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Deutsch Who is the dual Bachelor's degree programme in Performance & Competitive Sports suitable for?
The dual degree in Performance & Competitive Sports is aimed at athletically committed individuals who aspire to a professional career as a coach in youth, performance, or competition-oriented recreational sports. The programme is especially suitable for ambitious athletes, coaches, as well as for people who have already gained practical experience in organised sports and wish to take on leadership roles in clubs, associations, performance centres, or Olympic training centres. It is also a suitable option for those seeking a combination of scientific qualification and an IHK vocational qualification.
What admission criteria apply to this degree programme?
You can be admitted if you have an academic entrance qualification such as the general higher education entrance qualification (Abitur), subject-specific higher education entrance qualification, advanced technical college entrance qualification (Fachhochschulreife) or subject-specific advanced technical college entrance qualification. Studying is also possible without the Abitur provided you have a secondary school leaving certificate (Sekundarstufe I) and a suitable completed vocational training plus at least two years of professional experience, or a master craftsman’s certificate or an equivalent vocational qualification. Additionally, you must provide a practical partner from the sports sector for the dual training phase, with the university supporting the placement. The selection procedure takes into account, among other things, school grades, motivation, sporting or professional practical experience as well as a connection to competitive sports and voluntary engagement.
You should bring well-developed organisational skills, initiative, and a readiness to take responsibility, as the programme places high demands on self-management and teamwork. Communication skills and pedagogical interest are required to support athletes individually in training and competition situations. Practical relevance, resilience, and willingness to assume leadership tasks are key prerequisites for successful graduates.
What content and skills does the dual Bachelor's degree in Competitive & Performance Sport convey?
The dual Bachelor's degree with a focus on Competitive & Performance Sport at the University of Applied Sciences for Sport and Management Potsdam links sports science theory with intensive practical experience. The programme is oriented towards the requirements of coaches in professional competitive sport and covers four central subject areas:
- Training and Movement Theory: You learn how to scientifically justify sporting performance, assess performance capability and develop training concepts.
- Educational Theory: You engage with training as a pedagogical process, planning and implementing didactically and technologically efficient training methods.
- Competition Theory: You find out how competitions are prepared, supervised and analysed – and how competition is used as a training tool.
- Long-term Performance Development: You acquire methods for scouting and targeted promotion of talents in the junior sector.
The curriculum includes, among other things, the following study contents:
- Body and movement, motor skills and biomechanics
- Pedagogy, didactics as well as motivation and communication
- Training, training management and competition organisation
- Economics, sports law and sports management
- Project management, presentation and moderation techniques
- Sports marketing and event management
- Statistics, sports policy, digital communication
- Nutrition science and trend sports
Important competence areas include the individual support and promotion of athletes, the design of elite sports structures and the acquisition of cross-professional skills such as self-organisation and leadership. In addition, parallel licence training with association-specific recognition by the DOSB is planned. If required, you can acquire additional licences (for example the DOSB Übungsleiter:in-B licence “Sport in all-day school”) and the certificate for nutrition consultants.
How is the Competitive & Performance Sport programme organised at FHSMP?
The Bachelor's degree is designed as a dual study programme. This enables you to closely interlink scientific teaching and practical vocational training. The study model is based on the blended learning principle, which systematically combines on-campus phases, online self-study and practical phases.
- Start of studies is always on 1 October (winter semester)
- Standard period of study: 6 semesters (3 years)
- Cycle: 4 weeks of practical phase, followed by 1 week of on-campus teaching at the university
- Practical partners from organised sport (clubs, associations, Olympic training centres, sports schools)
- Working hours in the practical company: an average of 25 hours per week
Integrated is an IHK vocational training to become a sports specialist. This means that you can additionally take the IHK examination in the fifth or sixth semester. Furthermore, during your studies, licence courses of the top associations are completed in order to acquire association-specific coaching licences.
At the end of the programme you will receive the Bachelor of Arts (180 ECTS credits), which entitles you to enrol on a master's programme.
What career prospects can you expect after the Bachelor in Competitive & Performance Sport?
The programme specifically prepares you for a leadership role in organised sport. Due to the intensive practical experience, many fields of activity are open to you after graduation:
- Coach in junior and competitive sport at clubs, specialised associations, performance centres or Olympic training centres
- Positions as state, national or international coach
- Work as a talent scout, youth coordinator or career advisor
- Sports management and project/event management in sport
- Activities in sports management or sports policy positions
- Elite sports career with scientific knowledge in the background
An advantage is the practical lead gained through dual training. On the one hand, you qualify professionally for leadership positions within the sports system; on the other hand, you already gain professional experience during your studies, which gives you a clear competitive advantage when applying. Further master’s programmes are possible with this degree.
Where does the dual Competitive & Performance Sport degree take place?
The programme is offered at the University of Applied Sciences for Sport and Management Potsdam (FHSMP). The university is located at Olympischer Weg 7, 14471 Potsdam, in the state of Brandenburg. The location offers modern infrastructures and close ties to key players in Brandenburg and national sport.
Teaching is organised as alternating phases of on-campus attendance at the university and practical phases in partner companies. Practical partners include in particular:
- Sports clubs and associations
- Olympic training centres, federal performance centres
- competition-oriented sports schools
The FHSMP is state-accredited, accredited by the German Council of Science and Humanities (WR) and FIBAA, and recognised as a partner university of elite sport.
What are the costs for the dual Bachelor's degree in Competitive & Performance Sport and what financing options are available?
The monthly tuition fees amount to €499. The price includes all costs incurred (enrolment, exams, certificates, repeat courses) – the all-inclusive principle applies. During the standard period of study, there are no additional fees or fee increases.
Generally, practical partners fully cover the tuition fees. Many training companies also pay you a training allowance for your work during the practical phases.
- Tuition fee: €499 per month (no additional costs during the standard period of study)
- Cost coverage by the practical company usually applies
- Possibility of self-financing (e.g. education funds, scholarships)
- Option of state funding programmes for dual students
The university provides advisory support to help you choose the financing option that suits you best.
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