Program Overview

University of Fribourg Master's Program in Sport Sciences

Abstract

This study programme in sport sciences is based on the idea that to understand the issues of the future in relation to sports and well-being through motor activity calls for more in-depth knowledge, notably in the fields of movement and training, as well as in neuropsychology and sports education. The master programme thus gives students the opportunity to increase the depth and scope of their acquired knowledge and to pursue the specialisation (Teaching or Health and Research) that they chose during their bachelor's degree.

Profile of the Study Programme

Alongside the complex cultural, social and economic phenomenon of movement and sport, there is an increasing interest in the study of the impact motor activities have on the development and maintenance of the individual's physical, mental and social life. This study programme in sport sciences is based on the idea that to understand the issues of the future in relation to sports and well-being through motor activity calls for more in-depth knowledge, notably in the fields of movement (biomechanics, motor learning and control) and training, as well as in neuropsychology (perception and movement control) and sports teaching.

Fribourg Profile

This master programme gives students the opportunity, on the one hand, to gain further insights into movement and sport sciences, building on the knowledge they acquired at the bachelor's level, and, on the other, to gain more in-depth, specialist knowledge in one of the two options:

• Teaching
• Health and Research

Whichever option they choose, students build on their knowledge of movement and training, sports psychology and education in a teaching structure based on classes/seminars and workshops. This type of organisation, which is specific to the University of Fribourg, places the emphasis on the relationship between theory and practice.

Learning Outcomes and Career Openings

The purpose of sport sciences studies is to train future movement and health experts (researchers, teachers, stakeholders) and to provide them with the crucial tools for understanding and analysing scientific values and the legitimacy of movement and sport for today's and future societies. Whether training future EPS teachers or future researchers in health and prevention, this master programme is aimed first and foremost at teaching students methods of research, learning, training and communication, and to develop critical discernment.

Options

The programme offers two options:

• Teaching: This specialisation is aimed at people who are interested in issues of training and educating young people through movement and sport. As sports coaches and practising sportsmen and women themselves, students develop expert know-how in the application of scientific knowledge to physical, sports and artistic activities. It opens the door to a career as an EPS teacher at secondary school level.
• Health and Research: This specialisation is aimed at people who are interested in promoting physical and sports activities for preventative health, and those with a keen interest in scientific research in this field. Students receive thorough training as movement specialists with in-depth scientific and practical knowledge enabling them to improve or evaluate programmes of training, prevention and rehabilitation through movement and sport.

Studies Organisation

Structure of Studies

The programme consists of 90 ECTS credits, spread over 3 semesters.

Curriculum

The curriculum is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of sport sciences, including movement and training, sports psychology, and education.

Admission

Master's degree programmes are built on the knowledge and abilities that were acquired when obtaining a bachelor's degree. Holders of a bachelor's degree awarded by a Swiss university are admitted to a master's degree programme without any preconditions if they have earned 60 or 90 ECTS credits – depending on the chosen master's degree programme – within the corresponding discipline.

Degree Conferred

The programme confers a Master of Science in Sport Sciences degree.

Languages of Study

The programme is taught in French, German, and English.

Commencement of Studies

Studies can commence in the Autumn Semester (September) or in the Spring Semester (February).

Access to Further Studies

This master programme (option Health and Research) qualifies students for the doctoral programme in Medical Sciences.