Master of Arts in Recreation and Leisure Studies (Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation)

Please Note [Oct. 17, 2023] - ADDENDA. The Program Requirements section has been updated. See Amendments to the Calendar for more information.

Both thesis-based and course-based options are available in the Master of Arts in Recreation and Leisure Studies [MA(RLS)] program. While both are research-oriented programs, the thesis program requires fewer courses and places more emphasis on the development of research skills.

Program Requirements

The minimum requirements for the thesis-based MA(RLS) are the completion of 12 units in addition to the thesis. All students must successfully complete KSR 500 and a graduate level research course, KSR 580 or KSR 581 is required.

Students enrolled in the course-based MA(RLS) degree program must complete as a minimum, the equivalent of 30 units. All students must successfully complete KSR 500 and at least one of KSR 580 or KSR 581 . In addition, students must successfully complete a capping exercise (6 units). This will take the form of a completed research project or successful completion of a comprehensive examination.

Although there is no formal residency requirement, some courses, research, teaching, funding, or supervisors may require an in-person presence on a University of Alberta campus or other related site.

Both thesis-based and course-based MA(RLS) students are required to complete the Ethics and Academic Citizenship Requirement (INT D 710 ), and the professional development requirement (8 hours of professional development activities, and the Individual Development Plan).

Length of Program

The time required to complete the program will vary according to the previous training of the applicant and the nature of the research undertaken. Normally a minimum of two years is required to complete the program. Thesis-based master’s candidates must complete all the requirements within four years of the term in which they first register. Course-based master’s candidates must complete all the requirements within six years of the term in which they first register.