Future graduate students

A group of students working on laptops.

Graduate studies at the forefront of health research

University of Waterloo Kinesiology was the first and is now one of the most established departments of its kind in the world.

Spanning the disciplines of neuroscience, biomechanics, and physiology and nutrition, our research on human movement ranges from cellular work examining systems that facilitate movement, to exploring movement behaviour in the context of society.

Graduate programs

Our graduate programs give you the opportunity to conduct original research, engage in experiential learning, develop fundamental knowledge through course work, and obtain teaching experience; preparing you for health and movement science careers.

Areas of specialization

The study of kinesiology spans the breadth of cellular, biophysical, and psycho-social parameters which affect and effect movement in the realm of sport, work, play, dance, exercise, and disease.

Applicants to the master or doctoral program apply to study in one of three areas: biomechanics, neuroscience, or physiology and nutrition. Within these areas, there is a strong emphasis on aging, injury and disease prevention, health promotion and rehabilitation.

Given the multidisciplinary nature of Kinesiology, undergraduates and graduates students with an interest in biology, physiology, biochemistry, nutrition, anatomy, engineering, systems design, physics, health studies, sociology, social psychology, or psychology are encouraged to apply.

Biomechanics

In biomechanics, we study the effects and control of forces that act on or are produced on living tissue. Biomechanics also involves understanding the generation of internal forces within the human body, and how internal and external forces influence loading, posture, and movement. Our researchers in this areas are investigating basic, clinical, and occupational aspects of biomechanics.

Biomechanics researchers

Neuroscience

In neuroscience, we investigate the acquisition and performance of human motor behaviour by examining the relationship among knowledge, neurological function, and movement in social and environmental contexts. Our neuroscience researchers are actively involved in theoretical and applied work relevant to health, ergonomics, and rehabilitation.

Neuroscience researchers

Physiology and nutrition

In physiology and nutrition, we investigate how the cardiorespiratory, metabolic, and neuromuscular systems function, as well as the relationship between these physiological processes. In addition, we study the influence of nutrition and diet on biochemical and physiological processes. Our researchers in this area are investigating basic and applied aspects of physiology and nutrition as they relate to health, physical activity, rehabilitation, and disease.

Physiology and nutrition researchers

Research facilities

Our laboratories and clinical research facilities are among the finest in North America and contain state-of-the-art equipment for graduate studies and research.

Technical experts can help you design and fabricate research equipment in-house. Utilizing our in-house workshop facility, our experts can service existing equipment, build new equipment, or modify equipment to suit your specific research needs.

University of Waterloo Kinesiology is also one of the few non-medical programs in Canada with a School of Anatomy. If your studies require a thorough understanding of human anatomy, you can access dissected cadaveric materials, prepared specimens, and skeletons through the School.

Watch video on YouTube

Working toward his MSc Kinesiology in the Multisensory Brain and Cognition Lab, Siyavash researches motion sickness to try and determine when and how someone may get sick. His self-produced, 60 second explainer video won the Peoples Choice and 3rd Prize at the 2019 #GRADflix graduate studies video competition.