Sport and Physical Activity Leadership

Program Overview
Admission Requirements
Application Deadlines

Please select your province for specific admission requirements.

General Requirements for High School Graduates

  • See CBU’s English Language Requirements here.
  • English 12 (academic or advanced)
  • 4 additional grade 12 academic or advanced level courses

Please select your country to view admission requirements.

Transfer Student Requirements

  • In order to transfer to CBU you must be in good academic standing at your current/previous institution.
  • You must meet the general admissions requirements (or the post-secondary equivalent) for the program, found under the Canadian or International tabs of this tool.
  • To see if your institution is an articulation partner, please view our articulation agreements page.
  • Please email us if you have specific questions about admission requirements and transferring to CBU:

Become A Leader In Sport

Experience the very best education while studying sport and physical activity leadership with active, well-being focused courses within the Bachelor of Arts Community Studies (BACS) degree. The Sport and Physical Activity Leadership (SPAL) program provides students with cutting edge information, skills and capacities to be future and current leaders in sport and physical activity programs and systems across Canada and worldwide.

With a focus on community and experiential learning, students deepen their insights into issues around leadership of sport and physical activity. Students graduate with a deep understanding of how their field affects individuals and communities alike, gaining skills and experience in sport management, health & wellness, outdoor leadership and coaching.

Sample Courses and Resources

  • SPAL1104: Developing Physical Literacy
  • SPAL2103: Leading Sport Programs
  • SPAL2109: Sport & Recreation in Canada
  • SPAL3107: Prevention & Care: Athletic Injuries

Why study at CBU?

There are so many advantages to living, working and studying in Cape Breton. That’s because CBU has competitive advantages other places can’t offer. With the winds of inspiration blowing in from the Atlantic Ocean, you naturally get the energy you need to excel at anything you put your mind to. Our inspiring environment and relaxed atmosphere attracts students from more than 70 countries to live, work and play on the island we’re proud to call home.

Voted #8 on the top islands to visit in the world by Travel + Leisure Magazine, students come here for the abundance of opportunities for outdoor adventure. Wide open spaces. Incredible views. A welcoming community. Plus, our community-based sport, recreation and physical activity programs are facilitated by approachable faculty who use an experience-based learning style.

CBU is a top choice for students around the world. This is partly because it’s the only program in Canada that focuses on the leadership of sport and physical activity with core competencies of interdisciplinary, community-oriented and process-based learning courses. Additionally, the flexibility and variety of options you can take in conjunction with the major or honours in Sport and Physical Activity Leadership gives students opportunities to develop knowledge from multiple disciplines, subjects and perspectives.

What skills will I gain from this program?

  • Leadership in physical activities with children, youth and adults
  • Teamwork and organization in working within the sport sector and community
  • Self-management, creative & critical thinking and problem solving skills regarding the importance of outdoor and indoor activities
  • Positive communication and motivation when delivering sport, physical activity and recreation programming

Possible Career Paths

The SPAL program and its courses can serve as a springboard for ongoing education in graduate programs such as physiotherapy or occupational therapy, or as a final degree towards a career in:

  • Recreation and sport programmer/manager
  • General Manager/Coach/Scout
  • Sport Event Coordinator
  • Sport Facility Operations
  • Outdoor Guide
  • Municipal/Regional Sport Consultant
  • Gym Owner/Personal Trainer

Faculty

View All Faculty & Staff