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

Please note that the descriptions of the courses in this package have been revised to provide more details. No changes have been made to the content of the courses.

Introduction to Sports Psychology

This course will provide an overview of core topics and applications in sport and exercise psychology. The course is intended to develop students’ understanding of the psychosocial factors that impact behaviour in sport and exercise settings. Emphasis will be placed on the application of sport and exercise psychology in physical activity contexts, including visiting sport/physical activity facilities and engaging in personal reflection exercises.

Psychology of Exercise and Well-being

This course will offer a comprehensive overview of core topics and applications in global perspectives of sport and exercise psychology. Students will develop an understanding of the psychology of sub-cultures in sport and physical activity through the lens of various critical perspectives, including socio-cultural dimensions, feminist perspectives, and critical theory. The course places particular emphasis on the intersection of sport science and psychology, exploring diverse viewpoints from around the world and approaches grounded in various cultural, methodological, and theoretical backgrounds.

Prerequisites: No prerequisites

Please note that the descriptions of the courses in this package have been revised to provide more details. No changes have been made to the content of the courses.

Introduction to Systems Physiology

This course will provide students with a strong understanding of the musculoskeletal, nervous, cardiovascular, urinary, digestive, pulmonary and endocrine systems’ anatomy and physiology. Emphasis will be placed on how the cardiovascular, pulmonary, musculoskeletal and nervous systems interact to support anaerobic and aerobic exercise in health across the lifespan.

Exercise & Health Physiology

Through experiential learning, students will gain practical experience in applying exercise physiology to real-world scenarios. This includes designing effective training programs for diverse populations, conducting metabolic testing, analyzing exercise biomechanics, and more. The course emphasizes an interdisciplinary approach, exploring how physiological, bio-mechanical, and sport science principles intersect to enhance health and performance.

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