Programme description for Master's Programme in Sports Science (2025–2027)

On successful completion of the programme, students will:

Knowledge

• be able to account for theoretical and methodological problems related to sports research
• be able to explain key concepts in sports science
• be able to account for the factors that influence performance development in sports
• have in-depth knowledge of scientific work in sports science

Skills

• be able to interpret and apply research in the field of sports science
• have in-depth skills related to performance analyses and performance development in sports
• have in-depth skills in scientific work within sports science
• be able to analyse research ethics 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 extensive independent work related to the master's thesis and master the terminology of the academic discipline
• be able to communicate about academic issues, analyses and conclusions in sports science, both 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.

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 main focus of the master's programme will be on performance development in sports and physical activity. In this context, performance development is linked to physiological and psychological aspects as the basis for sporting activity and skill.

The focus on training and coaching with a view to sports performance development represents an important and clearly defined platform which is rooted in the academic community’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 a central part of the study programme and an independent scientific work within the student's chosen area of specialisation.

The programme consists of several common courses and the various courses are linked together in the master's thesis:

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

ME-435K Philosophy of Science, 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-436K 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, Safety and Environment, practical course

ME-435K Philosophy of Science will provide students with a basic understanding of the perspectives of the theory of science, emphasising the position and development of sports science. Students should also be able to discuss research ethics and show ethical reflections related to various issues in sports and apply scientific theoretical argumentation for research in sports.

ME-427 Introduction to Research Methods will give students a general introduction to qualitative and quantitative research methods and analyses. By the end of the semester, students should be able to understand, apply and critically evaluate different research methods and designs.

IDR423 Development, Learning and Achievement in Sports: The content of this specialisation will consist of physiological and psychological aspects of performance development in sport. Human development and performance is considered in the programme as an integrated process where it seems necessary to include knowledge of physiological, social, pedagogical and psychological aspects. Central to this subject is how the body is regulated and affected by sporting activity (e.g. physiological adaptation to endurance and muscle strength or the importance of recovery and sports nutrition). In sport psychology, expertise in cognitive, mental, emotional and interpersonal aspects that affect athletic performance and development is important. During the first semester, students will acquire knowledge about how individuals develop and perform in sport and how to organise training and sporting activity so that individuals achieve their 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-436K 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 specialisation focuses on both performance analysis and performance development in sport. The course is about critically evaluating and applying knowledge to develop and improve athletes' performance. During the specialisation, students will acquire knowledge about how individuals develop and perform in sport and how to organise training and sporting activity so that individuals and teams optimise their performance.

During the second semester, students must consider a topic for the master's thesis. The choice of focus for the master's thesis must be linked to topics that are central to the sports science specialisation.

Third and Fourth Semesters:
ME-517 Master's thesis in Sports science: Two semesters are set aside for writing the master's thesis. Supervision is an essential component in the work on the master's thesis. It ensures that the student acquires the necessary knowledge and provides the necessary quality assurance when collecting and processing data, and that this takes place within the guidelines of research ethics. Supervision of at least 10 hours is therefore a mandatory part of the programme.

Different forms of assessment are used to best ensure coherence with the various courses' learning outcomes and forms of work and to ensure the integrity and quality of the programme.

Examinations can be written under supervision, multiple choice, home exams or oral exams. Both graded grades and pass/fail are used. The project description in ME-436K can be submitted individually or in groups. After the master's thesis has been graded, the students present the thesis, which is discussed with the examiners in an oral adjusting 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.

There are progression requirements during the study programme. In addition, please 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.