Kinesiology and Sport Studies Diploma

Home » Programs and Training » University Programs » Kinesiology and Sport Studies Diploma

The Kinesiology and Sport Studies Diploma prepares students for diverse careers in sport, recreation, health, and wellness by providing a foundational understanding of core competencies in kinesiology as defined by the Alberta Kinesiology Association. Students will gain both theoretical knowledge and practical experience in various settings, positioning them for employment in fitness centers, leisure facilities, retirement complexes, educational institutions, the private sector, as well as with provincial, national, and international sports organizations and events.

This program will explore human body movement through a comprehensive lens, including anatomical, physiological, psychological, nutritional, and mechanical aspects, with a particular focus on the assessment and prescription of exercise for positive health-related results in the community. This in-depth understanding of health and fitness will enable you to advocate for wellness by promoting healthy lifestyle choices. Graduates will be well-equipped for careers across a range of environments within health and wellness sectors.

This program is designed to be completed over two years with 10 courses completed in each academic year. This program will include a combination of face-to-face and online courses. Face-to-face courses will be based in Lac La Biche.

This program is available to International Students. Our Designated Learning Institute (DLI) number is O111010246767.

Please Note: This program is eligible for a post-graduate work permit (PGWP).

Power in Motion

Movement is a fundamental part of daily life, whether we’re working, playing sports, caring for ourselves, or connecting with others. Kinesiology explores human movement from multiple perspectives, examining how the body functions in a variety of contexts.
As the healthcare field continues to evolve, there is a growing emphasis on the idea that exercise plays a key role in prevention and treatment. This shift creates increasing demand for professionals who can design and deliver effective fitness programs that improve overall health.

Apply Now

Domestic Apply

Use this process to apply to Portage College if you are a Canadian citizen, permanent resident (landed immigrant) or a protected person (refugee).

Domestic Funding Options

Browse through funding options available to students at Portage College to see what may be available to you.

Domestic Information Request

If you would like to receive more information about this program please use the Info Request Form linked here.

International Student Apply

International students, once you have chosen your program and checked the admission requirements you are now ready to apply for admission.

International Student Study Permit

Your study permit is the document that allows you to stay in Canada and study. It is different from a student visa, which is the document that allows you to enter Canada.

International Information Request

Our international student representatives are happy to answer your questions about programs, services and any immigration related questions that you may have. Please use the form link provided.

Learning Technology Support

Upon graduation, you’ll be ready to:

  • facilitate engaging and safe fitness classes

  • perform comprehensive fitness testing and evaluation

  • design and adapt exercise programs for diverse populations

  • track client progress and adjust training plans accordingly

  • promote healthy, active lifestyles through education

  • support individuals in achieving their health and fitness goals

  • develop, implement, and evaluate community wellness programs

  • contribute to health promotion in a variety of settings

Graduates of the Kinesiology and Sport Studies Diploma are prepared for a variety of roles in the health, fitness, sport, and recreation sectors. With a strong foundation in human movement and exercise programming, you’ll be ready to work in both community and performance-based environments.

Career opportunities may include:

  • Personal trainer or fitness consultant
  • Sport coach or athletic development assistant
  • Exercise physiologist (with further certification)
  • Rehabilitation or therapy assistant
  • Recreation or community program coordinator
  • Fitness and wellness program developer

Graduates may find employment in fitness centres, recreation facilities, schools, health organizations, and community programs, as well as with sport organizations at the provincial, national, or international level.

Learn more about the Alberta Kinesiology Association

Credential:
Diploma

Admission Requirements

  • English Language Arts 30-2 at 60%
  • Math 30-2 at 60%
  • Biology 30 at 60%

Students who do not meet admission requirements can contact Student Services regarding opportunities for placement testing. Students will need to submit an application to the program to start this process. Students are also encouraged to look into Open Studies.

Use this chart to check Provincial high school equivalencies accepted at Portage College. Note: This is just a guide.

