English 
Deutsch Who is the dual course of study in Health Sports & Prevention suitable for?
The dual bachelor's degree in Health Sports & Prevention at the University of Applied Sciences for Sport and Management Potsdam is aimed at individuals with a strong interest in health-oriented work with people who wish to combine practical sport with scientific analysis. It particularly targets school leavers with the general university entrance qualification, graduates with specialised qualifications, as well as professionally qualified individuals who aspire to work as health coaches, personal trainers, or in corporate health management. The study programme is suitable for applicants who want to work in clubs, fitness studios, rehabilitation centres, hospitals, or health institutions in the future and who already bring initial practical experience or commitment in the sports environment.
What formal entry routes to the course are possible?
For the dual course in Health Sports & Prevention, you need one of the following formal qualifications:
- General university entrance qualification (Abitur)
- Subject-specific university entrance qualification
- University of Applied Sciences entrance qualification or subject-specific University of Applied Sciences entrance qualification (in a relevant subject area)
- Professionally qualified persons gain access with a secondary school leaving certificate (Sekundarstufe I), a relevant completed vocational training and at least two years of relevant professional experience
- Master craftsman’s certificate or an equivalent professional qualification (e.g. specialist in business administration)
- Vocationally qualifying university degree
A practical partner from the sports, health or social sector is required at the start of studies. The university will support you in finding one if you have not yet secured a placement. School grades, the quality of your motivation letter, and where applicable, awards, sports licences or voluntary commitments are taken into account during the selection process. Applicants with a background in competitive sports, a completed training at the European Sports Academy of the State of Brandenburg, or recommendations from a state sports federation receive advantages in the allocation of study places.
Additionally, study-relevant practical experiences such as coaching licences, certificates or professional practice as well as a convincing letter of recommendation or proof of voluntary work will be positively considered.
Important personal requirements for your study success
You should have enjoyment of sporting practice and working with people. Communication skills, empathy and a sense of responsibility are key qualities, as you will individually instruct and advise people in prevention and rehabilitation processes. Initiative, teamwork and a high degree of self-organisation are important in the dual study model. An interest in holistic health topics, including exercise, nutrition and stress management, is expected. Initial experience in club sports, training supervision or social engagement is beneficial. If you engage in competitive sports or already hold DOSB licences, you can benefit from targeted support during your studies.
What content shapes the Health Sports & Prevention degree programme?
In the dual Bachelor’s degree programme Health Sports & Prevention at the University of Applied Sciences for Sports and Management Potsdam, you engage intensively with health-oriented work with people. The programme aims to qualify you for analytical, planning, organising and instructive activities in the prevention and rehabilitation sectors. You acquire both sports science fundamentals and subject-specific knowledge for the health sector:
- Sports science fundamentals: motor skills, biomechanics, functional systems, training sciences
- Pedagogy and didactics: teaching competence and target group orientation
- Prevention & health promotion: public health, health research, psychoregulatory methods
- Training & training control: functional and target-group-specific training, diagnostics and performance control
- Economics & law: basic knowledge for management in health enterprises
- Project and event management: development of own projects and organisational skills
- Motivation & communication: counselling, coaching and empowerment of individuals and groups
- Digital skills: use of digital media for analysis, planning and implementation of movement-oriented health concepts
- Current topics: trend sports, sports marketing, nutritional counselling, business start-ups
In addition to the theoretical foundations, your practice-oriented action competence is strengthened by the constant linkage of theory and application in everyday professional life.
How does the dual Bachelor’s degree programme Health Sports & Prevention work?
The dual programme spans six semesters (standard period of study) and leads to the degree Bachelor of Arts (180 ECTS). The innovative course structure is based on the principle of blended learning and combines:
- Block structure: Four weeks of practical experience in a company alternate with one week of face-to-face teaching at the university
- Online self-study: complements the face-to-face and company phases, supported by a modern learning platform
- Integrated IHK vocational training: during the course you acquire all competencies for the state-recognised qualification Sport Specialist (IHK) and can take the IHK exam in the fifth or sixth semester
- Additional licences: during the course of study you have the opportunity to obtain various instructor and trainer licences (e.g. DOSB, DBS) as well as the certificate for nutritionist
- Professional practice: in cooperation with a practical partner (e.g. sports club, fitness studio, health insurance company, rehabilitation centre) you continuously gain practical experience, often 25 hours per week
The programme regularly starts in the winter semester (1 October). The close integration of university phases, company training and project-based teaching methods ensures a continuous transfer of knowledge into professional practice.
What career opportunities open up after the Health Sports & Prevention degree programme?
The dual programme qualifies you for leadership and specialist positions in the health and sports sectors. The strong practical orientation and additional qualifications give you excellent career prospects, for example in the following roles:
- Health or personal trainer: training planning, performance diagnostics and personal support
- Occupational health management (BGM) manager: workplace health promotion as well as planning and implementation of prevention measures in companies
- Nutritionist: specialist advice on healthy and sports-appropriate nutrition
- Course instructor: organisation and delivery of prevention, rehabilitation and fitness courses for different target groups
Other typical fields of work include sports clubs, fitness studios, wellness providers, hospitals, rehabilitation centres, health insurance companies and self-employment. The integrated vocational training and diverse licensing opportunities open up further development possibilities in sports associations and public institutions. With the Bachelor’s degree, you are also qualified for Master’s programmes in sports, health and management.
Where does the dual Health Sports & Prevention degree programme take place?
The programme is completed at the University of Applied Sciences for Sports and Management Potsdam (FHSMP). The university is located on the campus at Olympischer Weg 7, 14471 Potsdam. Face-to-face phases are regularly held on site in Potsdam.
In addition, you work with a practical partner from your region who fits the study content. Possible cooperations include, among others:
- sports clubs and sports associations
- fitness and health studios
- hotels and wellness providers
- rehabilitation centres, hospitals, medical practices
- health insurance companies and health organisations
The combination of university presence in Potsdam, professional practice and online learning components offers you a high degree of flexibility and enables regional as well as supra-regional practice networking.
What costs do you need to expect for the dual degree programme and what financing options are there?
For the Bachelor’s degree in Health Sports & Prevention, a monthly tuition fee of €499 applies. The all-inclusive principle of the FHSMP covers all services such as registration, exams, repeat courses and certificates of enrolment – no additional costs arise during the standard period of study.
- Practical partner: cooperating training companies often pay the entire tuition fees for you. Many companies also pay a training allowance. This financially relieves you and allows you to focus on your studies.
- Individual financing: alternatively, you can finance the programme through own resources or common funding routes such as BAföG, KfW student loans or education funds. The university supports you in selecting suitable financing.
The transparent cost structure and the practical financial support from practical partners create good conditions for combining studies, training and financial balance.
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