Skip to ContentSkip to Navigation
Education Master's and PhD degree programmes Sport Sciences
Header image Sport Sciences

Sport Sciences

How can you identify the top athletes of the future? How do you optimize athletic performance and prevent injuries? What influence does physical activity have on a child's development?

How do people use vision to control their actions?

The selective two-year Master's programme is meant for students with a scientific fascination for sport. You will study sports performance and physical activity from multiple perspectives, using theories about cognition, psychology and physiology. This could be sports on a recreational or an athlete level.

As a student of this selective programme, you will acquire an advanced understanding of issues in the field of sport sciences, both applied and fundamental. You will practice in measuring and analyzing sports performance and gain familiarity with research methods and advanced statistics. Also, you will learn to develop optimal programmes to teach and train sport-related abilities and skills.

The programme is concentrated around four research areas:

  1. Physical activity and cognition in children.
  2. Talent identification and development.
  3. Perception, action and decision making in sports
  4. Performance analysis and optimization in (top)sports and how to prevent injuries.


Facts & Figures
Degree
MSc in Sport Sciences
Course type
Master
Duration
24 months (120 ECTS)
Croho code
60682
Language of instruction
English
Start
September
Faculty
Medical Sciences
Why study this programme in Groningen?
  • Unique selective MSc Sport Sciences programme in the Netherlands
  • Comprehensive 2-year science-based program with a multidisciplinary approach to studying sport
  • Strong link between fundamental and applied research in sports settings
  • 100% English taught
Programme
  • The programme starts with a specialization course to gain a better understanding of the development, learning and optimization of sport skills and sport performance.

Other compulsory courses are:

  • Philosophy of science and ethics
  • Advanced statistics: deepening one's methodological and statistical knowledge

In addition to the compulsory courses, you have a lot of freedom within the first year to choose your individual study programme (30 EC). You can select internal course units that

Semesters
CoursesCourse Catalog >1a1b2a2b
3D-Movement Analysis (5 EC)

BWM176

Introduction to Sport Sciences (5 EC)

BWM178

Mechanisms of motor function in ageing (5 EC, optional)

BWM160

Motor Control (5 EC, optional)

BWM137

Academic Assignment(s) (5 EC, optional)
Introduction to teaching (mentor system) (5 EC, optional)

BWM440

Master monitor (5 EC)

BWMMO

Advanced Statistics (5 EC)

BWM136

Capita Selecta in Sport (5 EC)

BWM179

Introduction to Dynamical Systems (5 EC, optional)

BWM142

Physiology of Training and Exercise (5 EC, optional)

BWM134

Clinical Mobility Lab (5 EC, optional)

BWM148

Musculoskeletal modelling and biomechanics (5 EC, optional)

BWM177

Perception and Action (5 EC, optional)

BWM135

Sport and Talent (5 EC, optional)

BWM139

Review article (10 EC)

BWM172

Big data in Sport Sciences and Human Movement Sciences (5 EC)

BWM146

Philosophy of Science and Ethics (5 EC)

BWM143

Signal Acquisition and Analysis (5 EC, optional)

BWM145

  • Master's Graduation Project
  • Possibilities to further one's professional and personal development (15 EC), by following additional course units, develop and execute an academic assignment, for example in a professional or an educational context.
Semesters
CoursesCourse Catalog >1a1b2a2b
Master Graduation Project (40 EC)

Curriculum

During the first year of the Master's programme in Sport Sciences, you follow specialization course units to gain a better understanding of the development, learning and optimisation of sport skills and sport performance.

