International

Master's Program in Exercise Science & Sports Nutrition

Master's Program in <span class="newline">Exercise Science & Sports Nutrition</span>

Preparation for interdisciplinary leadership roles in competitive and elite sports, as well as in the fitness, recreational, preventive, rehabilitation, health, and education sectors
Content fromthe fields of advanced training and exercise science and physiology, applied strength and conditioning, and sports nutrition
Accredited by the NSCA and offered in partnership with the Gatorade Sports Science Institute GSSI
International and completely in English

Testing, Training, and Nutritional Coaching in Sports

The interdisciplinary Master’s program in Exercise Science & Sports Nutrition qualifies you with content from the fields of training and exercise science, sports physiology, and nutrition science. Graduates are prepared for leadership roles in the fields of elite and competitive sports (including youth sports), as well as recreational, fitness, and health sports. With a strong emphasis on practical application, the program provides opportunities to expand and deepen your knowledge, skills, and competencies in the areas of:

Applied anatomy and biomechanics in sports
Advanced exercise physiology and training adaptations
Testing and training for strength, speed, agility, quickness, flexibility, and endurance
Practical nutrition strategies and plans
Sports nutrition supplements
Essentials of exercise, nutrition, and dietary needs for special populations
Management of recovery in sports
Foundations of sport and exercise psychology for coaches
Scientific training and research methods

The course content serves a foundation for the evidence-based implementation of training and exercise plans, as well as nutritional strategies in sports. You will learn to critically analyze modern training programs, techniques, and nutritional recommendations, applying them based on individual needs analysis. You will undertake your Master’s degree in the most individualized way possible. By selecting elective modules, you can tailor the Master’s program to your specific interests. A highlight of the program, and a key aspect of its practical focus, is the integration of seminars and the distinctive summer and winter schools. These schools offer unique, immersive experiences that allow you to engage intensively with real-world challenges and cutting-edge topics across different seasons, enriching your learning journey and providing valuable, hands-on expertise. With content that is aligned with the latest research findings, our Master’s program prepares you for leadership roles in sports, exercise, and nutrition-related professions.

The career fields include:

Amateur and elite sports clubs and associations (e.g. coaching for competitive and high-performance athletes)
Club- or association-owned and commercial training centers
Performance testing facilities (e.g. Olympic training centers, clinics)
Talent development centers
Public and private educational institutions (e.g. universities, schools, care facilities, counseling centers)
Corporate sports facilities
Gyms, health clubs, and rehabilitation centres
Manufacturers of sports equipment, food products, and dietary supplements
Self-employment as a personal trainer, nutrition consultant, and/or health coach

Graduates of various Bachelor's programs can use the Master's program to enhance their academic qualifications. The degree also qualifies them for a PhD program.

Valuable Partnerships

The Master’s degree in Exercise Science & Sports Nutrition is the first degree program in Germany to have been accredited by the National Strength & Conditioning Association (NSCA). With over 60,000 members worldwide, the NSCA is considered the leading institution in the field of strength and conditioning. Through this accreditation, IST is recognized as an ERP (Education Recognition Program) school. The NSCA acknowledges that the program's curriculum meets the requirements for the NSCA Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) exam. Successful CSCS graduates receive an internationally recognized mark of excellence.

The Master’s degree in Exercise Science & Sports Nutrition is the first program of its kind worldwide to be offered in partnership with the Gatorade Sports Science Institute (GSSI). Leveraging GSSI’s decades of expertise in sports nutrition and athletic performance, the program integrates cutting-edge research and practical insights directly into the curriculum. Since 1985, GSSI has studied how nutrition, training, and environmental factors affect the human body, developing evidence-based products and recommendations. Through this collaboration, students gain access to the institute’s global knowledge network, research findings, and applied methodologies. This enables them to enhance their understanding and skills in optimizing athletes’ health, performance, and nutrition strategies

Content of the Master`s-Program in Exercise Science & Sports Nutrition

The Master's program is divided into compulsory and elective modules. The compulsory modules cover the following topics:

Applied anatomy and biomechanics in sport
Exercise physiology and adaptations to training
Bioenergetics of training and exercise
Testing and training for strength, speed, agility, quickness, flexibility, and endurance
Designing training programs
Practical nutrition strategies and plans
Exercise, nutrition, and dietary needs for special populations
Management of recovery in sport
Sport and exercise psychology for coaches
Scientific training and research methods in training, exercise, and nutrition science

Through the various elective modules, you can tailor the Master's program to your individual interests and goals. In these modules, you can choose from specializations in the fields of training and exercise science and sports nutrition:

Strength training and conditioning for children and adolescents
Sports injuries and rehabilitation
Sports nutrition supplements
Modern diets

In your final semester, you will complete your Master's thesis. Our professors will guide you throughout this process and support you in accompanying colloquia. For further information on the modules in the Master's program, please refer to the module overview.

For detailed information on the modules, please refer to the module overview.

