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The Master of High Performance Coaching and Technical Leadership is a three year, 30 credit specialized program for experienced sport coaches and technical leaders who are looking to advance in their careers and engage in professional development. The program is composed of a one-year graduate certificate (HPCTL), followed by two years of graduate course work (MHPCTL). Through a partnership with the leading national agencies in high performance sport (Own The Podium (OTP), Coaching Association of Canada (CAC), Canadian Sport Institute (CSI) and National Sport Organizations) an exemplary program will be offered using a blended delivery model. More information can be found at the HPCTL/MHPCTL site and FAQ section.
What makes the program unique?
The program will provide a strong foundation for present and future coaches and technical leaders by developing knowledge and skills in the interpretation and use of research, balanced with applied coaching practice.
The development of skills in analysis and evidence-based decision-making has been identified as a critical need by national coaches and technical leaders, and this program will help develop the next generation of coaches and technical leaders for Canada. A blended model of residential periods and on-line teaching methods will facilitate the participation of candidates from across Canada and around the world. The program will be integrated into the sport federations’ national coaching qualifications, providing the National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP) together with academic credentials.
Admission Information & Requirements
1) Check Eligibility
Minimum Academic Requirements
The Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies establishes the minimum admission requirements common to all applicants, usually a minimum overall average in the B+ range (76% at UBC). The graduate program that you are applying to may have additional requirements. Please review the specific requirements for applicants with credentials from institutions in:
Each program may set higher academic minimum requirements. Please review the program website carefully to understand the program requirements. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission as it is a competitive process.
English Language Test
Applicants from a university outside Canada in which English is not the primary language of instruction must provide results of an English language proficiency examination as part of their application. Tests must have been taken within the last 24 months at the time of submission of your application.
Minimum requirements for the two most common English language proficiency tests to apply to this program are listed below:
TOEFL: Test of English as a Foreign Language - internet-based
Overall score requirement: 96
IELTS: International English Language Testing System
Overall score requirement: 7.0
Other Test Scores
Some programs require additional test scores such as the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or the Graduate Management Test (GMAT). The requirements for this program are:
The GRE is not required.
Prior degree, course and other requirements
Prior Degree Requirements
Students interested in the MHPCTL must apply to the HPCTL Graduate Certificate and successfully complete this program before being recommended for admission to the MHPCTL program
Candidates will normally have a Bachelor’s degree in Human Kinetics, Physical Education, Kinesiology or other related field of study with one of the following:
A minimum overall average in the B+ range (76% at UBC) in third- and fourth-year level courses.
Academic standing with at least 12 credits of third- or fourth-year level courses in the A grade range (80% or higher at UBC) in their field of study.
Alternatively, applicants may be considered for admission who do not meet the academic requirements stated above, but who have had significant formal training and relevant professional experience, and/or otherwise possess demonstrable knowledge or expertise that would prepare them adequately for successful study in the graduate certificate program. Assessment standards will be concordant with those employed by the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies. For more information, please see program requirements.
5 years of coaching experience, including coaching athletes at the national team or Canada Games level, or 5 years as a carded National Team athlete; National Coaching Certification Program qualification at level 3 or "Competition development"; Recommendation of the National Sport Organization; Submission of a portfolio showing an annual training plan the candidate has developed and implemented
2) Meet Deadlines
3) Prepare Application
All applicants have to submit transcripts from all past post-secondary study. Document submission requirements depend on whether your institution of study is within Canada or outside of Canada.
Letters of Reference
A minimum of three references are required for application to graduate programs at UBC. References should be requested from individuals who are prepared to provide a report on your academic ability and qualifications.
Statement of Interest
Many programs require a statement of interest, sometimes called a "statement of intent", "description of research interests" or something similar.
Course-based programs do not have a thesis component. While they may assign academic advisors to students, they do not require applicants to reach out to individual professors / faculty members to seek commitment as their thesis supervisor. Please do not contact faculty members for the purposes of thesis supervision if you are applying to this program.
Permanent Residents of Canada must provide a clear photocopy of both sides of the Permanent Resident card.
Tuition & Financial Support
Fees | Canadian Citizen / Permanent Resident / Refugee / Diplomat | International |
Application Fee | $116.25 | $168.25 |
Tuition * | ||
Installments per year | 3 | 3 |
Tuition per installment | $2,921.30 | $5,906.53 |
Program Fee | $17,527.80 | $35,439.18 |
Int. Tuition Award (ITA) per year (if eligible) | Not applicable | |
Other Fees and Costs | ||
Student Fees (yearly) | $1,144.10 (approx.) | |
Costs of living | Estimate your costs of living with our interactive tool in order to start developing a financial plan for your graduate studies. |
All fees for the year are subject to adjustment and UBC reserves the right to change any fees without notice at any time, including tuition and student fees. Tuition fees are reviewed annually by the UBC Board of Governors. In recent years, tuition increases have been 2% for continuing domestic students and between 2% and 5% for continuing international students. New students may see higher increases in tuition. Admitted students who defer their admission are subject to the potentially higher tuition fees for incoming students effective at the later program start date. In case of a discrepancy between this webpage and the UBC Calendar, the UBC Calendar entry will be held to be correct.
Applicants to UBC have access to a variety of funding options.
Program Funding Packages
Targeted coaches may be able to access financial assistance through their NSO or the Canadian Sport Institute as well as Work BC. Incentive based funding may be available to coaches who demonstrate ability to complete program requirements and meet eligibility outlined for accessing financial assistance. Both the HPCTL and MHPCTL programs are not eligible for government funded loan assistance. Students are responsible for checking with the financial assistance office for further information. Students may also contact their financial institutions to find out if they may be eligible for student's line of credit.
Organizations may provide their employees with tuition benefits as part of an employment package to support lifelong learning of their workforce.
Scholarships & awards (merit-based funding)
Professional / course-based programs usually do not provide merit-based funding. Some programs may offer bursaries.
Financial aid (need-based funding)
Canadian and US applicants may qualify for governmental loans to finance their studies. Please review eligibility and types of loans.
All students may be able to access private sector or bank loans.
Foreign government scholarships
Many foreign governments provide support to their citizens in pursuing education abroad. International applicants should check the various governmental resources in their home country, such as the Department of Education, for available scholarships.
Working while studying
The possibility to pursue work to supplement income may depend on the demands the program has on students. It should be carefully weighed if work leads to prolonged program durations or whether work placements can be meaningfully embedded into a program.
Tax credits and RRSP withdrawals
Canadian residents with RRSP accounts may be able to use the Lifelong Learning Plan (LLP) which allows students to withdraw amounts from their registered retirement savings plan (RRSPs) to finance full-time training or education for themselves or their partner.
Please review Filing taxes in Canada on the student services website for more information.
Applicants have access to the cost estimator to develop a financial plan that takes into account various income sources and expenses.
Enrolment, Duration & Other Stats
These statistics show data for the Master of High Performance Coaching and Technical Leadership (MHPCTL). Data are separated for each degree program combination. You may view data for other degree options in the respective program profile.
2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | |
New Registrations | 11 | 11 | 14 | 10 | 5 |
Total Enrolment | 27 | 27 | 32 | 28 | 25 |