Erasmus collaborations are established with the University of Groningen (the Netherlands), the UCD Institute of Sport and Health (Ireland), the Université de La Réunion (France), and Reykjavik University (Iceland). Besides these Erasmus opportunities, Saarland University has several international partnerships within and outside of Europe.
English is the sole teaching language within all lectures, courses, and seminars. Due to the close collaborations that have been established with the Olympic Training Centre as well as several sporting clubs and organisations, it is recommended to attend German language courses regularly. Saarland University offers intensive German language courses starting every March and October (between semesters) as well as seasonal courses during each semester (free for students).
Application deadline: 15 July for the following winter semester (October – March)
The international Master of Science High-Performance Sport is hosted by the Institute of Sport Science and the Institute of Sports and Preventive Medicine at Saarland University in Saarbrücken (Germany). It aims to qualify sports scientists for jobs in professional and performance-oriented sports and academic positions that deal with questions of relevance for high-performance athletes.
The international MSc High-Performance Sport wants to improve the scientific approach to elite sports, in particular, by offering courses in advanced research methods and statistics as well as perspectives from different sports science disciplines. Graduates have the opportunity to gain sport and discipline-specific knowledge as well as experience that is important for future appointments in sports science support and/or academia. They will be educated in international methods of elite training, performance analysis and exercise physiology, international sports structures, talent identification/development programmes as well as strategies for international communication and leadership in elite sports, among other topics.
The Institute of Sports and Preventive Medicine and the Institute of Sport Science provide an excellent infrastructure for research and practice in the elite sport environment. As both institutes are located next to the Rheinland-Pfalz/Saarland Olympic Training Centre and the Saarland Sports Federation (LSVS), close collaborations have been established, earning the title "Sport Campus". Besides teaching and research, both institutes provide sports science and medical support to all athletes at the Olympic Training Centre. These services include (but are not limited to) eligibility screening, training management and scheduling as well as performance analysis. This close collaboration offers students a sports scientific and medical education with a strong emphasis on practical relevance. As such, some collaborations are organised with local/national athletes and coaches to prepare students for a variety of jobs within elite sports.
This international Master's programme has a regular duration of four semesters in which 120 credit points (CP) must be gained. The programme is accredited as a full-time, on-site degree and has a limited number of participants. At present, 20 spots are available, and the intake is usually once a year in the German winter semester (October to March). Students can apply with an undergraduate degree in sports science or related fields.
The degree is divided into the “Generic aspects: Methodology and Basic Theories” mandatory units and the “High-Performance Sport” elective units. Modules within “Generic aspects: Methodology and Basic Theories” include advanced courses on research design and analysis, statistics, organisation and quality assessment. Within the “High-Performance Sport” elective units, students have to choose two out of the following core modules:
Additionally, we provide recommendations for elective courses that will help complement the core themes of the Master’s degree, specific to each student’s interests. This structure provides students with a broad knowledge of relevant disciplines within elite sports. Additionally, it offers the opportunity to focus on specific areas that are important for the students' individual careers.
319 EUR/semester
Prices for student rooms start at 250 EUR/month. Health insurance is compulsory for students in Germany. Proof of health insurance will be needed before students can enrol at the university. Students from an EU member state (other than Germany) who are insured under a statutory health insurance scheme should ask their home insurance to issue a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC chip card) or a substitute certificate. Students from countries outside the EU need to purchase student health insurance from a health insurance provider in Germany.
Useful information about general living expenses in Germany can be found on the website of the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD).
Requirements for enrolment in the MSc in High-Performance Sport are:
Proof of English language proficiency (level B2 within the European reference agreement) is required, proven by:
a) Native language
b) High school and/or university degree studied and passed in an English-speaking country
c) Accepted certificates are TOEFL (iBT: 72), Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English (Category: FCS), IELTS (score: 5.5)
d) A “good” final grade in English within the German “Abitur” (equal to at least 10 of 15 points; level: E-course), or equivalent
Equivalence of other certificates will be decided by the examination board of the faculty.
Application deadline: 15 July for the following winter semester (October – March)
Applications have to be submitted via Saarland University's online application tool. Please visit the degree programme website www.master-high-performance-sport.de for further information.
Student counselling is available via the programme coordinator and/or general university counselling to help students find employment. As many employment opportunities in Germany require German language proficiency, we recommend the language courses offered by the university.
Compared to other countries, students at German universities do not receive accommodation on enrolment. International students have the opportunity to either rent a room in a student residence or find a private accommodation (single apartment or shared flats). Student accommodation provides either fully furnished rooms with shared bathrooms and kitchens or single/shared apartments with a bathroom and a small kitchen. More details about accommodation and the application forms are available on the university website. Please note that the university only provides a limited number of student residences, which are usually very popular. Therefore, applications for a room or apartment have to be completed and sent back to the university by 15 July to be considered for the following winter semester. Prices for student rooms range between 170 and 265 EUR per month. Private accommodation is also available and can be found online.
A career advisory service is provided by the university. It is highly recommended that interested students contact the degree coordinator in advance for counselling to ensure that courses and internships will complement their individual careers.
A guide for international students is available from the International Office at Saarland University.
Further general information regarding the application process and administrative regulations is provided on the university website (https://www.uni-saarland.de/en/international/coming.html) and through the International Office.
Saarland University coordinates the international Master's degree programme in High-Performance Sport. The Institute of Sport Science and the Institute of Sports and Preventive Medicine provide an excellent infrastructure for research and practice in the elite sport environment. Close collaborations are established with the local Olympic Training Centre as well as several sporting clubs and federations. This offers students a sports scientific and medical education with a strong emphasis on practical relevance. As such, some collaborations are organised with local/national athletes and coaches to prepare students for a variety of jobs within elite sports.
The Institute of Sports and Preventive Medicine is a licensed FIFA (Féderation International of Football Association) Medical Centre of Excellence and a Medical Examination Centre of the German Olympics Sports Federation (DOSB). Due to activities with highly trained football players and the long-term and extensive cooperation with the German Football Federation (DFB), it offers a profound expertise in football science and medical care for athletes and patients.
Both institutes are located next to the Rheinland-Pfalz/Saarland Olympic Training Centre and the Saarland Sports Federation (LSVS).
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