Program Overview

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Introduction to the Master's Program in Sport Science - Movement and Wellbeing

The Master's Program in Sport Science - Movement and Wellbeing is an interdisciplinary program that explores the connections between movement, health, and wellbeing from both scientific and cultural perspectives. This unique program combines Western scientific methods with insights from Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda, providing students with a broad understanding of movement and health across different cultural and philosophical contexts.

Program Overview

• Degree: Master of Science (M.Sc.)
• Period of studies: 4 semesters
• Credit Points: 120
• Start: Only in summer semester, Application deadline is 15 November of the previous year
• Number of participants: 20 students per year
• Language: English (required language certificate: English Level B-2)
• Professional Fields: As a graduate, you can provide training in medical assistant professions, health management consulting, holistic diagnostics and therapeutic recommendations for athletes and patients. And of course, you can also apply for another postgraduate or Ph.D.-program.

Admission Requirements

1. Proof of a Bachelor's degree (Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Education or Bachelor of Science) from one of the following fields:
   • Sport, Exercise or Sport Science
   • Social sciences
   • Health sciences
   • Life sciences
   • A degree from a domestic or foreign higher education institution that does not deviate significantly from the above.
2. Passing a selection interview. In the selection interview, it is determined whether the applicants have sufficient motivation for the degree programme and whether there are any possible misconceptions regarding the requirements of the degree programme.

Curriculum

The curriculum includes a variety of scientific and practical topics – from statistics and research methods to sport psychology and transdisciplinary approaches like Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Module 1: Methodological and Epistemological Foundations

This module teaches you how to design and conduct research. You will learn how to formulate scientific questions, analyze data using qualitative and quantitative methods, and critically reflect on research findings.

• Courses:
  • Multivariate Statistics and Data Analysis (Lecture, 4 Credits, 3 hours/week)
  • Gaining Knowledge in Science (Lecture, 2 Credits, 1 hour/week)
  • Combined Qualitative and Quantitative Methods (Lecture, 2 Credits, 1 hour/week)
  • Test Theory and Questionnaire Design (Lecture, 2 Credits, 1 hour/week)
• Examinations: Written Exam (60 min) covering content from courses.

Module 2: Movement and Wellbeing Individually and Socially

This module explores health science and public health. You will gain insights into how healthcare systems function, the role of health psychology, and workplace health promotion.

• Courses:
  • Health Systems, Public Health and Health Policy (Lecture, 2 Credits, 1 hour/week)
  • Workplace Health Management and Health Promotion (Lecture, 2 Credits, 2 hours/week)
  • Health Psychology (Lecture, 2 Credits, 1 hour/week)
  • Nutritional Physiology (Lecture, 2 Credits, 1 hour/week)
• Examinations: Written Exam (80 min) covering content from courses.

Module 3: Complex Systems and Sport Psychology

This module focuses on psychophysiological processes in movement science. You will learn how to apply modern performance diagnostics and understand mental training techniques and team dynamics in movement contexts.

• Courses:
  • Static and Dynamic Systems Theory (Lecture, 3 Credits, 1 hour/week)
  • Holistic Diagnosis and Control of Performance (Lecture, 4 Credits, 2 hours/week)
  • Applied Sports Psychology (Lecture, 4 Credits, 2 hours/week)
• Examinations: Written Exam (60 min) covering content from courses.

Module 4: Related Transdisciplinary Aspects

This module provides an introduction to business and neuroscience in sports. You will learn how to start a business in the health and sports sector, understand neuromarketing, and explore different nutrition models.

• Courses:
  • Business Start-up (Lecture, 2 Credits, 1 hour/week)
  • Neuroscience (Lecture, 2 Credits, 2 hours/week)
  • Personnel Management (Lecture, 2 Credits, 1 hour/week)
  • Nutritional Concepts (Lecture, 2 Credits, 1 hour/week)
• Examinations: Portfolio Assessment covering content from courses.

Module 5: Movement and Wellbeing Projects

This module is highly practical. You will work on a real-world research project, applying movement psychology and biometric measurement techniques to analyze movement, brain activity, and performance.

• Courses:
  • Movement and Wellbeing (Project, 4 Credits, 3 hours/week)
  • Applied Psychology (Lecture, 4 Credits, 2 hours/week)
  • Sport, Movement and Brain Activity (Seminar, 3 Credits, 1 hour/week)
• Examinations:
  • Portfolio Assessment covering content from course.
  • Written Exam (60 min) covering content from courses.

