Olympic Studies

Master of Arts (M.A.)

The main objective of the unique degree programme M.A. Olympic Studies is to provide the students with an interdisciplinary knowledge about the Olympic Movement. International partners from the different cooperating universities teach seminars on sport governance, values and ethics, international relations, athlete representations and media/commercialisation, all closely linked to Olympic Studies.

The advanced studies programme implements a high-level, interdisciplinary curriculum in Olympic Studies aimed at fostering the links between the academic and the Olympic world. The programme awards a Master of Arts in Olympic Studies and is designed to facilitate recruitment of a wide range of participants from diverse academic and professional backgrounds. The M.A. Olympic Studies has the official IOC patronage and is supported by the IOC.

Key Facts

Duration

4 semesters

Start of the programme

Every two years

Start of the next intake

September 2027

Workload

120 Credit Points

Application period

October 2026 - February 2027

Qualification

Master of Arts (M.A.)

Language of instruction

english

Costs

5.000 € for two years

Study places

ca. 30 places

Teaching locations

Cologne & Barcelona (Spain)

Study format

Part-time

Partnership

The programme is delivered by a core network of international universities, including the German Sport University Cologne (Germany), Autonomous University of Barcelona (Spain), University of Canterbury (New Zealand), Kiel University (Germany), Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (Brazil) and Scottish Centre of Olympic Research and Education (SCORE) at the University of Edinburgh (Scotland).

Participants' Voices

Curriculum & Modules

Teaching on the programme is student-centred, designed to develop critical thinking, independent analysis, and transferable professional skills. Learning takes place through a mix of lectures, seminars, and workshops — methods chosen to reflect the programme's commitment to the ongoing growth of each individual participant. The programme spans two years across 4 terms, combining six taught modules with the submission of a thesis. Modules run on a weekly schedule of 6 study-days each, with two compulsory on-campus study weeks required per term.

The dissertation sits at the heart of the student experience. To prepare for it, students submit one essay per module throughout the programme — helping those returning to academic study rebuild their writing practice and receive meaningful feedback before the final submission.

The programme is designed for professionals: independent study takes precedence over contact time, fitting around professional life.

The following modules are taught at the programme:

Participating Countries

Career Opportunities and Professional Perspectives

The M.A. Olympic Studies is particularly designed for professionals, athletes and executives working in organised sport, international sport organisations, media, educational institutions, and sport-related agencies who wish to deepen and expand their expertise from an academic and international perspective.

The programme opens career opportunities across various areas of the Olympic Movement and the international sport system – including National Olympic Committees, international federations, sport organisations, media agencies, educational institutions, and the fields of sport policy and sport management.

In addition, the degree qualifies graduates for positions at the intersection of sport, society, education, and communication. The in-depth engagement with Olympic values, international structures, and societal developments strengthens participants’ ability to critically analyse and actively shape complex challenges within the global sport landscape.

Thanks to its international orientation and the strong network of partner universities and the IOC, students also benefit from valuable connections within the international sports community.

Any questions?

Director

Deputy director

Student Advisory Service: Guidance and academic advice

  • location_on

    Main Building, first floor

Student Advisory Service: Consultation hours

Phone:

  • Mon - Fri: 9 - 11 am
  • Mon - Thu: 2 - 3 pm

Office:

  • Mon: 9 - 11 am & 2 - 3 am
  • Wed: 9 - 11 am & 2 - 3 am