Certified Quality and Recognized Degree

Master of Arts (M. A.) in Exercise Science & Sports Nutrition
You will receive:

A nationally and internationally recognized degree in sport and exercise science
The academic title "Master of Arts"
Eligibility to begin a PhD program
A qualification to work in numerous career fields related to sports and nutrition

IST University of Applied Sciences is officially recognized as a state-approved university by the Ministry of Culture and Science of North Rhine-Westphalia. This ensures that the degrees awarded are equivalent to those from public universities.

The interdisciplinary Master's program in Exercise Science & Sports Nutrition is accredited by the Accreditation Council and has been evaluated by the Foundation for International Business Administration Accreditation (FIBAA). Additionally, the program is approved by the Central Goverment for Distance Learning (ZFU) (approval no. 1115621).

Staatlich zugelassener Fernunterricht

ECTS

Achievements on the Master's program are evaluated according to the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS). The allocation of credit points ensures that your academic performance is internationally comparable and recognized. With this degree, you will earn a total of 120 credit points.

Quality

The quality of our study programs is recognized by our students and graduates, with many new students joining us through personal recommendations. This is further validated by independent review platforms, where the IST University of Applied Sciences is consistently ranked among the top 5 most popular universities.

Our Teaching methods

The Master's program in Exercise Science & Sports Nutrition is conducted as a distance learning program entirely in English.
The theoretical framework consists of study materials that have been specially designed for self-study. Modern multimedia teaching methods are also employed in parallel, including online lectures, tutorials, and exercises. The high proportion of online-based learning allows you to schedule your study times flexibly, enabling you to advance your career planning without interruptions. Selected modules also include webinars and/or summer and winter schools, which provide essential practical knowledge and facilitate interaction with experts in sports and nutrition, as well as your fellow students. Please note that participation in the webinars and summer and winter schools is optional.

Target Group

The Master's program in Exercise Science & Sports Nutrition is designed for those who wish to study independently in terms of both time and location while earning a nationally and internationally recognized academic degree. It is suitable for graduates of programs in sports science, health science, and/or nutrition science who are looking to pursue leadership roles in various sports and nutrition-related fields. These include competitive and elite sports as well as recreational, fitness, and health-oriented sectors. This program also offers the opportunity to expand and deepen knowledge, skills, and competencies in the fields of sports and nutrition science.

Entry Requirements

You must have completed an internationally recognized Bachelor's degree focused on sports, health, and/or nutrition sciences from a university or provide proof of a comparable degree from another higher education institution. Alternatively, an internationally recognized undergraduate degree along with evidence of relevant sport- and/or nutrition-specific qualifications and work experience is also sufficient.
Additionally, you need to have 10 credit points (or equivalent proof) from nutrition-related courses if your Bachelor's degree is in sports science, or 10 credit points (or equivalent proof) from sports science-related courses if your Bachelor’s degree is in nutrition science.
You have a school leaving certificate with at least seven years of English instruction, or you can demonstrate B2-level language skills (according to the CEFR). If you do not have the corresponding proof, you can obtain information about language tests from the International Office or Student Services Office of IST University of Applied Sciences.

Program Start Date

The Master's program in Exercise Science & Sports Nutrition starts on April 1 (summer semester) and October 1 (winter semester). The application deadline for the summer semester is February 15, while the deadline for the winter semester is August 15.

On April 1 or October 1, you will begin your studies alongside your fellow students. If you would like to start on a different date, please contact us to arrange an individual start date.

Program Duration

You can choose to complete the Master's program in Exercise Science & Sports Nutrition (M.A.) in either four semesters (full-time) or six semesters (part-time), depending on how much time you are able and willing to dedicate to your studies.

In the full-time option, you can expect an average study load of about 29 hours per week, while the part-time option requires approximately 24 hours per week. Thanks to the flexible teaching methods at IST University of Applied Sciences, the full-time option can also be pursued alongside employment, but it is particularly suited for those who want to focus primarily on their studies. In the part-time format, the course content is spread over two additional semesters, which reduces your weekly study load accordingly. This part-time path is especially suitable for individuals who wish to pursue another job alongside their studies and need additional time for their academic commitments.

Throughout your studies, you can switch between the full-time and part-time study formats as needed.

If changes to your professional or personal circumstances result in less study time than you initially planned, there’s no need to worry. At the end of the regular duration of ythe Master’s program in Exercise Science & Sports Nutrition, you will have access to a complimentary support period of three additional semesters! This allows you to continue learning the course content, take exams, or seek advice from your professors or university staff even after your regular study period has ended.

Please refer to the full-time (4 semesters) or part-time (6 semesters) study plan for detailed information on the study program.

Exams and exam dates

Throughout the Master's program, you will be required to complete various assessments to document your learning progress. All exams can be taken online on two different dates each month from anywhere in the world, providing you with a high level of flexibility. You have the freedom to choose which exam to take on which date, with a maximum of three exams per date. All oral exams are conducted online, and other assessments (e.g. written assignments, project work, and your Master's thesis) can also be completed remotely.