English Language Proficiency Information

Program Start
Year 1: August 31, 2026 to April 30, 2027
Year 2: August 31, 2026 to April 30, 2027

Application Deadline
Domestic Students: August 15, 2026
International Students: May 15, 2026

Location
Lac La Biche Campus

Delivery
Hybrid Learning   

 

Domestic Student Fees
Application Fee $53.50

Year 1

Fall Term
Fee payment deadline: August 15, 2026

Tuition $2,594.46
Student Association $116.70
Dental Insurance Fee $163.25
Health Insurance Fee $163.25
Technology Fee $82.71
Recreation Fee $54.57
Document Fee $60.00
Total $3,594.94

 

Winter Term
Fee payment deadline: December 15, 2026

Tuition $2,594.46
Student Association $116.70
Technology Fee $82.71
Recreation Fee $54.57
Document Fee $60.00
Total $3,268.44

 

Total tuition & mandatory fees for year: $6,863.38

Part-time Fees Tuition is calculated using “cost-per-credit,” one credit is $170. Calculate the cost by multiplying the number of credits per course by $170.

Year 2

Fall Term
Fee payment deadline: August 15, 2026

Tuition $2,594.46
Student Association $116.70
Dental Insurance Fee $163.25
Health Insurance Fee $163.25
Technology Fee $82.71
Recreation Fee $54.57
Document Fee $60.00
Total $3,594.94

 

Winter Term
Fee payment deadline: December 15, 2026

Tuition $2,594.46
Student Association $116.70
Technology Fee $82.71
Recreation Fee $54.57
Document Fee $60.00
Total $3,268.44

 

Total tuition & mandatory fees for year: $6,863.38

Part-time Fees Tuition is calculated using “cost-per-credit,” one credit is $170. Calculate the cost by multiplying the number of credits per course by $170.

Visit Portage Bookstore for textbooks and supplies

Tuition Deposit: $100 (non-refundable)

Need help funding your education? Check out our funding options.

Fee Explanations

Students’ Association Fees
These fees are authorized by student referendum and the Board of Governors. They are collected by the College on behalf of the Students’ Association in accordance with the Post Secondary Learning Act.

Health & Dental Fees
You may opt-out of the Dental and Health Insurance plan if you provide proof of comparable coverage for an extended health and/or dental care benefits plan.

Any questions regarding SA Fees including the Health and Dental Insurance fees should be directed to the SA Office 780-623-5609.

Athletics & Recreation Fees
These fees are collected to provide recreation and leisure opportunities that promote students’ physical, social, and emotional well-being, whether online or through in-person facilities. Check out your +region in the link, to see what is offered at your campus or online.

Technology Fee
This is a mandatory fee assessed to students enrolling in any credit course (except for apprenticeship programs) at Portage College. The fee supports the on-going maintenance and upgrades to administrative systems that support the entire College infrastructure.

As such, it is considered a “mandatory non-instructional fee” and, therefore, is subject to Alberta Advanced Education Public Post-Secondary Institutions’ Tuition Fees Regulations. Visa students are charged the same rate as Canadian residents for this fee.

International Student Fees
Application Fee $160.00
Tuition Deposit $5000.00 (non-refundable)

If you choose to pay the full tuition and mandatory fees, you may still be eligible for a refund of payments above the $5000 deposit, as per the Portage College refund policy.

Year 1

Fall Term
Fee payment deadline: August 15, 2026

Tuition $8,405.25
Student Association $116.70
Dental Insurance Fee $163.25
Health Insurance Fee $163.25
Guard Me Insurance $602.25
Technology Fee $82.71
Recreation Fee $54.57
Document Fee $60.00
Total $9,647.98

 

Winter Term
Fee payment deadline: December 15, 2026

Tuition $7,803.00
Student Association $116.70
Technology Fee $82.71
Recreation Fee $54.57
Recreation Fee $60.00
Total $8,116.98

 

Total tuition & mandatory fees for year: $17,764.96

Year 2

Fall Term
Fee payment deadline: August 15, 2026

Tuition $8,405.25
Student Association $116.70
Dental Insurance Fee $163.25
Health Insurance Fee $163.25
Guard Me Insurance $602.25
Technology Fee $82.71
Recreation Fee $54.57
Document Fee $60.00
Total $9,647.98

 

Winter Term
Fee payment deadline: December 15, 2026

Tuition $7,803.00
Student Association $116.70
Technology Fee $82.71
Recreation Fee $54.57
Recreation Fee $60.00
Total $8,116.98

 

Total tuition & mandatory fees for year: $17,764.96

Visit  Portage Bookstore for textbooks and supplies

Fee Explanations

Students’ Association Fees
These fees are authorized by student referendum and the Board of Governors. They are collected by the College on behalf of the Students’ Association in accordance with the Post Secondary Learning Act.

Health & Dental Fees
You may opt-out of the Dental and Health Insurance plan if you provide proof of comparable coverage for an extended health and/or dental care benefits plan.

