Thesis Based

As a full-time MA student, you will take a minimum of nine credits in fall and winter terms and six credits of thesis registration over the spring and summer terms. Full-time registration is required. Part-time and distance education degrees are not offered at this time.

Because our professors collaborate in research across many faculties, you are not restricted to only taking courses in the Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation. You may also take courses in other faculties, such as Rehabilitation Medicine, Arts and Science.

Thesis-based students who are admitted and register full-time must register full-time for the remainder of their program (FGSR Graduate Program Manual; Section 6.10). Courses are decided by the supervisor and student in preparation for conducting independent research in an area that will create new knowledge. The choice of course(s) depends on the student's previous academic preparation and area(s) of study.

Program Requirements

Master of Arts: Thesis-Based

In addition to the thesis, 12 credits (minimum) of coursework including:

  • KSR 580 - Scientific Inquiry and Quantitative Research OR KSR 581 - Scientific Inquiry and Qualitative Research (3 credits each)
  • nine credits per fall/winter term; can be a combination of courses and thesis. Typically, all required coursework is completed in the first year of the program with full-time thesis registration to follow
  • six credits of thesis registration per spring/summer term
  • Ethics and Academic Citizenship Requirement; mandatory for all students
  • Professional Development Requirement (8 hours of professional development activities and Individual Development Plan); mandatory for all students admitted September 2016 and onwards
  • The faculty's residency requirement is two 4-month terms of full-time registration; afterwards, students have the option to register in off-campus thesis research

Master of Arts, Recreation and Leisure Studies: Thesis-Based


In addition to the thesis, 12 credits of coursework including:
  • KSR 500 - Concepts and Theories of Leisure and Recreation (3 credits)
  • KSR 580 - Scientific Inquiry and Qualitative Research or KSR 581 - Scientific Inquiry and Quantitative Research (3 credits each)
  • nine credits per fall/winter term; can be a combination of courses and thesis. Typically, all required coursework is completed in the first year of the program with full-time thesis registration to follow
  • six credits of thesis registration per spring/summer term
  • Ethics and Academic Citizenship Requirement; mandatory for all students
  • Professional Development Requirement (8 hours of Professional Development Activities and Individual Development Plan); mandatory for all students admitted September 2016 and onwards
  • The faculty's residency requirement is two 4-month terms of full-time registration; afterwards, students have the option to register in off-campus thesis research