Who benefits from the Master's in "Exercise Science & Sports Nutrition"?
The Master's programme is aimed at graduates in sports science, health science, or nutrition science who are specifically aiming for leadership positions in competitive sports, the fitness industry, prevention, rehabilitation, or education. You are in the right place if you have an academic background in sports or nutrition and want to expand your skills in exercise science, sports nutrition, and practical coaching to an international level. The English-language distance learning programme is particularly suitable for those who want to study flexibly and independently of location and who want to work in international teams or scientific contexts.
What formal requirements do you have to meet?
In order to be admitted to the Master's programme, you must demonstrate the following criteria:
- Degree (Bachelor's or equivalent): An internationally recognized university degree (Bachelor's or equivalent) with a focus in sports science, health science, or nutrition science. Alternatively, a generally recognized undergraduate degree plus relevant sports or nutrition-specific qualifications and practical experience are sufficient.
- Subject-specific ECTS credits: If your first degree is in sports science, you need at least 10 ECTS credits (or equivalent qualification) from nutrition science modules; if your first degree is in nutrition science, you need 10 ECTS credits from sports science modules.
- English proficiency: Demonstration of at least B2 level proficiency (e.g. through a certificate of at least seven years of English lessons or an international language test equivalent to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR)). Alternatively, the International Office can advise you on recognition.
Personally, you should bring a high degree of self-organization and personal responsibility for distance learning. Experience in scientific methods, interest in interdisciplinary collaboration, and the willingness to communicate in a completely English-speaking environment are essential. Practical or professional experience in the fields of sports, training, nutrition, or health, as well as openness to international networks, are also advantageous.
What topics and skills does the Master's programme Exercise Science & Sports Nutrition cover?
In the Master's programme "Exercise Science & Sports Nutrition," you will acquire profound knowledge at the interface of exercise science, exercise physiology, and sports nutrition. The focus is on evidence-based methods and a practical deepening. Central study contents include:
- Anatomy and Biomechanics in Sports: Analysis of functional relationships and application in performance diagnostics and training
- Training and Exercise Physiology: Understanding the body's adaptation processes to different forms of training and stresses
- Bioenergetics: Deepening of the energy-related basics of movement and training control
- Performance Diagnostics and Training Methods: Testing procedures, planning, and control of strength, speed, flexibility, endurance, and other performance factors
- Sports Nutrition and Supplements: Developing practical nutrition plans, evaluation and use of dietary supplements, nutrition concepts for different target groups
- Nutrition and Training for Special Populations: Consideration of individual needs, e.g. for children, adolescents, or people with health restrictions
- Regeneration Management: Methods of load control and recovery in competitive sports
- Sport Psychology: Basics of motivation, mental performance enhancement, and psychological leadership skills for coaches
- Scientific Methods: Conducting your research projects, critical analysis of modern training and nutrition concepts
The program offers elective modules, such as strength and conditioning training with children and adolescents, sports injuries and rehabilitation, modern diets, or special supplements. This way, you can specialize your profile according to individual interests. The integration of summer and winter schools as well as practical exchanges with international experts prepare you specifically for complex tasks in the sports field.
How is the study programme Exercise Science & Sports Nutrition structured?
The Master's programme is designed as a flexible distance learning course and is entirely held in English. The key points of the course structure are:
- Duration of Studies: Four semesters (full-time) or six semesters (part-time), with the option to switch between the variants
- Starting Dates: 1st April (summer semester) and 1st October (winter semester) each year
- Workload: Approximately 29 hours per week in full-time studies, around 24 hours in the part-time model
- Learning Format: The study is largely self-paced using digital learning materials, supplemented by online lectures, webinars, tutorials, and exercises via an e-learning platform
- Practical Elements: Optional participation in summer and winter schools for deepening practical knowledge and exchange with leading researchers and practitioners
- Examinations and Assessments: All exams (written, oral, essays, project work, master's thesis) can be taken entirely online. There are two exam dates available per month for each exam, freely selectable
- Flexibility: Due to digital organization, the study is possible worldwide and at any time. After the regular end of the study, a free extension of three additional semesters is possible
Support is provided by a team of professors and external experts. The Master's programme concludes with the title "Master of Arts (M.A.) in Exercise Science & Sports Nutrition" and 120 ECTS. The study model is accredited by NSCA (USA), FIBAA, and ZFU.
What career paths are possible after completing the Master's in Exercise Science & Sports Nutrition?
With the international Master's degree, you qualify for challenging roles in various industries:
- Sports Associations and Clubs: Work as a coach, sport science consulting for performance and youth sports
- Commercial Training Centres and Gyms: Leading positions in training management or nutritional expertise
- Performance Diagnostics and Olympic Training Centres: Conducting, developing, and evaluating performance tests and sports medical analyses
- Talent Development and Youth Promotion: Focus on training control and nutrition management for young athletes
- Rehabilitation Facilities and Health Centres: Combining training and nutrition advice in the health-oriented sector
- Manufacturers of Sports Equipment or Supplements: Consulting, development, scientific support of products and strategies
- Educational Sector: Teaching and consulting activities at universities, schools, or adult education
- Self-Employment: Work as a personal trainer, nutrition consultant, health coach at national and international levels
Due to the international focus and NSCA accreditation, paths to work abroad are also open. Another career path is further qualification through a doctoral study (Ph.D.) since the degree provides formal access.
What costs should you expect for the Master's in Exercise Science & Sports Nutrition?
The tuition fees depend on the chosen study duration:
- Full-time: €495 per month over 24 months (total: €11,880)
- Part-time: €370 per month over 36 months (total: €13,320)
The costs include all services such as learning materials, online support, and examinations. There are no additional fees.
- Graduates of the bachelor's programmes of the university receive a 10% discount on the master's fees.
- Individual funding is possible – this includes traditional scholarships, study loans, education vouchers, or possibly support from employers.
- The fees can be claimed as advertising expenses for tax purposes if the legal requirements are met.
The Master's programme thus offers a transparent cost structure and flexible financing options.
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