Course 1: Introduction to Sport Sciences Course 2: Capita Selecta in Sport

Alongside the specialization, the first year includes three compulsory course units (3D Movement Analysis, Advanced Statistics and Philosophy of Science and Ethics) and a profiling part. In this part you can select course units that are offered by the department of Human Movement Sciences. Alternatively, you can select external course units or carry out an academic assignment, which could involve gaining teaching or applied research experience, doing consultancy work or writing a scientific article for publication. During your studies you are expected to work intensively with students and lecturers in various different ways. The main focus of the second year of the Master's programme is the master graduation project. You can do this internally, externally or abroad. In your research project you demonstrate that you are able to conduct scientific research in a specific field and that you are able to present your findings in a scientific article.

Programme options
Sport, Learning and Performance (specialization)

To explore themes related to Physical activity, sports and cognition; Talent identification & development; Perception, action & decision making; Performance analysis & optimization in sports

More information about this option

Study abroad

  • Study abroad is optional
  • For an average of 20 weeks
  • Maximum of 40 EC
Entry requirements

Transfer options

Transferring from...

Study programmeOrganizationTransition
Teacher Education in Physical EducationHanze University Groningen, University of Applied SciencesVia a pre-master with a maximum of 60 EC
PhysiotherapyHanze University Groningen, University of Applied SciencesVia a pre-master with a maximum of 60 EC
Study programmeOrganizationTransition
Occupational TherapyAll Universities of applied sciencesVia a pre-master with a maximum of 60 EC
Study programmeOrganizationTransition
Human Movement SciencesUniversity of GroningenNo additional requirements
MedicineUniversity of GroningenVia a pre-master with a maximum of 60 EC
DentistryUniversity of GroningenVia a pre-master with a maximum of 60 EC
Liberal Arts and SciencesUniversity of Groningen

Via a pre-master with a maximum of 30 EC

More information:

0-30 EC if you followed enough courses in the biomedical field.

Biomedical EngineeringUniversity of Groningen

Via a pre-master with a maximum of 45 EC

Additional requirements:
  • knowledge minimum
  • additional subject
Study programmeOrganizationTransition
Human Movement SciencesVU University AmsterdamNo additional requirements
Study programmeOrganizationTransition
Biomedische WetenschappenAll Research universitiesVia a pre-master
Pharmaceutical SciencesAll Research universitiesVia a pre-master
Psychology (EN)All Research universitiesVia a pre-master with a maximum of 30 EC
GezondheidswetenschappenAll Research universitiesVia a pre-master
Psychology (EN)All Research universitiesVia a pre-master with a maximum of 30 EC
Study programmeOrganizationTransition
Clinical TechnologyUniversity of TwenteVia a pre-master with a maximum of 60 EC

Admission requirements

Specific requirementsMore information
previous education
  • Bachelor degree in Human Movement Sciences (RUG/VU) – follow selection procedure
  • WO bachelor degree in a related field (follow admission- and selection procedure)
  • HBO-bachelor degree in a related field (e.g. physiotherapy, occupational therapy, sport studies, human movement technology, MIRT, etc.) (follow admission and selection procedure)
Curriculum Vitae (CV)
entry test

video-assignment

(motivation-) letter

Registration procedure

From 2024/2025, this Master's program has a selection procedure. See this flowchart which route applies to you: https://www.rug.nl/umcg/education/human-movement-sciences/pdfs/documenten-20232024/admissions-flowchart.pdf

Information for students with a Dutch diploma Human Movement Sciences (RUG or VU)

1. Apply via Studielink for the master Sport Sciences before March 1st, 2024
2. Upload the documents for selection ( selection file ) before March 1st, 2024 in the Brightspace course: Selection HMS and SpSc
3. No later than May 1st 2024 you will receive information about your ranking
4. Accept your place before June 1st 2024. After this date the waiting list will be updated.
5. Start with the master in September 2024


Information for students with a Dutch relevant WO- bachelor degree or HBO-degree

1. Apply via Studielink for the master Sport Sciences before March 1, 2024
2. Upload documents for admission ( admission form ) AND selection (see selection file ) before March 1, 2024 in the Brightspace course: Selection HMS and SpSc
3. No later than May 1st you will receive information about your admission and ranking in the premaster program
4. Accept your place before June 1st. After this date the waiting list will be updated.
5. Start with the premaster in September 2024. After successfully finishing the premaster program you can start the master in September 2025.

