This English-taught MSc is an international, research-oriented program that examines how the nervous system responds to and is affected by physical activity in both sports and healthcare contexts. Study content is organized around two core themes: (1) how exercise and training interact with neurological and neurodegenerative diseases and injuries, and (2) how neuroscientific principles inform training, performance and recovery. The curriculum combines literature-based learning, experimental work and applied projects, with a strong emphasis on building research methods and scientific competence.
The first theme develops in-depth knowledge of nervous-system conditions (for example, various forms of dementia and epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, and concussion) and explores how physical activity can contribute to prevention, rehabilitation and symptom management. The second theme addresses central nervous system activity during training and competition, investigating mechanisms behind fatigue, injury and overtraining, and how controlled exposure and recovery strategies can boost performance and lower injury risk. Although the program prepares graduates for clinical and applied occupational roles, it does not concentrate on manual therapy techniques — an area still important for practicing physiotherapists.
Graduates are prepared primarily for careers in research and applied clinical fields where neuroscientific evidence guides prevention, rehabilitation and performance management. The program’s methodological training equips students to contribute to evidence-based use of “physical activity” as an intervention for neurological conditions and to apply neuroscientific insights to optimize exposure and recovery in athletic and exercise settings.
Key facts and admission notes
This two-year, modular Master’s curriculum is built in three progressive stages that combine core neuroscience teaching with hands-on research and applied training. In the first semester you cover foundational topics such as sports neurology and the neuroscience of exercise, together with methodological training in neuroscientific techniques and general research skills. The programme places strong emphasis on learning and practising methods you will use in labs and clinical contexts, so early coursework is designed to give you both conceptual understanding and practical competence.
Semesters two and three are project-focused: most of your workload comes from scientific project work (literature reviews, experimental studies, and/or conceptual projects) carried out individually and in small teams. Project groups of about ten students tackle current research questions, learning to plan, organise, execute and present a complete scientific project — experiences that often form the basis for Master’s thesis topics. In semester three you also choose two of three elective modules to broaden your skill set (programming, intercultural communication, or Studium Generale). A four-week internship at the end of semester three gives direct practical experience in a research or clinical setting. The final (fourth) semester is devoted to the independent Master’s thesis.
Key modules and learning outcomes
How this prepares you professionally
Program requirements (concise)
Applicants should hold a relevant Bachelor's degree in sports science, health science, physiotherapy, neuroscience, or an equivalent qualification. Your final bachelor's grade must be at least 2.5 or better when converted to the German grading scale.
Your bachelor’s transcript must show that you have completed at least two of the following three ECTS-based components:
Notes for international applicants:
Winter Semester (International)
31 May 2026
Winter Semester (EU/EEA)
21 September 2026
Graduates are qualified to pursue research-oriented careers in neuroscience, sports science, rehabilitation, and related fields, including roles in academic labs, applied research institutes, and performance analysis units. The programme's emphasis on neuroscientific methods and project work also supports progression to PhD programmes.
Additionally, the degree prepares students for applied clinical and occupational positions within healthcare and rehabilitation settings (e.g., rehabilitation centres, hospitals, sports medicine clinics) where evidence-based prevention, rehabilitation and exposure/recovery management based on physical activity are required. Methodological and internship experience enhances employability in both research and practice-oriented roles.