Kinesiology & Sport Studies Diploma
About the Kinesiology & Sport Studies Diploma
Movement is part of our everyday lives, as we work, play sports, feed ourselves and socialize. Kinesiology is the multidisciplinary study of human body movement. At RDP, the Kinesiology and Sport Studies Diploma program specializes in fitness and health promotion for the general population.
The evolving healthcare field and the shift in perspective toward the “exercise is medicine” approach creates an opportunity for professionals with the expertise to design and implement fitness programs to achieve improvements in health.
In this program, the study of human body movement will focus on anatomical, physiological, psychological, nutritional, and mechanical knowledge with a specific focus on assessment and prescription of exercise to achieve positive health-related outcomes for the general population. With this broad understanding of health and fitness, you can promote wellness through the development of healthy lifestyle habits.
You will acquire the knowledge & skills to
plan & instruct fitness classes
perform fitness testing
counsel individuals & groups connection to physical activity and health
establish & operate fitness programs within the community
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
If you plan to transfer to the University of Alberta, Bachelor of Kinesiology program, it is advised to complete the Kinesiology and Sport Studies University Transfer Program.
Students who complete the Kinesiology and Sport Studies Fitness and Health Promotion diploma program are eligible to transfer to the University of Alberta for a Bachelor of Kinesiology; however, additional course work may be required as not all courses within this program will provide transfer credit to the University of Alberta towards a Bachelor of Kinesiology. For more information about transferring to the University of Alberta, or other programs and universities, please speak to an advisor at the Student Connect Centre.
Note: 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 the number of applications received.
"I attended Red Deer College nearly 20 years ago. I'm excited to be back to gain new skills and see how they complement the skills I acquired outside of post-secondary education. The Kinesiology Health & Fitness diploma at Red Deer Polytech allowed me to do that. There were two concerns about returning to school: the personalities of the professors and my recent ADHD diagnosis. It quickly became evident within the first month that the Kinesiology faculty at Red Deer Polytechnic provided a safe and inclusive learning environment."
Related Careers
Kinesiologist
Coach
Athletic Therapist
Physical Education Teacher
Sports Program Supervisor
Fitness Programmer
Personal Trainer
Recreation Therapist
Occupational Therapist
Physiotherapist
Meet the Faculty
At Red Deer Polytechnic we are proud of our faculty members and staff who are experts in their disciplines and subject areas.
Domestic Intakes
Fall 2025 - Open
- Application window:
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- Registration start date:
- Fee payment deadline:
- First day of classes:
International Intakes
Fall 2025 - Open
- Application window:
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- Registration start date:
- Fee payment deadline:
- First day of classes:
Note:
- International students must pay their tuition deposit to receive their letters of acceptance
- Important dates may change
Program CIP: 31.0501
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 are an international student or have completed your high school education outside of Alberta, please refer to our International Course Equivalencies page for information on how your coursework may align with our admission requirements.
Eligibility for admission to the Kinesiology & Sport Studies program at Red Deer Polytechnic requires applicants to meet minimum academic requirements. Qualified applicants who meet all minimum requirements will be offered admission on a first-come, first-served basis.
Academic Requirements
Students applying to Kinesiology and Sport Studies must have a minimum average of 60% with no mark below 50% in:
ELA 30-1, or equivalent
Biology 30, or equivalent
2 subjects from Group A or C, or equivalent
1 subject from Group B, C, or Physical Education 30 (5 credit), or Recreation Leadership (REC) Advanced Level-Career and Technology, or equivalent
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)
*Math 30-2 is acceptable for admission as a Group C subject, however only one of Math 30-1 and Mathematics 30-2 may be used for admission purposes.
*Only one Language other than English is accepted for admission.
If you are applying to transfer after completing your diploma please note the following admission requirements
University of Calgary
Faculty of Kinesiology | ELA 30-1, Biology 30, Math 30-1 and Chemistry 30 are required
Exercise and Health Physiology Major | Math 30-1 (minimum grade of 70%) is required.
Math 31 is recommended.
Biomechanics Major | Math 30-1 (minimum grade of 70%) and Math 31 are required
Physics 30 is recommended.
University of Alberta
Bachelor of Science Kinesiology | 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 credits), including Exercise Science 35, Sports Medicine 35 or Sport Performance 35.
Additional Requirements
English Language Proficiency
Applicants who declare English as a first language are exempt from ELP requirements. Applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate English Language Proficiency (ELP) for admission to credit programs by providing official documentation to the Office of the Registrar after an online application has been submitted. All ELP tests must have been obtained within two years of the date their program starts. ELP requirements are in addition to the other admission requirements noted above.
Study Permits
Students with Study Permits that are admitted to a program that has a practicum or clinical placement in childcare, primary/secondary school teaching or health service field occupations must complete their Medical Authorization as required by Citizenship and Immigration Canada one month prior to 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, visit our Recognition of Prior Learning and Transfer Credit page to learn more.
Program Cost
These costs are an estimate of tuition based on the recommended course load per year, additional fees apply.
These costs are an estimate of tuition based on the recommended course load per year, additional fees apply.
Financial Aid Options
Student life can be very expensive, and few individuals have enough money to pay up-front for their post-secondary education.
Program Content
View our course guide for additional program and course information.
Program Courses
Graduation Requirements
You must complete all courses with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0 with no grade less than a D in any course to receive the Kinesiology and Sport Studies Diploma.
Continuing and Professional Education
Further your career by advancing your existing skills through flexible courses, micro-credentials and programs.