This interdisciplinary, English-language Master's programme prepares coaches for high-performance sport by combining movement science, coaching practice, psychology, physiology, leadership and research. Teaching mixes lectures, laboratory courses, seminars and a substantial practical placement to develop both hands-on coaching skills and the scientific understanding needed to improve athletic performance. Ethical reflection, digital media and management topics are also integrated to reflect the organisational and societal context of elite sport.
Students are supported in translating theory into practice through a long internship and a mentorship curriculum, and they complete an independent, research-based Master's thesis accompanied by a colloquium that addresses methodology and ethical aspects. The structure is deliberately applied and research-informed, with sport-specific coaching modules led by experienced coaches and a focus on measurable performance optimisation.
Curriculum snapshot (credit points, CP)
Total programme workload: 120 CP. For the full curriculum and up-to-date details, please consult the university homepage.
This part-time MA is offered with three pacing options (four, six or eight semesters) so you can choose a schedule that fits work and life commitments. All variants emphasise a high proportion of online learning; face-to-face attendance is concentrated in practical elements such as internships, summer schools and specified coaching modules. The shorter (four-semester) route compresses the full programme into two academic years, the six-semester route spaces content for working students and includes a Master’s thesis worth 25 ECTS, and the eight-semester route spreads the same core content more gradually for those needing maximum flexibility.
Course content moves from foundational exercise and movement science into applied and interdisciplinary coaching skills. Early semesters cover movement science (e.g. Motor Control and Learning, Biomechanics, Systems Theory), training theory and management; subsequent terms add sports pedagogy, media technology, applied sports psychology, methodological principles, and later nutrition, metabolism and orthopaedics. Practical mentoring and sport-specific coaching—culminating in internship work and supervised practical coaching—prepare you to apply evidence-based methods. The programme finishes with a Master’s thesis (M8), a colloquium that considers ethical implications, and a thesis defence.
This master’s programme looks for candidates who already have practical coaching experience in high-performance sport. There are two main entry routes: applicants who hold a relevant bachelor’s degree plus some professional experience, and applicants with a professional coaching background and longer work experience. The programme places strong emphasis on demonstrated, current involvement in high-performance sport.
You must supply several compulsory documents that prove your coaching qualifications and employment in elite sport; academic credentials alone are not sufficient unless they meet the specific subject and experience criteria. International applicants should note that a B2 level of English is required — check the programme’s admissions page for accepted test types and score details.
Prepare to obtain at least one, and up to three, recommendation letters from your sports organisation to support your application; these are required for everyone.
Admission requirements (bullet points)
Additional route-specific requirements:
Winter Semester (International)
15 August 2026
Summer Semester (International)
15 February 2027
Winter Semester (EU/EEA)
15 August 2026
Summer Semester (EU/EEA)
15 February 2027
Graduates are prepared for leadership and specialist roles within high-performance sport settings such as elite clubs, national federations, performance centres and private coaching practices. The combination of applied science, coaching practice, psychology, nutrition and management equips professionals to take on roles as senior coaches, performance analysts, team leaders or sport programme managers.
The programme’s international focus, digital communication skills and governance content also suit careers in sport organisations, federations and international coaching education. The applied master’s thesis further supports evidence-based practice or transition into practice-oriented research roles.
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