International Master's in Performance Analysis of Sport (IMPAS)

Overview

This is an English-taught, interdisciplinary Master of Science offered jointly by three European universities: Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg (Germany), University Trás‑os‑Montes in Vila Real (Portugal) and Lithuanian Sports University in Kaunas (Lithuania). The programme is structured as an inter-university degree that uses ERASMUS+ mobility to enable students to study at the three partner institutions, gaining academic perspectives and practical experience across different European settings.

What you will gain

The course is designed to train specialists in international performance analysis of sport. Its goals are to deliver high-quality, specialised education that responds to labour market needs in sports training and to equip graduates with the knowledge and skills required to pursue careers in international contexts. Studying across three countries exposes you to varied coaching philosophies, research approaches and professional networks—useful for roles in elite sport, applied analysis, coaching support or further research.

How it works in practice

Through ERASMUS+ mobility, students complete parts of their academic programme at each partner university, benefitting from cross-border collaboration and multicultural learning environments while the degree is awarded as a joint/consortium programme. Prospective international students should review the consortium’s admissions details and practical arrangements (mobility planning, visas, accommodation and credit recognition) before applying.

Typical admission information (check the programme website for exact details)

• Exact entry requirements are set by the three-university consortium—consult the official admissions page for up-to-date criteria
• Applicants will generally need a relevant undergraduate degree (e.g., sport science or related discipline)
• Proof of English language proficiency is required for non-native speakers
• Supporting documents commonly requested: transcripts, CV, letter of motivation; references may also be required
• Practical details such as application deadlines, tuition/fees and mobility arrangements are provided by the programme coordinators and partner institutions

Curriculum overview

This interdisciplinary MSc programme is built around eight taught modules plus an applied project and a master's thesis, totaling 120 ECTS. The curriculum combines theoretical foundations with hands-on, data-driven practice: core topics include motor control and movement analysis, coaching processes, computerised sport analysis, biomechanics, and research methods specific to performance analysis. The course design balances applied scientific work with independent research, preparing students to analyse, interpret and communicate athlete performance data in professional or academic settings.

Teaching is delivered across three partner universities, giving you international, cross-cultural training in sport performance analysis. The programme emphasises practical competence with analysis tools, rigorous empirical observation and research design, and the ability to translate scientific findings into coaching and performance-improvement strategies. Graduates should be able to conduct and critique performance-analysis research, apply biomechanical and movement-analysis techniques, implement computerized analysis workflows, and contribute to evidence-based coaching practice.

Key modules and learning outcomes

• Module 1 — Motor control and movement analysis (15 ECTS)

  • Develop understanding of the principles of motor control and the ability to assess movement patterns for performance and injury prevention.

• Module 2 — Coaching process (15 ECTS)

  • Learn theoretical and practical aspects of the coaching process, including planning, decision-making and athlete development strategies.

• Module 3 — Computerised sport analysis (15 ECTS)

  • Gain skills in using software and digital tools to capture, process and interpret performance data.

• Module 4 — Research issues in performance analysis (15 ECTS)

  • Explore current debates and methodological challenges in performance-analysis research and develop critical appraisal skills.

• Module 5 — Biomechanical analysis of sport techniques (15 ECTS)

  • Apply biomechanical principles to analyse sport-specific techniques and inform technique optimisation.

• Module 6 — Research methodology in empirical observation (15 ECTS)

  • Acquire methodological expertise in observational research, including study design, data collection and reliability considerations.

• Module 7 — Scientific applied work (10 ECTS)

  • Conduct a supervised applied research or practice-based project that integrates theory and real-world performance analysis.

• Module 8 — Master's thesis (20 ECTS)

  • Complete an independent research project demonstrating the ability to design, execute and report a substantive study in performance analysis.

Practical delivery and mobility

• Modules 1 & 2 are taught at Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg (Germany).
• Modules 3 & 4 are taught at the University of Trás-os-Montes, Vila Real (Portugal).
• Modules 5 & 6 are taught at Lithuanian Sports University, Kaunas (Lithuania).
• Module 7 is completed at one of the three partner universities chosen by the student.
• Module 8 (master’s thesis) is overseen by the university where the student is registered.

Programme requirements (concise)

• Total workload: 120 ECTS.
• Successful completion of all eight modules, the scientific applied work (10 ECTS) and the master’s thesis (20 ECTS).
• Mobility across partner institutions according to the module allocation above; students select the university for Module 7.
• Thesis supervised/managed by the student’s home/registration university.

Graduates are prepared for roles as performance analysts, biomechanical analysts, coaching support specialists, data analysts for sports teams and high-performance centres, and positions in sport technology companies. The curriculum’s combination of movement analysis, computerised sport analysis, biomechanics, and research methods provides technical skills applicable to elite clubs, national federations, sport institutes and private sport analytics firms.

The programme’s international mobility and ERASMUS+ framework enhance employability in cross-border and multinational settings, opening opportunities in research and academia (with a completed MSc thesis), applied sport science roles in rehabilitation and physiotherapy contexts, and positions within organisations focusing on coaching process optimisation and performance enhancement.