Program_Bachelor of Kinesiology

Bachelor of Kinesiology and Sport Studies - University Transfer

Kinesiology is the study of the science of movement. This program is designed so students can complete two years of studies at Red Deer Polytechnic and then transfer to the University of Alberta to complete this Bachelor's degree.
Next Start date:
University Transfer
2 years at RDP; 2 years at most universities
Full-Time Part-Time On Campus

Make Movement Matter

Kinesiology is the scientific study of movement from a variety of perspectives. This program focuses on the promotion of health, the prevention and management of chronic disease, and the enhancement of human performance.

You’ll study anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics to understand movement from the inside out. Learn how to assess physical health, design fitness plans, and support recovery through exercise. You’ll also dive into motor development, nutrition, and injury prevention, building the skills to help people move better and feel stronger.

The Bachelor of Kinesiology and Sport Studies program is designed so students can complete two years of studies at RDP, then transfer to the University of Alberta to complete this Bachelor's degree.

Work-integrated Learning

Work-integrated learning opportunities will depend on the area of focus you choose. Learn more about the many types of experiential learning opportunities available at Red Deer Polytechnic through the Career Education and Experience Development Centre.

Further Study

The program is designed for students wishing to transfer to the University of Alberta: Bachelor of Kinesiology.

The Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation at the University of Alberta dedicates entrance into the Bachelor of Kinesiology program for 30 students transferring from the RDP Bachelor of Kinesiology Transfer program who have between 45 and 60 transferable credits and a minimum GPA of 3.0 based on the most recent minimum 24 transferable credits.  Possession of the minimum average does not guarantee admission to the program and admission may be competitive based on applications.  

Transfer to other universities is possible with proper program consultation and careful course selection. Talk to a student advisor at the Student Connect Centre to learn more.  

Domestic Intakes

Fall 2026 - Open
  • Application window:
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  • First day of classes:

International Intakes

Fall 2026 - Open
  • Application window:
    -
  • Registration start date:
  • Fee payment deadline:
  • First day of classes:

Note: Important dates may change.

Admission Requirements

Admission requirements for specific programs will often refer to Alberta Grade 12 course groups. Visit the Admission Requirements page for detailed group descriptions.

If you have completed your high school education outside of Alberta, please refer to Course Equivalencies for information on how your coursework may align with our admission requirements.

Qualified applicants who meet all minimum requirements will be offered admission on a first-come, first-served basis.

Academic Requirements  

Minimum average of 60% with no mark below 50% in:

  • English Language Arts 30-1
  • Biology 30
  • Subject from Group A or C
  • Subject from Group A or C
  • Subject from Group B, C, or Physical Education 30 (5 credit), or Recreation Leadership (REC) Advanced Level-Career and Technology

*Mathematics 30-2 is acceptable for admission as a Group C subject; however, only one of Mathematics 30-1 and Mathematics 30-2 may be used for admission purposes.

*Only one Language other than English is accepted for admission.

  • Group A • Aboriginal Studies 30 • English Language Arts (ELA) 30-1 • Social Studies 30-1 • Language 30 or 35 (other than English)
  • Group B • Art 30 • Art 31 • Band 35 • Choir 35 • Dance 35 • Drama 30 • Music 35 • Performing Arts 35A • Note: Other 5-credit Fine Arts and/or Advanced Level CTS courses may be considered.
  • Group C • Biology 30 • Chemistry 30 • Mathematics 30-1 or 30-2 • Mathematics 31 • Physics 30 • Science 30 • Five credits of Advanced Level Computer Science (CSE)

If you are applying to the Faculty of Kinesiology at the University of Calgary, you must present ELA 30-1, Biology 30, Math 30-1 and Chemistry 30 for admission. For the U of C - Exercise and Health Physiology Major - Math 30-1 (minimum grade of 70%) is required. Math 31 is recommended. For the U of C - Biomechanics Major - Math 30-1 (minimum grade of 70%) and Math 31 are required; Physics 30 is recommended.

If you are applying to the University of Alberta Bachelor of Science Kinesiology, admission to this program requires the following high school subject requirements - ELA 30-1, Chemistry 30, Math 30-1, Physics 30, and one of Biology 30 or Physical Education 30 (5 credits) or approved 35 level equivalent (5 credit), including Exercise Science 35, Sports Medicine 35 or Sport Performance 35. 

