The program provides an opportunity for undergraduate students to learn about the field of Kinesiology in Canada, while also exploring Canadian society and culture through interactive lectures, various social activities and intercultural workshops.

What you might expect/course format

In KIN VSP, students will study two specialized course packages designed to explore key themes in kinesiology.

Each package consists of two courses taught by expert UBC instructors. With approximately 39 hours of instructional time per course, students engage in both practical and theoretical learning experiences. Past programs have included activities such as:

  • Visits to the Richmond Olympic Oval; a world-class recreation facility and 2010 Winter Olympic venue
  • Visits to ICORD and PARC; a state of the art spinal cord injury research facility, and
  • Participating in Dragon Boating; a unique and cultural team sport that is widely popular across Canada and the world

For more information, please visit the Kinesiology VSP page.

July 2025 Course Packages

Introduction to Sports Psychology

This course will provide an overview of core topics and applications in sport psychology. It is intended to develop students’ understanding of the psychosocial factors that impact behaviour in sport settings. Students will be able to observe and explore the application of sport psychology in physical activity contexts, including visiting sport/physical activity facilities and engaging in practical application activities.

Psychology of Exercise and Well-being

This course will examine how ideas or knowledge about gender, social class, sexuality, age, body shape and size, and racial identity are embedded within intersecting relations of power that inform ohw individuals move, play and recreate. Concepts learned in class will be supported through an active learning environment, with students engaging in discussions and personal reflection, as well as visiting exercise and health facilities.

Prerequisites: No prerequisites

Introduction to Systems Physiology

This course will provide an introduction to the key principles of physiology and systems of the human body, and explore how the body responds to exercise, injury, and environment. Learning in class will be supported through an active learning environment, with lab sessions and application-based activities.

Exercise & Health Physiology

Exercise is now recognized as a fundamental lifestyle component of health promotion and is an integral part of prescriptive approaches to the treatment of chronic diseases or conditions. Students in this course will be exposed to the theoretical basis for the mechanisms for exercise as a therapeutic approach to health promotion, application of exercise prescriptions and research approaches. Concepts learned in class will be supported through an active learning environment, with lab-based sessions covering testing and monitoring of exercise training programs, as well as visits to exercise and health facilities.

Prerequisites: No prerequisites

For more information

Kinesiology VSP Flyer

Kinesiology VSP Webpage

For VSP Kinesiology-specific questions, email Chanel Flores, Academic Advisor, Special Programs & Partnerships, at vsp.kinesiology@ubc.ca.

Student testimonials

“It was an extraordinary experience for me to explore UBC and Vancouver. This summer program allowed me to have a better understanding in health and fitness through interactive class tutorial and outdoor activities. You will never regret joining it!”

– Emily Wong, VSP Kinesiology Student

“During my study, I found myself more interested in exercise physiology and sport performance, while both teachers were very patient and professional. In the practical sessions of the clinical exercise physiology, the teacher and teaching assistants were very helpful in guiding us on how to use the equipment. Also, he organized many interesting group activities. I still vividly remember the interesting experiences in health and physical activity behavior. The teacher instructed us to do lots of outdoor activities at the forest and beach. We made delicious cookies and shared with our roommates. I wish I could study in UBC again.”

– Yilin Chen, VSP Kinesiology Student