Distance learning program Sports science and training (B.A.) – IST University of Management

👉 The Bachelor's degree programme in Sports Science and Training is aimed at school leavers with university entrance qualification, competitive athletes, career changers, as well as employees in the sports sector without an academic degree who are seeking a career as a coach or sports scientist. You will learn the fundamentals of sports medicine, training science, performance management, biomechanics, sports nutrition, as well as psychological and social skills. Additionally, coaching, management, and legal frameworks are included in the curriculum. The programme lasts 6 semesters full-time or 8 semesters part-time, is primarily offered as distance learning with in-person seminars, and is state-approved. Existing coaching licenses can be credited towards the course.

At a Glance

🏫 Provider IST University of Management, UAS based in Düsseldorf (Germany)
The IST University of Management is officially recognized as a state-approved university by the Ministry of Innovation, Science and Research of the state of North Rhine-Westphalia. The distance learning courses offered in the exciting areas of sports, fitness, health, tourism, hospitality, events, media and communication are characterized by high scientific quality and a strong practical relevance.
📋 Study Format Distance learning program
🎓 Field of Study Health & SocialSports Science
📜 Degree Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
⏳ Duration 6 Semesters
🎯 ECTS 180 Credit Points
🌍 Language of Instruction German
📖 Course contents Here is the given text translated into English (en-GB): Performance Management, Sports Medicine Basics, Diagnostics and Training Sciences, Sports Education and Health Psychology, Scientific Work, Endurance Training and Diagnostics, Applied Sports Psychology, Association and Club Management, Strength Training and Diagnostics, Sports Nutrition, Speed Training and Diagnostics, Legal and Social Framework Conditions in Sport, Biomechanics, Management and Coaching, Monitoring, Data Management and Regeneration, Talent Development, Training and Diagnostics – Technique and Coordination, Evidence-Based Practice in Sport, Elective Modules, Competition Analysis and Competition Management, Bachelor Thesis, Colloquium
📅 Enrollment Winter or summer semester
💶 Fees
from 379 € monthly
from 13644 € total
🔗 More Info View Vendor Profile

Who is the Bachelor in Sports Science and Training suitable for?

The Bachelor's degree programme in Sports Science and Training is aimed at all those who aspire to a professional career in the sports sector or coaching, or who have already gained initial experience. Typical target groups are school leavers with university entrance qualifications and an interest in sports, elite athletes who wish to qualify academically alongside their active career, employees in the sports industry without an academic degree, career changers as well as instructors who want to deepen their knowledge academically. Thanks to the flexible distance learning structure, the programme is particularly well suited to being planned alongside sports, work or other commitments.

What admission requirements apply?

For the Bachelor in Sports Science and Training, you must meet the following formal requirements:

  • With A-levels/Fachhochschulreife: You need the general university entrance qualification (A-levels), Fachhochschulreife or an equivalent school leaving certificate.
  • Internship/Professional experience: In addition, a three-month internship in the sports sector or at least three months of industry-specific professional experience is required – proof must be provided by the beginning of the 3rd semester at the latest.
  • Studying without A-levels: Possible with proof of a master craftsman’s certificate or advancement training (e.g. IHK specialist) or after completion of at least a two-year vocational training plus three years of professional experience in the learned profession. If the professional career is not subject-related, admission through a trial study is possible; in this case the above-mentioned internship is additionally required.
  • Numerus Clausus: There is no NC (numerus clausus) for this degree programme.
  • Licences: The C licence as a coach in a sport is mandatory during the degree programme, but can be acquired as part of the studies or credited if already held. B and C licences can also be credited.
  • Sport practical aptitude test: An entrance examination in sport is not required.

Personally, you should bring:

  • Interest in sports science issues and training theory
  • Affinity for movement, sport and training – your own practical sports experience is helpful but not essential
  • Self-motivation and organisational skills to manage the distance learning programme flexibly and independently
  • Willingness to engage intensively with theoretical, practical and methodological content
  • Analytical thinking as well as communication and social skills for later work as a coach
  • Basic knowledge of handling digital learning media is an advantage

Which competences do you acquire in the Bachelor of Sports Science and Training?