Any questions regarding SA Fees including the Health and Dental Insurance fees should be directed to the SA Office 780-623-5609.

Athletics & Recreation Fees
These fees are collected to provide recreation and leisure opportunities that promote students’ physical, social, and emotional well-being, whether online or through in person facilities. Check out your +region in the link, to see what is offered at your campus or online.

Technology Fee
This is a mandatory fee assessed to students enrolling in any credit course (except for apprenticeship programs) at Portage College. The fee supports the on-going maintenance and upgrades to administrative systems that support the entire College infrastructure.

As such, it is considered a “mandatory non-instructional fee” and, therefore, is subject to Alberta Advanced Education Public Post-Secondary Institutions’ Tuition Fees Regulations. Visa students are charged the same rate as Canadian residents for this fee.

Click here to view Other Fees for Service

Kinesiology & Sport Studies Diploma Year One Course Listing

This course provides a study of the overall function of the human body. Major topics include fundamental chemistry, homeostasis, cytology and cell physiology, cell signaling and communication, and muscle, nervous, respiratory, cardiovascular, lymphatic, digestive, endocrine, urinary and reproductive physiology, as well as fundamental genetics as it applies to human physiology. This course is designed to prepare students in medical fields of study for advanced courses in their respective fields, as well as other university transfer students. Pre/Corequisite: English Language Arts at 60% and BIO 30 at 60% Corequisite: BIOL 230
Hours: 45
Credits: 3

This course provides an in-depth study of the structures of the human body and their interrelationships using a systems approach. The correlations between structure (anatomy) and function (physiology) are examined. Major topics include body organization, the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, respiratory, cardiovascular, lymphatic, digestive, endocrine, urinary, and reproductive systems, the general and special senses, and human development. This course is designed to prepare students in medical fields of study for advanced courses in their respective fields, as well as other university transfer students. Pre/Corequisite 60% in ELA 30-1, BIO 30, BIOL231
Hours: 45
Credits: 3

This introductory course is designed to allow the learner to develop an appreciation of the value of diversity within our culture. A unique combination of video and animation sets the path of exploration through a fictitious company. The interactive learning environment is designed for learner engagement and participation.
Hours: 3

This course explores the evolution of sport from ancient times to the present day, examining how cultural, social, and political factors have shaped sporting practices and institutions. Students will study key moments in the history of sport, significant figures, and the development of modern sports and their global impact. The course also considers the role of sport in society and its influence on issues such as identity, race, gender, and class. Pre/Corequisite: KINS 111.
Hours: 45
Credits: 3

Introduction to the principles and techniques of resistance training. Students will learn proper exercise form, program design, and injury prevention strategies to improve strength, endurance, and overall fitness. Emphasis will be placed on developing personalized training programs and understanding the physiological adaptations to resistance training. Pre/Corequisite: English Language Arts 30-2 at 60% and Biology 30.
Hours: 45
Credits: 3

This course explores human movement through multiple contexts, including daily living, recreation, sport, and exercise and apply it in practice through participatory and experiential learning. Pre/Corequisite: English Language Arts 30-2 at 60% and Biology 30.
Hours: 52.5
Credits: 3

This course helps students to develop the academic writing skills they use throughout their university studies. Students learn to identify good writing, and develop needed research, analytical, and organizational skills. Starting with building good sentences and paragraphs, the research essay is the most important genre in this course. By analyzing, summarizing, synthesizing, and critiquing a variety of texts, students learn how to develop their own analyses and arguments with appropriate and correctly documented primary and secondary sources. Readings by or about indigenous and minority peoples form no less than 50% of the readings in this course. A review of grammar and sentence structure is a key component of this course. Students are advised to choose a research topic in line with their career goals. Prerequisite 60% in ELA 30-1
Hours: 45
Credits: 3

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to coaching theory, covering both theoretical and practical coaching topics. Students will explore ethical decision-making, practice planning, basic mental skills, and teaching and learning strategies to enhance their coaching abilities.
Hours: 45
Credits: 3

This course provides an overview of human nutrition, focusing on the essential principles of macronutrients and micronutrients, digestion, and metabolism. Students will explore the role of nutrition in promoting health and preventing disease, along with dietary guidelines and food sources. The course also examines the impact of nutrition on physical and mental well-being throughout different stages of life.
Hours: 45
Credits: 3

