Kinesiology
Kinesiology is the study of movement. In this program you’ll study physical activity from a scientific perspective. And you’ll explore the link between wellness and exercise.
Potential careers
What can you do with a kinesiology degree? Here are a few jobs that relate to the program:
- kinesiologist
- clinical exercise physiologist
- occupational health consultant
- teacher
- sport sales representative
- rehabilitation assistant
- fitness instructor
- athletic coach
- recreation therapist
- medical professional
- recreation program coordinator
- personal trainer
- nutritionist
- athletic therapist
- physiotherapist
- pharmacist
- researcher
Some of these roles may require post-graduate studies or training.
Find a career that fits you
- Explore your career options at an appointment with a career educator.
- Attend career development workshops as you search for work.
- Take part in the Career Clarity program to generate career ideas and plan your next steps.
Experience & connections
Opportunities in the kinesiology program
- With the Co-op Program you can alternate study with paid work.
Opportunities outside your program
- With a work study position you can develop skills during your study term.
- Volunteering is a great way to give back to your community while you build skills.
Networks you can connect to
Here are a few professional associations related to kinesiology:
Hands-on learning opportunities
These courses in the kinesiology program offer extensive hands-on learning.
Co-op
Co-op work terms
Alternate academic study with paid work terms to gain workplace experience
Lab
EPHE 141 - Human Anatomy
Look at human skeletons, plasticated model, and more to learn about the human body
EPHE 160 - Introduction to Human Systemic Physiology
Discover the physiology of your body’s energy systems
EPHE 201 - Qualitative Analysis of Human Movement
Learn about basic biomechanical principles
EPHE 242 - Introduction to Human Cellular Physiology
Learn about the molecular and cellular functions in humans
EPHE 245 - Motor Learning
Explore the learning stages of a motor skill
EPHE 260 - Exercise Prescription
Learn to do a squat, monitor heart rate while doing physical activity and design an exercise program
EPHE 341 - Biomechanics
Learn to analyze movement using high speed video, wearable sensors, and cutting-edge technology
EPHE 348 - Psychology of Physical Activity
Monitor, evaluate and enhance the effectiveness of psychological interventions for different populations
EPHE 355 - Functional Anatomy
Design and implement exercises to address muscle imbalances and injury prevention
EPHE 380 - Motor Control
Learn how the human brain handles goal-directed movement
EPHE 441 - Exercise Physiology
Learn how the body adapts to exercise
EPHE 444 - Measurement and Evaluation in Exercise Science
Assess physical performance with lab and field tests
Professional and technical skill development
EPHE 247 - Introduction to Professional Practice in Kinesiology
Build professional skills
EPHE 447 - Kinesiology Seminar and Practicum
Gain discipline-specific, practice-based work experience (40 hours)
Research project
EPHE 499 - Honours Thesis or Tutorial
Research, write, and orally defend a graduating honours essay
Study abroad
U of Agder (Norway)
Discover the world and gain intercultural skills studying overseas
U of Newcastle (Australia)
Discover the world and gain intercultural skills studying overseas
U of Stirling (Scotland)
Discover the world and gain intercultural skills studying overseas
U of Victoria (Australia)
Discover the world and gain intercultural skills studying overseas
To learn more about the study abroad options visit the partner universities page.
These courses are not always offered as described.
What you'll learn
Every student at UVic builds skills all employers look for. At UVic Co-op & Career we call these "competencies". This is what you’ll learn in the kinesiology program
Field of practice and body of knowledge
- understand and apply anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, and neuroscience to human movement and function
- assess and apply current research in kinesiology and health promotion
- communicate standards of research and practice in kinesiology
Technical expertise
- explain the underlying assumptions and methodologies associated with quantitative and qualitative research
- identify ethical issues around human subject and animal research
- plan and use best practices to test research questions
- analyze research results in line with the research area and the research question
- communicate research literature to advance the public’s understanding of kinesiology research