In the Bachelor's degree programme Sports Science and Training, you acquire a comprehensive range of specialised knowledge in the field of training science and sport. You initially learn fundamentals of sports medicine, performance management and methods of training and diagnostics in endurance, strength and speed training. The curriculum also includes content on biomechanics, sports nutrition, monitoring, data management, and regeneration. The offering is complemented by practice-oriented modules such as competition analysis, technique and coordination as well as modules on evidence-based practice in sport.

You also develop psychological and social competences for coaching, for example through content in applied sports psychology, health psychology and coaching. Furthermore, you engage with legal and social frameworks in organised sport and gain insights into association and club management. Through individual elective modules from the specialisations in training, sports management and business administration, you can tailor your studies specifically to your interests – for example through modules such as athletic training, digitalisation in sport or prevention and workplace health management.

Upon successful completion, you acquire competences to plan, implement and evaluate both performance-oriented and health-oriented training processes. The acquisition and crediting of coaching licences (C and B licence) is possible and an integral part of the programme.

How is the distance learning programme structured and organised?

The programme is offered as distance learning and is specially designed for maximum flexibility. You can choose between a full-time variant with six semesters (standard period of study, approx. 29 hours of study per week) and a part-time variant with eight semesters. A switch between the variants is possible. After the regular end, a free supervision period of up to three semesters is available to you.

The learning process takes place predominantly via study booklets, online lectures, online tutorials and supplementary face-to-face seminars held at locations such as Düsseldorf and Munich or online. Modern teaching methods ensure varied and sustainable learning effects. Most exams can be taken flexibly online, alternatively at around eleven locations in Germany as well as regularly in Austria. Up to six face-to-face sessions take place each semester, online up to three exam dates per month.

The programme is modular in structure. It comprises 180 ECTS credits, distributed over subject-specific modules and individually selectable elective modules. At the end is the bachelor thesis with colloquium. The programme is consistently practice-oriented: many lecturers are industry experts, collaborations with associations guarantee proximity to current sports practice. A mentoring programme as well as access to the online campus facilitate exchange and individual coaching.

In which areas can you work after graduation?

With the Bachelor’s degree Sports Science and Training, a wide range of career paths in the sports sector open up for you. Typical areas of employment include:

  • Coaching positions in recreational, competitive and elite sport (e.g. sports clubs, associations, talent development centres, Olympic training centres)
  • Positions in health and rehabilitation sports, for example as a coach in rehabilitation centres or health studios
  • Employment as a sports scientist in research, diagnostics, talent development or sports science consulting institutions
  • Corporate health promotion and prevention (for example in a corporate context)
  • Sports management, event and media management – especially through elective modules or additional qualifications
  • Self-employment as a coach, personal trainer or consultant in various areas of sport

The degree is internationally recognised and also qualifies you for further Master's programmes, for example in sports management, training sciences or teaching (with appropriate Master's level supplements). Entry into the profession is attractive both for school leavers and career changers as well as for already active coaches. The differentiated elective module system offers additional specialisation opportunities – for example in football, athletic training, golf or e-sports.

The possible starting salary for sports scientists generally ranges, according to current surveys, between 3,000 and 4,000 euros gross per month and varies depending on activity and sector. Higher salaries are possible in the private sector and in management.

How high are the tuition fees and what financing options are available?

For the distance learning programme Sports Science and Training (B.A.), the tuition fees in the full-time variant amount to 379 euros monthly over six semesters (36 months), a total of 13,644 euros. In the part-time option, you pay 319 euros per month over eight semesters (48 months), a total of 15,312 euros. These amounts include all costs for study materials, online campus, exams and face-to-face events – there are no hidden additional fees.

Various options are available for financing:

  • Use of state funding such as BAföG (depending on individual circumstances)
  • Investment can be claimed as tax-deductible advertising costs/business expenses
  • Financing by employers or sports clubs, especially with close links to the sector
  • Participation in scholarship programmes or special conditions (e.g. 10% discount on Master’s programmes for graduates of this Bachelor’s degree)

A free supervision period of up to three semesters after the end of the standard period of study is included. Flexible instalment payments provide financial planning security throughout the entire course of study.

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