Questions: contact the study advisor via email

Selection procedure

The application consists of two procedures: admission and selection. The admission-procedure is to determine whether or not you are eligible for the master. The outcome can either be: not eligible, directly eligible or eligible via a premaster program. All students who are eligible and want to start the master have to join the second step, the selection procedure.

Students with a bachelor Human Movement Sciences from the RUG or the VU are directly eligible for the selection procedure. A premaster program is an option for students with a relevant background and who are proficient in Dutch, since the premaster consists of bachelor courses (in Dutch).

Once it is determined that you are eligible (directly or via a premaster), the selection procedure provides a ranking. For 2024/2025 the 25 students with the highest ranking will be selected. Besides, five students who can start a premaster program in September 2024 will be selected, they can start the master in September 2025 after successfully finishing the pre-master program.

Application deadlines

Type of studentDeadlineStart course
Dutch students01 March 202501 September 2025
EU/EEA students01 March 202501 September 2025
non-EU/EEA students01 March 202501 September 2025

Admission requirements

Specific requirementsMore information
previous education

Bachelor degree (Bachelor of Science) in Human Movement Sciences or a related field (e.g. sport sciences, kinesiology, sport and exercise sciences, etc.). Or education and experience on a comparable level.

language test

see language requirements

Language requirements

ExamMinimum score
C1 Advanced (formerly CAE)C1
IELTS overall band6.5
IELTS listening6
IELTS reading6
IELTS writing6
IELTS speaking6
TOEFL internet based92

Registration procedure

The master Sport Sciences is a selective master program. As a student with an international bachelor degree you have to follow the admission procedure AND the selection procedure. The documents for the admission procedure (qualification, academic transcripts, admission form and proof of English proficiency) needs to be uploaded in the Progress Portal. Documents for the selection procedure needs to be uploaded in the Brightspace course for the selection procedure.

Information for students with an international diploma

1. Apply via Studielink for the master Sport Sciences between October 1, 2023 and March 1, 2024

2. Upload the required documents for admission via the Progress Portal as soon as possible (and before March 1).

a document indicating the name of your qualification in the original language (for example Laurea, Ptychio, Sarjana, Bachelor, Licenciado, 学士 etc.), academic transcripts (if you have not graduated yet, please also provide us with all list of courses that are not yet on your transcript), admission form and proof of English proficiency

3. Provide the documents for the selection procedure ( see selection file ) before March 1 via the Brightspace course for selection: Selection HMS and SpSc.

4. When admitted AND selected, no later than May 1st you will receive information about your ranking

5. Accept your place before June 1st. After this date the waiting list will be updated.

6. Once selected: You can start with the master in September 2024.


Questions: contact the study advisor


Please note: All applicants with a non-Dutch bachelor qualification will have to pay an application fee. More information about the application fee can be found on this page.

Selection procedure

The application consists of two procedures: admission and selection. The admission-procedure is to determine whether or not you are eligible for the master. The outcome can either be: not eligible, directly eligible or eligible via a premaster program. All students who are eligible and want to start the master have to join the second step, the selection procedure.

Students with a bachelor Human Movement Sciences from the RUG or the VU are directly eligible for the selection procedure. A premaster program is an option for students with a relevant background and who are proficient in Dutch, since the premaster consists of bachelor courses (in Dutch).

Once it is determined that you are eligible (directly or via a premaster), the selection procedure provides a ranking. For 2024/2025 the 25 students with the highest ranking will be selected. Besides, five students who can start a premaster program in September 2024 will be selected, they can start the master in September 2025 after successfully finishing the pre-master program.

