International

Master's Program in Training and Exercise Physiology and Sports Nutrition

Master's Program in Training and <span class="newline">Exercise Physiology and 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 from advanced Training and Exercise Science and Physiology, applied Strength and Conditioning, and Sports Nutrition
  • Focused on practical application
  • International and completely in English

Testing, Training, and Nutritional Coaching in Sports

The interdisciplinary master’s program in Training and Exercise Physiology and Sports Nutrition qualifies you with content from training and exercise science, sports physiology, and nutrition science 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

As 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 your 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 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, among others:

  • 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 centers
  • 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.

Content of the Master`s Program in Training and Exercise Physiology and 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

As the first program in Germany, the master’s degree in Training and Exercise Physiology and Sports Nutrition has been accredited by the National Strength & Conditioning Association (NSCA). The NSCA, with over 60,000 members worldwide, is considered the leading institution in the field of Strength & Conditioning. With this accreditation, the NSCA recognizes the program's curriculum as meeting the requirements for the NSCA Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) exam. As a CSCS, successful students gain an internationally recognized mark of excellence.

nsca Logo

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

Certified Quality and Recognized Degree

Master of Arts (M. A.) in Training and Exercise Physiology and 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
  • Qualification for 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 Training and Exercise Physiology and 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 Office for Distance Learning (ZFU) (Approval No. 1115621).

Programmakkreditiert Studium Trainingswissenschaft Studium Sport und ErnährungStaatlich zugelassener Fernunterricht

ECTS

Achievements in 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 IST University of Applied Sciences has consistently ranked among the top 5 most popular universities.

Focus

 

Our Teaching Methods

Teaching Mehods

The master's program in Training and Exercise Physiology and Sports Nutrition is conducted as a distance learning program entirely in English.
The theoretical framework consists of specially prepared study materials designed for self-study. In parallel, modern multimedia teaching methods are employed, 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.

Our seminar locations are equipped with modern facilities, allowing you to learn from our experts in a highly practical manner, with immediate opportunities to apply your newly acquired knowledge. Additionally, our app provides you with access to your studies anytime, anywhere. You can log into the online campus, manage your classes and exam appointments, and prepare for exams using our quiz feature.

Target Group

The master's program in Training and Exercise Physiology and 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 aim to pursue leadership roles in various sports and nutrition-related fields, including 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, a completed internationally recognized undergraduate degree along with evidence of relevant sport- and/or nutrition-specific qualifications and work experience is 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
  • Furthermore, it is essential to have English language proficiency at least at level B2 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.
    If you have alternative entry requirements, please don’t hesitate to contact us

Program Start Date

The master's program in Training and Exercise Physiology and 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 Training and Exercise Physiology and Sports Nutrition (M.A.) either in a four-semester (full-time) or a six-semester (part-time) format, 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 maintain another job alongside their studies and need additional time for academic commitments.

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

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

Exams and Exam Dates

Throughout the master's program, you will be required to complete various assessments, which will document your learning progress. All exams can be taken online at 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 also conducted online, and other assessments, such as written assignments, project work, and your master's thesis, can likewise be completed remotely.

Costs of the Master’s Program in Training and Exercise Physiology and Sports Nutrition

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


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

Please also inquire about funding options for a master's program.

Graduates of our bachelor's programs receive a 10% discount on our master's programs.


Pre-register

It is not yet possible to register for the master's degree program. Register here and we will inform you as soon as registration is possible.

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!
Awarded Multiple Times
You can rely on our quality. This is confirmed by numerous awards and a recommendation rate of 98%.
This says...
Prof. Dr. Stephan Geisler
Prof. Dr. Stephan Geisler Vice President of IST University of Applied Sciences

"With the master's program in Training and Exercise Physiology 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 firsthand knowledge with the students. The program's intentional alignment with international standards makes it especially appealing to students worldwide."

This says...
Lucas Trittel
Lucas Trittel Sports physiotherapist and rehabilitation trainer for the Bundesliga football club and Europa League champion Eintracht Frankfurt

"Awareness of the importance of comprehensive training and exercise planing, which extends far beyond merely practicing game forms, has significantly increased in recent years. We operate in a complex world that is continually evolving. Training, exercise, and nutrition go hand in hand. As an instructor and coordinator for the module 'Sports Injuries and Rehabilitation,' I aim to share my experiences and insights from the field with the students, equipping them with both theoretical and practical knowledge that they can apply in their professional lives. I genuinely enjoy working with motivated and eager young individuals who are passionate about sports."

This says...
Henrik Kuchno
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
Prof. Dr. Thimo Wiewelhove Program Director of the master`s program in Training and Exercise Physiology and Sports Nutrition

„In our master’s program Training and Exercise Physiology and Sports Nutrition, three closely related areas of focus - training and exercise, performance, and nutrition - integrate seamlessly. The program not only expands and deepens knowledge and expertise in training and exercise and nutrition sciences, but it also fosters essential professional competencies through its connection to sports practice and the incorporation of practical experiences. This master's program offers sports and nutrition scientists, coaches, and students the opportunity to specifically qualify for careers in performance, recreational, and health-related sports.“

Contact

We look forward to hearing from you!

We are available for questions and suggestions on Mon, Wed, Fri 8:30 - 18:00 and Tue, Thu 8:30 - 20:00.

More information about the team

+49 211 86668 0

fitness@ist-hochschule.de

Beraterteam Fitness