
I have encountered in
years and
months.
% of approximately
students at the
years.
I have read the applicant’s research proposal.
I have not read the applicant’s research proposal.
Outstanding
upper 2%
upper 5%
Above Average
upper 10%
upper 20%
upper 30%
Average
Below
Average
upper 50%
lower 50%
Unable to
Judge
Background preparation
Originality
Potential research ability
Industry/perseverance
Judgement/critical sense
Intellectual ability
Teaching ability
Oral communication
Written communication
Overall evaluation
Please rank the applicant as a candidate for the degree program to which he/she is aplying:
Highly Recommended
Recommended
Not Recommended
Unable to Judge
Not Recommended
Unable to Judge
Please rank the applicant as a scholarship candidate:
Highly Recommended
Recommended
Name of Referee (Please Print/Type)
E-mail address (Institutional or Business)
Position and Department
Institution
Address
(Institutional or Business) Telephone
Signature of Referee:
Date:
(
)
This information is collected under the Post Secondary Learning Act. It is required to evaluate the application for admission to a graduate
program and for scholarship purposes. Questions about the collection and use of this information may be directed to Faculty of Graduate
Studies, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta T2N 1N4