Note: Equivalent courses are accepted to meet admission requirements. Academic Upgrading course equivalents are available at RDP.

Additional Requirements

English Language Proficiency

Applicants whose first language is not English must provide one of the following:

Three years of full-time education in English in a regular high school or post-secondary credit program:

  • completed within Canada, including the grade 12 year; or
  • completed in an English-speaking country; or
  • completed at a recognized school or institution with English as the primary language of instruction.
    • A 'Medium of Instruction' letter may be requested.

Enrollment in English as a Second Language (ESL) courses or programs does not qualify for this purpose.

  • English Language Arts (ELA) 30-1 or 30-2 or equivalent with a minimum grade of 60%
  • One of RDP’s approved ELP requirements (including ELP tests or pathway programs) and a Language Arts course at a grade 12 level (equivalent or higher)
  • ILAC University Pathway Program (Level 3.2 or 3.3) with a minimum grade of 70%.
  • Robertson College Intensive Academic English course Level 5 (IAE5) with a minimum grade of 70%.
  • Completion of an approved English Proficiency Test
    • CAEL 60 with at least 55 on each band score
    • Duolingo English Test: 115-125
    • IELTS Academic: 6.5 with at least 5.5 on each band score
    • MET 61 with at least 58 on each band score
    • PTE 59 with at least 56 on each band score
    • Oxford ELLT: 7 Overall
    • TOEFL: 83 iBT or 557 PBT
Study Permits

Students with Study Permits who are admitted to a program that has a practicum or clinical placement in the health service field must complete their Medical Authorization as required by Citizenship and Immigration Canada one month before the start of classes. 

Prior Learning and Transfer

Students presenting courses from other recognized post-secondary institutions may be granted transfer credit towards the Kinesiology and Sports Studies program.

Indigenous Learners

Application Fee and Tuition Deposit Waivers

Red Deer Polytechnic recognizes the need to facilitate access to post-secondary education for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous learners.

To increase participation of Indigenous Peoples, RDP will waive the application fee and remove the tuition deposit requirement for qualified applicants who are First Nations, Métis, or Inuit.

Designated Seats

The Bachelor of Kinesiology and Sport Studies - University Transfer program has designated one (1) seat for qualified applicants who are First Nations, Métis, or Inuit. After June 1 for the Fall term, October 1 for the Winter term, and February 1 for the Spring term (if applicable), unallocated seats will be released to qualified applicants on the waitlist if one exists for the program. 

Indigenous applicants must meet the admission requirements for the program as outlined in the Academic Calendar and qualify for the Waivers or a designated seat by;

  • Self-identifying as an Indigenous applicant on the Application for Admission.
  • Providing proof of Indigenous ancestry

 Proof of Indigenous ancestry (one of the following): 

  • Certified copy of a Status or Treaty card, Métis membership card, Nunavut Trust Certificate card, roll number or any other proof accepted by Inuit communities.
  • Proof that an ancestor’s name has been entered in the Indian Register according to the Indian Act, the band list of an individual band, or the Inuit roll.
  • Written confirmation of Indigenous ancestry from Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada.
  • Statutory Declaration by an applicant attesting to Aboriginal ancestry with supporting documentation.

Other forms of proof may also be considered at the discretion of the Registrar.

Program Cost

Domestic Students
Year 1
$5,328.00
Year 2
$5,495.00

For Year 3 & 4 tuition costs, visit the University of Alberta.

These costs are an estimate of tuition based on the recommended course load per year; additional fees apply.  

Domestic Program Cost Estimates 

International Students
Year 1
$18,656.00
Year 2
$19,238.00

For Year 3 & 4 tuition costs, visit the University of Alberta.

These costs are an estimate of tuition based on the recommended course load per year; additional fees apply.  

International Program Cost Estimates 

Program Content

View our course guide for additional program and course information.

Graduation Requirements

You must successfully complete all courses within the program and achieve a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.00 to receive a Diploma in University Transfer Studies.

Continuing and Professional Education

Further your career by advancing your existing skills through flexible courses, micro-credentials and programs.