Introduction

The Master’s degree programme in Physical Education, Sport and Outdoor Life Studies unites two approaches to physical education, sports and outdoor life: the critical and the quality-seeking.

Approaches from the humanities, social sciences and natural sciences will be adopted in order to describe, illuminate and explain topics within the fields of sports, physical education and outdoor life. Although the study programme focuses on issues within the field of the natural sciences and physiology, it is particularly the social-scientific and cultural-scientific perspectives that will be emphasized in the compulsory components of the programme. Sports, physical education and outdoor life are understood as social and cultural phenomena, whose expression, content and meaning will vary depending on the temporal, spatial and social contexts. Research in the field is also carried out within historical and cultural contexts.

The university college reserves the right to make changes to the study programme. A detailed curriculum will be presented at the start of studies, which will provide supplementary information about the content and practical implementation of the study programme.

Target Group and Admission Requirements

The study programme provides a solid educational background from which to pursue positions in the areas of physical education, sports and outdoor life in the public and private sectors.

For admission to the study programme, applicants must possess:

• A 3-year Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 60 ECTS credits in specialised courses in the subject areas of sports, outdoor life or physical education. In addition, the student must possess at least 20 ECTS credits of social sciences or pedagogical courses; grade C or above is required; exceptions may be made on an individual basis.

Students should possess prior knowledge equivalent to the level of Telemark University College’s Bachelor’s degree study programmes in Sports Science / Outdoors, Culture and Nature Guiding. Students with other qualifications are encouraged to refresh their knowledge in the area of study if necessary.

Aim of the Programme

The study programme provides insight into scientific and methodological questions related to research in the subject areas of physical education, sports and outdoor life, as well as insight into the current state of research in the relevant fields. Students will acquire knowledge of the subject area which will allow them to carry out research, evaluate their own projects and those of others, and gain experience in working critically and independently with research problems.

Learning outcome

Knowledge: The study programme will provide further insight into problem areas, paradigms, theories, research methodology and results in the fields of sports, physical education and outdoor life. It will also provide a general presentation of research within particular areas, and in-depth knowledge in the research area the student chooses to relate his/her own research to.

Skills: Students will develop the ability to use research in order to shed light on current issues and generate new knowledge. They will be able to argue a position and critically assess their own and others’ research. They will master the theoretical foundation and methodology chosen for their own research.

General competence: Students will be qualified to conduct research and development at a high level.

Curriculum and structure

Code Course title Credits O/V *) Credits pr. semester   S1(A) S2(V) S3(A) S4(V) 1307 Theoretical and Methodological Specialisation 30.00 O 30       1312 Outdoor Life, Culture and Society 15.00 V   15     1313 Coaching, Learning and Mastering Skills 15.00 V   15     1316 Exercise and Sports Physiology 15.00 V   15     1317 Movement, Policy and Media 15.00 V   15     1304 Master’s Thesis 60.00 O     30 30 Total: 30 30 30 30 *) O - Mandatory course, V - Optional course

The study programme is divided into three main parts: 1) Joint courses in Theoretical and Methodological Specialisation; 2) Two specialisation courses / seminars; and 3) The final dissertation. The course in Theoretical and Methodological Specialisation is intended to support the student’s writing of his/her dissertation.

The specialisation seminars will among other things provide students with deeper knowledge of research in specific areas. The study programme is structured so that the dissertation is begun early and is written in parallel to the joint courses and specialized seminars.
On the basis of requests from students in previous years, obligatory attendance (min. 75%) is now required. In the case of absence of more than 25%, the student will be required to complete additional assignments related to those parts of the curriculum from which he/she has been absent.
There are up to four places held for distance-learning students. These students may not apply for specially adapted instruction, but are exempt from the attendance requirement. Applications for distance learning must be submitted by 1 March.

Internationalization

Students may apply for a period of study abroad in the third semester.

Teaching and Learning Methods

The instruction will take place partly in the form of lectures and partly in the form of seminars. Emphasis will be placed on dialogue with the students both in lectures and seminars. Researchers from different academic traditions will provide instruction for the study programme.

Each student is entitled to a total of 40 hours of supervision over 2 years. The supervisor will primarily provide advice on methods and practical aspects of the work. The student is responsible for planning, choice of topic, drafting of the project and collection of material, as well as the writing and completion of his/her work.

The various working methods have been chosen to build on the learning outcomes which the study programme provides.

Assessment Methods

The student’s knowledge of Theoretical and Methodological Specialisation will be assessed with a written take-home examination (which will be assigned a letter grade). The examination will provide the basis for the theoretical and methodological positioning of the student’s own research project.

The specialisation seminars will be assessed with trial lectures in each course, which will provide the required training in oral presentation of scientific material (also assigned letter grades). The study programme culminates in the approval of the student’s Master’s dissertation and oral examination.

Minor adjustments may occur during the academic year, subject to the decision of the Dean