Sport Science (M.Sc.) – Movement and Wellbeing

From the point of view of human rights, human life goes beyond health without excluding or neglecting it. Whether wellbeing can be achieved without health or wellbeing is even necessary for health is one of the problems to be discussed in this master profile. Furthermore, we will teach a variety of methods for achieving wellness related to movement, nutrition and related activities as well as their philosophical backgrounds. The understanding of wellbeing and the methods for achieving this differs with cultural background. In addition to Western approaches, the traditional Chinese and Indian ways to well-being will be the focus of this Master's program. More specifically, some time for the studies of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda will be spent in China and India at our partner universities.

Another major aim of this master program is the study of contemporary scientific methods based on western understanding of science in theory and practice for adequate measurement and diagnosis based on psychophysiological variables. Measuring brain states on the basis of the electro-magnetic and haemodynamic activity of the brain, effects on different heart beat dependent variables, changes of skin resistance, variations in the infrared spectrum or the changes in gas discharge are just a few examples that will be taught for precise diagnosis of changes related to wellness.

 

Degree: Master of Science (M.Sc.)

Period of studies: 4 Semester

Start: Only in summer semester, Application deadline is 15 November of the previous year

Language: English (required language certificate: English Level B-2)

Professional Fields: As a graduate, you can provide training in medical assistant professions, health management consulting, holistic diagnostics and therapeutic recommendations for athletes and patients. And of course, you can also apply for another postgraduate or Ph.D.-program.

Study Plan:

1st semester

Methodological and Epistemological Foundations
Movement and Wellbeing Individually and Socially
Complex Systems and Sport Psychology

2nd semester

Related Transdisciplinary Aspects
Movement and Wellbeing Projects
Key Qualifications

3rd semester (study abroad)

Movement and Wellbeing in Ayurveda and Yoga (Ujire, India: Mar./Apr.)
Movement and Wellbeing in Traditional Chinese Medicine (Shanghai, China: Sep./Oct.)
Specialized Internship

4th semester

Master’s Thesis

Deadlines: October 1st - November 15th

Should places of study become available again after the completion of the succession procedures, such places will be allocated by drawing lots. Online registration for participation in the lottery procedure for the remaining places is usually possible during the month of February. Further information is available here.

Admission requirements:
(subject to the approval of all relevant committees)

  1. Proof of a Bachelor's degree (Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Education or Bachelor of Science) from one of the following fields
    • Sport, Exercise or Sport Science or
    • Social sciences or
    • Health sciences or
    • Life sciences or
    • a degree from a domestic or foreign higher education institution that does not deviate significantly from the above.

If a Bachelor's degree certificate is not available by the end of the application period, an application is still possible
(a) if at least 135 credit points of academic achievement are certified or
(b) on the basis of a provisional certificate of recognition for foreign degrees.

  1. Passing a selection interview.

In the selection interview (15-20 minutes), it is determined whether the applicants have sufficient motivation for the degree programme and whether there are any possible misconceptions regarding the requirements of the degree programme. In addition, the identification with the degree programme and the intended profession is ascertained. In addition to the interview behaviour of the applicants, the competence in dealing with open questions and problems from the sub-disciplines of sports science are also taken into account.

Selection interviews usually take place on fixed dates in the winter semester; if necessary, they can also be held outside the fixed periods. Registration for the selection interview must be made in a written form at least 14 calendar days before the set date. The registration must be accompanied by proof of a Bachelor's degree (see above).

If the applicant does not appear at the appointed date without sufficient excuse or if he or she cancels the selection interview without sufficient excuse, he or she shall be deemed ineligible. In case of sufficient excuse, the applicant will be invited to a new appointment.

The grades of applicants for selection purposes will then be calculated according to the following:

  • The average grades for academic performance and examinations of the previous academic degree
    weighted by credit points in the previous degree course (at least 135
    CP) which account for 70% in the application process and
  • The grade of a selection interview which accounts for 30% in the application process.

Please note: Applicants who do not have a bachelor's degree in sport, exercise or sports science must take courses (1-3) during the first year of study as part of the module "9.2 Key Skills" as follows:

  1. Course(s) of at least 2 semester hours per week (shw) from the field of exercise and training science or sports psychology or sports medicine;
  2. Course(s) of at least 2 shw from the field of sport pedagogy or sport sociology or sport history;
  3. Course(s) of at least 2 shw from the field of statistics and research methods.

The successful participation in the courses (1-3) is proven by an oral examination of maximum 20 minutes or a written examination of at least 45 minutes which has to deal with the contents of the courses 1-3 and which has to be graded at least "sufficient".

If the applicants can already prove that they have attended a course of at least 2 SWS in the field of statistics and research methods as part of their bachelor's degree, these course achievements can be recognized upon application. In this case, attendance of a course on statistics and research methods (3) is not required. Instead, a course from "Scientic foundations of specialist science in the major field of study" (cf. Module 9.1) must be taken. In this case, the examination for proof of successful participation (see above) refers only to courses 1 and 2; the duration of the examination is reduced accordingly.

Application:
(a) International students will find information on the application procedure here.
(b) German students via student admission office of the JGU (Studierendensekretariat)
⇒ to the application procedure (in German)

Admission restrictions: Restricted in semesters 1 to 3

N° of participants: max. 20 students per year

During the third semester you will acquire knowledge and skills in the areas of Ayurveda and Yoga in India (Feb./Mar.) as well as Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Qigong in China (Sep./Oct.). In order to provide you with a well-founded and genuine insight into the 'motherlands' of Ayurveda and Yoga and also TCM and Qigong, we conduct these events at our partner universities: the College of Naturopathy and Yogic Sciences in Ujire (India) and the Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (China).

We offer both modules as an extended course: In an 8-week training you will first learn the necessary theoretical basics of both healing systems. The associated therapeutic applications are then learned and applied in clinical internships in hospitals and practices. In addition, you will learn practical basic elements of Yoga and Qigong and how to teach them.

Aim of the internship is the application of the previous study contents in a professional practice as well as getting to know possible future occupational fields.

Internships can be completed at home and abroad, preferably at state-authorised and recognised institutions, and should be related to the Master's program topic. The interns are supervised by the internship institution and a teacher of the Master's program.

The duration of the internship is 11-15 weeks (450 hours, i.e. 30-40 hours per week). The internship is completed during the third semester and can be completed as part of the stay abroad.

Study plan (overview of all courses)


Current Timetable


Guidelines for Term Papers – For term papers in the courses of Prof. Schöllhorn (and co-workers) the guidelines regarding content and form have to be followed.


Examination Regulations last update: 28.03.2022
(source: JGU Mainz; only available in German)


Module Description last update: 29.06.2018
The module handbook contains detailed information on scope, learning objectives, key qualifications, courses and examinations (German version see here)

Courses Catalog Key Skills – module 9.1: English | German 
last update: 06.04.2022

Please note: This course catalogue only addresses students with a Bachelor's degree in Sport, Exercise or Sport Science (module 9.1).


Courses Catalog Key Skills – module 9.2: English & German
last update: 06.04.2022

Please note: This course catalogue only addresses students without a Bachelor's degree in Sport, Exercise or Sport Science (module 9.2).