Innovative Coaching in High Performance Sports Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz

Module 1: Movement Science and Biomechanics
Successful coaching is based on understanding movement control and optimisation. This module includes Motor Control and Learning (5 CP) and Biomechanics and Systems Theory (6 CP), focusing on motor learning and biomechanical relationships for targeted performance enhancement.

Module 2: Training and Teaching
The core is Theories of Training and Their Practical Consequences (5 CP), complemented by New Media Technology in Sports (2 CP) and Sports Pedagogical Aspects in High-Performance Sports (5 CP). The module combines training theory with media-supported teaching and pedagogy.

Module 3: Sports Psychology and Methods
Sports Psychology (2 CP) and Applied Sports Psychology in High Performance Sport (4 CP) address mental performance strategies. Methodical Basis for Experimental Studies (5 CP) provides foundations in research methods and statistics.

Module 4: Health, Nutrition, and Performance
This module covers High-Performance Metabolism and Physiology (4 CP), Functional Orthopedics (4 CP), and Nutrition Strategies to Enhance Exercise Performance (2 CP), aiming to support athletic performance through physiological and nutritional expertise.

Module 5: Sport Management and Leadership
Organisation, Governance of World Sport and Federations (2 CP) and Managing High-Performance Sports (2 CP) analyse elite sport structures. Seminars on Innovation and Digitalisation (2 CP), Media and Communication Management (2 CP), and Leadership and Ethical Challenges (2 CP) address current developments and ethical issues.

Module 6: Mentorship
Focus is on practical application. The Internship (12 CP) provides professional insights, while the Mentorship Curriculum (4 CP) supports reflection and exchange on individual development.

Module 7: Sport Specific Coaching
Includes Sport-Specific Coaching (10 CP), Practical Implementation (4 CP), and Theoretical Concepts (6 CP). Theory and practice are closely linked and guided by experienced coaches.

Module 8: Professional Master’s Thesis
Students complete a scientific thesis (25 CP). The Colloquium and Ethical Implications in Coaching (5 CP) supports methodology, structure, and ethical reflection.

For the full curriculum, check our homepage.

Four-semester programme (part-time)
The first plan is divided into four semesters. In the first semester, modules on movement science (Motor Control and Learning, Biomechanics and System Theory), training theory and management take centre stage. Examination formats include an electronic exam (M1) and an essay on modules from M5. The second semester focuses on sports pedagogical aspects, media technology, applied sports psychology and methodological principles. Performance is assessed through blog discussions (M2) and oral examinations (e.g. M3). In the third semester, health and nutrition topics dominate, supplemented by mentoring and sport-specific coaching. Examinations take the form of take-home examinations (M4.3), oral examinations (M4.1, M4.2) and an internship report (M6). The Master's thesis (M8) follows in the fourth semester, accompanied by the Colloquium and Ethical Implications. The final part is the thesis defence. The online part of the programme is high; attendance is limited to internships and summer schools.

Six-semester programme (part-time)
This option divides the content into six semesters – suitable for working students. Semesters one and two focus on content from exercise science (M1), pedagogy (M2), sports psychology (M3), nutrition (M4) and management (M5). Semester three deals with methodological skills, metabolism and orthopaedics. A take-home exam and oral examinations are planned. Mentoring and sport-specific coaching (including practical implementation) follow in the fourth and fifth semesters. The sixth semester is dedicated to the Master's thesis (25 ECTS) and the oral defence. The online part of the programme is high; attendance is limited to internships and summer schools.

Eight-semester programme (part-time)
This version is aimed at people with greater time requirements, e.g. at work. The content is similar to the four- and six-semester programme, but it is more extended. Semesters one to four include basic modules in exercise science, sports psychology, training, management, nutrition and orthopaedics. Examinations take the form of written examinations, essays, discussions and oral examinations. From semester five onwards, the focus is on mentorship, digital communication and coaching. Semesters seven and eight include practical coaching modules (including attendance) and the Master's thesis (M8). This programme structure allows for an even workload over eight semesters with a high proportion of online and distributed attendance phases.

1. CV (mandatory)
2. Coaching Licence (mandatory)
3. Bachelor's degree (if possible)
   • Applicants with a BACHELOR’S DEGREE:
     • Sports, sports science or physical education (teaching degree)
     • Plus one year of professional experience
   • Applicants with a PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATION:
     • at least three years of professional experience in high-performance sports and
     • a national association coaching licence
4. Proof of professional job in high performance sports (mandatory)
5. Proof of English skills (B2 mandatory, for further information check here)
6. A recommendation letter from your sports organisation (min. one, max. three) is mandatory in any case.

The whole Master's programme costs 8,500 EUR, regardless of how long you study.
There are no additional costs for this Master's programme.

JGU career service: https://www.career.uni-mainz.de/en/