Management and Leadership (MA)

management

Making informed and strategic decisions and inspiring others to work together toward a common goal is at the heart of all successful organizations.

The Management and Leadership in Kinesiology field builds on the disciplines of law, business, organizational psychology, sociology and recreation to develop an in-depth understanding of physical activity and sport in a variety of contexts, including marketing, communication, tourism, sport for development and event management.

Learn more about career options and what makes Western's Management and Leadership program an  international leader in teaching and research .

Thesis-Based

The thesis-based option emphasizes learning through research and the concentration of study on a specific topic that promotes depth of knowledge. Students work closely with a supervisor to produce a research study by gathering original data and applying methodologies to the study of a question that may advance knowledge in the selected field.

NOTE:  Students must contact prospective research supervisors (see below) prior to submitting an application to the thesis-based program.

Course-based

(Note: Not accepting applications for 2024, please refer to the new MKin course-based program)

Students guide the content of their program by selecting courses based on their areas of interest to expand their breadth of knowledge in the field. By gathering information from existing sources, students construct a major paper about a specialized topic or question, and present it to the University community.

NOTE:  Students are not required to contact a supervisor prior to submitting an application to the course-based program.

Course-based plus internship

Students may also include an internship as part of their program of study to include practical experience in their degree.

NOTE:  Students must contact prospective supervisors (see below) prior to submitting an application to the course-based plus internship program.

Thesis-based

Duration

12 to 24 months. Students are enrolled during all 3 academic terms (Fall, Winter and Summer). Most students complete their master’s degree within 18-24 months.

Course Load

2.0 credits (4 one-term courses)

  • 0.5 credits are required courses:
    •  
    • Research methods or statistics 0.5
  • 1.5 credits selected by the student and supervisor suitable for the student’s area of research.

Non-course Milestone Requirement:

Thesis

The formal statement of the theory, source materials, methodology, and findings of a student's major research project. It must be a complete and sufficient document that does not require subsidiary information to substantiate its findings.

Internship

No

Course-based or course-based plus internship

Duration

12 to 24 months. Students are enrolled during all 3 academic terms (Fall, Winter and Summer). Most students complete their master’s degree within 18-24 months.

Course Load

4.0 credits (8 one-term courses) - course-based
2.5 credits (5 one-term courses) - internship option

  • 4.0 credits selected by the student and supervisor suitable for the student’s area of research. (course-based option)
  • 2.5 credits selected by the student and supervisor suitable for the student's area of research (internship option)

Non-course Milestone Requirement:

Major Research Paper and Presentation

This paper focuses on a critical evaluation of a topic or question. It will be graded by faculty with appropriate interest and expertise. Upon completion, the student will present the topic to the Western University community.

Internship

No
Yes (for internship option)

* indicates thesis-based supervisors
^ indicates course-based supervisors

As part of the internship program, students work with a host organization to gain hands-on experience and help the organization tackle some of its most pressing challenges. Examples of some partner organizations and the final internship presentations are below.