Programme description for Master's Programme in Sports Science (2023–2025)

On successful completion of the programme, students will:

Knowledge

• be able to explain scientific theory and methodological issues associated with sports research
• be able to make an account of important terms and concepts of sports science
• be able to make an account of the factors which can affect performance development in sports
• have advanced knowledge about scientific work within sports science

Skills

• be able to interpret and apply research in the academic discipline of sports science
• have advanced skills in performance analyses and performance development related to sports
• have advanced skills in scientific work within sports science
• be able to analyse research-ethical issues

General competence

• be able to apply their knowledge and skills in sports science to new areas in order to undertake advanced tasks and research projects
• be able to communicate comprehensive and independent work associated with the master's thesis and master the terminology of the academic discipline
• be able to communicate academic issues, analyses and conclusions in the field of sports science with professionals and the general public

Admission to the programme requires a bachelor's degree in physical education and sports, or the equivalent (180 credits).

The basis for admission is:

Either a) A specialization of at least 80 credits within physical education and sports, of which 20 credits at a second year level.

Or b) Integrated study of at least two years duration within physical education and sports.

There is a requirement for a weighted average grade of C or better, calculated by either a) specialization unit or b) integrated study within sports.

Ranking is based on the weighted average grade for either a) specialization unit or b) integrated study.

Applicants with another relevant specialization unit of at least 80 credits can be admitted if they have sports courses of at least 60 credits at the undergraduate level *

* Applies up to and including admission to the academic year 2023-24

In other respects, admission takes place in accordance with regulations on admission to studies and courses at the University of Agder: : https://lovdata.no/dokument/SF/forskrift/2021-11-24-3370?q=uia

The platform of the master's programme is defined by a focus on performance development in sports and physical activity. Performance development in this context is related to physiological, pedagogical, psychological and social aspects as the basis for physical activity and skills in sports.

The focus on sports performance development represents an important and clearly defined platform which is rooted in the academic environment's vision of what is central in sports science. The sports perspective will constitute the basis both for teaching and for the master's theses.

The master's programme in sports science will contribute to increased theoretical and research-based knowledge within the field of sports and physical activity, and lay the foundation for research and teaching within this field. The students will be qualified within critical analysis, reflection and a research-based approach to sports. The master's thesis is central in the study programme and is an independent scientific work within the student's chosen research area.

The study programme comprises several joint courses which together with the master's thesis constitute a complete programme:

ORG001 Health, Environment and Safety, 0 credits, 1st semester

10 credits, 1st semester

ME-427 Introduction to Research Methods, 5 credits, 1st semester

IDR423 Development, Learning and Achievement in Sports, 15 credits, 1st semester

ME-428 Quantitative Research Methods, 10 credits, or ME-429 Qualitative Research Methods, 10 credits, 2nd semester

ME-436 Research Ethics and Development of Research project, 5 credits, 2nd semester

IDR424 The Road to Sports Expertise, 15 credits, 2nd semester

ME-517 Master's Thesis in Sports Science, 60 credits, 3rd and 4th semester

First semester:
ORG001: Health, Environment and Safety, practical course

ME-4XX: Theory of science will give the students a basic understanding of science theory perspectives emphasising the perspective and development of sports science. The students will also be able to discuss research ethics and show ethical reflections related to various problems in sports and apply scientific-theoretical arguments to research in sports.

ME-427: Introduction to Research methods will give the students an overall introduction to qualitative and quantitative research methods and -analyses. By the end of the semester the students will be able to understand, apply and critically assess various research methods and -design.

IDR423 Development, Learning and Achievement in Sports: The content of the specialization will comprise physiological and psychological aspects of achievement development in sports. In the study programme, human development and performance are considered as an integrated process in which knowledge about physiological, social, pedagogical and psychological aspects must be included. Central to this topic is how the body is regulated and influenced by sporting activities (ex. physiological adaptation to endurance and muscle strength or the importance of recovery and sports nutrition). In sports psychology, competence about cognitive, mental, emotional and interpersonal aspects that influence sports performance and development are important. During the first semester the students will acquire knowledge of how individuals develop and perform in sports, and also how training and sports activities should be organised so that the individual can reach his/her goals.

Second semester:
ME 428 and ME 429 are in-depth courses in quantitative and qualitative methods. Students are recommended to choose the one according to the intended methodological approach to the master's thesis.

ME-XXX Research Ethics and Development of Research project:
The course will give the students practice in planning an independent research project by preparing a project description.

IDR424 The Road to Sports Expertise: This course focuses on both performance analysis and performance development in sports. The course deals with critically assessing and applying knowledge to develop and improve athletes' performances. In the specialization students will acquire knowledeg on how individuals develop and perform in sports and how one may facilitate training and sports activities so that both individuals and teams may optimalize their performance.

During the 2nd semester the students must assess a topic for the master's thesis. The choice of focus for the master's thesis must be linked to themes that are central to the sports specialization.

Third and Fourth Semesters:
ME-517 Master's thesis in Sports science: Two semesters are set aside for writing the master`s thesis. Academic supervision is an essential component in the work on the master's thesis. It ensures that the student is provided with the necessary knowledge and involves the necessary quality assurance when colleting and processing data, as well as that this takes place within research ethilcal guidelines. Guidance of a minimum of 10 hours is therefore a compulsory part of the study.

The study programme provides for varied teaching and working methods and follow-up of the individual student.

Various assessment methods are used in order to ensure the connection with the various learning outcomes in the courses and their working methods, and to ensure completeness and quality in the study programme.

The examinations can be in the form of: individual written school examination, multiple choice, home exam or oral exam. Assessment is graded or pass/fail. The project description in ME-XXX can be delivered individually or in groups. After the examination of the master's thesis, the students present the thesis which is discussed with the examiners in an oral adjustment exam.

The language of instruction is normally Norwegian. However, the teaching in the second semester may be given in English. A large part of the course literature is international.

Arrangements are made for international student exchange in the second semester. Please refer to the faculty´s web-pages and to the International Office for further information (https://www.uia.no/om-uia/fakultet/fakultet-for-helse-og-idrettsvitenskap/studentutveksling-ved-helse-og-idrettsvitenskap)

There are progression requirements during the study programme. In addition, please also see the individual course descriptions for detailed information.

A written master project plan must be submitted during the second semester. The master's thesis cannot be started until the project plan has been approvedby the faculty's Research Ethics Committee. The project plan must be in accordance with the guidelines for the master's degree.

The master's thesis can not be submitted until all other courses have been passed.