The promotion of lifelong physical activity habits through active participation and self-assessment. Examination and application of the foundations of physical fitness, health, and wellness with an emphasis being on the knowledge and understanding of basic concepts and methods of physical fitness and active living. Pre/Corequisite: Biology 30.
Hours: 52.5
Credits: 3

The study of sociocultural factors that shape physical education, recreation, leisure, and sport in contemporary society. Social institutions, culture, politics, and economics will be explored on how they influence physical activity and sport participation. Pre/Corequisite: English Language Arts at 60%.
Hours: 45
Credits: 3

Introduction of fundamental concepts and methods linked to measurement and evaluation of physical activity programs and participants. Students will develop skills in data collection, analysis, and reporting to inform decision-making and program evaluation in physical activity and sport settings.
Hours: 45
Credits: 3

This two day course (16 hour) course is designed to prepare an individual to recognize and provide intervention for life threatening emergencies until medical aid arrives, includes artificial respiration, how to help someone whom is choking, how to deal with shock and unconsciousness, severe bleeding, head and spinal injuries, fractures of the upper and lower limbs and CPR for adult and youth casualties.
Hours: 16
Credits: 0.5

Kinesiology & Sport Studies Diploma Year Two Course Listing

This course focuses on the study of homeostasis and how it is altered by physical, biochemical, microbial or genetic factors, providing an in-depth understanding of the mechanism of human body function, pathophysiology (disordered physiology) and disease processes. The course summarizes the normal function of each organ system and then presents a number of major diseases of each system, showing how symptoms and signs of selected diseases are produced by pathophysiology. This course is designed to prepare students in medical fields of study for advanced courses in their respective fields, as well as other university transfer students. Pre/Corequisite: BIOL 230 and BIOL 231
Hours: 45
Credits: 3

Introduction to the principles and practices of adapted physical education for individuals with diverse abilities. Students will explore strategies for designing inclusive physical activity programs, focusing on assessment, modification, and accommodation techniques. Emphasis is placed on promoting physical activity and well-being for all participants in school, recreation, and community settings.
Hours: 67.5
Credits: 3

Qualitative analysis of human movement, using biomechanical principles. Principles are based on basic physics and mathematical laws and theories which are transferred to real world situations to improve motor performance in humans.
Hours: 45
Credits: 3

This unique, optional course provides students the opportunity to put classroom learning into practice in a 100-hour work experience. Students can apply their academic knowledge and skills to meaningful experiences in the workplace within their field of study and/or their career goals. This course involves 30 hours of employment training activities prior to entering the 100-hour placement. Students are responsible for securing an approved work-experience placement; the work experience is monitored and evaluated by the employer.
Hours: 130
Credits: 3

Exploration of the biological, psychological, and social aspects of human growth and development across the lifespan. Students will examine key developmental stages, from infancy to adulthood, and analyze the factors that influence growth, learning, and behavior. Emphasis will be placed on understanding how genetics, environment, culture, and individual experiences contribute to human development.
Hours: 45
Credits: 3

Overview of athletic therapy, focusing on the prevention, assessment, and rehabilitation of sports-related injuries. Students will explore key concepts such as injury mechanisms, treatment techniques, and rehabilitation strategies.
Hours: 67.5
Credits: 3

Introduction to the principles and practices of metabolic conditioning to enhance fitness, endurance, and overall performance. Students will explore energy systems, exercise programming, and high-intensity training techniques. Emphasis will be placed on developing safe and effective workouts that target multiple energy pathways, improving both anaerobic and aerobic capacity.
Hours: 45
Credits: 3

Introduction to sport psychology and mental performance, focusing on understanding human behaviour in physical activity and sport. This course examines key concepts in sport psychology, incorporating perspectives from personality and social psychology.
Hours: 45
Credits: 3

An introduction to the physiological responses and adaptations of the human body to exercise. Students will explore how various body systems, including the cardiovascular, muscular, and respiratory systems, are affected by different types of physical activity. Emphasis will be placed on understanding the mechanisms behind endurance, strength, and recovery, as well as the role of exercise in health and fitness.
Hours: 75
Credits: 3

This course explores how people learn and perform motor skills in physical activity and sport. Students will examine how individuals develop, refine, and perform motor skills, focusing on factors that influence performance, such as practice, feedback, and individual differences. Importance will be placed on understanding the processes involved in skill learning and how these concepts apply to enhancing motor performance in various physical contexts. Prerequisite: KINS 112 Introduction to Personal Physical Activity
Hours: 45
Credits: 3