Bachelor’s degree programme at the GSU
Start your journey into the world of sport – with a solid scientific foundation and a practical focus.
Studying at the German Sport University Cologne is more than just a degree course – it is your gateway to a future in sport and physical activity. As Germany’s only university specialising in sport, GSU combines academic excellence with practical sporting experience and offers you an inspiring environment in which to turn your passion into a career.
The Bachelor’s degree programmes at GSU are offered as full-time, on-campus courses and are subject to admission restrictions. You’ll study right on campus as part of a sports-oriented university community and benefit from close interaction with lecturers and fellow students.
You’ll also benefit from the close integration of research and teaching: 19 academic Institutes conduct research into current topics relating to sport, health and society. This knowledge flows directly into your studies – and opens up new perspectives for you.
Study program
What bachelor’s degree programmes in sport science are available at GSU?
FAQs: The most frequently asked questions about Bachelor’s degree programmes at GSU
Yes. To be admitted to the degree programme, you must provide proof that you have passed the Physical aptitude test at the time of application. This applies to all five Bachelor’s degree programmes in sport science at GSU.
More information on the Physical aptitude test.
No. The Fachabitur (the general qualification for entry to universities of applied sciences) is generally not sufficient for admission to any of the Bachelor’s degree programmes. An explanation can be found on the page on entry requirements.
It is not possible to predict the Abitur mark required for admission. The exact mark (‘NC mark’) will only be determined once the admissions process has been completed. However, the ‘NC marks’ from previous semesters can be used as a guide. These can be found on the Admission Requirements page.
The calendar of events for prospective students provides a chronological and therefore clear overview. Clicking on the relevant dates will take you to further information about the respective event.
The key dates and deadlines for admission to the degree programme are
- registration for the Physical aptitude test and subsequent attendance on the day of the test
- the deadline for applying for a place on the degree programme
Should you subsequently be offered a place, you must meet the deadlines for enrolment.
Unfortunately, sports injuries are not uncommon during the course of one’s studies. We therefore have experience in dealing with this situation. The Student Advisory Service can advise you in the event of an injury, to help adapt your individual study plan to the new circumstances. In addition to your degree programme and academic progress, this will also depend on the nature of the injury and the resulting limitations.
It is important that you actively get in touch with the Student Advisory Service.
Due to individual study profiles and personal circumstances, there are no standard career paths following a degree in sport science. Each alumnus or alumna shapes their own, individual career path. The GSU Career Service offers professional support in this regard.
The sports job market offers a wide range of opportunities. The diverse and varied fields of work within the sports sector can generally be categorised into the following eleven areas: health, communication, management, social & experiential, technology, science & research, creative arts, politics, sport & performance, and tourism.
Information on possible further study options is available on the websites of the individual Bachelor’s degree programmes in sport science.
In principle, it is possible to change degree programmes. However, important formalities must be taken into account and admission requirements must be successfully met. It is therefore recommended that you contact the Student Advisory Service in good time.
Important note: As a rule, the Student Advisory Service recommends that, if you wish to change degree programmes, you should (also) apply for a place on the first semester of your chosen degree programme (= new application). As part of the admissions process, the ‘NC score’ – and therefore your A-level grades – will once again play a key role.
Course of study
The Bachelor’s degree programmes at the German Sport University Cologne are structured as six-semester, full-time on-campus courses and combine sport science theory with a wide range of practical sporting activities. During the course, you will complete various stages of study, the content of which builds on one another whilst also offering you scope to pursue individual areas of specialisation.
To begin with, during the Basic studies, you will acquire the theoretical and practical fundamentals of sport science – ranging from training and movement science through to social and behavioural sciences, and covering a variety of sports and areas of physical activity. Building on this, during the career-oriented stage you will deepen your specialist knowledge with a focus on your chosen degree programme and potential career paths.
The programme is complemented by key skills such as communication, methodological and self-management skills, as well as specialist English. In the specialisation and supplementary modules, you will set individual priorities and broaden your profile in line with your interests and career goals.
Work placements give you early insights into professional practice and help you gain valuable experience and make contacts. The programme culminates in a Bachelor’s thesis, in which you independently research a topic in sport science.
Throughout your studies, you will accumulate credit points (CP) that document your academic achievements. In total, you will earn 180 CP by the time you graduate.
How do I choose a degree programme?
Choosing a degree programme is an important decision – and, above all, a personal one. To help you work out which path is right for you, it’s worth taking a step-by-step approach.
Discover your own interests and strengths
Think about what inspires you, where your skills lie and which topics motivate you in the long term. What role does sport play in your life? Do you enjoy working with people, or are you interested in health, media, management or competitive sport? The better you know your interests and inclinations, the easier it will be to choose a degree programme.
Find out more and compare
Use the information on our website to learn about the various degree programmes and identify the differences between them. Find out about course content, specialisms, career prospects and programme structure – and consider which of these align with your personal goals.
Gain insights and ask questions
Orientation events such as the Open Day, online study information sessions or advisory events will help you get to know GSU and its degree programmes better. Talk to students, lecturers and the Student Advisory Service to gain authentic insights into student life and campus life.
Keep an eye on entry requirements and deadlines
Find out well in advance what entry requirements apply to your chosen degree programme – for example, university entrance qualifications, the sports aptitude test or application deadlines. Information on your chances of admission and the application process will also help you prepare your decision on which degree programme to choose with confidence.