Application deadlines

Type of studentDeadlineStart course
Dutch students01 March 202501 September 2025
EU/EEA students01 March 202501 September 2025
non-EU/EEA students01 March 202501 September 2025
Tuition fees
NationalityYearFeeProgramme form
EU/EEA2023-2024€ 2314full-time
non-EU/EEA2023-2024€ 20700full-time
EU/EEA2024-2025€ 2530full-time
non-EU/EEA2024-2025€ 24200full-time

Practical information for:

After your studies

In a survey we held under graduates we see that 69% had applied for a job, and found one. 16% has chosen to do another master, 13% started with another programme and 3% made some other choise.

Job prospects

A Master's degree in Human Movement Sciences is the ticket to an exciting and challenging career. As a graduate, you will have developed a professional and academic attitude that will enable you to work independently and further develop in an area of human movement science. There are many opportunities in the field of movement, health, healthy ageing and lifestyle(s), rehabilitation, and sports. Potential careers include doing research at a university (PhD), in a hospital or in a company, teachi

Job examples

  • Advisor

    Scientific advisor at sport associations or Olympic federation

  • Developer

    Develop training and exercise programs for ergonomic, orthopaedic, or educational institutions

  • Embedded scientist

    Embedded scientist for a professional sport team/club

  • Researcher
  • Teacher/lecturer

    Teacher/Lecturer of sport and exercise courses in Higher Education

  • Policy Officer

    Government employee dealing with sport, health, and welfare policies

Research

Research within the department of Human Movement Sciences

Education and research are intensely connected at the department of Human Movement Sciences. PhD's, master and bachelor students work together in an academic learning community and inspiring environment, playing a pivotal role in our research success.

What kind of research?

These are some examples of research questions within the master Sport Sciences:

  • Talent in general and in team sports: what is it, how can it be recognized and what are the conditions for optimum development?
  • What influence does physical (in)activity have on a child’s motor and cognitive development?
  • How can we analyse and optimize (match) performance in (team)sports?
  • How can we prevent injuries?

Where?

Student research projects within this domain are conducted within professional sports organizations such as NOC*NSF, sports federations, TNO Sport and professional sports clubs.
Student research projects within this domain are usually conducted on-site in nursing homes and/or geriatric wards of hospitals, residential facilities for the elderly or individual homes. The department of Human Movement Sciences also has great lab facilities to conduct research. There is a large number of lab facilities consisting of laboratories, equipment and software. In 2020, the construction of a completely new Virtual Reality Lab has started. In the coming years, this will be further developed into three different Virtual Reality Laboratories, each with its own specific character.

More info

More info about our research can be found on the UMCG research website.



Apply nowBrochureEventsContact

Contact

  • General Secretariat (Information about staff, research and general questions)
    Email: secretariaat-bw umcg.nl
    Telephone: +31(0)50-3616015
  • Master's Degree Programme Education Desk (information about the master HMS/Sport Sciences)
    Email: master-bw umcg.nl
    Telephone: +31(0)50-3616050
  • Academic Advisor Human Movement Sciences (Information about the content of the study program, admission procedure etc. )
    Email: studieadviseur-bw umcg.nl
    Telephone: +31(0)50 3616061

Study associations

Studiosi Mobilae

Studiosi Mobilae is the study association for (former) students of Human Movement Sciences in Groningen.
The association organizes a variety of interesting activities such as excursions to both domestic and foreign companies and a symposium.
https://www.studiosimobilae.nl/home
Read more
Study support

For information about study planning, supervision and support, skills training and individual study advice and schemes, students can consult the academic advisor. E-mail: studieadviseur-BW umcg.nl. Appointment via: https://chplaggenmarsch.youcanbook.me/ Phone: (050) 36 16061

Every year (in November and March) you can attend an information session about this programme during the Master's Week of the University of Groningen: www.rug.nl/masterweek. If you would like to experience what it is to be a student at our programme, we additionaly can arrange a meet-up with one of our student ambassadors. If you are interested in this, please send an email to n.kompagnie umcg.nl