Programme description for Bachelor’s programme in Sports and Exercise Science (2026–2029)

On successful completion of the programme, the candidate will:

Knowledge

• have knowledge of sports physiological and sports psychological factors that affect learning and skill development
• have knowledge of key perspectives in Norwegian sports
• have knowledge of the connection between physical activity and children and adolescents' motor development
• have knowledge of learning methodology related to the management of training groups
• have broad knowledge of the coach/supervisor role
• be familiar with research and development work in sports science
• have basic knowledge of relevant scientific methods in sports research

Skills

• have basic skills in a selection of sports/activities
• be able to plan, carry out and evaluate training and sports activities at different levels and in varied movement environments
• be able to use analytical tools suitable for mapping different prerequisites for sports skill development
• be able to guide and coach

General competence

• be able to convey key subject matter such as theories, problems and solutions, both in writing, orally and through other relevant forms of expression
• be able to apply professional knowledge in participation in academically based discussions and development work
• be able to update themselves on research-based knowledge in the field
• be able to understand and handle challenges that may arise in the role of coach and supervisor
• be familiar with new thinking and innovation processes in sports science

The student should also have knowledge, skills and general competence in line with the chosen minor in the 2nd year.

Higher Education Entrance Qualification.

Admission requirements for admission to the third year of study:

It is required that the equivalent first and second years of Sports and Exercise Science, bachelor's programme, have been passed in order to start in the third year of study:

• one-year programme in sports
• one-year programme that can be approved as a minor

For conditional offers, the applicants cannot lack more than 30 credits in their current study program, which must correspond to the first or second year of Sports and Exercise Science, bachelor's programme.

Admission takes place according to the regulations of admission to studies and courses at the University of Agder https://lovdata.no/dokument/SF/forskrift/2021-11-24-3370?q=uia

It is advisable that students are in good physical condition when starting the programme.

Parts of the teaching take place in water/at sea, which requires the ability to swim.

The bachelor's programme in sports consists of a two-year integrated study programme plus a minor (2nd year). The programme's profile is "Learning and skill development in sports in a coach and supervisor perspective". Through the programme, students will gain competence in biological topics such as anatomy, physiology, movement theory, basic exercise theory, motor development and skill development. Other parts of the programme focus on the psychological and social science aspects of sport, including motivation, learning, facilitation, guidance and leadership. Another important aspect of the bachelor's program is the focus on various sporting activities, both individual sports, team sports, as well as outdoor and other physical activities.

The second year of study consists of a minor where students choose a collection of sports courses or a one-year programme of relevance to the bachelor's programme and later professional careers. We recommend Sports Subjects, Outdoor Education, Public Health Work or Public health nutrition as a minor. It is possible to choose other one-year studies. It is also possible to take one or two semesters as an exchange.

In the third year of study, in addition to sports courses, students will have a course in scientific methods and statistics that prepares students to write their bachelor's thesis in the last semester.

The plan is to create a learning environment that develops the students' ability to reflect on and critically evaluate their own working methods in the face of theoretical and practical knowledge. Various teaching and learning methods are used, such as lectures, group work with supervision, seminars, instruction, project work, student presentations, individual work, laboratory work, practical sports activities and excursions.

All practical teaching, laboratory teaching and off-campus courses (coastal courses, cross-country skiing courses, courses in alpine skiing and snowboarding as well as winter outdoor activities) are compulsory. Other compulsory teaching will be stated in the course descriptions. All compulsory teaching is specified in Canvas.

Different types of exams are used, such as written exams under supervision, home exams, project assignments/reports, oral exams, portfolio exams and bachelor's theses.

"Conditions for taking the exam" includes various work requirements that students must complete and have approved. This includes practical assignments/work requirements in groups, practice/practice report, submissions, oral presentation, project outline, reflection log.

See also assessment forms in the selected minor in the 2nd year.

There are exchange opportunities for one or two semesters in the second year of study. Reference is also made to the faculty's website and the International Office for more information: https://www.uia.no/om-uia/fakultet/helse-og-idrettsvitenskap/utveksling/iik/utveksling-iik.html

The English language syllabus is used in many of the study programme's courses.

For those who choose sports subjects as a minor in the 2nd year, a significant part of the teaching will be given in English.

Language of instruction: Norwegian and English

Some of the teaching takes place in the form of courses elsewhere than Kristiansand.
Costs in connection with compulsory courses/trips outside the Kristiansand area are covered by UiA. Students are expected to provide their own personal equipment in connection with practical teaching.

A police certificate of conduct is required for admission to the study programme.

It is a requirement that all students at UiA have their own portable computer (laptop) for use in teaching and examinations, see Examination Regulations, University of Agder, §12d