Performance, Training and Coaching in Elite Sport
Master of Science (M.Sc.)
Would you like to understand what constitutes top-level sporting performance – and how it can be specifically developed, managed and optimised? If you are passionate about competitive and elite sport and would like to work in a scientifically sound way, the Master’s degree programme in Performance, Training and Coaching in Elite Sport could be a good fit for you.
The programme focuses on analysing and improving human performance under high physical and psychological demands. You will learn to plan, manage and evaluate training processes in an evidence-based manner, as well as to provide holistic support for athletes. In doing so, you will also address current challenges such as managing stress at the limits of human capacity or ensuring fair conditions for competition.
The degree programme is aimed at graduates with a background in Sport science or a related discipline, who ideally already have experience in elite sport – for example, as an athlete or coach. An interest in scientific and medical issues, a basic knowledge of statistics, and an enjoyment of working in a laboratory and in a training context are important requirements. A good command of English will help you engage with international specialist literature.
If you think analytically, take a practical approach to your work and wish to deepen your expertise in the field of high-performance sport in a targeted manner, this Master's degree offers you a challenging and specialised education.
Key facts
Duration of study
4 Semesters
Commencement of studies
Winter semester
Workload
120 Credit Points
Application deadline
- 31st of May (Non-EU)
- 15th of July (GER & EU)
Qualification
Master of Science (M.Sc.)
Language of instruction
German
Fees
approx. 335€ (Semester fee)
University places
30 places per cohort
Admission Requirements
The admission requirements for this Master’s degree programme are a successfully completed Bachelor’s degree in which at least 180 credit points under the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) have been earned, or an equivalent successfully completed degree. The following requirements also apply to the programme referred to in sentence 1:
- A Bachelor’s degree with a primary focus on either natural sciences, sport science, medicine, mathematics, health sciences (or physiotherapy), or elite sport.
- The subject-specific focus of the Bachelor’s degree must be predominantly (i.e. at least 90 credit points) in the natural sciences or Sport science.
- You must demonstrate your academic aptitude by achieving an above-average degree classification (at least a grade of 2.5 on the German grading scale or a grade of B under the ECTS system).
- If you did not obtain your higher education qualification in a German-speaking country, you must provide evidence of sufficient German language proficiency (at least DSH-2).
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save_altAdmissions Regulations 2026Download "Admissions Regulations 2026"Pdf, 327 KB
Degree Structure and Content
The Master’s degree programme in Performance, Training and Coaching in Elite Sport (LTC) is a four-semester, modular, full-time course. You will earn a total of 120 credit points and complete 14 modules, each comprising a theoretical and a practical component.
At the start of the programme, key content from the fields of training science, physiology, biomechanics, psychology and data analysis is taught in seminars and then consolidated through practical exercises. As the programme progresses, the focus shifts to project-based formats, workshops, colloquia and work placements, which strengthen your ability to carry out independent academic work and provide you with insights into various practical fields.
A compulsory nine-week work placement enables you to gain experience in the world of elite sport and refine your professional profile. Some of the modules are taught in English, which also prepares you for an international working environment. There is also the option to complete part of the programme abroad.
The fourth semester is devoted to the Master’s thesis, in which you will investigate your own research question and apply the skills you have acquired.
Programme-specific documents
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save_altModule handbook LTCDownload "Module handbook LTC"Pdf, 774 KB
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save_altCurriculum schedule LTCDownload "Curriculum schedule LTC"Pdf, 187 KB
Career Opportunities and Professional Perspectives
Here are your options at GSU and your career prospects after graduation.
Further options at GSU
With a Master’s degree, you will be qualified for a wide range of roles in a challenging and specialised professional field. As an expert in human performance, numerous career paths will be open to you, both in organised sport and in related fields.
Typical areas of work include positions of responsibility within sports clubs and federations at national and international level. Furthermore, there are opportunities in research and development, for example with manufacturers of sports equipment, training or measurement systems, as well as with commercial sports providers.
Public research institutions, the civil service and universities also offer prospects in research and teaching. Furthermore, the health sector is becoming increasingly important, for example in performance diagnostics or in the development of measures to maintain and improve physical performance in everyday life and under conditions of particular stress.
Overall, you will benefit from a sound scientific education with a strong practical focus, which will prepare you to professionally analyse and actively help shape performance development in sport.
Any questions?
International Office
Main Building, first floor
E-Mail: masterapplication@dshs-koeln.de
Phone: +49 221 4982-2160
International Office: Consultation hours
- Mon - Fri: 9 - 11 am
- Mon, Wed, Thu: 2 - 3 pm
Student Advisory Service: Guidance and academic advice
Main Building, first floor
E-Mail: studienberatung@dshs-koeln.de
Phone: +49 221 4982-2520
Student Advisory Service: Consultation hours
Via phone:
- Mon - Fri: 9 - 11 am
- Mon - Thu: 2 - 3 pm
On site:
- Mon & Wed: 9 - 11 am
- Mon & Wed: 2 - 3 pm
Cancellation of consultation hours:
- Mon, 31.08.2026, 10am - 11am
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