Module 6: Specialized Internship

The internship is an integral part of the Master's program, allowing students to apply their academic knowledge in real-world settings while exploring potential career paths in sports science, health promotion, and related fields.

• Courses: In addition to providing proof of a total of 450 internship hours, you must also provide proof of participation in the internship colloquium (10.5 hours).
• Examinations: To successfully complete this module, you must regularly and actively participate in the internship, submit a detailed internship report reflecting on your experiences, and attend an internship colloquium.

Module 7: Movement and Wellbeing in Ayurveda and Yoga

This module takes you to our partner university in Ujire, India, where you will immerse yourself in the traditional Indian health practices of Ayurveda and Yoga.

• Courses:
  • Ayurveda and Yoga I (Seminar, 4 Credits, 2 hours/week)
  • Ayurveda and Yoga II (Seminar, 4 Credits, 2 hours/week)
• Examinations: Term paper covering content from courses.

Module 8: Movement and Wellbeing in Traditional Chinese Medicine

This module is conducted at the Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (China), where you will gain in-depth knowledge of TCM and its applications in movement and health.

• Courses:
  • Traditional Chinese Medicine and Qigong I (Seminar, 4 Credits, 2 hours/week)
  • Traditional Chinese Medicine and Qigong II (Seminar, 4 Credits, 2 hours/week)
• Examinations: Term paper covering content from courses.

Module 9: Key Qualifications

This module allows you to develop personal and professional skills. You can choose from various elective courses covering topics like communication, scientific writing, or intercultural competence.

• Courses: The courses catalogue only addresses students with a Bachelor's degree in sport, exercise or sport science as well as students without a Bachelor's degree in sport, exercise, or sport science whose prior knowledge in one or more areas has been recognised.

Module 10: Master's Thesis

The Master's Thesis is the final step in your studies. You will conduct independent research on a topic of your choice, apply scientific methods, and present your findings in an oral defense.

• Examinations:
  • Master's Thesis
  • Oral Defense (30 min Presentation)

FAQs

1. Application & Admission

How and when can I apply?

Applications are only accepted through the official JGU application portal. The application period is from October 1st to November 15th, and the start of studies is in April of the following year.

What qualifications do I need to apply?

You need a Bachelor's degree in one of the following fields: Sport Science, Exercise Science, Social Sciences, Health Sciences, Life Sciences, or a closely related field.

What documents do I need for the online application?

Required documents include your school-leaving certificate, Bachelor's degree certificate or transcript of records, and proof of English language proficiency.

What English language skills do I need?

You must provide proof of B2-level English proficiency through one of the following: completion of a university degree taught in English, First Certificate in English, CAE, or CPE, IELTS, TOEFL, TELC B2, or a five-year school education completed with at least the grade "sufficient".

What is the selection process?

The selection process consists of two stages: a formal review and a selection interview. The selection interview is your opportunity to discuss your motivation, academic background, and experiences.

2. Studying in the Programme

Are there study-abroad opportunities?

Yes, the programme includes international modules in India and China.

Do I need German language skills?

No German language knowledge is required, as the entire programme is taught in English.

Is attendance in lectures mandatory?

There is no general attendance requirement, but some practical courses or specific seminars may require active participation.

Is this a full-time or part-time programme?

The Master's in Movement and Wellbeing is a full-time, in-person programme.

3. Costs & Accommodation

How much does the programme cost?

Usually, there are no tuition fees for this programme. However, students must pay a semester contribution of approximately €330 per semester, which includes a public transport ticket for Mainz and surrounding areas, as well as access to university facilities and student services.

Where can I find accommodation?

The Studierendenwerk Mainz provides affordable student housing. Apply as early as possible, as you do not need to be enrolled or admitted to a university at the time of application.

4. Career Prospects

What career prospects do I have after graduation?

Graduates of the Sport Science: Movement and Wellbeing program have various career opportunities in applied research, sports science consulting, health promotion, and professional coaching. Many alumni work in sports organizations, rehabilitation centers, health institutions, or research institutes. Additionally, the program provides a strong foundation for those interested in pursuing doctoral studies in sport science or related fields.