Costs of the Master’s Program in Exercise Science & Sports Nutrition

The tuition fees for a four-semester program amount to EUR 495 per month (total: EUR 11,880)
For a six-semester program, the monthly tuition fee is EUR 370 (total: EUR 13,320)

All the fees for your studies are included in the mentioned costs - there are no additional charges!

Please also ask about funding options for a Master's program.

Graduates of our Bachelor's programs receive a 10% discount on our Master's programs.

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Our Benefits

Accredited degrees

You are studying at a government-approved university. The programs are accredited and recognized internationally.

Great flexibility in scheduling

Your study program is tailored to your needs. You learn when and where it suits you!

Strong professional network

Thanks to our strong connections in the sports industry, business, government, and education sectors, you gain valuable insights from the practical relevance of the course content and the expertise of leading professionals in sports and business.

Personal support

Our team of dedicated professionals brings extensive expertise and practical know-how to their respective fields – and is always ready to support you!

Recipient of multiple awards

You can rely on our quality, which has been confirmed by numerous awards and a recommendation rate of 98%.

PROFESSORS AND RESEARCH ASSISTANTS

Prof. Dr. Thimo Wiewelhove
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Prof. Dr. Stephan Geisler
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Dr. Simon Gavanda
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Dr. Eduard Isenmann
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Joshua Dissemond
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EXTERNAL PROFESSORS

Prof. Dr. Ian Jeffreys
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Dr. Ian Rollo
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Dr. Vlad Sabou
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Dr. Thorben Aussieker
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PD Dr. Dr. Sylvain Labordes
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Dr. Jan-Frieder Harmsen
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David Walzik
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Dr. Niklas Joisten
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Easy Online Registration!

Secure your spot in your desired program - risk-free. You may withdraw your registration within four weeks without providing any reason.

Easy Online Registration!

Secure your spot in your desired program - risk-free. You may withdraw your registration within four weeks without providing any reason.

Further information

Partners & Memberships

FIBO - Internationale Leitmesse für Fitness und Wellness

Bundesvereinigung Prävention und Gesundheitsförderung e.V.

Bundesverband Betriebliches Gesundheitsmanagement

Deutsche Gesellschaft für Sportmedizin und Prävention

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This says...

“ Dr. Ian Rollo Principal Scientist, Gatorade Sports Science Institute, PepsiCo Physiology and Health Sciences

"The Gatorade Sports Science Institute is honoured to partner with IST’s Master’s Program in Exercise Science & Sports Nutrition. We recognise IST University of Applied Sciences as a leader in sports education in Germany and share its ongoing commitment to advancing knowledge and best practices across the profession."

This says...

“ Prof. Dr. Stephan Geisler Vice President of IST University of Applied Sciences

"With the Master's program in Exercise Science and Sports Nutrition, we have created an academic degree that is ideally suited for careers as a coach. We have brought in leading experts for each individual module who will share first-hand knowledge with the students. The program's intentional alignment with international standards makes it especially appealing to students worldwide."

This says...

“ Lucas Trittel physiotherapist and rehabilitation trainer for Bundesliga football club and Europa League winner Eintracht Frankfurt

"The awareness of the importance of comprehensive training management, which goes far beyond simply practicing game situations, has grown steadily in recent years. We live in a complex world that is constantly evolving. Training, therapy, nutrition, and psychology
go hand in hand. As a lecturer and head of the module ‘Sports Injuries and Rehabilitation,’ I want to share my experience and insights from sports and practice with the students, thus providing them with theoretical and practical knowledge that they can apply in their professional lives. I thoroughly enjoy working with sportsminded, dedicated, and inquisitive young people. A basic understanding of anatomy is fundamental in this field!"

This says...

“ Henrik Kuchno Strength and Conditioning Coach for the Bundesliga football club Hertha BSC

„The world of training and exercise is constantly evolving and becoming increasingly complex. Today, a competent coach must be knowledgeable in significantly more areas than just a few years ago. Awareness of the importance of nutrition for performance enhancement and recovery management has grown immensely. The integration of sports nutrition and insights from training and exercise science is ever-present in my professional life in the Bundesliga. I am excited to be part of the master's program and to share valuable insights from my practical experience with the students.“

This says...

“ Prof. Dr. Thimo Wiewelhove Head of the Master's program in "Exercise Science and Sports Nutrition"

"Our Master's program combines three closely-related subject areas, namely training, performance, and nutrition. Not only does it expand and deepen knowledge of training and nutrition science, but its proximity to sports practice and the integration of practical sports experience also allow students to build and develop important job-specific skills. The Master's program thus offers sports and nutrition scientists, trainers, and students the opportunity to gain targeted qualifications for careers, institutions, and clientele in competitive, recreational, and health-related sports."

This says...

“ Olivia Nash-Becker former professional basketball player and current coach

"After completing my professional athletic career, I wanted to stay connected to sport while continuing my academic development. The English-taught distance learning format offers exceptional flexibility, international networking opportunities, versatility to use the degree in sport settings on an international scale and practical knowledge that I can already apply in my professional life. I especially value the exchange with students from different sport disciplines and would highly recommend the program to anyone seeking a flexible, English-speaking study environment."